Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
### **Prototype Platinum (PS3) Review**
*Prototype*, developed by Radical Entertainment and released in 2009, is an open-world action game that delivers high-speed chaos, brutal combat, and a compelling mystery. The *Platinum* edition for the PlayStation 3 includes bonus content but doesn't make any significant changes to the core game.
### **Gameplay & Mechanics**
The game puts you in the shoes of Alex Mercer, a man with shapeshifting abilities and no memory of his past. Set in a devastated New York City plagued by a viral outbreak, the gameplay is all about raw power and destruction.
Mercers abilities let him morph his body into devastating weaponsblades, claws, and whipsallowing for satisfying, over-the-top combat. You can also consume enemies to regain health and assume their identities. The parkour system is fluid, letting you run up buildings, leap across rooftops, and glide over the city with ease. The sense of speed and freedom makes movement one of *Prototypes* standout features.
However, the mission design can feel repetitive, often boiling down to go here, kill enemies, escape. The difficulty spikes in later missions can also be frustrating.
### **Graphics & Sound**
For a 2009 game, *Prototype* looks decent but lacks polish compared to other open-world titles of its time (*inFAMOUS* being a notable competitor). The city feels somewhat lifeless, and character models can look rough. However, the destruction effects and Mercer's transformations still look impressive.
The soundtrack is forgettable, but the sound designespecially the brutal combat effectsadds weight to the experience. Voice acting is solid, with Alex Mercers brooding personality fitting the dark tone of the story.
### **Story & Atmosphere**
The story is a mix of mystery and conspiracy, as Alex seeks to uncover the truth behind the virus and his own origins. While it has some intriguing twists, Mercer himself can feel like a rather one-dimensional protagonist, driven by rage and revenge. The games dark, gritty tone fits well with the setting but lacks emotional depth.
### **Platinum Edition Bonus Content**
The *Platinum* edition mainly serves as a re-release and doesnt introduce major new content. However, it often comes with additional DLC missions and skins, adding some extra gameplay variety.
### **Verdict**
*Prototype* delivers a power fantasy that excels in movement and combat, but its held back by repetitive missions and a lack of polish. If you enjoy chaotic, superpowered destruction, its a fun experience, but it doesnt quite reach the heights of other open-world action games of its era.
**Score: 7.5/10** A solid but flawed action game with exhilarating movement and combat.
