Thanks so much for the angle on naming (characters, not anti-Prey rant)! This really adds to my experience. This game is easily the best game I've played in recent years with one of the best sci-fi stories I have experienced. Easily a 10/10 game for me.
Spoilers. I thought it was clearly stated in the game that humans are prey, considering how Typhon operates and spreads through establishing a beacon with their network to summon bigger guys, no? More so, considering the ending where humanity is in survival scenario.
A lot of people will overlook this video because of the use of review in the name - it's a very good analysis/critical piece and should be described as such. Great to see you back, btw!
Hey welcome back ! I really enjoyed this review and I usually don't mind some spoilers in reviews. But I do base my purchase decisions on your reviews sometimes. I think some of the critique I have (and others here) can be mitigated by pointing out the intensity of the spoilers in the review. (eg:- heavy spoilers or something of that sort). Despite that this review was exceptionally well done and I'm glad you are back to reviewing games here again. Good luck :)
I was okey with some spoilers. But maybe not whole mystery behind the game, and the ending? Why would you include that? :S Otherwise it was a good review and I agree about the name. I did never even consider buying it because I thought it was a mindless horror-shooter in space. Ironically though, now im not gonna buy it because you spoiled the ending. :P
Not saying I love the name but there is a line in the game where, when I heard it, I thought the name was based around that idea. It was a while ago now but someone is talking about the Typhon's shape shifting ability - I forget if it's a recording or a "real-time" comment - and they say the Typhon seem to disappear from the plane of reality as we know it when taking the shape of an object, and then re-appear after sensing some kind of stimulus - possibly a prey organism. I forget the exact line but they use the word "prey."
That was a awesome review! Just watch-out for spoilers. In my case it did actually help me a lot, because i had zero interest in the game (thanks to the missleading game title), now thanks to this dude (ElderGeek), i want to have it! and I feel that the objective behind spoilling the story was to show the hidden gem inside this 'rock that bethesda threw at us'.
I feel like you're not as scared as some video games are hoping to make you. I felt quite like the titular prey throughout the game, and I thought that was super clear. I remember this same feeling watching your Firewatch review where I definitely felt more scared than you clearly were.
Awesome review and I always thought the name was a bit shit because they scrapped that cool Blade Runner / Mass Effects looking game and it's got nothing to do with the first game, but after watching the whole video and then hearing about your views on the name and how the game is I think it's perfectly named, pretty much genius. I was just thinking about it this way, that Typhon reminds me of the symbiotes from Spiderman, Venom, Carnage and so on, it's just a very adaptive being that's trying to survive and thrive and it'll either make Humans its prey to do that or Humans will do the same to it to survive and thrive, or more often, just to dominate or use it to benefit themselves. Really thought provoking, wicked. I bloody love all the references to all those classic gems too, nice one, Randy, I would have added The Thing to it too ; )
Could you mark the spoiler free area? I really want to watch your review, but i don't want spoilers, after all, i watch your video to help me decide weather i should buy the game or not.
Lol, I keep forgetting that I'm subscribed to you :P I haven't played the game myself, but I'm planning on getting it once its 20€-30€. Btw, you should've warned about spoilers...
I have 2 points: First, it's ironic you say the game is not well name since your video itself is not well name. This isn't a review in any way, this is an analysis, a well done one :) But not a review. Second: I find your closing argument a bit odd, it's true "Prey" isn't the best name, but I find it ridiculous for you to say that all those other names fit the game's title better than Prey, but more specifically Dead Space and Deux X. I never played System Shock so idk if that would be a name for this, Bioshock does fit well, but those 2 other names imho don't fit this game well, so please, do not say this game would be better title if it had Deus X or Dead Space in the title if it wasn't Prey.
Sorry for the late reply, but I think the name "Deus Ex" is supposed to refer to the greek saying "Deus ex machina", which means god from the machine. In the game, a lot of humans have modified themselves with machine parts to become more like gods. In that sense, I think the name is quite fitting.
