As a huge fan of the original "Prototype," I was eager to jump into the chaos of its sequel. The first game was an exhilarating ride filled with outrageous abilities, and I couldn't wait to see what "Prototype 2" had in store. However, as I navigated the streets of Manhattan once more, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something just wasn't clicking the way I had hoped.
The story picks up fourteen months after the events of the first game. We step into the shoes of Sgt. James Heller, who returns from Iraq only to find that his family has fallen victim to the devastating Blacklight Virus unleashed by Alex Mercer, the protagonist-turned-antagonist from the first game. Fueled by rage, Heller seeks out Mercer for vengeance, but a twist of fate finds him infected by Mercer's power. What follows is a personal journey of revenge that, while effective, felt a bit disjointed given its predecessor's narrative.
One surprising aspect of the game is the choice to pit Heller against Mercer, a character that, despite being the first game's lead, never garnered significant attachment from me. Nevertheless, Heller's quest for revenge brings a new depth to the story, and the introduction is well crafted, boasting solid voice acting that pulls you into the experience. The narrative is primarily told through cutscenes and black-and-white film sequences, providing a classic feel reminiscent of old-school "Metal Gear Solid" storytelling. It's this approach that I believe "Prototype 2" does better than the original, which is a pleasant surprise.
However, beyond the narrative, much felt off. The first glaring difference is the reduction in Heller's abilities compared to Mercer's overwhelming powers from the original game. It's surprisingly rare for a sequel to dial back what players can do, and throughout my time with the game, I often felt a tinge of disappointment. The chaos and over-the-top fun of the first entry seemed toned down, leaving me craving more of the unrestrained mayhem I had loved.
The mission structure remains familiar; players zip around Manhattan, engaging in main quests and side missions that utilize Heller's abilities. Missions can involve timed events or straightforward combat, but I found myself longing for fresh mechanics or innovative gameplay twists. Graphically, "Prototype 2" doesn't bring anything revolutionary to the table, which felt disappointing, as I was hoping for an upgrade from the original's already rough aesthetic. Combine this with the fact that Heller feels significantly weaker than Mercer, and it made for a gameplay experience that, while fun, was distracting.
On a positive note, the voice acting-especially Heller's-is commendable, and the familiar soundtrack from the first game maintains immersion, adding some enjoyment to face-melting chaos. I invested a good amount of time into the game, almost reaching 100% completion, spurred on by the XP system that allows you to improve your skills.
Yet, despite the fun I had, I couldn't shake the feeling that Heller was forever in Mercer's shadow. "Prototype 2" is by no means a bad game; it just didn't reach the dizzying heights of its predecessor. It's a shame that the franchise seems to have fizzled out, and I can only hope that someday, perhaps under new management, we might see a resurgence.
In the end, I'd rate "Prototype 2" a solid 7/10. It's a fun romp through a chaotic world, but it ultimately leaves you yearning for the thrill that made the first game unforgettable.
