Key Takeaways
1. Gameplay Features: Prey combines first-person action with RPG elements, emphasizing exploration, strategy, and resource management, allowing players to adapt their gameplay style.
2. Storyline and Setting: Set in an alternate 2032 aboard the Talos I space station, players uncover the truth about a Typhon alien outbreak while navigating moral choices and psychological puzzles.
3. Freedom to Explore: Players can roam Talos I freely, using various weapons and abilities, including supernatural powers gained from the Typhon, enhancing the gameplay experience.
4. Critical Reception: The game received praise for its engaging start, depth of skill trees, and immersive atmosphere, earning solid scores from critics and players alike despite some noted imperfections.
5. Availability and Pricing: Prey was released in May 2017 and is currently available at a significant discount on Steam, making it an attractive option for new players.
Prey is not your average shooter game. It combines first-person action with RPG elements, emphasizing exploration, strategy, and managing resources. The game is set in an alternate 2032, where President Kennedy survived an assassination attempt and launched a flourishing space program. You play as Morgan Yu on the Talos I space station, which orbits the moon. This station was once the hub of groundbreaking research until a catastrophic experiment unleashed a dangerous alien species, the Typhon, that killed almost everyone on board. With no recollection of your past, your mission is to reveal the truth about the Typhon outbreak and your role in the project. As the story progresses, you’ll encounter tough moral choices, unravel psychological puzzles, and influence the game’s ending in several ways.
Explore Freely
In Prey, you have the liberty to roam the vast environments of Talos I at your own rhythm, whether it’s hacking terminals or using the environment to trap enemies. The alien menace appears in various forms, from small Mimics that take the shape of common objects to formidable Phantoms with telekinetic powers. To fend them off, you can use standard weapons like pistols and shotguns or the inventive GLOO Cannon. You can also utilize neuromods that provide you with supernatural abilities, including powers taken from the Typhon themselves. These options influence your gameplay style, whether you favor a stealthy, tech-oriented method or a more aggressive, psionically driven approach. With an intricate crafting system, expansive skill trees, and numerous upgrades, Prey presents a rich and adaptable gameplay experience that encourages experimentation.
Critics’ Take
The German gaming magazine GameStar has lauded Prey for its compelling start, describing the initial hour as thrilling, full of unexpected twists, and stylishly executed. This captivating introduction instantly hooks players. Regarding gameplay, the review emphasizes Prey’s impressive freedom, pointing out the depth of the skill trees, clever level designs, and the multitude of potential strategies. The editors sum it up as “like the first Bioshock, but more demanding.” The game world is filled with a vibrant, immersive atmosphere, supported by exceptional sound design. Talos I, with its detailed environments and layered narrative, invites players to delve deeper and rewards curiosity at every corner.
Not Without Issues
Nonetheless, Prey has its imperfections. GameStar notes several aggravating moments, such as unexpected enemy ambushes and intrusive battle music that may trigger out of the blue. Other design choices, like lengthy walks without fast-travel options or cumbersome hacking mini-games, can detract from the experience. The interface for terminals and inventory management can also feel clumsy at times. Technically, the CryEngine does not fully showcase its capabilities. While the graphics are decent, they don’t particularly impress. Despite these shortcomings, GameStar awarded Prey a solid score of 85 out of 100. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 82 and a User Score of 8.1. Nearly 35,000 players on Steam have reviewed it, with 90% giving it a thumbs up. So, while it isn’t flawless, Prey is evidently well-received by both critics and gamers alike.
Prey was created by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, making its debut in May 2017. Typically priced around $30 on Steam, it’s currently offered at just $3 due to a 90% discount running until April 26. As per SteamDB, this marks the first time the game has been available at this price since January 2025.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply