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CRITIK

Prey

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Prey
Item: Prey
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAction, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableMay 5, 2017

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperArkane Studios

Overview

Prey tells the story of Tommy, a Cherokee garage mechanic stuck on a reservation going nowhere. Abducted along with his people to a menacing mothership orbiting Earth, he sets out to save himself and his girlfriend and eventually his planet.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Prey has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some highlighting its positives. Critics like MondoXbox, Easy Allies, and Eurogamer Italy praise the game for offering a deep and engaging storyline with intriguing mysteries to uncover. The narrative is commended for its immersive and thought-provoking elements, such as exploring themes of identity, memory loss, and moral dilemmas. The alternate history setting, involving a space station overrun by aliens, adds depth to the storytelling and keeps players invested in uncovering the secrets of Talos I. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the story of Prey. The Jimquisition, Metro GameCentral, and Cheat Code Central criticize the narrative for lacking depth, engaging characters, and emotional impact. The weak antagonistic force, uninteresting aliens, and reliance on reading emails and audio logs for storytelling are highlighted as drawbacks. The pacing issues, slow middle act, and mundane main story are also mentioned as areas where the game falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Prey leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciate the complex narrative, engaging side quests, and thematic depth of the game, others find the story to be lacking in originality, character development, and emotional resonance. The varied opinions suggest that the storytelling in Prey may appeal more to players who enjoy exploration, moral decision-making, and unraveling mysteries, while those seeking a more character-driven or emotionally impactful narrative may find it lacking. Critics like Game Informer and Trusted Reviews acknowledge the compelling aspects of the story but also point out its shortcomings in execution. Ultimately, the reception of the story in Prey seems to depend on individual preferences for narrative depth and engagement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story of Prey. Some praise its immersive narrative, deep themes, and intriguing mysteries set in a space station overrun by aliens. However, others criticize its lack of depth, engaging characters, and emotional impact. While some appreciate the complex storytelling and thematic depth, others find it lacking in originality and character development. Overall, opinions vary on whether Prey's narrative will appeal to those who enjoy exploration and moral decision-making or disappoint those seeking a more character-driven and emotionally resonant experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Prey has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its emphasis on exploration, strategic gameplay, and player choice. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Gameplanet highlighted the game's Metroidvania design, offering multiple routes for exploration and experimentation. The inclusion of diverse weapons, abilities, and customization options, as mentioned by ZTGD and GameCrate, allowed players to approach challenges in various ways, promoting creativity and adaptability. The GLOO Gun, as noted by GamesRadar++ and Eurogamer Italy, was particularly lauded for its versatility and strategic use in combat situations. The RPG elements, skill trees, and deep upgrade system, as commended by Trusted Reviews and Worth Playing, added depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, several critics pointed out shortcomings in Prey's gameplay. Cheat Code Central and The Sydney Morning Herald criticized the clunky controls, ineffectual guns, and frustrating gameplay mechanics, such as cumbersome crafting systems and repetitive enemy encounters. Time and PC Games mentioned the predictability and tedium in certain gameplay sequences, like the overreliance on 'find the access key' objectives. Some critics, like Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite, found the combat mechanics to be unsatisfying, with issues in melee and ranged combat, detracting from the overall gameplay experience. IGN Italia highlighted the imprecise combat mechanics as a drawback, which could diminish the enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Prey leans towards a mixed reception. While the game excels in providing players with a wide range of exploration opportunities, strategic decision-making, and immersive storytelling, it falls short in delivering a consistently satisfying combat experience for all players. The game's emphasis on player choice, diverse gameplay mechanics, and intricate level design, as acknowledged by Eurogamer Italy and RPG Fan, contributes to its appeal among fans of immersive sim games. However, the issues with clunky controls, repetitive gameplay elements, and underwhelming combat, as highlighted by various critics such as Cheat Code Central and The Sydney Morning Herald, may deter some players from fully enjoying the overall gameplay experience. Ultimately, Prey offers a unique blend of exploration, resource management, and strategic gameplay, but its flaws in certain gameplay aspects prevent it from achieving universal acclaim.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Prey's gameplay impresses with exploration, player choice, and diverse mechanics like the GLOO Gun, but falters in clunky controls, repetitive tasks, and unsatisfying combat according to critics. It offers a mix of immersive sim elements and flaws that may divide players' opinions.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Prey are quite varied, with several positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as COGconnected, XboxAddict, and PlayStation Universe praise the game for its detailed and immersive environments, with the architecture of Talos I and the art deco aesthetic being standout features. The attention to detail in creating a lived-in space station environment, as noted by AusGamers and Trusted Reviews, adds to the overall immersion of the game. The blend of retro-futuristic visuals and intricate level design, as mentioned by Eurogamer Italy and RPG Fan, contributes to creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances the science fiction vibe of the game. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives in the Graphics and Visual Design of Prey. Metro GameCentral criticizes the game for lacking visual identity and having flat lighting and bland corridors. Game Informer and IGN mention the lack of visual diversity and one-note creature design, with flat textures at times. Worth Playing notes some texture pop and poor animation on non-main characters, while GameCrate highlights the lack of visual distinctiveness in human crew members. These criticisms suggest that while Prey excels in certain aspects of its visual design, there are areas where it falls short in terms of variety and polish. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards appreciating the overall visual design of Prey despite some shortcomings. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and We Got This Covered commend the attention to detail and the immersive nature of the game's setting, with Talos I being described as a standout achievement. The blend of different art styles, detailed environments, and the unique retro-future setting are aspects that most critics find engaging and praiseworthy. While there are criticisms regarding visual identity, enemy variety, and certain graphical issues, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's strengths in creating a rich and varied visual experience that enhances the overall gameplay and storytelling of Prey.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Prey's Graphics and Visual Design. Positive feedback includes praise for detailed environments and immersive architecture, while some critics criticize lack of visual identity and variety. Despite some flaws, most critics appreciate the attention to detail and engaging retro-futuristic setting, enhancing the gameplay and storytelling of Prey.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Prey are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as COGconnected, Forbes, Gameplanet, and Push Square praise the outstanding soundtrack that effectively enhances the atmosphere and gameplay experience. They highlight the tension-building elements, the evolution of the soundtrack throughout the game, and the immersive ambient noises that contribute to the overall sense of dread and isolation. Additionally, critics like Game Informer and Vandal appreciate the solid voice acting and sound effects that bring depth to the characters and setting, further immersing players in the game world. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives in the sound design and music of Prey. GameCrate and New Game Network mention issues with audio mixing and clarity, with music sometimes being too loud and overlapping with other sound elements, leading to confusion during intense moments or dialogues. The Jimquisition specifically criticizes the poor audio balancing, impacting dialog delivery and immersion, particularly in pre-rendered cutscenes and certain in-game elements. RPG Fan also notes sound mixing and balancing issues that affect immersion and overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Prey excels in its sound design and music, with the majority praising the game for its exceptional soundtrack, atmospheric ambient noises, and effective use of sound cues to enhance tension and fear. Critics like Digital Chumps, Gameplanet, and Worth Playing commend the soundtrack for being a perfect fit for the game, while others appreciate the dynamic audio system and immersive atmosphere created by the sound design. Despite some criticisms regarding audio mixing and balancing issues, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music of Prey significantly contribute to the immersive and engaging experience of the game, making it a standout aspect for many reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praise Prey for its exceptional sound design and music, highlighting the outstanding soundtrack that enhances gameplay with tension-building elements and immersive ambient noises. Some critics note issues with audio mixing and clarity, but overall, the consensus is that Prey excels in creating a immersive and engaging experience through its sound design and music.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Prey has received a lot of positive feedback from several critics. COGconnected, Eurogamer Italy, Game Informer, Vandal, AusGamers, and Worth Playing all praised the quality of the voice acting in the game. Critics like Eurogamer Italy specifically highlighted the Italian voice acting for enhancing the depth of the characters, while AusGamers mentioned specific voice actors like Sumalee Montano and Tim Kang for delivering pitch-perfect performances that enhance the storytelling experience. Worth Playing also commended the voice acting for conveying the right emotions in every situation. However, not all critics were entirely satisfied with the voice acting in Prey. IBTimes UK noted that while the voice acting was serviceable, it lacked standout performances. RPG Fan pointed out technical issues with voiceovers playing over each other and audio cues persisting after moving away from the source, which negatively impacted the overall experience for them. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the voice acting in Prey. The majority of critics appreciated the solid performances that brought the characters to life and added depth to the storytelling. Despite some technical issues and a lack of standout performances noted by a couple of critics, the general sentiment is that the voice acting in Prey contributes positively to the overall immersive experience of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise Prey's voice acting for bringing characters to life and enhancing storytelling, with standout performances by actors like Sumalee Montano and Tim Kang. Some critics mention technical issues and lack of standout performances, but overall, the voice acting is viewed positively for conveying emotions effectively and immersing players in the game's world.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4 platform, several critics highlighted positive aspects. Eurogamer Italy mentioned that the game impresses with stable performance, while The Jimquisition described it as running nicely without major technical issues. Additionally, LaPS4 noted that while some technical shortcomings were mentioned, they were not a major issue. These positive comments indicate that the game generally runs smoothly on the PS4, providing a stable gaming experience for players. However, there were notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance of Prey on the PS4. Multiple reviewers, such as Critical Hit, Easy Allies, and Trusted Reviews, pointed out issues like long loading times, control problems, bugs impacting gameplay, and occasional glitches. Gaming Nexus and We Got This Covered also highlighted critical bugs and technical shortcomings that affected the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that technical issues, particularly long loading times and bugs, hindered the gameplay experience on the PS4 platform. