Proteus

 PlayStation Vita
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 49
  3. Negative: 17 out of 49
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  1. Eleven1Q83
    Aug 7, 2014
    4
    This game has serious issues. you cannot do anything about it...................................................................................... FAIL
  2. DeusXCom
    Sep 3, 2014
    5
    I like different, unique and artistic things. Proteus is definitely one of those, because it's trying to do something new and it's certainly cute in it's audio-visual presentation. I like the moments of tranquility and you can most definitely find them here. On the other hand I also like good and fun gameplay and you can't find much of that in Proteus. I believe this concept could haveI like different, unique and artistic things. Proteus is definitely one of those, because it's trying to do something new and it's certainly cute in it's audio-visual presentation. I like the moments of tranquility and you can most definitely find them here. On the other hand I also like good and fun gameplay and you can't find much of that in Proteus. I believe this concept could have been used in much more effective ways than it was here. If you just play through, there is not much going on and if you try to get some trophies, things can get very annoying, wandering around searching for all the flowers in all seasons without any indicators, or trying to interact with stones that never seem to interact in the first place. Spent hours on that without any results. In the end I'm going for the score right in the middle, on one hand I like it's uniqueness, on the other I don't like the lack of solid gameplay. That's Proteus. 5/10… Expand
  3. swotam
    Nov 14, 2013
    4
    Not sure exactly what to say about Proteus. It's not a "game" so much as simply time spent wandering around an 8 bit island wilderness looking at digital trees, plants, and landscape while listening to a variety of sounds. If you like that sort of thing you'll probably find it interesting, otherwise you'll probably be bored quite rapidly.

    I personally didn't like the game. I found it    Not sure exactly what to say about Proteus. It's not a "game" so much as simply time spent wandering around an 8 bit island wilderness looking at digital trees, plants, and landscape while listening to a variety of sounds. If you like that sort of thing you'll probably find it interesting, otherwise you'll probably be bored quite rapidly.

    I personally didn't like the game. I found it rather dull and pointless with no real goal or purpose other than to wander around and see stuff. There is a beginning and an end to the game, but no actual reason for playing that I can see other than to experience the sights and sounds. You don't actually do anything, you're not on the island for any particular purpose, your arrival and departure don't signify anything meaningful, and in the end if you'd never been there nothing would have changed.

    The trophy support may appeal to some and give them a reason to spend a few short hours going through the game, but even then I can't see it being worth the time spent.

    I don't really understand why the game got such good reviews. Sure, it's different, but different doesn't automatically equal great, and at the end of the day if you're looking to play a game instead of just experiencing something different, Proteus will be a disappointment.    … Expand
  4. allan_treebeard
    Sep 8, 2014
    3
    I booted this up on the Vita and spent half an hour wondering what the "point" of the game was... Unlike flower or other artistic type games, there didnt seem to be any objectives or an actual game. I could google it and find out to play the game but in a world of ever more impressive indie Vita games, this has already lost me...
  5. SuperkenGaming
    Dec 4, 2015
    5
    Proteus
    a pretty walking simulator
    Proteus is an exploration game that takes place on an island. There’s not much to say about this game. You just walk around, that’s it. Every time you start a game the island is different, all you have to do to beat the game is go through all 4 seasons, you go to a new season by waiting for night time and then going to these glowy white orbs, the    Proteus
    a pretty walking simulator
    Proteus is an exploration game that takes place on an island.
    There’s not much to say about this game.
    You just walk around, that’s it.
    Every time you start a game the island is different, all you have to do to beat the game is go through all 4 seasons, you go to a new season by waiting for night time and then going to these glowy white orbs, the colors and changing seasons are great pieces of eye candy, but only for like 12 seconds
    then your over it
    I found nothing engaging about this game at all beyond my initial introduction and trying to figure it out.
    The randomly generated islands are all solid, so there aren’t caves, or buildings to explore through, just hills to climb over, and musical animals to listen to as they hop around.
    There’s really nothing to explore here, get to the island, look at it for 10 seconds, this is all you need to see, game over.
    I do appreciate the ambient music, and could see the potential of someone going to proteus to just escape to a colorful land, but maybe I’m just saying that to find a positive, because there are games out there with tons more to do that you could get that same experience from like Minecraft.
    There’s nothing to do here but do mundane tasks like walk around the island, or follow the bath from end to end for trophies, that’s about it.
    Not worth exploring.
    There’s nothing to see here
    Proteus isn’t a bad game, it’s just not a good game either... it’s kinda just nothing.
    For what it is
    Exploration game 5.0/10
    overall: 5.0/10    … Expand
  6. Kaniya
    Nov 19, 2013
    9
    Proteus is not your typical game certainly, it is a game narrowed to certain type of people with unique taste, but who knows you might like it. Proteus is simple an exploration game in an amazing pixelated world. You walk around the world, you are like a wandered, wait and see as the time passes by and change the land and most importantly looking for secrets and listen to a touchy music.Proteus is not your typical game certainly, it is a game narrowed to certain type of people with unique taste, but who knows you might like it. Proteus is simple an exploration game in an amazing pixelated world. You walk around the world, you are like a wandered, wait and see as the time passes by and change the land and most importantly looking for secrets and listen to a touchy music. Proteus is a game of exploration and that is it, but it is not that simple that you think. The art direction in the world of the game is just an amazing piece of work, colourful and varied and distinctive from all the other games I have seen so far. As you dig into the world you will discover it is not only a place to walk and see, it is a place to feel and rhyme with, it is not just walking, it is a place to enjoy the music and observe the world. Proteus is an amazing example of such a unique genre that we seen rarely in the world of video games. It will take an hour or 2 to complete but believe me I have been playing it nearly 18 hours as every time the world is generated randomly...
    It is a worth game to pick up if you like these sort of games, also be sure to go with a headphone for you first playtrhough and dun take off till you finish it im sure you will enjoy the amazing experience.    … Expand
  7. disobedientlib
    Nov 4, 2013
    9
    Such a beautifully atmospheric little audio-visual exploration title! While there isn't much "game" to it, it's a mesmerizing experience. You wander islands filled with 8 bit wilderness, atmosphere and life and each little piece of nature has it's own sound, that taken together with the gorgeous visuals, creates a unique and constantly changing soundscape like no other. It's almostSuch a beautifully atmospheric little audio-visual exploration title! While there isn't much "game" to it, it's a mesmerizing experience. You wander islands filled with 8 bit wilderness, atmosphere and life and each little piece of nature has it's own sound, that taken together with the gorgeous visuals, creates a unique and constantly changing soundscape like no other. It's almost zen-like in it's peacefulness as you slowly meander around the island with no instructions except to explore and enjoy.… Expand
  8. ZombieSteven12
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    Proteus isn't a real game, there are no real objectives, and is more of a work of art. So you explore islands and music plays according to how you explore. It's a nice game, however, I wouldn't say a 9 because the game should be priced lower. Even though it's cross-buy, $14 seem steep for this game. It is worth looking into.
  9. Corrosive
    Dec 8, 2014
    9
    I enjoyed it, a nice little relaxing game about exploring a tranquile Island,a very original and unique idea put into action well, the seasons change and the birds tweet, no overall objective just plain and simple fun. prehaps it could of been a bit cheaper but for what it was it was great,
  10. Davidscj
    Apr 4, 2015
    7
    Proteus is a beautiful experience. I use the word experience purposefully as its hard to say if its actually a game. The graphical style is beautifully quaint and matches well with all the noises of flowers and creatures. The experience is rightfully short and sweet and does not outstay its welcome. Moreover it creates a calming atmosphere which is hard to disagree with. If you're lookingProteus is a beautiful experience. I use the word experience purposefully as its hard to say if its actually a game. The graphical style is beautifully quaint and matches well with all the noises of flowers and creatures. The experience is rightfully short and sweet and does not outstay its welcome. Moreover it creates a calming atmosphere which is hard to disagree with. If you're looking for an experimental game like journey, unfinished swan or even flower you may be disappointed but what you do get is a unique experience that may disappoint some players.… Expand
  11. NicolasThe17th
    Mar 17, 2016
    4
    Proteus can only be a decent game on the PS Vita, because both are at the same level. Still it remains a waste of time. If I want to go for a walk I better go to the park. It has better graphic. better gameplay and better AI that this abomination
  12. TheQuietGamer
    Sep 24, 2014
    7
    Outside of a slight visual downgrade and some Vita-specific features there really isn't anything different from the PS3 version. You can use the rear touchpad to mess around with the world, and have PSN use your current location to generate the level, but these additions don't really change things up that much. Therefore my score and review for the Vita version are the going to be same asOutside of a slight visual downgrade and some Vita-specific features there really isn't anything different from the PS3 version. You can use the rear touchpad to mess around with the world, and have PSN use your current location to generate the level, but these additions don't really change things up that much. Therefore my score and review for the Vita version are the going to be same as the PS3 version.

