Prototype 2 Xbox 360
Metascore
74 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 69 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
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  1. Gaming Nexus
    May 10, 2012
    100
    Prototype 2's James Heller out superheroes every other superhero that's ever appeared in a videogame. He's faster and stronger than Batman, more focused than the Hulk, has a larger arsenal than Spiderman, and is funnier than Superman. In other words: Prototype 2 is the ultimate power fantasy.
  2. GameTrailers
    Apr 24, 2012
    72
    Where the original was intriguing for its gratuitously unhinged take on sandbox-enabled chaos, Prototype 2 feels like it's just going through the motions. The series badly needs an injection of creativity if it's to merit another installment.
  3. Game Informer
    Apr 24, 2012
    85
    Prototype 2 has officially redeemed this franchise. The mechanics feel the way you wished they would have in the first installment, and it's a rush to abuse your incredible powers any way you see fit. If you've stayed away from the first game because of the lackluster word of mouth, don't hesitate to jump right into the sequel.
  4. Giant Bomb
    May 22, 2012
    60
    Its cooler moments are offset by a long list of missions that aren't engaging at all. You're a man with an ever-increasing list of insane powers, but the tasks you accomplish with those powers are usually pretty ho-hum. Add to all that a script that makes you want to turn the sound down and a dose of awkward control quirks and you've got a run-of-the-mill open-world game.
  5. GameCritics
    May 17, 2012
    50
    Although it's accurate to say that Prototype 2 is "an improvement" over the original, that's not the same as saying that it's a great game, or that it's even on-par with the kinds of things hitting shelves these days.
  6. BigPond GameArena
    May 3, 2012
    65
    It's a story-heavy sequel to a game with a pretty forgettable story and the story it has is almost laughably bad. It abandons the concept of being a supervillain, but never burdens you with the responsibility of being a good guy and ultimately, it brings almost nothing new to the franchise.
  7. Gamestyle
    May 2, 2012
    80
    Prototype 2 improves on the original title in every way. Game play feels more rewarding and overall the whole thing feels like a much better package. This is never going to be a system selling classic, but it is a fun experience and a game that you won't regret buying.
  8. Strategy Informer
    May 1, 2012
    80
    Improves vastly on a lot of the formula that made the first outing good; better and sexier powers, more stuff on screen to play with, addictive collectibles and fun bonus objectives, rewarding and pip-boy-esque mutations and, frankly, a better all-round character in James Heller.
  9. IGN
    Apr 23, 2012
    70
    Prototype 2 is fun, but it sure is forgettable.
  10. DailyGame
    May 29, 2012
    70
    An intriguing plot tries to turn an action-oriented (and bloody) game on its ear, but the gameplay is too repetitive at its core to make you feel like you've really experienced something unique in the ever-growing world of sandbox games.
  11. Console Monster
    May 26, 2012
    70
    Overall, Prototype 2 is an enjoyable title that is plagued with a number of problems. The repetitiveness and the easiness of the title are big factors in preventing it from being a truly great game. Nevertheless, this is a must purchase for fans of the original.
  12. Xbox World Australia
    May 23, 2012
    80
    Prototype 2 is a great open world action game that manages to take everything that made the original game so great and streamline it to the point where it was more enjoyable to play without compromising any features found in the previous game.
  13. DarkZero
    May 14, 2012
    70
    If you liked the first game, you'll probably like this more as it is better than the original. For newcomers, if you like to cause mayhem and bloody violence, by all means give Prototype 2 a shot. Just don't expect to remember much apart from devouring people and raining blood, the good stuff about the game.
  14. Games.cz
    May 13, 2012
    60
    There's a saying: you cannot step in the same river twice. Or at least you shouldn't. However, developers from Radical did not follow this piece of advice and for a second time they managed to step in the same river's dirty spot. Prototype 2 will interest only the loyal fans of the first installment; the rest of gamers will see this title as a stereotypical and boring pose.
  15. GameOver.gr
    May 13, 2012
    60
    It's not a bad game. It just hasn't anything new to offer compared to the first installment from 2009 . So, if you're new to the franchise, you're going to have a good time. If not, don't expect much.
