Prototype 2: Bigger and badder

Like the original, Prototype 2 is a blending of genres: part superhuman game (a lĂ  Crackdown), part government conspiracy game (secret agency unleashing virus), and part zombie game (scores of infected humans and mutated monsters). It stays true to the formula that made the first game such a blast while upping the action, scale and personalization.

This time around, you play as Sgt. James Heller, a decorated veteran out for vengeance following the murder of his wife and child. An ill-fated meeting with Alex Mercer, the previous game’s protagonist, leaves him infected with the virus, giving him superhuman strength, enhanced speed and shape-shifting capabilities.

At first, the two join forces to take down both the corrupt corporation, Gentec, and its militant enforcers, known as Blackwatch. Like the original, digging deeper reveals layers of treachery to the story, with Mercer creating his own army of superhuman freaks. Thus the hunt begins, the difference in Prototype 2 being that the lines between good and evil, puppet and master, become much more blurred. While not as immediately engaging or original as the first game, it’s still executed well and the plot overall is just as entertaining.

Similar to the first game, as you progress through the story and consume DNA from key people and creatures, you unlock more mutations and more powers. Claws, tendrils, blades and various other virus-grown mutations, combined with your ability to climb up walls, sail through the air, or dive-bomb your opponents all lend an addictive intensity to the open-world game play. Powers are bigger and badder than the first game and because they are unlocked faster, the action is more immediately satisfying. While somewhat repetitive in the first few hours, a non-stop thrill ride is soon unveiled.

Other, more subtle elements have been added to up the thrill factor. There are black-box beacons, infected lairs and highlighted human targets sprinkled throughout the city, which, once collected, garner even more powerful upgrades. Your ability to hunt using sonar and the added feature of stripping vehicles of their weaponry makes you feel like more of a purposeful predator than government prey.

The leveling system has also been given an overhaul, with more personalized, dynamic ways of evolving into the ultimate killing machine. In-mission bonuses yield greater experience points, but doing side-quests also has its perks. This blending of personalization, side quests, and environmental perks makes you more connected to everything around you.

Immediately, players will notice the graphics have been tweaked. The city of New York looks better than before with more diverse environmental damage effects. While monsters don't look near as pristine as other action games, facial expressions are more human and lighting is superb. Cut scenes and memories all look superb and cinematic in their execution.

The sheer scope of the game has also been expanded. More then double in length and significantly bigger in scale than the original, there is no shortage of pain or perdition to unleash.

It pains me to admit it, but there is a duo of letdowns in the overall presentation. If it's possible, the gore has become even more pronounced. Blood gushes in every attack, bordering on the comical. Same goes for the bad language. There are times where there are more expletives being fired off than bullets. While both are gratuitous at first and rather insulting to the gamer's intelligence, you eventually – tragically – tune it out.

Prototype 2 moves away from the elusively emotional plot of the first and more into mainstream, intense action. While at first disappointing, once you accept that this new Prototype seems built to be bigger and badder than the original, you can just sit back satisfied, and enjoy the carnage.

When he’s not teaching junior high school, St. Albert Catholic High School alumnus Derek Mitchell can be found attached to a video game console.