Prototype (2009)

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 795 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 512 out of 795
  2. Mixed: 217 out of 795
  3. Negative: 66 out of 795
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  1. DBostick
    Jan 2, 2010
    7
    Graphics could have been better.... shouldn't have opened up the game with all the powers...
  2. EdgarC.
    Jun 11, 2009
    5
    While the game does implement some interesting choices that other free-roaming titles such as Crackdown could have benefited from, the cluttered and context-sensitive controls are unhelpful when the action gets chaotic, and the graphics are distinctly dated. The missions are repetitive and the city, while large and fun to move around as Alex, is visually boring.
  3. whitespider999
    Feb 27, 2012
    7
    This game has worse climbing mechanics than infamous as well as a more simplistic city. In fact this game's city is probably it's worst feature. They reduced the detail on nearly everything so that widespread destruction could take place without nosediving the framerate, the problem with this approach is that you get what is barely a step up from an old flight simulator so that you canThis game has worse climbing mechanics than infamous as well as a more simplistic city. In fact this game's city is probably it's worst feature. They reduced the detail on nearly everything so that widespread destruction could take place without nosediving the framerate, the problem with this approach is that you get what is barely a step up from an old flight simulator so that you can throw a lot of npc's and cars on screen at once. Also the pc version was a quick-port. So it has a lot of problems. Get past these and the core game is very fun, the method of storytelling is hit-and-miss, however most of what is there is interesting. The problem is that these smaller stories don't come together to create a compelling 'whole' all that well. The thing that stands out the most in this entire package is the unlockable powers. There is a absolutely huge amount of them, far higher than any other game can claim. And while this might be overkill, I am fine with that. I think prototype 2 needs to raise the detail levels a bit, change the method of storytelling - or at least tweak it, and make the core city more interesting. As for the powers, they already have a knack for that. So I am comfortable with what they do so long as it's not reducing them.… Expand
  4. AbaddonMason
    Jan 9, 2022
    7
    Крутая игра для 2009, в 2022 с натяжкой проходит проверку временем. Относительно проблемный запуск на современных пк требует ручную установку фиксов. Графика даже по меркам 2009 очень простенькая, модельки угловатые, текстурки мыльные, город картонный. Но вот стилистика игры, её сеттинг и само чувство побывать в шкуре сверхсущества игру преображает. Перемещаться по городу интересно, дракиКрутая игра для 2009, в 2022 с натяжкой проходит проверку временем. Относительно проблемный запуск на современных пк требует ручную установку фиксов. Графика даже по меркам 2009 очень простенькая, модельки угловатые, текстурки мыльные, город картонный. Но вот стилистика игры, её сеттинг и само чувство побывать в шкуре сверхсущества игру преображает. Перемещаться по городу интересно, драки брутальные, стелс необычный, но в купе все это делает геймплей интересным. Сюжет подается свежо, через поглощения людей и их воспоминаний, но если откинуть все просто лорные "записки" сюжет к сожалению незамысловат. А уж побочные задания просто повторяющаяся скукота для гринда очков прокачки. В итоге очень крутая задумка с не самым лучшим исполнением. Игре бы очень не помешал ремейк или перезапуск, с нынешними технологиями можно сделать очень круто.… Expand
  5. I_am_Nekellor
    Jul 27, 2022
    5
    5/10. В игре уйма механик боя, однако больше половины из них бесполезны или в процессе получения новых механик, станут бесполезными. Ну и ,конечно же, нельзя было сделать так, что бы, хотя бы, в броне Алекс улетал от каждого пука.5/10. В игре уйма механик боя, однако больше половины из них бесполезны или в процессе получения новых механик, станут бесполезными. Ну и ,конечно же, нельзя было сделать так, что бы, хотя бы, в броне Алекс улетал от каждого пука.
