Prey Review
Reviewed by: Blake Thompson
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Reviewed on: PS4
Bethesda’s 2017 reboot Prey suffered from an identity crisis before launch: it looked different enough from the company's other titles that many fans hoping for a sixth Elder Scrolls (or Skyrim 2 depending on the person) or a spiritual successor to New Vegas were uninterested, while hardcore fans of the 2006 cult classic found the game too different from the original for many to even give the reboot a chance. While the title failed to have the thunderous impact that Bethesda was surely hoping for, those who took a chance on the game (while still few) discovered that the story-rich, detailed, immersive, and individualized experience was one of the developer’s most entertaining, well-sculpted, and surprisingly thought-provoking offerings since the critically acclaimed Oblivion expansion The Shivering Isles. As a note, this review will be spoiler free; the player’s first exposure to all the unique elements the game has to offer is what makes such a charming, and scary, experience.
On my first excursion into Prey, what immediately drew me in was the absurd level of interactivity and detail with even the smallest objects. The introduction begins in Morgan Yu’s luxurious high-rise apartment where the player learns he has been recruited by his brother to join a space exploration/colonization program. Exploring Morgan’s apartment it becomes evident very quickly that the area has been carefully crafted to maximize player’s immersion (or at least, that seems to be the initial reason). Everything thrown across Morgan’s pad ranging from a box of cake mix to space computer parts can be picked up, knocked over, thrown across the room, put in the toilet, or smothered onto the face of the very unimpressed mechanic found in the hallway. However, at the end of the game’s very story-significant introduction, it becomes apparent that the charming, interactive world around Morgan is not there for the player’s enjoyment, it serves as an important plot device that only adds to the horror aesthetic the game continuously develops.
As Morgan Yu’s understanding of the world around him continuously collapses, so too do the player’s expectations of what can be found in the world. Enemies exist in plain sight and have a tendency to teleport, and while temporary grace might be found in a highly sought-after medkit, things can quickly become frustrating when that medkit turns out to be a creature waiting to attack the player. With such an aggressive world out to attack the player, it should be known the difficulty selected when starting Prey results in extremely different experiences. The standard difficulty presents the player with a typical “run and gun” style of play; ammo is abundant and outside of a first encounter, it would be unusual for a single enemy to cause a game over. It must be emphasized that despite how the game is marketed as a sci-fi, horror, shooter/rpg experience, the game does NOT lend itself to the horror genre when played on the lower difficulty, allowing for more of an explorative and story-driven experience where the player can fully appreciate the abundance of Star Trek references and tributes to classic science fiction films scattered throughout the impressively large and detailed open world. Where the game truly shines and becomes even more impressive however, is when the Nightmare difficulty is selected.
I remember my encounter with the first Phantom in Prey vividly. Up to this point in the game, there was minimal challenge despite the high exploration and attention to detail, and I figured stocking up on resources would mean I would have an easier experience once the challenge inevitably picked up. When the screen began to distort and the whispers started, I was unsure of where to proceed. From here I found the Phantom and died roughly 15 times before I figured out it wasn't supposed to be shot or smacked with the wrench.
While the world around you in Prey is alive and wants to hurt you, an even greater sense of exploration begins when the player realizes that the game wants you to experiment with it; It wants you to see what you can get away with and what works. It wants you to hide a gas can behind a heavy steel shelving and destroy it, causing the shelf to smash into a wall with the Phantom crushed inside it. The game rewards the player for not just exploring in a way that fans of Skyrim are familiar with, but for seeing how the different objects/walls/screens found in the environment interact with each other. While the RPG mechanics of the game are not as deep as the skill trees common to titles in the same genre, they are implemented in a distinctly creative way, unlocking new paths for exploration and new possibilities for combat depending on which trees are pursued. This allows the player to tailor their experience whether they want a “flight” Alien Isolation-esque experience or want the more outright action of Fallout. The skill trees allow you to pursue any style of play.
The story of Prey admittedly does have weaknesses despite the air-tight gameplay, yet the development of Morgan as a character truly evolves as the player makes decisions throughout the story. Common sci-fi tropes are abundant throughout the plot and many fans of older style science fiction will find themselves right at home. Certain decisions have significantly more lasting impact than others: the decision to kill a human known to be corrupted with alien material may turn surviving humans against Morgan, calling it an act of betrayal. Players can choose to augment Morgan with either human or alien dna, granting him new abilities and skills but changing how the environment interacts with him. Turrets may see Morgan as an alien threat if too much non-terrestrial material is found in his body, forcing the player to find new paths or create personalized solutions.
While the overall experience is not what many expected (or demanded if 4chan is asked) and the RPG mechanics can be admittedly lackluster, Prey presents an open world rich in atmosphere and character while also providing a challenging and genuinely spooky sci-fi experience. Having airtight controls, creative enemies, and the best quality interactive environment in a very, very long time, Prey is a worthy successor to the name held by the original and shouldn't be missed. While the game does provide a fun and quick experience while played on the simpler difficulties, not everyone would enjoy the simplicity as the game does not “make you feel like a badass”. The originality and creative design decisions come out to the fullest when players allow themselves to be challenged, and those who are in search of that are clearly who the game was made for.
Consider playing if you:
Deeply enjoy all things Sci-fi
Enjoy thorough exploration and adapting playstyle to new solutions
Enjoy a slower, more tactical approach to combat
Consider skipping if you:
Play primarily for the story
Prefer hectic, fast-paced combat
Get easily frustrated
Are looking for space Skyrim
RATING: GOOD
This game is a quality experience and is recommended.
