Prey (PS4)

Status:

Complete and Play Tested

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Prey (2017) PS4 Review

Arkanes Prey is a moody, immersive sci-fi thriller set aboard the orbital space station TalosI, blending horror, stealth, RPG, and immersive-sim elements. While it draws heavily from genre staples, it crafts its own tense, atmospheric experience.

🔫 Gameplay & Mechanics

• Immersive-Sim Depth: You can tackle missions in multiple waysstealth, hacking, combat, or even by exploiting the environment creatively. Alternate approaches are always viable and satisfying ().

• Neuromods & Abilities: Customize your style using neuromodsranging from enhanced hacking to alien powers. The resource-driven recycler/fabricator system adds meaningful tension ().

• Combat & Stealth: Whether using the wrench, Gloo Cannon, or Typhon powers, options aboundbut Typhon layouts and resources scarcity amplify survival horror throughout ().

🌌 World Design & Atmosphere

• TalosI Station: A masterclass in level designcohesive, labyrinthine, and brimming with narrative clues. Air ducts, zeroG segments, and alternate routes invite exploration ().

• Visual & Audio Presentation: Beautiful lighting and detailed environments create an eerie yet believable sci-fi world. Ambient sounds and haunting music elevate tension ().

Technical & Performance

• PS4 Performance: Runs at 1080p/30fps, but input lag, stuttering, screen tearing, and long load times were prevalent at launch. These issues were patched, but base PS4 still sees occasional hiccups ().

• PS4 Pro Enhancements: Offers improved visual effects post-patch, though performance gains remain modest ().

📖 Story & Narrative

• Plot Setup: As Morgan Yu, you awaken aboard TalosI during a mysterious alien outbreak. Story unfolds via audio logs, environmental clues, and optional endings ().

• Strengths & Weaknesses: TalosIs setting and plot twist earn praise, but story pacing can drag later, and enemies become predictable after a while .

Pros & Cons

🔁 Replayability & DLC

• Multiple Builds & Endings: Neuromods and ability choices yield varied playthroughs; New Game+ and survival modes offer added replay value ().

• Mooncrash DLC: A strong procedural roguelike expansion that tests your mastery of mechanics .

🎯 Final Verdict

Prey is a compelling immersive-sim that excels at player choice, world-building, and atmospheric storytelling. Its imaginative toolkit and TalosIs design make it a standout. However, technical limitations on base PS4 and a somewhat familiar narrative hold it back from perfection.

Score: 8.4 / 10

Ideal for players craving thoughtful exploration, creative problem-solving, and horror-sci-fi ambianceespecially on PS4 Pro for smoother performance.