Prey
" Immersive action-adventure with open-ended gameplay and deep narrative but frequent backtracking "
Prey Review
Prey is a critically acclaimed immersive sim set aboard the Talos I space station, blending sci-fi thriller elements with strategic first-person action. Players control Morgan Yu, a scientist caught in a catastrophic alien outbreak, navigating a richly detailed environment filled with hostile Typhon creatures. The game shines through its open-ended problem-solving, allowing multiple playstyles such as stealth, combat, and psychic powers, encouraging creative experimentation.
The narrative is layered and philosophical, exploring identity, morality, and corporate conspiracies through environmental storytelling and audio logs. Talos I's level design is exceptional, offering interconnected areas, verticality, and numerous secret paths that reward exploration. The crafting and resource management systems add depth without overwhelming players, while the sound design and atmospheric lighting create a tense and immersive ambiance.
Despite minor issues like some enemy design inconsistencies and occasional bugs, Prey remains a masterpiece of immersive sim design, praised for its replayability, storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. It stands as a beloved title with a dedicated fanbase longing for a sequel.
Highlights
Players highly praise Prey's open-ended gameplay mechanics that allow diverse approaches, including stealth, combat, and psychic abilities. The level design of Talos I is lauded for its complexity, secret areas, and verticality, enhancing exploration and tactical options.
The storyline is compelling and mature, filled with philosophical themes and meaningful player choices impacting multiple endings. Visually, the game features stylized retro-futuristic graphics and imaginative alien designs.
Sound design and atmosphere are frequently highlighted for creating suspense and immersion, with a haunting soundtrack and effective audio cues. The crafting system is also celebrated for its depth and player satisfaction.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include some enemy designs being less engaging and repetitive, with a few players finding combat mechanics less satisfying or unbalanced. The zero-gravity sections and certain movement controls are noted as awkward or disorienting.
Some players mention monster respawns in cleared areas as frustrating. The story, while praised, is occasionally viewed as bland or simplistic by some, lacking deeper narrative engagement.
Inventory management and resource scarcity can be challenging, causing tension but also occasional frustration. Minor bugs and an FPS cap at 144 Hz have been reported but are generally non-gamebreaking.
Pros
- • Open-ended gameplay supports multiple playstyles including stealth, combat, and psychic powers.
- • Exceptional level design with interconnected areas and numerous secret paths to discover.
- • Deep, philosophical narrative with meaningful player choices and multiple endings.
- • Rich environmental storytelling through audio logs, emails, and detailed worldbuilding.
- • Highly immersive atmosphere enhanced by excellent sound design and haunting soundtrack.
- • Robust crafting and resource management systems that reward exploration and experimentation.
- • Stylized retro-futuristic graphics with imaginative and unsettling alien designs.
Cons
- • Some enemy designs are repetitive and less engaging compared to other game aspects.
- • Combat can feel unbalanced or less satisfying, encouraging avoidance over confrontation.
- • Zero-gravity and exterior movement controls can be awkward and disorienting.
- • Monster respawns in cleared areas frustrate players and disrupt pacing.
- • Inventory management and resource scarcity occasionally cause player frustration.
- • Minor bugs exist, though none are game-breaking; occasional FPS cap at 144 Hz.
- • Story pacing and depth may feel bland or simplistic to some players.
Rating Criteria
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.