Prey

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: 2K Games
  • Release Date: Jul 11, 2006
  • Also On: PC
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 150
  3. Negative: 17 out of 150
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  1. BrettS.
    Sep 17, 2006
    9
    So, this is a rarity, I have finally found a game for the 360 that does not suck (Oblivion, battlefield are two other fantastic games). This game was visually spellbindingly awesome. For all those who say this game was like DOOM or other 1st person shooters, yes you are right, but what do you expect from a 1st person shooter, the whole idea of a 1st person shooter is to shoot things. So, this is a rarity, I have finally found a game for the 360 that does not suck (Oblivion, battlefield are two other fantastic games). This game was visually spellbindingly awesome. For all those who say this game was like DOOM or other 1st person shooters, yes you are right, but what do you expect from a 1st person shooter, the whole idea of a 1st person shooter is to shoot things. Really, the only thing you can change is the background, and the concept just like PREY did with the way it twisted dimensions and gravity. I really enjoyed the opening level where you could actualy make all the things in the bathroom and bar work, unlike so many other games where they don't. The 3 dimensional concepts and gravity concepts in the game were awesome, for me that is taking a 1st person shooter to new levels, i have never seen a game with that sort of design,(eg were entering into one portal makes you 2 feet tall etc). Well done Human Head Studios!!! Online wasn't so much fun, but you can't be perfect.… Expand
  2. Locimento
    Oct 3, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. VERY great game with a cool story and interesting characters. The game also features a lot of unique and fun weapons to use. And the spirit mode is a unique twist that you use to solve various puzzles and challenges. The game also has some great atmospheric music. Most of the environments usually look similar except for the occasion where you go into space but besides that your moving through paths and chambers that all pretty much look the same. The graphics are also very nice looking for the time . But one thing i hated about the game is that a lot of the time it is VERY unclear what it is you are supposed to do and ill sit there for 25 minutes looking around trying to figure out what im supposed to do.… Expand
  3. Fred
    Aug 7, 2006
    8
    Sure, much of Prey seems familiar, but there's just enough innovation to satisfy and create an experience, something generally lacking in 360's game library. Prey is engrossing and beautifully done.
  4. Sonofspam
    Dec 7, 2012
    8
    So if you are not good at shooters this would be a good recommendation since even if you "die" you go straight into a spirit world where you just have to shoot some red and blue fish to get back your life and you fall right back to where you died without losing a stitch.

    There are also really complicated puzzles especially for a FPS. The only problems i had was the game was too    So if you are not good at shooters this would be a good recommendation since even if you "die" you go straight into a spirit world where you just have to shoot some red and blue fish to get back your life and you fall right back to where you died without losing a stitch.

    There are also really complicated puzzles especially for a FPS.

    The only problems i had was the game was too short ( i finished it in less than two weeks) I would have also liked to have seen more use for the spirit abilities they are only really used for the puzzles and getting through force fields,    … Expand
  5. BradySmith
    May 27, 2014
    8
    Prey is a pretty cool game. The gravity shifting, unique level designs, and creepy atmosphere are the major strong suits here. The action isn't quite spectacular but it's still pretty solid overall. The weak points of the game in my opinion are the story and voice acting. They just came across as clunky and cheesy to me, which is a shame because the basic premise is intriguing. I'dPrey is a pretty cool game. The gravity shifting, unique level designs, and creepy atmosphere are the major strong suits here. The action isn't quite spectacular but it's still pretty solid overall. The weak points of the game in my opinion are the story and voice acting. They just came across as clunky and cheesy to me, which is a shame because the basic premise is intriguing. I'd still say the game is worth a look though, for its unique gameplay and surreal world. Not perfect, but still an entertaining shooter.… Expand
  6. Ivan3392
    Jan 2, 2014
    10
    Easily one of the best games I've ever played.
    Prey is a Sci-fi Shooter with a very interesting story (you are Tommy, a native American who has been abducted by aliens and the fate of the world lies in your hands), nice graphics and awesome weapons.
    So if you like single-player FPS games with a tense atmosphere and a good story you should definitly buy it
  7. BaronMonaco
    Sep 17, 2015
    7
    Prey was supposed to be a new reference in the FPS world but in facts it wasn't at all. The gameplay is pretty generic, except for the importance of mini puzzles that use gravity and teleportations, but the shooting is really emotionless and you won't feel any thrill when facing enemies you just shoot at them and wait for them to die, and what if they kill you first ? No worry you can'tPrey was supposed to be a new reference in the FPS world but in facts it wasn't at all. The gameplay is pretty generic, except for the importance of mini puzzles that use gravity and teleportations, but the shooting is really emotionless and you won't feel any thrill when facing enemies you just shoot at them and wait for them to die, and what if they kill you first ? No worry you can't die in this game when you go out of live there is a minigame that will allow you to regain some life and relive exactly where you were at the moment of your death and that's what ruined the game, no challenge at all !

    Too bad because the guns and the story were originals and I'll regret the cancelled sequel that could have been something great., instead you just go down hallways and shoot at things, there is no major default but you won't remember the game, except for its easiness.    … Expand
  8. marlinspike
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    though the online component has long gone the way of the dodo, this is easily the reason why people should forgive 2K. I Sank a good 35 HOurs in the first playthrough alone,and im not ashamed to say I think portal is the poor-man's prey.
  9. sinadoom
    Sep 19, 2012
    6
    Prey is an intriguing game with a mind-bending concept, but that's all it really is. You can tell it's been in development for a long time because everything feels VERY old-school. However, this isn't a bad thing because it means there are less distractions. It's extremely linear, with no objective but to go through the level. Environments aren't particularly varied either. It's simple andPrey is an intriguing game with a mind-bending concept, but that's all it really is. You can tell it's been in development for a long time because everything feels VERY old-school. However, this isn't a bad thing because it means there are less distractions. It's extremely linear, with no objective but to go through the level. Environments aren't particularly varied either. It's simple and minimalistic, with the story being the only thing that holds it all together; albeit it's not very innovative. Character models and some environments are lacking in detail, and there is a severe frame rate drop at some points. It's a very dark game and environments don't really give the graphics a chance to shine, even though id Tech 4 has so much more to offer. It's not a long game, and the quality is very mediocre. However, even with all that taken into account, Prey is worth playing because there's nothing really like it in this generation of shooters- not on Xbox 360 anyway. Sometimes it's just nice to get away from the standards of modern shooters and play something from the 1990s.… Expand
  10. Skins
    Aug 1, 2006
    5
    An average game I'm afraid. The graphics are great but in single player mode its all too easy. Basically you cannot die! If you do lose all your health you whip to the spirit world, shoot a few birds and then you are back exactly where you left off. This means you are not at all conservative about your health. As for the live, i absolutely hated it tho anyone who liked timesplitters An average game I'm afraid. The graphics are great but in single player mode its all too easy. Basically you cannot die! If you do lose all your health you whip to the spirit world, shoot a few birds and then you are back exactly where you left off. This means you are not at all conservative about your health. As for the live, i absolutely hated it tho anyone who liked timesplitters will probably be happy.… Expand
  11. SYC
    Nov 9, 2006
    4
    Another glorified tech demo that like so many 360 games lacks originality or entertainment value of any kind. I was bored stupid after the first 15 minutes. Avoid it.
  12. Saber
    Jul 24, 2006
    4
    Another letdown in the longing lineup out there for the 360. From the 'looks' of the things, its Doom-3 on steroids...that's it ! the gamelength is fairly short, just around 8 hours, and even the first Aliens Vs. predator featured the upside-down shooting gameplay and didfairly well, what exactly is new here? sights, sounds or physics ! I wouldn't recommend anyone to Another letdown in the longing lineup out there for the 360. From the 'looks' of the things, its Doom-3 on steroids...that's it ! the gamelength is fairly short, just around 8 hours, and even the first Aliens Vs. predator featured the upside-down shooting gameplay and didfairly well, what exactly is new here? sights, sounds or physics ! I wouldn't recommend anyone to try to find out. Please Devs, for once, let 360 be a console and not the oldy retro PC !… Expand
  13. ChipL.
    Aug 14, 2006
    5
    This game was over-hyped, but it's still not bad. No, it doesn't deserve an 80; but it's worth renting and beating over the weekend. The graphics are good and the puzzles are mildly diverting. The online is terrible and lags too much.
  14. sammaher
    Jul 4, 2008
    6
    Prey can feel quite repetitive at times, And the constant changing off vertical views can leave you feeling quite nausea at times. Now this is not the worst game on the 360, And considering you may well be able to pick it up for less than a tenner, their is some enjoyment to get out of the game. Online can be a bit glitchy .
  15. IlyaZ.
    Jul 14, 2006
    5
    Alien Versus Predator did wall walking, and well, 7 years ago...so can people please stop talking about it as though it's something new and original.
  16. ShaneS.
    Jul 19, 2006
    0