*warning, spoilers in comment* I actually don't think the name is as bad as you think. The Typhon in the game are very clearly animalistic in a lot of ways, smart, yes, but lacking a lot of qualities that separate humans from "the rest of nature" like empathy. In that way the title is referring to the human race as being the prey for the Typhon in the same way many herbavores are prey to carnivores in nature in a food chain kind of way, after all, they use human bodies to reproduce. In the context of the game, prey is synonymous with the human race, and ultimately what the game is about in the end. That is, how the human race has fallen prey to the Typhon. While it may not relate to the mechanical gameplay, it very much fits the overall narrative, you just need to think of the word "prey" in the food chain sense rather than the act of hunting.
I have to agree 100%, I love this game, but the name does not match it at all. Mind Shock. Talos. Talos X. Biospace. It could go on and on, but Prey most certainly is not a good fit.
too bad I cannot watch this video. I haven't played the game. I was hoping to hear your non spoilery opinion of the game. perhaps another non-spoiler video?
So... The email I received didnt include the spoiler tag... I have been cheated after putting 20 hours into this game. What is the damn point of this video? Instead of calling it a review call it a retrospective or some shit. FFS.
I haven't played this one either. I understand it's a system/bio-shock style game with elements of Dishonored and other mechanics that this studio has implemented from their other titles. Following the hostile takeover, where they junked the version of Prey that the original development team had done. This is NOT selling well in the UK, as it got a 50% price cut a matter of weeks after release.... Currently boycotting this game, as I disagree with their actions over the legal restriction order against Indie developers NoMatter Studios for using the word 'Prey' as a pun for the pejorative wording in their game title Prey For The Gods. Forced into use Praey. This shows that ZeniMax/Bethesda are not only a bunch of uneducated illiterate buffoons, but moronically insulting the intelligence of the gaming audience at large, in falsely claiming there would be some 'confusion' over titles!
A tip for future reviews: The entire point of reviews is to help determine if I am going to buy something, if the review spoils it, then I'm not going to watch it. If it's an analysis (like the rise of the tomb raider video), that's a different story.
I only watched the beginning of the video but you started it by saying that the game is really good and you seemed to be disappointed that sales are undeservedly low yet ironically, you make a review that none of the games potential buyers can watch without having the experienced ruined by spoilers. This video got 7000 views after 2 months. Your average reviews seem to got 35,000 views. Most people watch reviews to decide whether they want to play a game or not. Putting up a review full of spoilers is pointless because no one is going to watch it as demonstrated by your own stats. It's a shame, I really wanted to see what you had to say about the game. All the reviews I've seen really hated.
Gonna have to go ahead and leave a dislike on this for the simple fact you called the original Prey a mindless shooter. That game was very creative and it makes me doubt your taste to have you dismiss it so easily. Also, a review with spoilers usually means a few story points about the setup not "I am going to do an in depth analysis of the story and themes." Kinda bummed.
Well, if you want to review and possibly criticize game's flaws, it's rather easier to explain things with spoilers included no? There are so many reviewing style, and ones with spoilers is one of them. Not something rare either.
Well, a review is supposed to inform whether a game/ movie/ whatever is fun. If the review ruins part of the fun (by spoiling) there is no point to it. Why would I want to watch a review to a game if it ruins the experience. Sure, you can criticize more in depth but you could also criticize without spoiling. By saying something like: "I didn't like the ending". That doesn't spoil anything, but gives information whether it is good.
Meridian that's what I mean. If you haven't purchased a game, and if you don't want to ruin in experience, go watch a spoiler free review. If you already purchased a game and looking for some review to reassure your purchase, or to dig into its cons with someone else, I find articles with spoilers more enjoyable. Just a preferential thing. No need to say "Review needs to be this format!"
I for one was never planning to buy the game to start with, but this video lets me discuss the game with people who have played it and also entertains me and educates me about games. That's the point of the review for me.
The title Prey is fine. You're being hunted and the Typhon aren't looking to give out hugs. Plus you're always being ambushed so that makes you the prey. Heck the Nightmare is the hunter and you are once again, the prey. Also in the first game where did you feel like the prey? If this is some kind of expression of disappointment over the cancelled sequel, I'd say. Get. Over. It.
