User Reviews (1 - 11 of 18)

Show these reviews first:

Highest Rated
Lowest Rated Newest
Oldest Most Helpful
Least Helpful

Before Portal, there was PREY: An FPS time almost forgot.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I remember picking up a PCXL (PC Accelerator) mag many years back as a kid and remembered a certain article of a particular game idea that was in the words by the infamous 3d Realms company. The title had a simple, single named franchise called "Prey." ... the idea never came to being till many MANY years later as if it came out of the woodwork as something 'new' but with the aspirations of something being very old. With those not into the history about Prey, it was 'supposed' to be the groundbreaking game that was going to change the FPS phenomena and it probably could have... almost a decade ago. There's been so much inbetween as far as graphics, the kind of FPS titles that have come out that we ourselves should be to blame of just how jaded we are about being a gamer.

Yet here, we have a reinvention of the genre. The problem, as said before is that many games have come before it then as well as after that Prey has most likely become a unsettling mystery to some, as well as a jaded front for many... I say we should blame Halo for taking all the FPS ego, because a 'good story' or a 'good game' shouldn't take 3 titles just to get it right, but enough about my ranting, on with the review.

Story - The story is that fine line between Sci-Fi and fantasy, with sci-fi being through the aliens and fantasy through the Cherokee mysticism; not that either of them are essentially bad, in fact, Prey did a GREAT job at merging the two. You start off feeling the 'reality' of just reality... until the aliens come, then you're just blown away by sudden impact of survival; and the title holds way too true. The experience is best lived, just play the game.

Graphics - It's mentioned this is an improved use of the Doom 3 engine... and while I've played Doom 3, there are only slight suggestions it feels like Doom 3 if anyone wants to bring that distinction, but this REALLY feels like a unique world in itself. If you have the computer to do it, pump this game with all the graphic mayhem you can unleash and you'll be in for one hell of a ride. 2 years is a long ways away as far as graphics and graphics cards are concerned, but this game really holds up well on what might be considered 'dated', Crysis, take note.

Sound - Unbelievably executed. Every noise and quirky sound you hear fits the environment perfectly and adds even more the depth that this game's setting pulls you into.

Gameplay - Addictively fun. The AI is sometimes a little predictable, but at least it reacts. That's not saying the AI is completely incompetent, in fact, it's mostly the grunt forces you run into that are kind of secondary. As for the other opponents, they'll definitely give you a good shake about your wits, tough and merciless opponents. It's probably more that the enemy is amazingly relentless; and as you are fighting an alien force pent on human eradication, it fits, tough and engaging. The 'portal' technology in this game (overshadowed by Valve's PORTAL franchise) is a huge coincidence that something like this would end up becoming something you would ultimately control... not in this game, but you do have to work your head around some of the different levels of planes you have to walk on. Up is down, down is up... just some wild, surreal stuff happens and you get accustomed to it, but it's a little dizzying at first, until you get the hang of it, and you realize just how much fun it really is. This is also the first game I've played in a long time where I've actually took it outs of its case, installed, played... and actually beat in one sitting. I did so because the game is just THAT fun! You'll die, you go through this 'spirit world' where you take out spirit wraiths to revive spirit and health and then you're brought back into the world you were once fighting in. To me, this is a good calm down session and keeps you in check; keeping the player busy and engaged with the game rather than having to wait for a load time from a previous save because you died. The ONLY time I saved was once, only because I thought I needed to, and that was the ONLY save I ever used and I needn't ever go back to that save-- the game will keep you going and going and going... and finally you get to that ending and you'll want more. I did... and the ending gives you so much more open promise, you just can't go wrong with this game.

Packaging - Because this is the limited collector's edition, it's worth mentioning what's inside. The case comes in an awesome tin case with a cool little booklet with the concept art of the game; as an art student with gaming besides, this was an awesome addition. The little pewter figures are neat as well, the official soundtrack also offered to you, not on disc sadly enough, but as a download... which is great if you have broadband, but if it were an actual physical CD at hand, that would have just been fantastic, and it all comes loaded neatly in the tin's velvet interior! I figure, if you're gonna get a game and there's a collector's edition of it out... spare the extra dollars for it unless you're not into that kind of thing, but speaking from a collector's stand point, I couldn't be happier.

Overall Synopsis - Prey is a great game that time almost forgot and there's more proof in its history than when it actually came out. I guess if you're a gamer you're not into that kind of thing just exactly where every game comes from and where it's going... they're just in it for the performance to stress their system, to gloat about some kind of feeling they get from beating something faster than anyone else or who can beat who the most notoriously, but for what it's worth, Prey stands out as a game worthy by storytelling, design and execution. You wonder if game developers even care about stuff like this anymore but I'm glad 3D Realms still does and that they didn't have an idea die out from its original pitch over a decade ago.

Just 2 years after Prey's release, several more FPS's would come and overshadow Prey, Call of Duty 4 being a very good reprisal to that but for everything else inbetween from then to that... couldn't really tell you.