  16. Extreme Gamer
    May 13, 2012
    76
    Prototype 2 has enough bang for your buck by commanding a strong (and unique) presence in the over-cluttered action gaming market. If you like open-world action games with a flair for mayhem, Prototype 2 is an easy pick.
  17. XboxAddict
    May 11, 2012
    83
    It may just be the incredibly high expectations we put on game developers today but the game suffers from enough faults to keep it just outside of my top 10 list. But, with just the right amount of game play time, some challenging achievements, tons of ways to create chaos and an outstanding cast, Prototype 2 delivers an enjoyable game and has created a great opportunity to bring together various elements into a cohesive environment.
  18. Game Revolution
    May 11, 2012
    70
    For a full retail title, it's just not fully fleshed and much better suited for a rental. Modern gaming has already evolved years ago-it's about time Prototype 2 caught up.
  19. GameFocus
    May 10, 2012
    78
    Overall, despite the flaws, I found Prototype 2 to be a blast to play through. The hugely satisfying gameplay makes up for most of its mistakes.
  20. MondoXbox
    May 9, 2012
    85
    Radical managed to improve the game in almost every aspect, making it a very enjoying and satifying game for every lover of Activision's franchise. Only an unrealistic enemy AI behaviour and a problematic lock system keep it from being a perfect game.
  21. Gameplanet
    May 8, 2012
    70
    For those gamers who are all about the action, who care only about how many times the lead character can swear, and only want to smash everything in sight there is still a decent experience to be had. Certainly, if playing simply to relieve some stress, there's plenty of relief in gallivanting around a virtual world shredding enemies with giant knives.
  22. Impulsegamer
    May 7, 2012
    85
    The game isn't perfect, by any means. But once you rip your first TOW launcher off an APC and start spraying rockets around, you might be prepared to forgive its failings.
  23. Gamer Limit
    May 7, 2012
    80
    At the end of the day, there are very few franchises that evoke a sense of power just like the Prototype series, and the sequel doesn't disappoint: just don't expect anything groundbreakingly new.
  24. Gaming Age
    May 4, 2012
    58
    There's definitely something to be said about a game that will allow you to hijack a helicopter in midair, eject from said helicopter, drop kick another one, and then snatch the rockets from a third to lay waste to a number of tanks and mutants below you. It's just a shame about all the other stuff you have to do in between.
  25. Everyeye.it
    May 4, 2012
    85
    With the Bigger & Better forumla, Prototype 2 expands the structure of the first game, giving players a lot more to do and to experiment with god-like powers of the main characther.
  26. Eurogamer Spain
    May 4, 2012
    80
    If you like games that allow you to be as crazy as possible, you should play Prototype 2.
  27. Thunderbolt
    May 3, 2012
    70
    It's a silly game with an awful camera – particularly indoors – a bad draw distance, repetitive missions and a paltry story, but the unabashed mayhem it conjures and lays at your finger tips makes it surprisingly easy to recommend. It might not reinvent the genre or introduce anything new, but Prototype 2's tweaks to its original formula make for a highly entertaining game.
  28. ActionTrip
    May 3, 2012
    70
    Prototype 2 just doesn't do its best to pull you into the mind of Heller and why he's doing the things he's doing. Oh sure you eventually understand what motivates him, but that's not enough to make you like and truly appreciate the central character of the story.
  29. The Escapist
    May 1, 2012
    70
    Prototype 2 is a decent action-adventure with fun combat, but gets a little too samey here and there.
  30. GameShark
    May 1, 2012
    67
    Moments of blissfully smooth combat are followed by awkward bouts of running away. Just when you start to get bored by doing the same "go slurp us that scientist" mission for the fifth time, it throws you a curve ball. Which means that anyone who thought the original fell short, or was dull, or got trumped by inFamous, Hulk, or any number of Spider-Man games, is not going to be swayed by this. But for those who enjoyed the original, this sequel does not disappoint.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.1 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 135 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 55
  3. Negative: 6 out of 55
  1. Xborn74
    8
    In "Prototype 2", we see that many of the features that were criticized in "Prototype 1" were corrected: I define the game as a very successful blend of Crackdown and Hulk 2, with current games graphics.

