Prototype 2
Overview -Ever notice how Hollywood studios tend to release competing movies on the same topic? Volcano and Dante's Peak for example, or Armageddon and Deep Impact. Well, sometimes video game publishers do the same thing. In 2009 gamers had the opportunity to play two open-world games featuring super-powered people. The first, Infamous, featured a character with electrical powers and a decision-based gameplay system. The second, Prototype, featured Alex Mercer, a man infected with a virus that allowed him to change shape, float through the air, and turn his hands into a bevy of deadly weapons. Infamous was a delight. A well-realized open world, combined with sharp mechanics led to a well rounded game that rewarded multiple playthroughs. Prototype, while arguably boasting a cooler set of superpowers, fell apart in design and gameplay. Visually, the game looked drab and uninspired, and the gameplay was often overly complicated. In short, it was a disappointment, but it got decent enough reviews and sold enough copies that it prompted a sequel.
Video Review
The last Prototype had some real graphical issues. Clipping and framerate drops were rampant, especially during the later portions when the game threw everything and the kitchen sink at you. The final boss was practically unplayable because of how much slowdown you encountered.
Thankfully, Prototype 2 fixes many of these glaring errors. I did notice a few instances of screen tearing, but that's about it. At no time did it seem like the system was being overloaded by what was going on in the game. Visually the game is still a little bland, with only a few character models and a drab-looking city. However, there's nothing really wrong with the graphics, I just wish they were a little more exciting to look at.Audio Review
The game does a good job inundating you with sound. For most of the game, stuff will be happening all around you, so the surrounds get a good workout. There is no shortage of gunfire, explosions, absorptions, screams, and other chaos to keep your ears occupied. The voice acting is hit and miss. Heller is an angry guy who tends to read each line like he's resentful of it. Perhaps the best bits of audio come from the NPC's who freak out when they discover you're in their midst.
Prototype 2 is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The developers have scaled back the difficulty, simplified the control scheme, and fixed many technical issues that plagued the last game. However, it still takes itself too seriously and doesn't offer enough variety to really get off the ground. It's a decent enough diversion if you're starved for new games, but not worth more than a rental.