The similarities between the games, though striking, are finite - the games play quite differently, and while it is likely that enthusiasts of
inFamous will enjoy
Prototype, it is not definitely so. For one thing, unlike
inFamous,
Prototype is not a PS3 exclusive, so it is unlikely that 360 owners will have formed an opinion on
inFamous either way.
For another thing,
Prototype is a much more involved game than
inFamous, at least from a control and storyline point of view - but it is not necessarily more involving. Alex has for more capabilities and moves than Cole, and this can actually be frustrating in the heat of battle. His ability to collect and use vehicles and weapons, while it adds variety to the game, does not necessarily make the game more enjoyable.
The game, although set in a free-roaming sandbox environment, is quite linear - that is to say the main missions, which drive the story forward are fairly linear. But there are a whole range of side missions that users can choose to take up at any time. These are the typical third-person roaming action-adventure party games that you always get: against the clock killing sprees, rooftop races, gliding target landing. There are also people to consume.
Yes, you read that right. The nature of Alex's disease means that he can absorb passing non-playable characters, and gain energy from them. If the NPC is a key character, a "Web of Intrigue" character, then their memories advance the storyline, giving Alex a little more information for him to piece together what's happening to him and the world around him. It's all the typical black-ops military super-weapon research conspiracy stuff.
Alex also has the ability to shape shift, this is partially used as a combat tool - his body becomes his melee weapons - and also certain short range weapons. Ranged weapons can be picked up and dropped as required, and for certain set-piece missions they are provided in location.
Alex can also metamorphosise into the last character he absorbed. This ability is vital to the completion of some missions, where it is necessary to find a member of the military with a specific rank in order access certain secure areas, or a soldier with given skills in order to complete a given task.
Shape-shifting can also be used to shake off pursuit. Many of Alex's rooftop activities are out of the range and sight of ground based troops, but airborne strike teams will frequently descend on his position and attack him with rockets. in this case, you can either get out of site and morph, or you can fight.
If you choose to fight, even a short way into the game, the action can become quite intense. In certain missions, you'll have infantry soldiers attacking you with machine guns, helicopters attacking you with rockets, and mutated monsters attacking you directly. Each assailant requires a different approach, and you'll find fighting several at once a challenge. Helicopter gunships need to be brought down by picking up and throwing air-conditioning units, which you'll find at the top of building.
