Prototype 2

Despite being a game about a guy who takes the shape of other people, Prototype 2 isn't pretending to be something that it's not. It won't lie to you and act like it's intelligent. Aside from a few brief dramatic moments, this is a pure, machismo-infused, swear-word-flooded, big, dumb action game, and it fills that role much better than its predecessor.

Where the original was intriguing for its gratuitously unhinged take on sandbox-enabled chaos, Prototype 2 feels like it’s just going through the motions. The series badly needs an injection of creativity if it’s to merit another installment. If you’re satisfied with the status quo, you’ll have a decent time running amok in this hazard-filled sandbox, but in spite of all the noise it makes, it’s quite unlikely to surprise you.

Both Prototype games have terrible stories, unlikeable protagonists and hammy voice acting. But what's exciting about this one is that it seems to understand how to sideline that stuff: the plot is just a framing device for why you've got to kill and eat the next guy you've got to kill and eat. It lets the game take centre stage, and refines it to show off its most ridiculous and horrific pleasures. That's why it crushes me that I can't recommend this game.