Both Prototype and inFAMOUS arrived in 2009, offering players the chance to unleash chaos with powerful, superhuman abilities in open-world settings. Prototype stands out with its raw, violent edge and the shapeshifting abilities of protagonist Alex Mercer, while inFAMOUS offers a moral choice system, where Cole MacGrath navigates a city ravaged by disaster. Both games are power fantasies, but they explore different aspects of freedom and control. Let’s compare these two first entries in their respective series and see which one stands out when it comes to story, gameplay, and production value.
Story
Prototype tells the tale of Alex Mercer, a man with no memory, fighting to uncover the truth behind the outbreak of a viral infection in New York City. As Alex gains powerful shape-shifting abilities, he seeks revenge on those responsible for his transformation, while battling monstrous enemies and uncovering a conspiracy. The story is grim, with a focus on revenge, survival, and uncovering dark secrets.
inFAMOUS, on the other hand, stars Cole MacGrath, a courier caught in the explosion of a mysterious device that grants him electric powers. Cole must navigate a devastated Empire City, making moral decisions about whether to use his abilities for good or evil. The story is driven by Cole’s internal struggle and the external chaos caused by his powers.
Gameplay
Prototype puts players in the shoes of Alex Mercer, who can shapeshift into anyone he kills, absorbing their powers and memories. The game offers a brutal, fast-paced combat system, where players can unleash devastating attacks with ease. Alex’s abilities include superhuman strength, claws, tendrils, and a variety of special powers, allowing for dynamic combat. Movement is fluid, with the ability to scale buildings, leap vast distances, and glide through the air. The open-world setting of Manhattan offers plenty of chaos, with combat encounters, missions, and side activities scattered throughout. The game's emphasis is on destruction, and it rewards players for obliterating enemies in creative ways.
inFAMOUS focuses on Cole MacGrath’s electric powers, which are used for both combat and traversal. Players can use Cole’s electricity to electrocute enemies, blast them from a distance, or drain power from sources like electrical generators. The game features a moral choice system, where Cole’s decisions (good or evil) affect the story and gameplay. For example, helping citizens may increase Cole’s good karma, while harming civilians increases evil karma. The world is also open-world, with various missions, side activities, and exploration. Cole’s traversal includes the ability to grind on power lines and scale buildings, though the movement feels less fluid compared to Prototype. The combat is slower-paced, but more tactical in its approach, especially with the emphasis on using power sources and managing electricity.
Production
Prototype boasts a gritty, grimy visual style, which suits its darker, violent narrative. The world of New York is depicted in chaos, with swarms of infected enemies, destruction, and broken structures. The design captures the post-apocalyptic feel, and Alex Mercer’s fluid movement in combat and traversal is visually impressive, showcasing fast action and environmental destruction. The cutscenes are decent, but they take a backseat to the action. The game’s soundtrack enhances the aggressive tone, with a mixture of intense rock and electronic music, giving it a powerful atmosphere. The voice acting for Alex Mercer is somber, adding weight to his quest for vengeance.
inFAMOUS, in contrast, presents a more stylized, comic-book-like aesthetic. The characters and city are drawn with vibrant colors, and Empire City, while damaged, still feels alive. The game’s visual design includes plenty of lighting effects that highlight Cole’s electrical powers, with lightning striking and electrifying the environment. The character models are decent for the time, but it’s the dynamic lighting and weather effects (especially the lightning) that leave a lasting impression. The cutscenes are fully voiced and well-animated, helping to convey the story. The music score is minimal but effective, underscoring the tension and atmosphere. The voice acting for Cole, by Jason C. Miller, delivers the right amount of gruffness, particularly when it comes to the moral dilemmas Cole faces.
The Verdict:
Winner: inFAMOUS
In the first round of our battle, both games offer compelling experiences, but Prototype wins for its brutal combat and high-speed action, while inFAMOUS stands out for its engaging narrative and moral choices. The next round will see how the sequels stack up in terms of evolution and refinement.
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