  6. BenL.
    Aug 17, 2009
    6
    Brilliant game if you want to hack and slash everything. But there's so much more that could have been done in regards to story line. You have a whole free roam city similar to say Grand Theft Auto 4, yet so many people wandering around minding their own business while the military and zombies etc. are running riot. Makes no sense! Hundreds of taxis all parked up in the middle of Brilliant game if you want to hack and slash everything. But there's so much more that could have been done in regards to story line. You have a whole free roam city similar to say Grand Theft Auto 4, yet so many people wandering around minding their own business while the military and zombies etc. are running riot. Makes no sense! Hundreds of taxis all parked up in the middle of infected zones, half of them with inanimate people at the wheel. Still, makes no sense! You can pick up cars, and still the people in those cars don't seem to care. The playability isn't too great. I enjoyed the game the first time though, was given the ability to start a new game with all my powers, but just couldn't find a reason to start the game again. Brilliant graphics, brilliant concept, but I think GTA 4 has already set a bench mark for free roam cities. Unless this can be matched, or topped, along with the concept of Prototype, I'm simply not satisfied.… Expand
  7. JoelM
    Aug 1, 2009
    5
    Could be great, but failed miserably. The graphics are borderline last gen, gameplay and missions are repetitive, the story puts you to sleep. It is fun on occasion but that gets dragged down when all it's obvious flaws appear. If you feel strongly for open-world superhero games, get inFamous, you won't be disappointed.
  8. daemeh
    Jan 12, 2011
    7
    Buggy, ugly graphics, unoriginal plot. But it had some interesting concepts: consuming, shapeshifting, and all the superhero stuff. If you take that a way it's maybe worth a 6.
  9. SlybriM
    Sep 9, 2009
    6
    It's an okay game. They kinda ripped off a lot from Spider-man: Web of Shadows. It's the same game basically, just more violent melee combat and no web swinging. Definitly not for kids though. Lots of cursing and bloody murder of innocents. Spiderman was more fun I think.
  10. RC
    Aug 9, 2009
    7
    This is a good example of a console import. Graphics are mediocre and storyline is kinda lame. Let's start with graphics. They're ok, but mostly they're dumbed down because of the intense action and the simplicity of consoles. Storyline has potential, but the ending just completely sucks. Game play however, is awesome. Probably one of the most addicting games I played. All This is a good example of a console import. Graphics are mediocre and storyline is kinda lame. Let's start with graphics. They're ok, but mostly they're dumbed down because of the intense action and the simplicity of consoles. Storyline has potential, but the ending just completely sucks. Game play however, is awesome. Probably one of the most addicting games I played. All in all if you have the money lying around, buy it. It's a good game despite being a console import. 7 out of 10.… Expand
  11. MarioN.
    Jun 11, 2009
    5
    Don't believe the hype. This game may look fun but it gets old very fast. Get it when the price drops to 10$ or less.
  12. AnonymousMC
    Jun 13, 2009
    5
    Jeu assez décevant dans son ensemble. Graphismes vraiment pas terrible pour un jeu récent. Phases de jeu répétitives et linéaires.Missions chiantes (course etc ...) J'attendais beaucoup mieux de ce jeu, qui m'avait fait bonne impression lors des aperçus. Mais là après avoir passé quelques heures dessus. C'est unJeu assez décevant dans son ensemble. Graphismes vraiment pas terrible pour un jeu récent. Phases de jeu répétitives et linéaires.Missions chiantes (course etc ...) J'attendais beaucoup mieux de ce jeu, qui m'avait fait bonne impression lors des aperçus. Mais là après avoir passé quelques heures dessus. C'est un peu la douche froide. A acheter en occasion et si on a du temps à perdre... Cela ne vaut pas 50 euro (Steam) Dificulté trés mal géré pas fun du tout.… Expand
  13. Anonymous
    Jun 16, 2009
    6
    The 10's are giving it too much, the 2's are giving it too little. This is a fairly good game, good story, decent graphics, gameplay is good, but gets a little stiff after the first few hours. Worth the $50 for it? I say no. The game -is- short but gives you a good run for the time. A good one to rent, or borrow from a buddy. But don't feel bad putting it off until the The 10's are giving it too much, the 2's are giving it too little. This is a fairly good game, good story, decent graphics, gameplay is good, but gets a little stiff after the first few hours. Worth the $50 for it? I say no. The game -is- short but gives you a good run for the time. A good one to rent, or borrow from a buddy. But don't feel bad putting it off until the price drops, you're not missing the greatest thing ever.… Expand
  14. AngeloJ
    Jun 17, 2009
    6
    The game gives off mixed feelings to me. While screwing around in Free Roam is the only fun part of the game, It's story line is impossible to follow, and Alex Mercer is possibly the most cheesiest character I've seen in-game ever. If you plan on just screwing around and not to follow the story, I advise you do just that because the games story is pretty poor.