    A directionless game without any real objectives. There is a way to progress through the game until you "beat" it, but there's no explanation as to how. For many this lack of any sort of direction will make the game feel pointless, and therefore worthless. However the trophies might be the saving grace of the experience, as they help to give gamers some something to work towards.

    Odds are you'll have to look up how to get them, because there really isn't any explanation as to how to do so. Once I started digging into unlocking the trophies it really helped Proteus feel more like a game, and less like a semi-interactive experience. Something that saved it for me. Without them all there really would've been to do is explore each season for a bit until it gets boring then move on to the next one until it's over. Not exactly satisfying for many.

    Admittedly it is kind of interesting to see what certain landmarks will do at certain times. Certain events only happen around them during certain seasons and during certain times (day, night). Each playthrough takes place in a randomly generated world so it's clear that there's an emphasis on re-playability. However unless you really just find yourself enthralled with the experience there's really no reason to stick around for long. Especially after you've completed all of the trophies.

    There is fun to be had with Proteus, but it requires you to sort of make your own. Whether it be collecting all of the trophies or just random exploring there are things to keep gamers busy. However it's definitely not for everyone, and will only be praised by a certain audience. Perhaps this indie game tried to be too artsy, but overall I found some fun with it.    … Expand
  13. JOSHDILISI
    Jan 6, 2014
    6
    i didnt fully understand what i was doing the first time i played this game, but i found it to be very relaxing and somehow presented a vivid story without using any dialog. This game is very visually appealing as well, throughout the game i was just in awe to what i was looking at.
  14. Budomen
    Mar 7, 2018
    0
    This is not a game. It is some kind of interactive picture. I don't like it.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS Vita Game of 2013
19
#19 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2013
23
#23 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. NZGamer
    Mar 13, 2014
    73
    Whatever you do, don’t just play the first 10 minutes of it. You’ll be utterly disappointed and will immediately wish you purchased another game. The biggest issue many will face is that there is no clear objective, and not a lot else to do other than walk around. But if you do play this, you’re going to need to stay committed - otherwise you’ll end up throwing your Vita against the wall.
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  2. Eurogamer Portugal
    Dec 12, 2013
    60
    Proteus is a creation that boasts an unusual beauty that’s extremely rare to find in videogames. But besides this, it has not much else to offer.
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  3. InsideGamer.nl
    Nov 22, 2013
    75
    Just like a painting you should really only look at Proteus once. Explore and discover it. A second time might show a few things you've missed along the way. A third time you'll just mostly see things you've already seen. From that point on, the experience break itself down.
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