I think the best definition of Prey is 'a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' The game tried to be Bioshock, but Bioshock had interesting characters and an actual story. Prey has no story, only one objective that it stretches out to oblivion by constantly giving you obstructions. The characters are useless, since if you decide to destroy the station, there is no value in knowing any of them, since they will all die. Chris Davis did a review on Prey called The Illusion of Choice, and basically, the choices don't matter in Prey, you'll end up in the same cop-out dream-like ending. As he says in his review, you can't even play your way, because in the second half of the game, there are so many unavoidable Typhon that stealth becomes obsolete. Combat was clunky and the Typhon mimicking became tedious after a while. So I would say that Prey sold poorly because it isn't that good and repetitive. But regardless, I am happy to see you back in business. I am looking forward to more reviews :)
The game clearly focused more on being a successor to System Shock than Bioshock. It focuses more on creatively overcoming obstacles than on setting up big story moments. Only at the very beginning and at the very end the story progresses and that works in my opinion because Prey has many side stories about the crew that make Talos I feel like a place that people actually lived in. I personally believe that Prey is a great game because its levels are better even than the levels in Deus Ex and System Shock. Each part of the ship has a unique aesthetic and lots of details. Each challenge can be overcome in a variety of ways. For example, dealing with the nightmare can be done in the following ways: -Kill the nightmare each time it appears (which in itself can be done in multiple ways due to the different weapons and powers in the game) -Hide from the nightmare each time it appears -Complete the 'mixed signals' side quest using the mimic power -Complete the 'mixed signals' side quest using repair III Although these choices ultimately have no influence on the story, they let the player solve everything in their way, making the game more interesting to play than a game that forces you down a linear path. Although stealth may not be great to use exclusively as you mentioned, it can still be used very effectively at times. When it cannot, however, the player is forced to try other options. In the endgame, you can still sneak up to enemies but it is hard to avoid being spotted, so when that happens, you have to change your plans on the fly. I think this is a positive aspect of the game since it forces you to use different strategies in different situations, further enhancing the creative 'puzzle solving' you do in the game. Combat is supposed to be difficult to make sure that these puzzles are genuinely challenging. I think this is why many people call it clunky and unsatisfying As for the story, since the game was partially about simulation an 'it was all a dream' ending makes sense. For a game to be good, it does not need to have multiple endings per say. It can make for a better role playing experience, but having one single ending with some slight alterations depending on the player's actions can make the game much more effective at getting the point across. The story does stretch out but along the way you wil come across many smaller stories about Talos I and its crew. Although I cannot say Prey is flawless, I believe it is a game that nails the immersive gameplay more than any game released in the 2010s. This is just my opinion though.
Thats honestly a bit of a dumb answer. First combat honestly didn't felt clunky, second, you CAN play your way. Who ever said you can't play without stealth is just straight up lying. You can easily do a strength playthrough where you throw items at typhons and even not use any alien powers other than combat focuss and still pass the game by not sneaking and ahving loads of fun. Illusion of choice is there, true, but not so much on the build side. Who ever says there is no build choices is because they didn't try many tbh.
Thanks so much for the angle on naming (characters, not anti-Prey rant)! This really adds to my experience. This game is easily the best game I've played in recent years with one of the best sci-fi stories I have experienced.
Easily a 10/10 game for me.
This game is absolutely amazing! By far the best game I played in a LONG time.
Spoilers.
I thought it was clearly stated in the game that humans are prey, considering how Typhon operates and spreads through establishing a beacon with their network to summon bigger guys, no? More so, considering the ending where humanity is in survival scenario.
Should have been called PsychoShock, that would've grabbed people's attention
A lot of people will overlook this video because of the use of review in the name - it's a very good analysis/critical piece and should be described as such.
Great to see you back, btw!
great review, i particularly liked how you went rather deep into the names
I really think this game should've been named Psychoshock or something of the like. Prey feels like a forced naming decision.
This guy is criminally underrated. Such care and thought into a review you rarely see on this godforsaken website
Hey welcome back !
I really enjoyed this review and I usually don't mind some spoilers in reviews. But I do base my purchase decisions on your reviews sometimes. I think some of the critique I have (and others here) can be mitigated by pointing out the intensity of the spoilers in the review. (eg:- heavy spoilers or something of that sort). Despite that this review was exceptionally well done and I'm glad you are back to reviewing games here again. Good luck :)
Just finished it, one of the best games I ever played in my life!
as always, i'm in complete agreement.
had a similar debate with some friends about the naming.
Amazing review, as always! So glad you are back.
more like.....elder greek... am i right? high five! come on... nobody?!
great review :)
Good to see you back Randy. Loved your review.
