Prototype 2 Game Poster Image

Prototype 2

age 18+
(i)

 

Ferocious, foul-mouthed action title filled with gore.
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What parents need to know

Educational value

Prototype 2 wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.

Positive messages

The lead character seeks revenge for his family's death, and seems only willing to pursue a violent path toward that goal.

Positive role models

Players can choose not to kill civilians or other innocent people roaming the city, but the game makes it very tough to stick to this strategy. There's also a strong focus on seeking revenge through violence.

Ease of play

The game slowly walks players through the control scheme, as the character starts with a limited set of abilities and gradually learns more attacks as the story progresses. Prompts pop up throughout the game to help remind players how to perform specific tasks.

Violence

Along with the standard firearms found in most shooters such as assault rifles and rocket launchers, players use the character's shape-shifting abilities to turn his limbs into weapons such as giant blades, claws, or tendrils. Players can impale, behead, and dismember enemies, leaving lots of blood spewing everywhere. Players can also consume enemies -- and innocent civilians -- for health.

Sex

There is some language that alludes to sexual activity, but no physical acts are depicted.

Language

The game uses the word "f--k" liberally, as well as other curse words such as "s--t."

Consumerism
Not applicable
Drinking, drugs, & smoking

There is some dialogue that mentions drug use, but no one is shown using drugs.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Prototype 2 is an incredibly violent action game meant for adult eyes only. The lead character uses conventional weapons such as assault rifles to kill enemies, but the real gore begins when using shape-shifting powers that turn limbs to giant blades, claws, or tendrils. Enemies are beheaded, impaled, and decapitated using a variety of attacks. Blood gushes from foes following each death. Also, prepare for liberal uses of curse words throughout the dialogue and some sexual and drug references.

What's it about?

In PROTOTYPE 2, players control James Heller, a former military sergeant infected by a virus plaguing New York City, now dubbed New York Zero. James' strain of virus grants him super strength, speed, and shape-shifting powers that allow him to turn his limbs into weapons such as blades, claws, and long tendrils. The game features an open \"sandbox\" structure, which lets players explore the city however they want and accept primary missions and side quests in the order they choose. The shape-shifting ability also allows James to assume other identities.

Is it any good?

QUALITY

Prototype 2 is your average, open-world action title, only with tons of violence and some rather uninteresting missions. James boasts incredible powers, yet most missions don't seem to encourage players to use them. Some involve traditional firearms, while others end when the player escapes enemy territory. The game fails to deliver interesting avenues for players to use their powers. Frankly, there are other titles with similar gameplay that offer less gore and more fun.

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about violence in video games in general. Where do you draw the line when it comes to violence in games?

  • Players are sometimes pushed to make tough moral choices. How well does Prototype 2 handle morality?

Game details

Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Skills:Thinking & Reasoning: decision-making, hypothesis-testing, strategy
Self-Direction: identifying strengths and weaknesses, set objectives, work to achieve goals
Price:$59.99
Available online?Not available online
Developer:Activision
Release date:April 24, 2012
Genre:Action/Adventure
Topics:Adventures, Monsters, ghosts, and vampires
ESRB rating:M for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language

This review of Prototype 2 was written by

Brett Molina
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are conducted by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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Kid, 12 years old May 11, 2012
age 12+

crap sequel

this game let's down the first more gorier and more exceptionaly more language that is very horrible.So over the top a 12 year old could play this if they have no sound not for people under 12.
What other families should know
Too much violence
Too much swearing
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Teen, 14 years old Written bytitchy_penguin June 9, 2012
age 15+

Brilliant Game

It is a widely underated game that many people don't buy because of the age. The age rating could be lower, as the violence is the only thing making it an 18. The language is nothing kids 12+ won't have heard so it is up to the parents to decide if it is suitable. Overall it is a great game for kids 15+ depending on how harsh the parents are.
What other families should know
Too much violence
Too much swearing
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Teen, 15 years old Written bySaad1Khan November 16, 2014
age 17+

Cool but not for kids

This game contain lots of gore and bad language along with sexually explicit dialogues so it should not be played by anyone aged 17 or under.
What other families should know
Too much violence
Too much swearing
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