Arkane Studios hasn’t had the best time lately. Arkane Austin, in particular, has been stuck trying to support a dying co-op online-only shooter in Redfall, which may or may not have been close to being canceled mid-development. While a huge part of the internet collectively tries to forgets about the Texas-based sister studio of Arkane Lyon, which is now working on Marvel’s Blade, we shouldn’t dismiss the studio’s earlier efforts. In particular, Prey, currently available at a steal on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.
Priced at just $2.99 until January 4, this deal is an excellent opportunity for gamers to dive into one of the most unique and innovative titles in the sci-fi shooter genre. Additionally, the Mooncrash DLC, a standout expansion offering a new Roguelite campaign – it’s a separate purchase but the Deluxe Edition of Prey is currently sold at $9.99 on Steam – shouldn’t be missed, especially as it presents a fresh take on the genre, arguably surpassing even Arkane’s own Deathloop, a game that received critical acclaim when it came out as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in 2021.
Prey distinguishes itself with its open-ended gameplay and rich narrative. Set in March 2032, the game introduces the player to Morgan Yu, who embarks on a mission aboard the Talos I space station. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, immersing players in a world where nothing is as it seems, and where every NPC has a backstory, enriching the overall experience. The game cleverly integrates elements of horror and suspense with an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic Bioshock series, but set in the vastness of space.
The freedom offered in Prey is one of its most compelling aspects. Players can approach objectives in multiple ways and use various weapons and upgrades to navigate through its challenges. The flexible gameplay, paired with the expansive environment of the Talos I station, encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. Prey’s design allows players to try and experiment with different strategies, enhancing replayability and offering a unique experience with each playthrough.
Combat in Prey is a dynamic affair, requiring players to adapt to different situations, whether it’s floating in zero gravity or combating formidable Typhon aliens. The inclusion of the Mooncrash DLC adds another layer of complexity with its changing map layouts, ensuring that each run feels fresh and challenging.
The game’s visual and auditory elements further elevate the experience. With its 60s aesthetic and soundtrack by the one and only Mick Gordon, known for his work on Doom, Prey delivers a rich, atmospheric setting that is both nostalgic and futuristic. Voice acting, including performances by Benedict Wang, adds depth to the characters, making the story even more engaging.
Arkane Studios, known for its cohesive art styles, has outdone itself with Prey. Despite its criminally underrated nature, frequently overshadowed by the Dishonored games, Prey deserves kudos for successfully blending together elements of science fiction, horror, and art deco, creating a visually striking environment that stands out even today. The studio’s attention to detail extends to the gameplay, where players encounter the Typhon, an alien race with the ability to disguise themselves as everyday objects, adding a layer of suspense and paranoia to the game.
The versatility of Prey lies in its gameplay mechanics. Players can make moral decisions, impacting the game’s narrative and ending. The use of neuromods, which allow the acquisition of human and alien skills, presents many possibilities for character development and combat strategies. However, using too many alien abilities can have consequences, as the station’s security systems and even human allies may perceive the player as a threat.
If nothing else, Prey should serve as a reminder that, despite recent shortcomings, Arkane Studios is still very much the same studio that’s capable of creating immersive, thought-provoking experiences that resonate with players long after they’ve finished the game. For those who have yet to experience Prey, the current sale presents the perfect opportunity to explore this masterpiece at an unbeatable price.
Speaking of Arkane, its new owners, Microsoft, went through quite the year in 2023. But, if you look at it from a non-biased perspective, Xbox enjoyed one of its best annual cycles in a long time, paving the way for a brighter future for its several subsidiaries, Arkane Studios included.