Is there a timestamp I could jump to to avoid spoilers?
Yet another great review, Randy! Huzzah!
Glad to see you back, Randy.
I was okey with some spoilers. But maybe not whole mystery behind the game, and the ending? Why would you include that? :S
Otherwise it was a good review and I agree about the name. I did never even consider buying it because I thought it was a mindless horror-shooter in space. Ironically though, now im not gonna buy it because you spoiled the ending. :P
Awesome to see Elder Geek in my feed again :D
Welcome back randy!
Not saying I love the name but there is a line in the game where, when I heard it, I thought the name was based around that idea. It was a while ago now but someone is talking about the Typhon's shape shifting ability - I forget if it's a recording or a "real-time" comment - and they say the Typhon seem to disappear from the plane of reality as we know it when taking the shape of an object, and then re-appear after sensing some kind of stimulus - possibly a prey organism. I forget the exact line but they use the word "prey."
I always appreciate your reviews, but how deep are the spoilers?
I could watch the video (of course), but I just need a heads up!
Surprised that no one's commented the Talos sermon from the crazy street preacher in Whiterun
Who disliked this already...wtf. Great review, as usual :) Welcome back!
Now I am even more motivated in trying this game. Thank you very much for this excellent review sir.
That was a awesome review!
Just watch-out for spoilers.
In my case it did actually help me a lot, because i had zero interest in the game (thanks to the missleading game title), now thanks to this dude (ElderGeek), i want to have it! and I feel that the objective behind spoilling the story was to show the hidden gem inside this 'rock that bethesda threw at us'.
One of the best reviews I had ever seen
I feel like you're not as scared as some video games are hoping to make you. I felt quite like the titular prey throughout the game, and I thought that was super clear. I remember this same feeling watching your Firewatch review where I definitely felt more scared than you clearly were.
You're my favorite reviewer right now
I was going to keep that to myself, until you mentioned the greek mythology part. You did your homework!
And you even actually backed up why you dislike the name Prey by giving the word examples with sharp and rounded objects. Seriously, well done.
Awesome review and I always thought the name was a bit shit because they scrapped that cool Blade Runner / Mass Effects looking game and it's got nothing to do with the first game, but after watching the whole video and then hearing about your views on the name and how the game is I think it's perfectly named, pretty much genius.
I was just thinking about it this way, that Typhon reminds me of the symbiotes from Spiderman, Venom, Carnage and so on, it's just a very adaptive being that's trying to survive and thrive and it'll either make Humans its prey to do that or Humans will do the same to it to survive and thrive, or more often, just to dominate or use it to benefit themselves. Really thought provoking, wicked.
I bloody love all the references to all those classic gems too, nice one, Randy, I would have added The Thing to it too ; )
I never understood the logic behind putting spoilers in a review, sorry not going to watch this
I played this game and hated the random enemies that would pop in your face. The story seems interesting though.
Could you mark the spoiler free area? I really want to watch your review, but i don't want spoilers, after all, i watch your video to help me decide weather i should buy the game or not.
Lol, I keep forgetting that I'm subscribed to you :P
I haven't played the game myself, but I'm planning on getting it once its 20€-30€.
Btw, you should've warned about spoilers...
Ah! I did in the video. I meant to put it in the title. Thanks for the heads up.
Have you decided not to review Final Fantasy XV?
+Elder Geek, i think you would be better of calling it an analysis instead of review.
Wait. Don't you have another channel now?
alright, i can't resist it, i decide to watch. come on spoilers!
I have 2 points: First, it's ironic you say the game is not well name since your video itself is not well name. This isn't a review in any way, this is an analysis, a well done one :) But not a review.
Second: I find your closing argument a bit odd, it's true "Prey" isn't the best name, but I find it ridiculous for you to say that all those other names fit the game's title better than Prey, but more specifically Dead Space and Deux X. I never played System Shock so idk if that would be a name for this, Bioshock does fit well, but those 2 other names imho don't fit this game well, so please, do not say this game would be better title if it had Deus X or Dead Space in the title if it wasn't Prey.
Sorry for the late reply, but I think the name "Deus Ex" is supposed to refer to the greek saying "Deus ex machina", which means god from the machine. In the game, a lot of humans have modified themselves with machine parts to become more like gods. In that sense, I think the name is quite fitting.
