It's been awhile since we've seen or heard anything from Radical Entertainment and its third-person, open-world action title Prototype. In fact, the last time we really heard anything new about the game was last year's San Francisco Game Developers Conference. And then when Activision got its claws into Sierra Entertainment, Prototype's former publisher, Radical Entertainment went dark.
Now, with the game shipping for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC this summer and Activision Blizzard taking over publishing duties, they're ready to talk. Today, they've released new screens and a trailer for the game, which reveals a bit about the gameplay and story. More specifically, the game's lead, Alex Mercer, talks about how he can absorb the memories, abilities, and identity of anyone using his mysterious mutant powers.
He's a mutant for sure, but he's no zombie. More after the jump.
I had a chance to see a live demo of Prototype today, sitting alongside Radical Entertainment's president Kelly Zmak as he showed off their goods. Zmak kept referring to this particular ability using the word "consume." Alex Mercer can "consume" his enemies, he said. Being a longtime fan of zombie films, I couldn't help but picture Mercer chowing down, tearing the flesh from the face of a soldier with his teeth. That's not the case.
"Prototype is all crunch but no munch," Zmak jokes, assuring me there's no cannibalism involved in Radical Entertainment's game.
After seeing it in action, I get exactly what he meant. In one instance, Mercer snuck up behind a soldier, gripping him around the throat before tar-like tentacles emerged, wrapping around his prey. In an instant it happened -- the tentacles tightened, snapping the soldier, exploding him in a puff and splatter of blood. The soldier had essentially disappeared; Mercer had "consumed" him.
Not quite the undead-devouring action I had pictured in my head, but violent and satisfying nonetheless. Who am I to complain?
There are more details on Prototype, including impressions and details from the CES demo, to come. Stay tuned, or whatever it is people do to Web pages that's the equivalent of being tuned in to a television show.
From my blog:
The same guy-in-a-suit also commented on whether Prototype will be featuring some kind of multiplayer:
"As we've stated previously, Prototype's multiplayer development was never 'off the table' but rather under evaluation and on hold. Now, with the updated 2009 timing, Prototype multiplayer is still on the table for evaluation, and further details will be revealed down the line."
who deserves my wrath? well everyone does when i play,old ladies,babies the handycapped whoevers in my way (i'll even go out of my way to punch a hole in a blind mans chest if he even "looks" at me funny.
It worries me that they've delayed this game so much. I know they probably spent that time retooling elements that needed improvement, but that also gives the developers time to overwork everything.
Lack of multiplayer isn't an issue for me. This and that damnable Infamous will be haunting my PS3 soon enough. I may have to sell my [but preferably someone else's] blood plasma to ensure this prophecy is fulfilled.
In an instant it happened -- the tentacles tightened, snapping the soldier, exploding him in a puff and splatter of blood. The soldier had essentially disappeared This sounds fucking EPIC
I agree, definately looks awesome! Hope it turns out ok. Looks like a cross between Spiderman, GTA, and... and... something which has morphing mechanics, er... Kameo! Yes, that'll do, Kameo.
This game keeps looking better and better. My question is though, if he can mutate and do other cool shit, does he really need to jack a tank? Can't he just like, cut or sneeze it in half?
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Contest:
9:30 PM on 01.08.2009
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From my blog:
The same guy-in-a-suit also commented on whether Prototype will be featuring some kind of multiplayer:
"As we've stated previously, Prototype's multiplayer development was never 'off the table' but rather under evaluation and on hold. Now, with the updated 2009 timing, Prototype multiplayer is still on the table for evaluation, and further details will be revealed down the line."
Incidentally I'm thinking this game will be mildly puzzle based.
Anyways, I'm looking forward to this too. Has potential.
This sounds fucking EPIC
This one has really changed my mind.
So far this looks like an enjoyable rental.
Do want.
Too much juvenile power fantasy, not enough considering consequences of consumption.
This game keeps looking better and better. My question is though, if he can mutate and do other cool shit, does he really need to jack a tank? Can't he just like, cut or sneeze it in half?
Hopefully it's awesome.
I was typing a comment assuming this was inFamous before I glanced up and saw your comment, so I have the same thoughts about it you do.