Review: Prototype for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC

System: PS3 (reviewed on), Xbox 360 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
Release Date: June 9th, 2009

The anit-inFamous title, Prototype has finally launched. Boasting a shape-shifting main character, many are excited to see just how malleable the character and gameplay really is.

Graphics

New York City is buzzing with many vehicles and pedestrians, but it still feels like something is missing. The city of New York looks decent, but considering what the current gen systems can accomplish, I felt a little let down. Don't get me wrong, Alex Mercer looks excellent and so does his various abilities, but the rest of the game definitely doesn't live up to par. However, with so much going on all at once, I never experienced any slowdown or graphical glitches, which would have pretty much crippled the gameplay.

- 16/20

Sound

The voiceovers are great! They didn't seem as forced as some other titles do. The music in Prototype is decent, as well.

- 18/20

Story

The dark story is basically about you, Alex Mercer, seeking revenge and trying to figure out what has happened to himself and New York City. One interesting thing that helps give you the background of the story is the "Web of Intrigue." There are certain people that you will run into with an orange icon above them. If you consume them, literally, then a quick cutscene will play out showing something related to that person and the story.

- 16/20

Gameplay

The gameplay can be pretty chaotic with you running, jumping and attacking from the ground and air. The camera can become troublesome at times, if you are locking on to something behind you and are trying to attack it. Also, attacking helicopters can sometimes be difficult with the camera. But, the game is definitely fun. At almost any time, the game will throw countless hordes of enemies, tanks and helicopters at you. You can scale/run up a building, jump off into the air, glide onto another building and jump off the top and land with a thunderous boom on the ground. You can hijack tanks and helicopters and use the military's weapons. Alex also has his own attacks, and there are a lot of them. From using wolverine-like claws or giant hammer fists to using your left arm as a long swinging rope-like sickle, there a many ways that Alex can personally take down his enemies. Also, by consuming people you gain not just their memories, but their appearance, and you get some health back.

- 18/20

Replayability

Prototype is like other "sandbox" titles, you can play straight through the story, or you can take on side quests, or you can explore and just cause havoc to the area. Also, with many different abilities and techniques that Alex can learn, Prototype offers many reasons why you should keep playing it. With that said, some of the side missions can become quite frustrating with very strict time limits, which I personally loath.

- 18/20

Conclusion

Thank God this game doesn't have a morality factor. You're going to kill countless civilians and bystanders as you try to defend against and defeat the military and infected individuals. With an excellent array of abilities and movements, Prototype offers numerous ways to play. It has some flaws, but every game does. If you enjoyed games like Saints Row 2 and Crackdown, then there is no doubt that you will love this game.

Final Score

- 86/100

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