Prototype

Setting and Premise

The game unfolds across a detailed, sandbox rendition of Manhattan, which serves as the primary battleground against the rapidly spreading BLACKLIGHT virus. The atmosphere is one of chaos and paranoia as Mercer attempts to piece together his past while simultaneously confronting powerful factions trying to contain—or exploit—the outbreak. His primary method of gaining information and power is through the unique ability to consume other individuals, absorbing their memories, skills, and physical appearances.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay loop centers on exploration, combat, and evolution. Mercer possesses superhuman attributes, including incredible speed, strength, and durability, allowing him to traverse the city vertically with ease, leaping across skyscrapers and gliding through the air. Combat is highly kinetic, featuring a wide array of customizable, shapeshifted weaponry derived from Mercer's own biomass—from massive claws and blades to powerful tendrils.

A key feature is the progression system tied to consumption. By absorbing targets, players unlock new powers and advance Mercer's mutation level, enhancing his existing capabilities and unlocking new offensive and defensive options. This mechanic directly ties narrative discovery to character growth.

What makes the traversal and combat unique?

The defining feature is the sheer freedom of movement and the biological shapeshifting powers. Players are not restricted to traditional combat or traversal methods; Mercer can literally become a living weapon and a mimic. This blend of high-mobility platforming within a dense urban environment combined with the visceral, evolving melee combat system sets the experience apart within the action genre.

Navigating the Conflict

Mercer finds himself caught between two primary hostile groups: the organized United States Marine Corps and the specialized Blackwatch unit dedicated to biological warfare containment. Simultaneously, he must contend with the Infected—creatures warped by the BLACKLIGHT virus. Unraveling the conspiracy behind his own transformation and the origin of the plague drives the narrative forward as Mercer seeks the truth hidden within the city's elite and military structures.

Platform Availability and Content

This title was originally released in 2009 and is available across multiple generations of hardware. Current platforms include the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), as well as being playable on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

How does the story progress?

As Mercer hunts down individuals connected to his past and the virus's origin, he uncovers a history involving government testing, genetic anomalies, and the creation of the BLACKLIGHT agent. The narrative explores themes of vengeance, identity, and what it means to become something beyond human.