*warning, spoilers in comment*
I actually don't think the name is as bad as you think. The Typhon in the game are very clearly animalistic in a lot of ways, smart, yes, but lacking a lot of qualities that separate humans from "the rest of nature" like empathy. In that way the title is referring to the human race as being the prey for the Typhon in the same way many herbavores are prey to carnivores in nature in a food chain kind of way, after all, they use human bodies to reproduce.
In the context of the game, prey is synonymous with the human race, and ultimately what the game is about in the end. That is, how the human race has fallen prey to the Typhon.
While it may not relate to the mechanical gameplay, it very much fits the overall narrative, you just need to think of the word "prey" in the food chain sense rather than the act of hunting.
I have to agree 100%, I love this game, but the name does not match it at all. Mind Shock. Talos. Talos X. Biospace. It could go on and on, but Prey most certainly is not a good fit.
ahh the talos principle... have you played it?
too bad I cannot watch this video. I haven't played the game. I was hoping to hear your non spoilery opinion of the game. perhaps another non-spoiler video?
I'm sorry it's no deus ex. the story at best is bland and very lazaly made. #1 rule in story telling, you don't go for towards the obvious plot line.
So... The email I received didnt include the spoiler tag... I have been cheated after putting 20 hours into this game.
What is the damn point of this video? Instead of calling it a review call it a retrospective or some shit. FFS.
I haven't played this one either. I understand it's a system/bio-shock style game with elements of Dishonored and other mechanics that this studio has implemented from their other titles. Following the hostile takeover, where they junked the version of Prey that the original development team had done. This is NOT selling well in the UK, as it got a 50% price cut a matter of weeks after release....
Currently boycotting this game, as I disagree with their actions over the legal restriction order against Indie developers NoMatter Studios for using the word 'Prey' as a pun for the pejorative wording in their game title Prey For The Gods. Forced into use Praey.
This shows that ZeniMax/Bethesda are not only a bunch of uneducated illiterate buffoons, but moronically insulting the intelligence of the gaming audience at large, in falsely claiming there would be some 'confusion' over titles!
while I appreciate the in depth analysis. I feel this review may have gone too far down the rabbit hole...
I was not expecting spoilers.
Despite the title literally having the word "spoilers" in it?
BCandSL62309 it does now, not when I watched it smart ass.
Regardless I was so burned by a the last third of the game, this review saved me the last part.
Horrible game. Of course Bethesda was involved, otherwise it wouldn't be nearly this horrible, but it is.
That was a lovely video :) I'll give you a sub
A tip for future reviews: The entire point of reviews is to help determine if I am going to buy something, if the review spoils it, then I'm not going to watch it. If it's an analysis (like the rise of the tomb raider video), that's a different story.
I only watched the beginning of the video but you started it by saying that the game is really good and you seemed to be disappointed that sales are undeservedly low yet ironically, you make a review that none of the games potential buyers can watch without having the experienced ruined by spoilers. This video got 7000 views after 2 months. Your average reviews seem to got 35,000 views. Most people watch reviews to decide whether they want to play a game or not. Putting up a review full of spoilers is pointless because no one is going to watch it as demonstrated by your own stats. It's a shame, I really wanted to see what you had to say about the game. All the reviews I've seen really hated.
Dead Space 4???
I didn't like it. The demo was meh and I'm over the Shock fetish.
Is there a reason your videos are now sparse? I just figure maybe real life is a factor or something... Legitimately curious.
Gonna have to go ahead and leave a dislike on this for the simple fact you called the original Prey a mindless shooter. That game was very creative and it makes me doubt your taste to have you dismiss it so easily.
Also, a review with spoilers usually means a few story points about the setup not "I am going to do an in depth analysis of the story and themes." Kinda bummed.
Thaddäus.
I'm sorry but whats the point of a review if it spoils the game?
Well, if you want to review and possibly criticize game's flaws, it's rather easier to explain things with spoilers included no?
There are so many reviewing style, and ones with spoilers is one of them. Not something rare either.
Well, a review is supposed to inform whether a game/ movie/ whatever is fun. If the review ruins part of the fun (by spoiling) there is no point to it. Why would I want to watch a review to a game if it ruins the experience.
