Introduction of Prototype

What is prototype?

Prototype introduces itself to players by immediately blasting them with an urban battleground, one that is crawling with hordes of frantic zombies and armed forces. In just a few quick moments, the player is given a taste of the protagonist’s superhuman abilities. The bizarre Witchblade-like power that resides within him functions as an amorphous armament, morphing from explosive whip to smashing hammer just slowly enough to make the transition look cool. Right from the start, it becomes obvious that Prototype has all the style and substance of a blockbuster comic-to-film adaptation.

As Alex, the amnesiac antihero, players will find themselves plowing through Prototype as though thumbing through a gristly graphic novel. This time, however, the action is yours to command. Aerial acrobatics allow Alex to dash straight up the side of a skyscraper, then leap down on a pursuing helicopter, crushing it with one mighty blow. Lethal blades grow from his body, letting him careen and carve through civilians and enemies alike. If Alex becomes injured, he can absorb the essence of fallen foes to rejuvenate himself. Admittedly, there’s little about Prototype’s gameplay that stands out as groundbreaking or innovative, but it manages to pull everything off with enough finesse that even jaded action gamers will find themselves grinning.

Once the extreme epilogue finishes, the game sends players back in time to Alex’s initial discovery of his abilities. This not only allows the player to see what kind of treats lie further down the road, but also grants a brief moment to catch one’s breath, and master the already impressive array of feats available. Further incentives appear in the form of upgrades, which allow some abilities to be upgraded and even new attacks to be unlocked. I won’t spoil anything about what you’ll discover, but there is certainly no shortage of “Oh my God” moments in Prototype.

As far as maintaining a consistent fun factor, I would say that the level layout and gameplay design rival even that of the most recent Grand Theft Auto. True, Alex isn’t really a wiseacre thug, but then again, he doesn’t have to be. Why? Because he’s a flying superhero, that’s why. Mission variety might see the player slicing through crowds of baddies in the streets, or infiltrating an enemy base with stealthy disguises. To its credit, Prototype offers tremendous replay value through such missions, because they can be approached with anything from fiery fanfare to thoughtful nuance. Not many “sandbox” games can pull this off without confusing or frustrating the player, but Prototype does it very nicely indeed.

Despite the pervasive violence, Prototype is generally an aesthetically pleasing game. Impressive audio effects pound the senses (though a bit repetitively at times), and sleek animations encourage the player to repeat the same insane stunts over and over like a tourist visiting a supernatural playground. I spent considerable time just doing pointless things, like climbing buildings and jumping off, shattering the concrete below upon landing. That such a simple act should be enjoyable time and again is surely a credit to the hard work of a devoted development team.

Some moments in Prototype do seem a bit too intense, and the gore and language are certainly worth noting if you’re considering a purchase for young audiences. Otherwise, Prototype is everything a gamer could want from an action game. It’s frantic, fun, and stylish. The only complaint I could probably make is the lack of multiplayer component, but this would have surely drained resources from the development of an indubitably dazzling single-player campaign. I cannot overstate the outstanding scope and replayability offered by Prototype. If you have any interest in action games, buy this one, no questions asked. You will love it, and be left gasping for a sequel.

Review Scoring Details for Prototype

Gameplay: 9.0 Destructive fury that can tangle with the top contenders in its genre, but easy to learn and master.

Graphics: 8.5

Pretty nice visuals considering the scale of the game, though the weapons steal the show from the characters at times.

Sound: 9.0

The soundtrack seems almost too modest, but there’s plenty of aural oomph to make every battle feel alive.

Difficulty: Medium

Intense battles and open-ended environments heighten replayability, but despite all the powers at your disposal, the game feels nicely balanced.

Concept: 8.0

Nothing here screams of originality, but there’s no denying the distinctive look and feel of Prototype.

Overall: 9.0

Prototype is an excellent game for any action lover, without any of the guilty pleasure provided by lesser titles. It’s smart, stylish, offers tons of fun for your money. The developers should be lauded for their efforts on every aspect of the game. A perfect way to start the summer.

Post By: VictoriaCLassic