Prototype Review (PS3)

If this is the Prototype, then I look forward to the real version!

Once every few years a title comes along that epitomises what free-roaming games should all be like. Numbered among these classics are Super Mario 64, Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, Spider Man 2 and the Shadow Of The Colossus. The critical acclaim that all of these releases acquired upon their launch is a testament to just how enjoyable they are to play. None so much as the downright epic Prototype.

Interestingly, this game isn’t good for all the usual reasons. The story follows Alex Mercer as he tries to piece together his past and discover where his new-found superhuman abilities originate from. At the same time, New York is struck with a virus that morphs citizens into mindless beasts. The 12-hour long single player focuses around the protagonist as he comes to terms with his new powers and utilises them to stop the infection. That’s it. There’s no great twists or turns along the way. No heart-melting romantic sub-plot. Just one angsty man with a poor memory and an assortment of biological talents. You can even opt out of learning about most of the narrative, should you wish to go about consuming key individuals off the street to watch their relevant memories.

PrototypeIt’s obvious from the first time you become Alex that the games’ appeal doesn’t lie in your hands being held throughout play. Instead, you’ll be presented with an unprecedented amount of freedom. Upon completing the opening levels, Alex is free to explore all of Manhattan. This consists of taking on story missions, bonus challenges or simply messing about with the military. Moreover, this gap between the fast-paced plot instalments provides a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautifully realised city skyline. Once you take the time to stop and look around, you’ll find Prototype really does connote the impression of being within a living, breathing metropolis. In addition, this downtime is a chance to test out any new upgrades you may have attained.

This game provides players with simple tools to have fun with and then, thankfully, takes a step back

It’s these abilities that make this title a truly unique and fun experience. From the go it’s evident the developers had a lot of fun playing around with new ideas. Every move gleams with an incredible amount of polish; from the flawless parkour involving running up walls and leaping across rooftops (eat your heart out, Mirror’s Edge) to out-of-the-box combat techniques like riding around on the bodies of enemies. Alex’s body is about as rigid as a plate of jelly, which means he can transform into any number of things at will. One moment you may be tearing tanks apart with your bare hands. A minute later you’ll be hi-jacking a helicopter with a grapple-claw. The amount of combinations are immense and attacks allow you to take on hundreds of opponents simultaneously. Normal punches and kicks are flawlessly interwoven with the slice of a mutated limb or consumption of a foe. What makes all this even better is that you can keep unlocked moves in the aptly-named ‘NewGame+’ upon completing the initial story.

There’s honestly not a great deal wrong with Prototype. Sure, there’s a fairly lacklustre story but I didn’t expect a Dragon Age-esque epic. This game provides players with simple tools to have fun with and then, thankfully, takes a step back – leaving us to deal with situations in our own, inventive ways. If you lack an imagination or the capacity to remember combos, then be assured you’ll end up reusing the same ability ad infinitum.

PrototypeThe only true issue that springs to mind is the lack of music. I realise a soundtrack would be hard to hear over the shouts of soldiers and whirring of choppers. Even so, it would be nice to have something to listen to when silently gliding over skyscrapers and scaling apartments without having to boot up Spotify. Who says Alex doesn’t have an iPod?

Prototype essentially provides an unbeatable thrill that’s almost addictive. It’s open-ended style, beautiful aesthetics and polished combat all mean it’ll be part of my collection for some time to come.

The Good: + Awesome gameplay. ; + Vast, sprawling city to explore.; + Tonnes of stuff to do.
The Bad: – Hardly a gripping narrative. ; – Non-existent soundtrack.


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Silver Y AwardSilver Y Award
4 4 / 5

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