Prototype

Back in 2009, when I first watched previews of Prototype, I couldn't shake the feeling that it looked like just plain, dumb fun. Fast forward to the release, and I didn't hesitate to scoop it up. I'm happy to say, it didn't disappoint; it truly is great fun.

In Prototype, you step into the shoes of Alex Mercer, a scientist whose life takes a wild turn after being infected by some mysterious black goo. You find yourself in a Manhattan that's under strict lockdown by an evil mercenary group, the environment rife with danger. Your main mission? Unravel the mystery behind the infection and try to stop it-sort of. It's as chaotic as it sounds, but it's exactly that chaotic engagement that hooks you.

The game is set in a sandbox-style environment, allowing you to roam freely around Manhattan. And let me tell you, Mercer's abilities make traversal feel exhilarating. You can sprint past obstacles like cars and fences, run up buildings, and leap significant distances. Imagine a mix between the T-1000 from Terminator 2 and the grotesque horror of The Thing-yup, that's what your abilities feel like. You'll sport human claws, shields, and various other mutant weapons. Overall, the experience makes you feel like a dark anti-hero with powers similar to Superman-but much grittier.

Combat is where Prototype really shines. You'll face off against not only mercenaries armed to the teeth but also monstrous creatures reminiscent of Venom from Spider-Man. Boss fights and varied enemy types keep the action fresh, even though some encounters may blend together in memory. With an arsenal of moves-think massive ground spikes, tentacle whips, and devastating punches-you'll relish every moment of obliterating foes and throwing cars like they're toys.

The game does a decent job of blending the narrative with gameplay, with side missions largely focused on base infiltrations that are surprisingly enjoyable. Collecting recordings scattered throughout Manhattan adds value to the story, which, while not groundbreaking, is captivating enough to keep you invested.

But here's where things get murky: Alex Mercer isn't really the sympathetic kind. You'll inevitably cause chaos, including civilian casualties, which may rub some players the wrong way. It's essential to note that this isn't a lighthearted hero game-you're embracing your darker impulses.

On the technical side, the AI is hit or miss. Enemy troops can appear rather clueless during infiltrations, but given the nature of the game, it's hard to hold that against it. Graphically, Prototype doesn't hold a candle to the visual standards set by other 2009 titles, yet it gets the job done well enough. Sound effects and the music fit the bill, rounding out an overall solid package.

In conclusion, I'd rate Prototype an 8/10. While it can get a bit repetitive toward the end and some boss fights feel forgettable, the overall gameplay experience remains incredibly entertaining. It's no surprise the game was popular enough to inspire a sequel, although the subsequent release didn't quite capture the raw excitement of the original. So, if you're looking for a game that serves up a heaping portion of chaotic fun, Prototype might just be your ticket.

This game does not have it all. But what it does have is action, great adrenaline pumping stuff, with rare slow moments.

The story in my view is pretty OK and contains a thrilling end. I have been playing this game this whole week and was really sad when i ended it today.

Contains: loads of bloody gory scenes, buildings,choppers blowing up. Set in New York. You can fly jump from one building to another. You get to ride in tank, helicopter equipped with latest missiles. SkyJacking is another ultimate addition in this game which itself is a game changer in a battle.

If you like action and even slightly like sci fie you will dig this movie. There's not one dull scene where you wish it was over and done with. Graphics are state of the art. If you like adrenaline pumping stuff, this is for you.

For its release time 2009 it was top notch, its seamless control scheme and sandbox environment made it a perfect 10 for me and my go to game if I want to just unleash unconstrained, self indulgent mayhem.

One thing I always disliked about it, and probably the reason why I deduct a point is sound design; it lacks oomph, it lacks definite power.

The storyline is a total cliche virus-plague threatening to end humanity. It's just there just to keep events moving forward and to escalate over an ever increasing sense of danger and foreboding.

Characters? Lol no and who cares, this isn't a movie.

Don't worry, at the end of the story can you free roam and make New York your ♥♥♥♥♥.

Various aspects of the game such as the repetitive mission design, irritating targeting system, and the stealth system, hold Prototype back from reaching its full potential. But playing as an anti hero and going on a rampage, terrorizing the city, and uncovering this vast crazy conspiracy, is so much fun and a good time overall. If you can overlook these issues Prototype is a fun time overall.

I'd been after Prototype for a while and was thinking it would always be out of my budget. By chance I managed to pick up a copy for less than half price and wasted now time in starting.

You play Alex Mercer a mutant-type creature who used to be human. Alex can consume anyone he encounters and assume their identity. A deadly zombie plague is spreading though Manhattan and Alex must figure out the whos and whys. Sounds simple, but you've got the entire military on your tail and monsters are growing in numbers.

Alex's powers are a some of cross between Spidermans' (the ability to run up buildings), Superman's (flying), various X-Men (mutating abilities) and the Hulk (super strength). He's a good character involved in a good mystery but blandness sets in about halfway through. The Manhattan Island location may be nearly geographically accurate but it's dull, dull, dull. The colour schemes are dull, the streets are dull and the view from the air is dull. I am also getting sick of these zombie/monster games featuring evil biotech companies in league with the military. It's getting really old now.

But the biggest problem though with Prototype is that the controls are just not precise enough. The game claims that it will target the main enemy when you push the targeting button. But in reality it'll just target anything and you'll waste precious time trying to aim at what you really want to kill. The same goes for objects you want to pick up. Alex can often grab things from an impossible distance yet cannot grab things that are right at his feet. This makes intense boss battles a real pain in Prototype. I'm not sure to what the title refers either but maybe I never watched enough of the Web of Intrigue cutscenes.

Worth playing once, but there's nothing worth coming back to.

Graphics B Sound A Gameplay B Lasting Appeal C+