Prey: An Immersive Sim That Shines Brightly
Holiday Long Read | A Timeless Sci-Fi Classic That Has Only Improved with Age
Prey, a sci-fi immersive sim by Arkane, was a surprising experience for both players and the developer.
Introduction
Since its release in 2017, Prey has been a game that burned brightly but all too briefly. With glowing reviews arriving late due to Bethesda’s code withholding, and a misleading title suggesting a reboot of an unknown game, Prey struggled to find its audience. However, two games released in 2023 have brought Prey back into the spotlight – System Shock and Redfall. Both games highlight the unique qualities and innovation demonstrated by Arkane Austin, but in very different ways.
Into the breach
(Image credit: Bethesda)
Prey lacks the flashy violence of Dishonored, the cyberpunk allure of Deus Ex, or the undersea fantasy of BioShock. It offers players an eclectic toolset, from a glue-shooting gun to the ability to transform into a cup. Prey’s story and themes focus on intellectual exploration rather than emotive drivers like revenge or conspiracy. It’s a unique experience that may not have been fully appreciated upon release.
The Brilliant Opening
(Image credit: Future)
One of the highlights of Prey is its brilliant opening. Players wake up in a penthouse apartment, only to be transported to the headquarters of TranStar Industries. However, the tests are interrupted, and players find themselves back in their apartment. The game leaves players to figure out the rest, discovering that they are not on Earth but aboard the space station Talos 1, infested with hostile alien creatures known as the Typhon. Prey’s opening sets the stage for its unpredictable and mysterious gameplay.
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The Spellbinding Presentation
(Image credit: Arkane Studios)
Prey’s general presentation is spellbinding. It combines busy near-future science-fiction with elegant art-deco furnishings, creating a distinct and timeless style. The faces of its characters, less menacing than Dishonored’s, carry a touch of caricature that makes them uniquely Arkane NPCs. The writing and acting are understated, and the music composed by Mick Gordon adds to the eerie atmosphere of the game.
Talos 1: A Masterful Design
(Image credit: Arkane)
The crowning achievement of Prey is Talos 1, the meticulously designed space station that serves as the game’s setting. Every inch of Talos 1 has been accounted for, allowing players to explore every nook and cranny. The station’s layout pays tribute to Looking Glass’ System Shock, with operational sectors delineated vertically. Talos 1’s scale and accuracy make the ability to venture outside the station using a spacesuit even more immersive.
Shifting shape
Prey owes much to System Shock as its spiritual successor. However, Prey exceeds System Shock by offering remarkable flexibility in approaching situations. Players can use the GLOO gun to entrap enemies or climb walls, or transform into objects like cups, gun turrets, or engineer robots. The Huntress Boltcaster, a toy crossbow, can activate buttons and distract enemies. Prey’s subversive toolset lets players experiment and strategize, though it can be challenging to master during intense combat.
An Engaging Cast and Thought-Provoking Narrative
(Image credit: Arkane)
While Prey lacks headlining villains like SHODAN and Andrew Ryan, it compensates with a cast of hundreds of crew members on Talos 1. Through audio and text logs, players learn about the personalities of these characters and the events leading up to their demise. Prey’s narrative explores themes of memory and identity, making it the strongest storytelling in any Arkane game. It takes a subtle and intellectual approach that sets it apart but also makes it a harder sell to a mass audience.
The Consequences of Redfall
The failure of Redfall, Arkane’s subsequent game to Prey, has left the studio in uncertainty. Job postings for experience in action RPGs and immersive sims suggest a return to their roots, while leaked plans indicate a possible Dishonored 3. While fans would welcome these developments, the immersive sim genre has struggled to attract widespread attention for almost 30 years. However, like System Shock, Prey’s star continues to shine brighter as time passes, and word of its brilliance spreads.
Additional Q&A Content
Q: How does Prey compare to other immersive sim games?
A: Prey offers a unique and cerebral experience compared to other games in the genre. Its toolset and gameplay mechanics provide remarkable flexibility, but also require players to think strategically.
Q: Is Prey a horror game?
A: Prey has elements of horror but focuses more on intellectual exploration and mystery rather than jump scares or gore. It creates an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.
Q: Can I complete Prey without fighting enemies?
A: Yes, Prey allows players to approach situations with various playstyles, including stealth and avoiding direct combat. The game encourages players to think creatively to overcome challenges.
Q: Are there multiple endings in Prey?
A: Yes, Prey features multiple endings that depend on player choices throughout the game. These choices affect the story and the fate of characters on Talos 1.
Q: Is Prey related to the 2006 game of the same name?
A: No, the 2017 Prey is a reimagining of the original game and does not have a direct connection to its predecessor. The 2017 Prey offers a completely new story and gameplay experience.
References
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Video References
Image References
- Prey (Image credit: Bethesda)
- Edge (Image credit: Future)
- Best Arkane Games – Prey (Image credit: Arkane Studios)
- Prey (Image credit: Arkane)
- Prey (Image credit: Arkane)
