I shall begin with a note to the lovely little recap video package (I think all sequels deserve these, helps the rusty old mind) within the Prototype 2 game which will get you up to speed in no time. There was a virus outbreak in Manhattan resulting in a superhuman protagonist, who gained abilities from the virus, named Alex Mercer who is hunted down by the Military and Blackwatch. Blackwatch are an agency formed to combat biological warfare and those infected by the virus known as Blacklight. By the end of the original Prototype you’re led to believe that all is finally getting back to normal... or is it?
Introducing Sgt. James Heller, a soldier hell bent on revenge for the death of his wife and daughter by what is now dubbed “The Mercer Virus”. After a chance meeting and failing to defeat the man he believes to be the cause of their deaths, Alex Mercer, he becomes infected. Somehow he survives which leads to Gentek, scientific organisation, experimenting on him to figure out the how and why, leading to the order that he must be destroyed. During the failed extermination, he escapes only to be confronted by Mercer once more who explains that he gave Heller the virus in the hope he’d help him take down Gentek and Blackwatch. As he slowly gets to grips with his new found powers it starts to sink in that Mercer was merely a scapegoat for a despicable lie by the elite government.
In essence it’s an open world free-roam game with New York Zero being your battleground to explore in whichever way you wish to using very parkour style movements, scaling walls and obstacles with ease. Military compounds are set up in various locations alongside science facilities which are infiltrated by your character quite regularly. To do this you must consume soldiers or scientists who have a high enough access level for these bases. This is a key feature in the game, taking people’s DNA as your own as using it to your advantage, whilst shapeshifting into their bodies and going about your business in a stealthy manner. There are a few special soldiers that grant you an upgrade such as rifle skills, rocket launcher skills etc.
The virus allows Heller to absorb memories and powers to use as his own, meaning when he comes up against a beast with claws you can add them to your arsenal. You’ll find that as the story progresses you’ll gather a multitude of abilities ranging from tendrils to large shield like hands. For me this is vital in keeping the gameplay fresh, using clever ways to mutilate and kill the hordes of enemies in your way. Levelling up Heller comes naturally through mini-challenges or simple consuming and you can mould him into the strengths you’d prefer. I went down the Health route to ensure I wouldn’t die in battle; however you can improve movement, shapeshifting or the power for your best moves.
Story-wise it kept me enthralled, using Sin City black and white with rare extra colour style cinematics rolled together with great characters whom you never know whether to trust. During memory recollection from Heller’s absorbed victims it was more like a film with what seemed to feature real actors and actresses, which was a nice touch to put an actual face to these protagonists. I usually find myself spending more time in these types of games wandering the streets causing mayhem but it’s testament to the writers that I couldn’t wait for the next main mission to begin so I could find out more.
As well as the story missions there are collectibles to find, black boxes, hidden in different areas of the city. Strongholds for military testing camps are specifically placed for you to destroy should you feel overcome with rage. Add to this the side quests of individual soldiers consumed; there is plenty to get on with should you need a break from the ever intense story or if you want a quick boost of XP. There are many upgrades and level-ups possible for Heller which demands more than one play through and as he gets better you can increase the difficulty for more of a challenge. So as long as you don’t get bored of killing people or running from building to building like the Incredible Hulk, then there’ll be plenty of play time in this for you.
I wanted to keep this relatively spoiler free and I will but take note it’s one hell of a bumpy ride from start to finish. Just when you think you’ve figured out who’s good or evil, you’ll get a slap in the face in no time. As I mentioned earlier I tend not bother with the missions on free roam worlds but this had me gripped. In a comparison, if you enjoyed the likes of Crackdown then you’ll adore this game for sure.
I take my hat off to Radical Entertainment for developing such a joyous, yet gruesome game in Prototype 2. Only a lack of multiplayer hampers the overall score, which is a “buy it rather quick” 8/10.