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.
