Prey

Almost perfect video game. This is a great game for getting scared. Really good horror. I originally played the demo on ps4 & it was so scary. Then did the entire game, with start do-over. It was tons of fun. The only reason I opted for 9 stars is because I felt like the game became too repetitive towards the end and I basically got bored & wanted to finish it quickly. Repetitive meaning especially in regards to creatures -- there were no more new horror creatures to explore! -- which was sad because I was thoroughly enjoying myself. The storyline is great, no complaints there.

'Prey (2017)' is a first-person 'immersive sim' set aboard a space station that's been recently overrun by a whole host of otherworldly aliens, including the elusive 'mimick' which can disguise itself as any object on board. The name of the game here is choice, with the player being given free reign to complete their objectives in whatever way they want. Exploration is more than encouraged and, usually, all solutions are valid. That's what's so satisfying about the experience. It gives you a set of systems, which evolve somewhat over the course of the game but always remain consistent, and lets you loose with them. Its heady story, full of twists and turns, is meant to be engaged with on an intellectual level; you're supposed to think about what you're doing and why you're doing it. It's great fun that's incredibly immersive from start to finish. It's also rather unique, despite being obviously inspired by games such as 'System Shock (1994)', 'Bioshock (2007)', 'Deus Ex (2000)' and Arkane Studios' previous 'Dishonoured (2012)'. It's a game you won't want to stop playing. It's absolutely fantastic. I'll almost certainly be returning to it in the future. 9/10

Pros:

• Great story & Interesting characters
• Great Gameplay
• Intricate level design
• Pretty good graphics
• Recycling and crafting is great
• Mimics add a layer of horror and suspense

Cons:

• World environments look rather similar
• A few more enemy types would be nice

Verdict: It is a damn crime that this game is this overlooked. This is a game that reminiscences innovations within games like Half-Life. Shame that games like COD are getting the attention.

8.5/10

Some games really slip through the cracks, and Prey is high on that list for me. It's a shame because I can't believe I waited so long to dive into this one. Released in 2017, this game is a mix of first-person shooter, survival horror, and puzzle-solving that pleasantly surprised me.

From the moment I started playing, I was drawn into this eerie, deserted space station. The mystery of what happened to the crew kept me on my toes, and figuring it all out was genuinely exciting. I liked how the game balanced action with the need to think strategically about how to progress. Instead of a never-ending stream of bullets and big explosions, it felt more about resourcefulness and exploration, which is refreshing.

Instead of a vast arsenal, you mainly start with a glue gun and a wrench. The glue gun isn't just for immobilizing the shadowy aliens-it's also key to solving puzzles. I found myself getting creative with it more often than I expected. It's a simple tool, but it added a unique layer to the gameplay that I really enjoyed. Sure, there are guns like shotguns and pistols that you can upgrade along the way, but honestly, the glue gun became my best friend.

Speaking of enemies, the game's foes are these dark, shapeshifting aliens, and while they felt a bit repetitive over time, they still managed to keep me engaged. I enjoyed the challenge they presented. Freezing them with my glue gun and then smashing them with a wrench gave me a small thrill every time. It's a simple yet satisfying combat loop that works.

The characters you meet in the game contribute to the story, and I liked how they introduce side missions that impact the overall ending. I think it's worth it to explore every corner and take on these tasks. The game does require some backtracking, which could have been tedious, but it didn't bother me too much. The world they've created is so intriguing that I wanted to see more of it anyway.

I played Prey on my Xbox Series X, and the performance was excellent. The visuals were sharp, and the sound design really enhanced the experience. The gunplay felt impactful, even with a limited selection, and the voice acting brought the characters to life, especially a helpful robot named January.

I sank about 30 hours into the game, most of which were filled with enjoyment, even if there were moments where I felt a bit stuck. It's a real shame to think that we most likely won't see a sequel or any continuation of this world. The sales didn't match expectations, and that's disappointing because I genuinely feel like this game deserves more love and recognition.

In the end, Prey stands out as a classic 8/10 game for me. It's a unique experience that I regret not picking up sooner. If you're looking for something different that blends action, mystery, and puzzle-solving in a captivating way, I highly recommend giving it a shot. You won't regret it.

Prey is one of those games that somehow got overlooked and almost forgotten. Picked it up by chance and haven't put it down since. Probably up there as one of the best games of all time, they story, the atmosphere, everything about this game just makes it awesome.