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Prey across all platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics like Digital Chumps and Metro GameCentral mentioned that the lengthy load times were expected to be reduced with patches, others like RPG Site and Twinfinite emphasized the negative impact of long loading screens on the overall experience. IGN provided a balanced view, acknowledging minor bugs and annoyances but stating that they did not significantly impact gameplay. The SixthAxis and Worth Playing highlighted issues such as input lag, texture pop-ins, and frame rate drops, which detracted from the gameplay experience. The varied opinions from different critics suggest that while Prey may offer a stable performance on certain platforms like PC, technical issues on consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One could affect player enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Prey's stable performance on PS4, but noted issues like long loading times, control problems, bugs, and glitches. Some critics expected improvements with patches, while others emphasized the negative impact of technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus on Prey's technical performance across platforms is mixed, with varying opinions on the impact of issues like long loading times and bugs on gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several videogame reviewers regarding the Replay Value of Prey highlight numerous positive aspects. Critics like Forbes and Game Informer emphasize the importance of exploration in enhancing replayability, with hidden areas, multiple paths, and branching choices offering players a different experience each playthrough. RPG elements such as player choices impacting outcomes, neuromods for enhancing abilities, and multiple endings, as noted by LaPS4 and RPG Site, add depth and variety to the gameplay, encouraging players to revisit the game. The challenging gameplay, variety of alien abilities, and strategic exploration and crafting, as mentioned by SpazioGames, contribute to the replayability factor, making each playthrough engaging and unique. On the other hand, some critics point out potential negatives that may affect the replay value of Prey. Gaming Nexus mentions bugs and balance issues that could hinder the overall replay experience, while God is a Geek highlights the risk of missing out on significant content if players choose not to explore thoroughly. Gaming Age notes that combat and scare tactics may become repetitive over Time, potentially diminishing the excitement of multiple playthroughs for some players. The Overpowered Noobs also express concerns about limited replay value due to repetitive gameplay and lack of significant branching paths or choices. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Prey offers substantial replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics, player choices, exploration opportunities, and multiple endings. The game's emphasis on exploration, strategic decision-making, and different playstyles, as praised by critics like GameCrate and New Game Network, contributes to a rich and immersive experience that beckons for multiple playthroughs. While some critics highlight potential drawbacks such as bugs and repetitive gameplay, the majority of reviewers appreciate the depth and variety that Prey offers, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a replayable and engaging single-player experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Videogame critics praise Prey for its deep replay value with diverse gameplay mechanics, exploration opportunities, and multiple endings. However, some mention bugs and repetitiveness as potential drawbacks. Overall, Prey offers an immersive experience that invites multiple playthroughs, making it a top choice for players seeking engaging single-player gameplay.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on the videogame "Prey," several positive aspects stand out. Critics such as Trusted Reviews and AusGamers commend the game for its outstanding exploration, engaging storytelling, and immersive world design. These reviewers highlight the strong gameplay experience, rich atmosphere, and high replay value that Prey offers. Additionally, Gameplanet praises the game for breaking away from the studio's previous trends and delivering a compelling plot with engaging narratives. The game's homage to classic titles, unique genre-bending experience, and dynamic gameplay are also acknowledged positively by Forbes and New Game Network. On the other hand, several critics point out the negatives of Prey. Cheat Code Central and The Jimquisition express disappointment in the game, with the former describing it as dreadfully boring and the latter deeming it mediocre and forgettable. Metro GameCentral and Slant Magazine criticize the dull storytelling, lack of excitement, and a focus on combat over exploration, which hinder the overall experience. Gaming Nexus mentions technical issues and gameplay challenges that prevent Prey from reaching its full potential, requiring updates to address bugs and balance problems. GameStar also notes that the game falls short in fully utilizing its potential for a complex narrative and character development. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the overall verdict of Prey is mixed. While some reviewers like Gameplanet and Game Over Online highly praise the game, calling it a must-own experience and a very good game, respectively, others such as Cheat Code Central and The Jimquisition have a more negative outlook, considering it boring and forgettable. Despite its flaws, many critics appreciate Prey for its immersive storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and detailed environment design, offering a rich and rewarding experience for players interested in a mix of combat, exploration, and resource management. The game's strong world-building, challenging gameplay, and homage to classic titles are highlighted as its strengths, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Critics praise "Prey" for its outstanding exploration, engaging storytelling, and immersive world design, with strong gameplay and high replay value. Some reviewers appreciate its break from studio trends, dynamic gameplay, and compelling plot. However, critics criticize the game for being boring, forgettable, and lacking in narrative depth. Mixed opinions exist on technical issues and gameplay challenges. Despite differing views, "Prey" offers an immersive and rewarding experience with strong world-building, challenging gameplay, and homage to classic titles.

CRITIK

Reviews

222 reviews found

100

Windows Central

Xbox One

May 8, 2017