Specifically I am referring to multiple instances of Patrick singling out Prey on the Bombcast as a bad game or his most recent mention of wishing Tommy (protagonist from Prey 1) wasn't in Prey 2.

I'm curious as to how many others feel this way because I am really not sure if the wool was just pulled over my eyes for this game and its story. I was completely captivated by Tommy's heritage and his hesitancy to accept the old traditions espoused by his grandfather. The moment Tommy begins to embrace his culture (and a new game mechanic) felt like something games rarely even attempt to do and I think Prey does it very well.

I'm not saying Prey is great because its hero is a Native American, but I do think that aspect to the game is something that makes Prey unique and brave. It's entirely possible that I just "don't get" what the game did wrong or where it fell apart... that I blindly followed the path and believed Tommy for what he was. But if that's the case I'm curious what discredited the story and Tommy for those that didn't like the game.

I do understand that the gameplay wasn't stellar, but between it playing FINE, the organic squishy weapon designs, the creepy-as-fuck enemies, and the pre-Portal portal mechanics, I found the gameplay to be a completely engrossing experience.

I know no one's opinion is wrong in a discussion like this (except yours), and my genuine appreciation for Prey is just as valid as the hate put on it. I would just like to know if there was a glaring problem that anyone has with the game that I for some reason overlooked. I tend to not question a story as it comes to me which leads me to think less critically about it as it is happens... interestingly this had the pleasant side effect of me absolutely enjoying the end of Mass Effect 3 and escaping being part of the internet-wide butthurt.

I think their main point was that Prey 2 was (at the time) looking pretty good, and anything that shackled it to a game that didn't do anything particularly interesting or sell particularly well would just be holding the game back. The Human Head guys kept bringing up Tommy as a link between the two vastly different games as some sort of feature.

@cooljammer00 said:

The game had portals before Portal.

But okay then.

But it didn't really DO anything with them.

Prey also had parts where you walk around on tiny spherical planets before Mario Galaxy. I may be biased or remembering incorrectly but any game that has sections in zero gravity has something going for it. I thought the gravity stuff they did in that game was incredible.

I have 1000 achievements in it. Proudly!

(and I loved the Mass Effect 3 ending!)

You're right. I must have imagined those puzzles that really fucked with the player's spacial awareness and sense of scale. My favourite imaginary moment was this:

Hmm, that looked a bit disorienting. Also, I was just making assumptions based on the public reaction to Prey. Why do people bitch about it if it did some decent looking things?

Prey was in the oven too long and at best it was kind-of-cool. I sorta liked it, it was interesting enough when I played it. It's not really a valid focus of bitching beyond how much some people were maybe looking forward to it.

If you have an eye for the weird and you come across a copy for $5 it's a neat playthrough

@cooljammer00: I honestly don't know why people around here dislike it. It was a fun shooter that had some inventive ideas. I vaguely remember Jeff calling it a decent (or in his words "okay") game. That's practically a five star review from the guy.

I can say I enjoyed Prey. As it's been said it was not the most innovative game. But it did do a few things interesting and fun with some of the mechanics. It made an attempt to not have regen health but still not limiting the player using a medpac system. Also as bad as the framerates was in the multiplayer I really enjoyed it. The concept of people being on the walls, roofs and floors shooting at you was fun.

I liked prey, but all I can say is "vagina doors"

It got overshadowed by HL: Episode 1 when it came out, and the PS3/Wii launch later in the year. While the shooting action wasn't particulary engaging, I thought there were a lot of creative mechanics (portals, spirit walking puzzles) to make up for it. And the Native American angle was very refreshing and didn't feel exploitative. I like Prey, it had a lot of heart.

I think it's kind of a game with lots of cool, interesting pieces, which put together weren't all that great (or as good as they should have been) and have since been done better in other, better games.

Also, a fucking Native American protagonist, holy shit is that an unrepresented demographic.

The parts with Art Bell on the radio talking about the alien invasion was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in a game, but I love Art Bell. He is a legend.

Yep, Prey was cool.

Lots of perfectly serviceable games get a bum rap by the GB crew. A lot of times if a game doesn't satisfy their specific taste in games they say it sucks, even if it is a competent game, and that's perfectly fine. We all do it.

I liked Prey quite a bit. I found it interesting overall with some really neat gameplay ideas.

I checked this thread for two months before I gave up on it. Just came back to see there are others who are down with Prey :) Good to see. Feeling validated.

yea i played prey, did i enjoy the game?... yes,yes i did. did not know that there was no love for the game here, learn something new every day.