  15. Alexd
    Jun 18, 2009
    6
    While this game wont win any oscars for storytelling, mission design, character development & etc, this game can be incredibly fun if you ignore your objectives and just go on rampage in the city with all the special powers that the main character has... Too bad that this fun wont last long when the helicopter strike-tream comes, because your character feels VERY underpowered (even after While this game wont win any oscars for storytelling, mission design, character development & etc, this game can be incredibly fun if you ignore your objectives and just go on rampage in the city with all the special powers that the main character has... Too bad that this fun wont last long when the helicopter strike-tream comes, because your character feels VERY underpowered (even after you get all your powers) when fighting multiple helicopters and tough enemies at once. Crappy targeting system makes such encounters to a very annoying expirience and in most cases you'll have to flee to survive :/. Yep, the difficulty curve in this game is one ridiculous roller coaster... While i really love all the cool and fun powers of the main character, there is not much praiseworthy in this game except those. I suggest to wait for a price drop before getting this. 6.5/10… Expand
  16. Devin
    Aug 5, 2009
    7
    This game could have been great. It would have been great, had they held back on the release and worked on making this game fun. The story is meh at best, the city feels like a lifeless sandbox, and the minigames and hidden items are little to keep me playing this game when the story is all said and done. If you want a brilliant sandbox game, i'd recommend GTAIV.
  17. TrevorP
    Jun 12, 2009
    6
    Despite the hype, this was probably the worst game I've played this year, it seemed the developers cared more for cool looking kill cinematics than actual game play, because 2 seconds into the game I realized that it takes about 3 or 4 seconds just to consume someone, and by then I usually have a rocket blast where my head used to be. The side missions are generally pointless since Despite the hype, this was probably the worst game I've played this year, it seemed the developers cared more for cool looking kill cinematics than actual game play, because 2 seconds into the game I realized that it takes about 3 or 4 seconds just to consume someone, and by then I usually have a rocket blast where my head used to be. The side missions are generally pointless since you can get just as much EP going around killing shit, and while the web of intrigue is unique, the story and over all presentation needed a lot of work. The graphics were definately a major let down, because I am only running a 8800 gts 512 and managed to play it on max settings with no halting whatsoever. While movement was near flawless, the way you moved during combat was hard to control, and nigh impossible to use. The game setting and the way npcs acted was retarted at worst and stupid at best, at one point I found my self killing some huge snake thing with girl at the center when I get hit by a taxi that decides its next destination is me.… Expand
  18. Defier
    Jun 12, 2009
    5
    Can't see why it's getting rated so high.. I stopped playing 1/2 through. The story falls apart, no one is awed by what's going on, you can jump off a building and land in the middle of a military base and no one attacks. Poor AI and spastic/jerky action. Graphics are outdated as well. As for the good, well the voice acting is well done and the moves of your character are Can't see why it's getting rated so high.. I stopped playing 1/2 through. The story falls apart, no one is awed by what's going on, you can jump off a building and land in the middle of a military base and no one attacks. Poor AI and spastic/jerky action. Graphics are outdated as well. As for the good, well the voice acting is well done and the moves of your character are fun. I loved Hulk: Ultimate Destruction and while this may remind me of that title, it can't touch it.… Expand
  19. JonesA.
    Aug 22, 2009
    7
    It's good, not-so-clean, mindless fun; it's a gory version of GTA without the story and elaborate atmosphere, but it packs in a lot more hack&slash action. The graphics are nothing to write home about, lightweight enough to run on older cards with ease, but detailed enough to make this worth-while.
  20. JettoGaming
    Sep 18, 2011
    5
    The graphics, although nice, were somewhat unimpressive. The mechanics are sort of boring in that you have insane superpowers. It can be challenging at times but once you've got some power ups, you can pretty much beast your way through this game in a short time. The story seems interesting at first but then loses you about half way through. Way too repetitive. We've all seen the storyThe graphics, although nice, were somewhat unimpressive. The mechanics are sort of boring in that you have insane superpowers. It can be challenging at times but once you've got some power ups, you can pretty much beast your way through this game in a short time. The story seems interesting at first but then loses you about half way through. Way too repetitive. We've all seen the story about the infected and some person being chosen among humanity to save it, etc. Elements taken from other games and even story ideas seem rehashed from other games/movies. Not bad for a play through or to take out frustrations, much like the Grand Theft Auto series, however GTA succeeded to much greater extents in that regard and others.… Expand
  21. Mutini
    Sep 28, 2012
    5
    I guess I should also say a friend gifted me the game on Steam. I tell him I like the game very much because I dont want to hurt his feelings. The game is just so shallow in every way. All you do is run around squishing things. The only reason you even remember the story is because you have to check in with Alex's sister on occassion to move the plot along. Nothing about it draws youI guess I should also say a friend gifted me the game on Steam. I tell him I like the game very much because I dont want to hurt his feelings. The game is just so shallow in every way. All you do is run around squishing things. The only reason you even remember the story is because you have to check in with Alex's sister on occassion to move the plot along. Nothing about it draws you in or makes you care. So basically its a game about squishing things, a large majority of which dont even fight back(the civilians). I suspect most of the reviewers raving about this game are young guys who seem to enjoy mindlessly squishing things on screen...Me? I like to think a little lol!… Expand
  22. Jonathanp55
    Nov 27, 2011
    5
    Could have been alot better. Graphics were not good at all. Special effects are horrible. Gameplay is fun, but gets old after a while. Kind of a spider-man trash game. You will have fun with just running around the city snatching people up, but it will get old.