If you like a good story, got some frag to gib, want to hear some god awfully good music that scores with your gaming and just want to feel like a 1990's super action hero... you couldn't go anywhere else but with Prey. Seriously, what're you still doing reading this all? BUY THIS GAME! You won't regret it.

Great game... really enjoyed it.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: December 07, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I really enjoyed Prey. The game was fun and with some very unique gameplay... graphics were great and it wasn't too long as some games are these days. It's inexpensive and a great shooter. What's not to like about that?

Great concept and delivery with only a few lows

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 10, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Considering how long this game has been out, I won't waste time with an introduction. This was a real satisfying setup, especially given I got it out of the bargain bin at Wal-mart. The portals and gravity manipulation gave the game a wonderful feel and a sense of vertigo that was almost constant, and kept me looking in every nook and cranny on walls and ceiling, given you had no idea where the next batch of opponents would come from. The portaling system was gorgeous, and despite being a little underexplained (if the Sphere needs energy, stop making portals which probably require the power of medium-sized cities) introduced a visual element that literally took my breath away when I first saw it. Not to mention the gorgeous scenes of the interior of the sphere.

The visceral atmosphere was also well developed and mantained, from the initial "juicer" you first encounter to the catatonic humans you periodically run into. The enemies have a great balance between being monstrous and just simple animals, rather than acting like you have a homing becaon attached to you like so many shooters are wont to do.

The only problem I have is some of the stereotypical anecdotes and flaws of the character. The grandfather of the main character is so overly done it seems like he'd have been better placed in "Dances With Wolves." At one point he comments on how Tommy needs to learn to fight like his people, rather than "with white mans weapons." I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a SAW or a flamethrower myself, heritage or no heritage.

The only other problem is the protagonist himself. Granted, one can easily understand his disillusionment with growing up on a reservation and wanting to leave, and his dislike of his culture, which reminds him of the res, but when your grandfathers spirit walks up to you in a spiritual world, I'd think you're well past the point of everything you grew up learning being, in the characters words, "superstitous s#!t"

Aside from those slight problems, which would really only stick in the craw of someone like me, who overanalyzes movies, this game is fantastic. The other audio is great, the radio messages you intercept are hysterical, and the flow of the game is fantastic. Given that you can easily pick this up now for around $20, go buy it!

Great game, terrible Collector's Edition.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: August 01, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I loved Prey - the atmosphere, the art direction, the mood... it was all bang-on perfect. I love games that offer an excellent experience, as opposed to just more shooting bad guys. Prey had a story to tell, and it did it well while drawing you into it's world and it's mythos. That said, this is easily the WORST Collector's Edition I have ever had the misfortune to purchase. The metal tin is nice, and the figurines are interesting (if altogether useless)... but the big two sell points are the art book and the soundtrack. I've already said the art direction in the game is fantastic, and I love to get a peek at the concept art that goes into making the game world come alive. Unfortunately, the art is all spoiled by censorship boxes (yes, those little square boxes) that cover "offensive" bits of sketches and paintings. Mind you, this is a Mature game with all those anatomical bits readily present on the hideous and horrifying aliens. There is nothing explicit here, and the game isn't censored... so why ruin an otherwise excellent collection of art?

The second big problem is far worse than the first. Although the game is advertised as coming with a soundtrack (and what a fantastic soundtrack it is, too) - there is absolutely no CD. In fact, it's not even an iTunes coupon. What you get is a slip of paper with a web address and a code. Before you can listen to your soundtrack, you have to download and install a special music player. The music will only play with this special software. It's not MP3 format, and you can't put it on any kind of mobile music device (like an iPod or PSP). The DRM is entirely proprietary - meaning that fantastic soundtrack can only be listened to on your internet-connected computer using special software than can only be installed 5 times ever (regardless of whether you reformat, rebuild, or replace your current computer). It's absolutely worthless.

At the moment, the Limited Edition is pretty cheap here at Amazon, but it's still a terrible purchase. Save yourself the frustration and get the normal version instead: Prey.

Objective experienced reviewer

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: February 27, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Graphics: Excellent.
Sound: Great.
AI: Excellent. Good variety. Some enemies duck-and-cover, etc. Some are fearless and charge on sight. Some are mindless and pay no attention to you.
Physics: Excellent.
Maps: Excellent. Rich, creative unique environments. Derivative of but improvement over Doom3 engine. Walk on walls, ceilings, spirit-walk through walls and over nothingness. Portals appear anywhere. Just walking through the game maps becomes a very original, sometimes disorienting experience instead of the regular doldrum "just get me to the end of this boring level". Nice merging of the earth bar with the ship. Excellent nod to Art Bell (real-life talk radio host that used to talk about aliens a lot) by having his show broadcast throughout the ship/game. Very very well done.
Gameplay: Excellent. No frame-rate drops. Excellent load time. I was never lost or trapped to the point where I had to consult the internet to figure out where to go and no scripted events failed to activate. Game length was long. Save-anywhere ability. Good variety of enemies and challenges.
Items/Weapons/Vehicles: Excellent. Unique biomechanical alien weapons which are alive, spiritual weapons charged by souls - very creative. Lighter instead of flashlight (original).
Story: Excellent. Compelling, engrossing story, a sense of urgency to complete things, you care about the characters and want to see where the story is going. Acting/voice acting was good.
Multiplayer: Average. no offline. Offline people deserve more - don't soak us for more cash.
Overall: 5/5. Game is a unique standout with it's native American Indian theme meshed with Alien tech and 3-D gameplay. One of the best 360 games for 2006 - must have. Got a 8.1/10 on [...] and clearly deserves a higher (9+ rating). Currently ranked #35 of all xbox360 games on [...]. Clearly deserves better.