    I hate it when crappy games are hyped to death like this. How many freakin PrwaY previews have been shoved down my throat over the last few months by gaming sites? Instead of actually working on making a good game, the developers simply hype it to death. Then when they release subpar garbage all the critics give it a much higher score than it deserves because they WANT to believe that the I hate it when crappy games are hyped to death like this. How many freakin PrwaY previews have been shoved down my throat over the last few months by gaming sites? Instead of actually working on making a good game, the developers simply hype it to death. Then when they release subpar garbage all the critics give it a much higher score than it deserves because they WANT to believe that the game isn't garbage. So many of the 80ish reveiws come from critics that are in denial about how bad the game actually is. Without the hype it would have garnered downright horrible scores.… Expand
  17. RobertJ.
    Jul 12, 2006
    4
    a step up from doom 3 definatly, but same tired old gameplay not fit for the next gen corridor shooters have long since had there day , multiplayer is a bore lags ridiculously even though i play on a t3 connection at work , this one had promise in multiplayer which would be the only reason to purchuse this game when u can fly through the single player in a weekend rental but with the a step up from doom 3 definatly, but same tired old gameplay not fit for the next gen corridor shooters have long since had there day , multiplayer is a bore lags ridiculously even though i play on a t3 connection at work , this one had promise in multiplayer which would be the only reason to purchuse this game when u can fly through the single player in a weekend rental but with the network problems that plauged the demo id give this one a miss an wait for unreal torniment 2007.… Expand
  18. aspentitan
    Mar 4, 2015
    7
    I found Prey to be an interesting and fun game. It is a sci fi game with a passable story. What I enjoyed about Prey was it was crafted with heart and unique ideas. It is a bit shooter, a bit puzzler and a great job was done with making the spacecraft you are taken up to immersive storywise.. Unfortunately the software engine is what makes this game from being a must buy. If this game wasI found Prey to be an interesting and fun game. It is a sci fi game with a passable story. What I enjoyed about Prey was it was crafted with heart and unique ideas. It is a bit shooter, a bit puzzler and a great job was done with making the spacecraft you are taken up to immersive storywise.. Unfortunately the software engine is what makes this game from being a must buy. If this game was done with todays next generation software we'de all be very happy gamers. As for being 2015 I just finished this game and did enjoy it. I only came across one bug and had to replay a level as the portal did not open up to take me to the next stage. Apart from that I enjoyed playing this game. At the start of the game you are captured and taken aboard a spaceship, as you play you must puzzle to the next area of the game and are greeted by first person shooter action. The AI is outdated as I said but still for 10-15 hrs of your life its an easy fun game. I'm on the fence whether to keep this game and replay it there are tons of games on the market and this wasn't perfect but it was decent enough. I guess this game is the first game im undecided like this i did enjoy its uniqueness but as well there are a lot of unplayed games to go on the shelves!! But worthy of a look. It starts a little weird and also ends a little weird but the imbetween is a nice ride.… Expand
  19. askewreviews
    Sep 10, 2013
    7
    One of the 360's first hugely hyped exclusives, Prey was something of a disappointment. It was a nice showcase of the console's hardware capabilities but ultimately far from being Microsoft's next Halo. Prey's well-delivered story and ambitious scope are hindered by the somewhat clunky and unpolished gameplay. Worth renting or picking up cheap on PC.
  20. twos
    Jan 2, 2014
    7
    Found this game pretty entertaining, played it years after it's release and it has aged better than most. The thing I find most interesting is that this game did portals before portal, down to the fact that they are blue and orange (portal did it a lot better, but blatantly took the idea from prey) Good mix of gameplay, with a decent story and steady pacing. Worth having a look.
  21. harryjc
    Jun 7, 2015
    6
    'Prey' is this crazy first person shooter, where you are an 'Indian' living on a reservation, with both your grandfather, and girlfriend. You long to leave everything behind...then all of a sudden you get your wish when all three of you are abducted by aliens. But right away your grandfather is killed, and your girlfriend is held captive. You find yourself trapped too, but with the help of'Prey' is this crazy first person shooter, where you are an 'Indian' living on a reservation, with both your grandfather, and girlfriend. You long to leave everything behind...then all of a sudden you get your wish when all three of you are abducted by aliens. But right away your grandfather is killed, and your girlfriend is held captive. You find yourself trapped too, but with the help of a mysterious stranger you are able to free yourself, and you must go around an enormous alien mother ship, shooting freaks of nature, and solving puzzles to find your damsel in distress.

    A cool idea really, but that is the strongest part of the story, and it declines from there. The gameplay, however, is the biggest issue. It's not as fun as one would think. First, the control scheme was very unusual. It was frustrating when you wasted ammo trying to activate an object. However, this was not a deal breaker.

    I was more concerned about my surroundings. The environments in 'Prey' are so muted, and murky, and so many places look the same. That doesn't apply in all parts of 'Prey', but for the most part there is a lot of repetition, going from place tp place, going up these whacky walkways, fiddling with gravity, and killing enemies who appear out of nowhere. It feels so long, and tedious. You feel like a rat trapped in a maze.

    Of course there are some good points to this game' A lot of the design elements were absolutely trippy. For example, you have the ability to use your spirit to do tasks for you and solve puzzles. When you die you go into a spirit realm, and you can replenish your health, and magic by shooting arrows at these flying monsters.

    There's one part in the game where you go through this portal, and find yourself on a mini planet. But everything is larger than you because you find out you've shrunk down...! Also, there are parts where you can listen to Art Bell from Coast to Coast AM talk to his listeners, which I thought was really awesome.

    But sadly, these bursts of creativity are not present throughout the entire game. There were many opportunities to take it up a notch, and it just never happened. The repetitiveness, and weak story held this game back from being great. Yet despite this criticism this is in no way a bad game. It's not a bad game. It's a game that was held back for one reason or another. It's still a shame they didn't get to make a sequel, and get a second chance.    … Expand
  22. Matza22
    Sep 25, 2015
    7
    I purchased Prey for a couple of pounds preowned, just on a whim. I had no idea about the storyline or features. Its a bit of a slow-burner, but some one the later levels are very interesting and unexpected. The graphics aren't anything spectacular, as many older games are more visually impressive than Prey.
    The gameplay is slightly slow and unresponsive, and the weapons aren't very    I purchased Prey for a couple of pounds preowned, just on a whim. I had no idea about the storyline or features. Its a bit of a slow-burner, but some one the later levels are very interesting and unexpected. The graphics aren't anything spectacular, as many older games are more visually impressive than Prey.
    The gameplay is slightly slow and unresponsive, and the weapons aren't very exciting either. The main qualities of the game are its storyline, as it does keep you interested, and you find yourself feeling for the main character, especially as the game progresses, and the enemies are also quite creepy and well designed.
    Its definitely worth a go, as it is different to many other 1st person shooters on Xbox 360.    … Expand
  23. Broyax
    Apr 14, 2020
    0
    Mouais... pas du tout convaincu par le machin, bien au contraire. Le jeu se repose trop sur ses tics (sans doute assez novateurs pour l'époque) dont il abuse (regarde, je marche au plafond trololol) ici et là et puis là et là... bref quasiment tout le temps en fait. Les "effets miroir" ou je ne sais comment appeler ça, les niveaux dans l'autre niveau (Alice au pays des niveaux, je présume)Mouais... pas du tout convaincu par le machin, bien au contraire. Le jeu se repose trop sur ses tics (sans doute assez novateurs pour l'époque) dont il abuse (regarde, je marche au plafond trololol) ici et là et puis là et là... bref quasiment tout le temps en fait. Les "effets miroir" ou je ne sais comment appeler ça, les niveaux dans l'autre niveau (Alice au pays des niveaux, je présume) et vice-versa qui ne sont finalement qu'un nouveau genre de téléportation, me les casse un brin (et je suis poli).

    Donc, ça devient barbant et je dirais même plus (comme dirait un Dupont) ça devient rébarbatif. Et barbant. Pour ne pas dire rasoir. La partie action est donc rapidement embrouillée dans ces niveaux alambiqués alors que les méchants xénomorphes nous tirent dessus et essaient de nous tuer. Et de nous empoisonner. Les sensations FPSesques sont elles aussi peu convaincantes, de toute façon.

    Enfin, l'ambiance générale est clairement répugnante, cracra, cradoc et cradingue : c'est beurk ! des avalanches de mauvais goût et de dégoût dans ce vaisseau dégueulasse de mes deux ; ça donne juste envie de chier dans un couloir. Ou plutôt une coursive de ce jeu-couloir pas très beau par ailleurs avec ses textures vilaines et souffrant d'un framerate suspecté de ralentissements...

    Bref, c'est un peu (beaucoup) de la merde tout ça... Mieux vaut (largement) l'autre Prey, bien plus moderne et... convaincant.    … Expand
  24. M300
    Dec 8, 2018
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed this game. In a time where originality is completely dead this old gem grabbed my want for something different.