Sure, you can criticize more in depth but you could also criticize without spoiling. By saying something like: "I didn't like the ending". That doesn't spoil anything, but gives information whether it is good.
Meridian that's what I mean. If you haven't purchased a game, and if you don't want to ruin in experience, go watch a spoiler free review.
If you already purchased a game and looking for some review to reassure your purchase, or to dig into its cons with someone else, I find articles with spoilers more enjoyable.
Just a preferential thing. No need to say "Review needs to be this format!"
i think rewiev with spoilers is no big deal, cuz u don't get in what context the plot were in.
I for one was never planning to buy the game to start with, but this video lets me discuss the game with people who have played it and also entertains me and educates me about games. That's the point of the review for me.
I thought you died or something...
The title Prey is fine. You're being hunted and the Typhon aren't looking to give out hugs. Plus you're always being ambushed so that makes you the prey. Heck the Nightmare is the hunter and you are once again, the prey. Also in the first game where did you feel like the prey?
If this is some kind of expression of disappointment over the cancelled sequel, I'd say. Get. Over. It.
I think the best definition of Prey is 'a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' The game tried to be Bioshock, but Bioshock had interesting characters and an actual story. Prey has no story, only one objective that it stretches out to oblivion by constantly giving you obstructions. The characters are useless, since if you decide to destroy the station, there is no value in knowing any of them, since they will all die.
Chris Davis did a review on Prey called The Illusion of Choice, and basically, the choices don't matter in Prey, you'll end up in the same cop-out dream-like ending. As he says in his review, you can't even play your way, because in the second half of the game, there are so many unavoidable Typhon that stealth becomes obsolete. Combat was clunky and the Typhon mimicking became tedious after a while.
So I would say that Prey sold poorly because it isn't that good and repetitive.
But regardless, I am happy to see you back in business. I am looking forward to more reviews :)
I disagree with you and believe that your opinions make you sexually unappealing to the gender of your preference.
The game clearly focused more on being a successor to System Shock than Bioshock. It focuses more on creatively overcoming obstacles than on setting up big story moments. Only at the very beginning and at the very end the story progresses and that works in my opinion because Prey has many side stories about the crew that make Talos I feel like a place that people actually lived in. I personally believe that Prey is a great game because its levels are better even than the levels in Deus Ex and System Shock. Each part of the ship has a unique aesthetic and lots of details. Each challenge can be overcome in a variety of ways. For example, dealing with the nightmare can be done in the following ways:
-Kill the nightmare each time it appears (which in itself can be done in multiple ways due to the different weapons and powers in the game)
-Hide from the nightmare each time it appears
-Complete the 'mixed signals' side quest using the mimic power
-Complete the 'mixed signals' side quest using repair III
Although these choices ultimately have no influence on the story, they let the player solve everything in their way, making the game more interesting to play than a game that forces you down a linear path. Although stealth may not be great to use exclusively as you mentioned, it can still be used very effectively at times. When it cannot, however, the player is forced to try other options. In the endgame, you can still sneak up to enemies but it is hard to avoid being spotted, so when that happens, you have to change your plans on the fly. I think this is a positive aspect of the game since it forces you to use different strategies in different situations, further enhancing the creative 'puzzle solving' you do in the game. Combat is supposed to be difficult to make sure that these puzzles are genuinely challenging. I think this is why many people call it clunky and unsatisfying
As for the story, since the game was partially about simulation an 'it was all a dream' ending makes sense. For a game to be good, it does not need to have multiple endings per say. It can make for a better role playing experience, but having one single ending with some slight alterations depending on the player's actions can make the game much more effective at getting the point across. The story does stretch out but along the way you wil come across many smaller stories about Talos I and its crew. Although I cannot say Prey is flawless, I believe it is a game that nails the immersive gameplay more than any game released in the 2010s. This is just my opinion though.
Thats honestly a bit of a dumb answer. First combat honestly didn't felt clunky, second, you CAN play your way. Who ever said you can't play without stealth is just straight up lying. You can easily do a strength playthrough where you throw items at typhons and even not use any alien powers other than combat focuss and still pass the game by not sneaking and ahving loads of fun.
Illusion of choice is there, true, but not so much on the build side. Who ever says there is no build choices is because they didn't try many tbh.
Hello ! Really like your reviews ! Do you intend to review Deus ex Mankind divided ?