  23. sitsero
    Jan 12, 2013
    5
    Cool graphs and some fun killing zombies and such. Zero story and replay value. If it is given to you for free play it for 5-10 hours (1 playthrough) and then leave it. Buy it? meh.
  24. Pedlahwol
    Mar 16, 2013
    5
    I don't completely understand why this game is gotten good reviews. The concept is good, but takes a turn for the worse when you actually start doing anything. For one, you are overpowered to such a HUGE extent. Just as you break out of you typical "top secret government facility," you are jumping over trucks, running up the sides of buildings, and turning your arms into huge blades. SoI don't completely understand why this game is gotten good reviews. The concept is good, but takes a turn for the worse when you actually start doing anything. For one, you are overpowered to such a HUGE extent. Just as you break out of you typical "top secret government facility," you are jumping over trucks, running up the sides of buildings, and turning your arms into huge blades. So there goes any sense of difficulty. From there, it's just a mediocre plot, decent graphics, and repetitive combat.… Expand
  25. behastie
    Aug 23, 2013
    6
    Mindless fun. It only kept me interested for about 4 hours. The story is pretty abysmal, especially given the way that the game expects you to sympathize with Alex Mercer. It's a little difficult to watch him have angsty conversations about his humanity right after he just used someone's grandmother as a skateboard.
  26. d__b
    Feb 1, 2015
    5
    This game does have quite decent gameplay, for few hours. Then it becomes same old grind. Movement can be quite enjoyable, but not enough to not make running across whole city tedious. Even story missions mostly come down to "defeat/chase one wave of enemies/destroy objectives, checkpoint, repeat 3-4 times" Some are better than others, but there are plenty of boring ones. So if it wereThis game does have quite decent gameplay, for few hours. Then it becomes same old grind. Movement can be quite enjoyable, but not enough to not make running across whole city tedious. Even story missions mostly come down to "defeat/chase one wave of enemies/destroy objectives, checkpoint, repeat 3-4 times" Some are better than others, but there are plenty of boring ones. So if it were only gameplay, most players would leave game unfinished. But there is a story. Story in two parts - one is "web of intrigue", where you uncover backstory, and 'actual' game story. And oh boy, is it crap. Now web, that is pretty decent, nothing new, but enough to keep you interested. But main story, ugh. It's chaotic, it's full of holes, it's just plain stupid, just like main character. "People tell me what to do, I listen to them, regardless of who they are. Except that sometimes I do things for no reason".… Expand
  27. Futureops
    Feb 17, 2015
    7
    This game is filled with technical flaws but it doesn't affect the
    fun experience this game offers in a huge way. This game needs to be
    polished, perhaps we will see it the next title. If you have the
    patience to keep playing this game, you will be rewarded,
  28. Tomle1202
    Jul 9, 2017
    7
    Prototype lets you dive in with its powerful anti-hero protagonist, causing mayhem on the streets with his diverse and chaotic abilities. The fun stops here.
  29. muzmuz
    Nov 29, 2015
    5
    Prototype is not so bad, but it felt short of my expectations. I was hoping for a much more solid story line, but on the start I already found out it's roughly presented in the game. At any case, the game play is fun and worth a little bit of a gamer's time although not particularly addictive.
  30. Voyou
    Dec 2, 2017
    5
    Awesome... and then it displays the worst checkpoint system ever designed, which completely ruins the game's potential and my will to finish it.

    I mean, only a moron would give you free roaming without free saving, right ? And yet this moron is capable of giving you the best feeling of superpowers ever, when so many franchised superhero games failed and fail. Ah bummer ! One single flaw    Awesome... and then it displays the worst checkpoint system ever designed, which completely ruins the game's potential and my will to finish it.