    The game's events occur 14 months after the first initial outbreak of the Blacklight virus, in a secondary outbreak, and follows the story of James Heller, an elite soldier, who had his family murdered and that believe this to be the fault of Alex Mercer, the protagonist of Prototype 1 - and they end up meeting each other, and with Alex injecting the virus in Heller. This story unfolds gradually by chapters, and is very well written and interesting.

    The game's graphics are infinitely better than the first game, can somehow be compared to GTA IV, with some more details: in the general movement of the characters, in the general details and city constructions, and in the climate changes, among other things, shows that much work was invested in this new version of the game - some details are still a little strange, as the blood spurts are somewhat artificial, but the scenarios and settings are almost perfect. The main scenes of flashbacks and cut-scenes are done with better overall graphics, the latest being in black and white, with occasional red elements.

    The voice-overs are almost perfect, as the overall game sounds, explosions and other details, as the people screaming in panic. The soundtrack is orchestral, but it is discreet, in the background of the action, as in movies, and it is a perfect match to the game. About the performances, I only have the criticism that the soldiers and enemy agents comments in general seem to be made all by psychopaths (every enemy has this "cliche" type).

    The gameplay also took a leap of quality: the robotic and glitchy gameplay in Prototype 1 is gone, and here you can really feel good about playing, because all movements in the game, from the combat ones to your moves getting around in town, and actions with the mutant powers have been greatly improved, with fluid movements.

    The classic powers in the game have also new features: now you can use the ability to fight with claws in many ways, as well as a "predator instinct", which emits a wave of sonar to detect targets - you can also can consume any living thing, which also give you their appearance, and a regenerate a portion of your life bar.

    Other mutations empower advances gradually to Heller, which render him in a destruction machine, such as forming tentacles and webs of meat that shred enemies apart, biomass bombs and shields-like expansions among many other.

    The power grid of Heller areas have very different features (with basics classes that remind Crackdonw), and with each level up, you can choose one of them, but it may also give upgrades through the game, finding the various collectibles, in the form of Black Dossier, scattered around neighborhoods / different city areas (Green, Yellow, and Red Zones, the color meaning the degree of contagion of the session of the city), and consuming specific characters, or killing groups of special enemies, or even single special enemies.

    The missions also have suffered a redesign: beyond the main missions, there are also other, revealed by capturing specific targets and through special points of Blackwatch network database. The missions style in a general view, are somewhat simple: kill / protect / collect / consume someone.

    Finally, I can resume the game as a mix between "Crackdown 2" with "Hulk", but with graphics and general quality, like in "GTA IV" - a excellent superpowers games, at last. The graphics and gameplay flaws that existed in Prototype 1 were largely resolved, and the game has an interesting and satisfying campaign in a widely detailed open world, with a dynamic and bloody gameplay. My final score: 8.5 / 10.0.    … Full Review »
  2. ShootTheZombie
    9
    A major step up from the original, with plenty to do, and lots of fun to be had. The best part about Prototype 2, is the leveling up system, with each new upgrade, bringing new elements and tacticts to the open city of New York Zero. If you are on a budget, or are unsure whether to buy this, I would advise however, to save money for Max Payne 3 next month.… Full Review »
  3. MajorTom03
    6
    Overall I was disappointed with Prototype 2, I thoroughly enjoyed the first and while it had its faults felt it to be a step in the right direction as a darker, gritty version of open world third person sandbox games. While some parts can be enjoyable like ripping the gun off a tank and destroying it with its own weapon or just traversal of the city itself, it just wasnâ… Full Review »
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