Super Sweet!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: January 22, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Great Game! lots of cool features! like walking on walls, and portels, The guns are pretty sweet too! everything on the ship is alive! even the guns! One of those storys where in the begining you die. then u get trasported to the "Land of the Ancents" where you come back with super powers! [...] great Sci-fi! i highly reccomend buying the limited edition. only 1 cd compared to 3! and much more!!!

Its good but gets old

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 04, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I play the game once and finish but I dont have the need to go back to it. Its one of those games that are good but you dont feel like playing it again after you finish the first time.

Great Tech, Interesting Puzzles, Disturbing Subject matter...

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 12 / 21
Date: September 11, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Prey offers a ton of great gameplay, Great Tech, Stunning Production Value, and is something I would definitely consider "Next Generation".

Prey also offers some great twists. Setting wise I found the overall theme Gross for the sake of being Gross, lacking depth, or reason. This is usually something I can get over pretty fast and still enjoy the game for what it is. In the case of Prey, that was even easier than most, due to interesting Gravity Puzzles, Portal Tech, interesting alien weapons, and a lot of very fresh new ideas for FPSs.

** SPOILER ALERT **
The reason I gave this Prey only 2 Stars is because of a some situations that I felt were crossing the moral line for me personally.
There was a part where you witness 2 children captives (one little boy and a little girl about age 5-6) are brutally and graphically killed. I consider this very bad taste, and usually shrug it off as sensationalism, and go on with the game. However there is another point where the murdered children become Spirits, and to get past them you have to Shoot them (It takes less ammo to shoot them in the head).
Seeing scenes of children brutally murdered by an Evil Force is crossing the line for me, but it is a Line I can step back across with a little effort. Evil things do evil things to everyone, including children. That's what makes them evil, and can drive a story or make something villainous even more sinister.
However, having to personally shoot the children sprits myself (Preferably in the head) was just way too much for me personally. This was the point I stopped playing myself, so my review is only up to this point in the game. I have no idea what comes next.

I am not one to usually jump on the "Keep Violence out of my Video Games" bandwagon, but in the case of Prey I feel they went to a place that just felt was very wrong and I had a very big problem with being in a situation where I had to Shoot children or children like monsters (Spirits or other wise). For me that earned a very large Star reduction for what otherwise could have been a five star game for me.

I know that some people don't feel that something like this is a big deal, and that there are other people who feel much like I do on this topic. It is for the latter people I am writing this review.

** END SPOILER ALERT **

Don't get me wrong, Prey has some amazing parts as well, stunning situations, and some challenging puzzles. There is a Lot I do really like about Prey, but it is not a game for everyone. I feel it may not me for me.

If this is your type of game, The Limited DVD Edition is worth the extra $10-15. The Minis have a great amount of detail, the art book is small but still very nice, which to me it worth it right there.

Great new shooter

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: August 28, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This was a wild new experience . I have read where some say the weapons are "normal" or nothing special". Well its a shooter...First Person Shooters have weapons that shoot. This game is much more than that. There are gravity walkways and portals that take you to another place instantly. The enemy is a scary bunch of monsters.There are a few surprises along the way. Even the ending has a neat twist...just keep watching past all the credits.Buy this game, you will be glad you did.

Short But Sweet

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: August 19, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Not just another "run of the mill" "Been there done that to death" First Person Shooter (aka. FPS), Prey adds a little bit to the FPS game.

The portals and gravity switching are cool and different and the story is a bit above the avrage FPS. It's nice how they handled your characters death and did not just spaw you back at the start of the level but insted let you fight ghosts to respawn at your body. The spirt walk is cool too but is missing something as it is mostly used to just "walk through force field push button to turn off said forcefield".

The graphics are a bit better than DOOM 3, the game Prey gets it's graphics engine from, and can still be played on modest hardware with some "eye candy" and playable framerates.

My system, once long ago very powerful, can play it with most settings on low at 1024x768 with no AA or AF. My system is as follows: CPU: XP 2700+ (2.1GHz), Memory: 2Gb PC3200, Video: ATI RADEON 9700 Pro (128Mb), and Sound: Soundblaster X-fi.

Prey brings a few nice changes but it's much the same as all other PFS at it's core. It is too short and could have been longer. I installed it and played it allmost nonstop and beat it in about 9 hours. Now that I've been through the game I could shave and hour or so off that time.

The limited Collector's Edition has some nice items and I really like the metal box it comes in. The small figurine is not very good though.

PS. I love the Coast To Coast AM with Art Bell raido show that they pop up from time to time during the game, thanks for adding that to the game.

Review Page: 1 2 Next 

Actions