2009’sPrototypemay not have birthed a long-running franchise, but it is often remembered fondly for its high-octane gameplay. More than anything, though,Prototypeis emblematic of once-ubiquitous gaming trends, which now seem to be all but forgotten.
Prototypewas the next big thing from Radical Entertainment, a developer known for its eclectic catalog of games—a collection that includesThe Simpsons: Hit and RunandScarface: The World Is Yours. Not one to be typecast, Radical took a decidedly different approach withPrototype, a gritty, violent game that inverts superhero tropes. Instead of an upstanding citizen tasked with protecting the people, the game centers on Alex Mercer, a shady amnesiac on the run from the United States military; instead of awe-inspiring, godly powers, Alex leverages the abominable, genetically engineered Blacklight virus. These subversions make for a somewhat interesting, dark narrative, but they also bear a much more satisfying fruit: truly empowering gameplay.
Prototype’s No-Holds-Barred Gameplay Stands Out in the Modern Age
Prototype Is Reminiscent of a Different Era of Game Design
Gaming as a power fantasywas once much more common than it is today. Contemporary game design trends often dictate a much different dynamic between players and the game world, one where the protagonist must earn their power over adversaries rather than having it handed to them. True, games likeDOOM Eternalmay make the player feel powerful, but this only comes by way of mastery over game mechanics.
One only needs to look at the modern entries in long-running franchises to observe this difference. For example,2018’sGod of Warstars an extremely powerful protagonistwho, as far as the narrative is concerned, is at the height of his abilities. But from a gameplay perspective, Kratos is presented as much more powerful in the pre-2018God of Wargames, which saw him taking on dozens of enemies at once, dancing across the battlefield in a deadly ballet and cutting through opponents like a hot knife through butter.
Prototypetakes the over-the-top power fantasy of a game likeGod of Warand cranks the dial until it threatens to break. Players can soar through the sky, sprint at breakneck speeds, and fling enemies hundreds of feet into the air; Mercer’s Blacklight virus abilities allow him to transmogrify, turning his body into a living weapon, wreaking mass destruction, and sending civilians fleeing in terror.Prototype’s open world grows more dangerousalongside Mercer’s ever-escalating powers, leading to a feeling of bare, chaotic power, put directly into the hands of players.
Prototypecan even give players a feeling of raw power in its quieter moments, as Mercer’s shapeshifting ability lets him assimilate into crowds of unsuspecting civilians and military personnel—a deadly bit of subterfuge.
Prototype’s Power-Over-Everything Approach Shouldn’t Be Written Off
Upon release,Prototypewasn’t exactly a critical darling. Its eschewing of a sophisticated narrative in favor of unfettered power and thrilling gameplay led some to regard it as shallow and uninspired and its release alongside thegenerally better-receivedInfamous, which took its story much more seriously, didn’t make for many favorable comparisons, either.
Yet, those who playedPrototypein 2009 continue to sing its praises all these years later. It seems that, while it was initially written off as generic by some, it has actually managed to leave behind a more lasting legacy than many of its contemporaries. It may not be as mechanically complex as the most prestigious action games, but it can easilycompete with the best superhero gamesin terms of unadulterated, simple fun. The game endures in the hearts and minds of players through the strength of its vision: the delivery of an unapologetic power fantasy.
Prototype
WHERE TO PLAY
You are the Prototype, Alex Mercer, a man without memory armed with amazing shape-shifting abilities, hunting your way to the heart of the conspiracy which created you; making those responsible pay.Fast & Deadly Shape-Shifting Combat:Reconfigure your body to the situation at hand. From Claws to Blades to Hammers to Whips, choose the right weapon for the situation. Change to a shield or armor for defense, or use advanced sensory powers (thermal vision, infected vision) to track your enemiesOver-the-Top Locomotion & Agility:Seamlessly and fluidly bound from building to building, run up walls, bounce off cars and everything in your path. Adaptive parkour lets you move freely through the open-world environments of New York City.Unique Disguising Abilities:Consume anyone at anytime, take on their appearances and assume their memories and special abilities.Deep, Conspiracy-Driven Storyline:Wake up with no memory of the past…just mysterious powers and a link to a town in Idaho. Delve into the mysteries of your origin, the true nature of your power and your part in a conspiracy 40 years in the making.