    I mean, only a moron would give you free roaming without free saving, right ? And yet this moron is capable of giving you the best feeling of superpowers ever, when so many franchised superhero games failed and fail. Ah bummer ! One single flaw topples Prototype from greatness, and it's definitely frustrating when it is otherwise so much fun to play. I've been far enough to get almost all powers. While I don't master all of them, the action can be furiously entertaining. Yet nothing beats the pleasure of gliding over New York, of running up its skyscrapers. In Prototype, Spiderman ain't got nothing on you.

    So, if you can live with checkpoints and redoing long sequences from scratch, go for it. If your patience threshold for the reiterative is low however, either abstain or expect frustration.    … Expand
  31. 75978
    Apr 10, 2019
    7
    The game is fun to play and nothing more, it's nothing special

    especially now, graphics is outdated and therefore, the meaning of play in PROTOTYPE is no longer
  32. rezo_21
    Sep 18, 2021
    6
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 56 IIIIIIIIII====================
  33. r03vg
    Apr 17, 2020
    6
    Человек-паук с огромной любовью к литрам крови. Игра показалась довольно однообразной.
  34. teenageSpirit
    Dec 13, 2020
    5
    "They call me a killer, a monster, a terrorist ... I am that is."
    (c) Alex Mercer (Zeus) "Initial cut-scene"
    Here is my 5th review, and, accordingly, the 5th completed game in my life. About this game, I can write the following: Around 2011, they give me a disc with this game, from the cover I realized that in this game a lot of blood, cruelty and violence will be waiting for me (Well,    "They call me a killer, a monster, a terrorist ... I am that is."
    (c) Alex Mercer (Zeus) "Initial cut-scene"

    Here is my 5th review, and, accordingly, the 5th completed game in my life. About this game, I can write the following: Around 2011, they give me a disc with this game, from the cover I realized that in this game a lot of blood, cruelty and violence will be waiting for me (Well, who would refuse to play such a game at the age of 8? :D). Going into Prototype at that time, I did not even understand how to play and wasted the same mission (the very first, so to speak, tutorial), but all the same I did it and I went through the game further but got stuck on a mission with a super-hunter. Then it so happened that I eventually abandoned it. 2019, I decided to take it out of nostalgia and maybe go through it sometime. 2020 is the time of passage. Now, at the expense of the game all the same: for 2020, it’s somehow not the same as it was in childhood, at the expense of graphics, it’s also not very good (I played at 1920x1080 resolution and everything at maximum speed) but the game looks soapy and textures, to put it mildly better quality. I didn't like the plot at all, everything is too simple, obviously, it feels like they were doing it on the knee (probably it is). Expected to see something interesting from add. missions but these are 50+ completely identical missions with different game difficulty. Pleased with the idea of ​​the game, such as a virus, mutants and everything like that. For those who, in my situation, can buy for nostalgia, and for those who have this game for the first time I advise you to go further.    … Expand
  35. MaricaBogdan
    May 13, 2020
    6
    Not the best game i ever played, but was fun. Graphics are not the nicest but it's good.
  36. Gorbunov2004
    Aug 7, 2021
    5
    Игра сама по себе просто офигенная но боевую систему делал безрукие уроды, как такое говно можно было сделать! Управление на пк делал тоже такой же дебил.
  37. vova22379
    Dec 18, 2021
    6
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  38. Danvie
    Oct 7, 2022
    6
    Игра детства, та ещё и та самая в которой ты, как школьник после буллинга, feels like a monster >:(
  39. TahaAxe
    Sep 11, 2023
    7
    The gameplay and special powers were legendary, creating chaos in the city was a lot of fun, but I didn't like the story at all and the missions were not fun at all, except for the boss battles.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best PC Game of 2009
15
#15 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
28
#28 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Gameplayer Sweden
    50
    Prototype isn’t the type of game that shines despite of all it’s flaws. No, Prototype is the kind of game that surprises us that it isn’t in a worse shape just because of all it’s shortcomings. A mediocre game that tried so hard to be cool that it got lost in shallowness.
    Read full review
  2. DarkZero
    80
    It is absolutely the best game for wasting away those hot summer days. If you’re a fan of superhero games or just love gratuitous violence, you can’t go wrong with Prototype.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpy
    60
    Prototype's combat and world traversal alone can provide more than a few hours of entertainment, I just can't get over how cheap a lot of the game feels. Whether it's the dated looks, its frustratingly difficult latter portion, or its awkward storytelling, Prototype often feels like a budget title that unfortunately doesn't have a budget price.
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