Video Game Review: ‘Prototype 2’ is Big Improvement Over Predecessor

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CHICAGO – Remember when sequels of any kind were viewed with disdain? No, you don’t, because you aren’t old enough. Of course, now we have a situation where sequels, reboots and even simple rehashes are often better than what spawned them. In the case of “Prototype 2,” a number after the title is definitely better. That said, it’s also noticeable that the more you play the game, it’s the middle of a larger story. Like the middle of many stories, it feels a bit dull at times. Overall, this is tailor-made for “Prototype” fans. While it doesn’t deliver on every little thing it promises, it offers an even bigger opportunity for players to throw on the mantle of god-likeness and wage some serious war.

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0
Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0

Alex Mercer was something of an anti-hero by the end of first “Prototype” game. But the time since that game and his motives in a world that has once again fallen under the plague of the Blacklight Virus come under more scrutiny here, especially as they relate to nemesis Sgt. James Heller, a man who lost everything when the virus was released and who has sworn revenge on Mercer. When Heller becomes infected he becomes a maniacal revenge machine and suddenly Mercer, who is now stronger, seems almost as much of a victim as anything else. As Heller uses his newfound shape-shifting ability to cut a bloody swath in his search for those responsible it becomes apparent that Blacklight itself may be more than just an accident. Cut scenes go a long way towards advancing the story but “Prototype “2 really did need to do more than simply hint at several possible conspiracies to make the storytelling more effective.

Prototype 2
Prototype 2
Photo credit: Activision

Play is very solid here. A radial menu allows Heller to utilize up to two powers at any one time and each power has its own individual group of moves. As Heller absorbs his enemies, he absorbs their mutant powers and those powers are constantly held in stasis meaning that they can be utilized more or less endlessly. Of course it’s a good idea to get used to using them all so you don’t find yourself trying to take down heavy machinery with something ineffective like claws, etc. But once you get used to the weapons you discover they can be used in a ton of different variations. In other words there is more than one way to kill things in this world. When you do kill things you can expect everything from a boost in health to improved ability to use weapons. There are even side quests and rewards.

Of course one trick is to stay focused while you’re roaming around. If you do, the payoff is that you feel like a bigger part of the story. In fact, this is one thing “Prototype” does a lot better than it’s predecessor — the presentation of a complete world of which you are playing a significant role but not the only one. Plus there is a greater sense of environmental detail, offering the feeling that this is a world in which you really could get lost. In fact, the new online RADNET service added by the franchise, which offers new missions and special rewards, seems almost superfluous. There’s already so much to do.

Anyone who played the first game will appreciate the elevated sense of vitality in the characters. Heller seems way more powerful from the get-go (though perhaps not as intuitive as he can seem to head off in random directions when things get heated). The automatic targeting system initially seems pretty touchy but the learning curve is adaptable. Before long, battles, especially boss battles, are about as hard as in the first “Prototype” and play out about the same. In other words you shouldn’t find this game more difficult as you’ll be using most of the same techniques to advance from boss to boss.

The bottom line is this game does a great job of keeping the player interested in the midst of setting up what is sure to be a story laden third installment down the road.

“Prototype 2” was developed by Radical Entertainment and released by Activision for Xbox 360 on April 24, 2012. The game is also available for PS3.

By Dave Canfield
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

Anonymous4's picture

i have experienced great

i have experienced great entertainment by playing this amazing game

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