    Excellent music and the beginning with the interactivity of the arcade machines and juke box was a great touch. The plot is not terrible but very fantasy - sci fi which i really liked. I could delve into the plot but that reveals spoilers. People with    I thoroughly enjoyed this game. In a time where originality is completely dead this old gem grabbed my want for something different.

    Excellent music and the beginning with the interactivity of the arcade machines and juke box was a great touch.

    The plot is not terrible but very fantasy - sci fi which i really liked. I could delve into the plot but that reveals spoilers.
    People with a low attention span and no care for opening their minds should steer clear, it requires an imagination to understand and enjoy it's plot.

    The only gripe which stopped me giving it a 10 is the enemies do become a bit boring towards the end but they do throw them at you in different ways especially when vs the keepers.

    Weapons are excellent but nothing boundary breaking or new, but their design, sound and feel are of high quality and each have appropriate uses.

    Performance was excellent and graphically resembles the PC version with AA & AF to a high standard.

    A worthy purchase especially in this day & age of battle royale & SJW field 5.    … Expand
  25. Mr.Nobody
    Jul 11, 2006
    8
    This is one of the most original games i have played in a long time but lacks in a few areas. There is no split screen mode so you eather need 2 xboxs or xbox live to play multiplayer. Also there should be more then deathmatch and team deathmatch.
  26. Adam
    Jul 20, 2006
    8
    Solid gameplay, unique and wonderful level design, fast paced and exciting multiplayer. I just wish the guns(which are great) had a little more BANG! FOR THE BUCK. They tend to lack that hard hitting impact and personality that guns in a FPS should have. Otherwise, great game.
  27. MartinS.
    Oct 1, 2006
    7
    This game is definitley better than Quake. More original and slightly less linear. It is a great game to buy used for $30
  28. JeffA.
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Xbox had halo and the 360 has Prey. Superb graphics, characters, weapons, storyline, controls and audio make Prey a must have FPS. 11 years in the making and it was well worth the wait. The portal technology in the game sets Prey part from any other game and crowns this title as the king of FPS.
  29. BruinsFan
    Jul 12, 2006
    7
    Mindblowing single player campaign, drap and been there, done that multiplayer. I played the single player for about 4 hours straight after getting it home from the store. It is just riveting. The visuals are spectacular, the level design is magnificent (all be it very similar to Doom 3), The weapons are plain awsome, and the controlls are perfect. The game however takes a dive with me in Mindblowing single player campaign, drap and been there, done that multiplayer. I played the single player for about 4 hours straight after getting it home from the store. It is just riveting. The visuals are spectacular, the level design is magnificent (all be it very similar to Doom 3), The weapons are plain awsome, and the controlls are perfect. The game however takes a dive with me in the online multiplayer. It playes exactly like Quake 4 or Unreal with some portals and alot of anti-gravity. However, when there is more than two players on the screen at the same time there seems to be alot of lag and confusion. Nevermind the fact that I cant stand games where you seem to have shoot my enemy 15-20 times to get a kill. The player models are the only real let down in the graphics, I mention it only because its on the humans and you really only see them in multiplayer. So in my opinion if you like single player games like Quake 4 or Doom 3 then you will love this one. If you like multiplayer games like the formentioned, may or may not like this game.… Expand
  30. PavelM.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    1010. Amazing game. Best FPS I have played since Halo. Creepy, scary and fun. The great (professional) reviews on this game are 100% accurate.
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
12
#12 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006
18
#18 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 80 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 80
  3. Negative: 2 out of 80
  1. Detroit Free Press
    100
    Prey is touted as having an adaptive difficulty system -- the better you are, the better it gets -- and it really did seem to get harder as the game went on. As a result, there are just two difficulty settings, Normal and Cherokee, and I'd advise that even vets might want to give Normal a try on the first run out, letting the game's artificial intelligence pick up the pace to a comfortable level.
    Read full review
  2. 1UP
    80
    If only the Native American mysticism had figured in more. If only the spirit "death walk" had developed into something more than a shooting gallery. If only the voice acting and storytelling were a little better. If only there were more than just deathmatch to the multiplayer. All those half steps...but even combined, they don't amount to a stride backward.
    Read full review
  3. GamesRadar+
    80
    It could have been much better if only there were more than two modes (deathmatch and team deathmatch) and a couple of maps small enough to play with less than five players, but Prey is still a major blast for shooter fans with strong stomachs.
    Read full review
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