One of the Best Sci-Fi Shooters Released 9 Years Ago Today & I Cannot Believe It Doesn’t Have a Sequel

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First-person and third-person shooters are consistently popular games. I’m especially drawn to sci-fi shooters that feel fresh, particularly when they offer innovative gameplay or storytelling. However, a lot of these games follow a predictable formula: move forward, shoot bad guys, and complete the level. While this formula works, it’s often unoriginal. That’s why I really appreciate the games that dare to be different and try something more challenging.

When Prey launched on May 5th, 2017, it successfully combined fast-paced shooting with immersive gameplay and robust role-playing elements. Created by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda, it’s still considered one of the best sci-fi shooters of all time. Despite its uniqueness and impact, a sequel hasn’t been released after nearly a decade, which I find surprising.

An Opening That Surpassed My Expectations

What struck me most about Prey was its opening – it’s a sequence I still remember vividly. Knowing Arkane Studios’ previous work, especially Dishonored, which I love, I anticipated something special. However, even with those expectations, the beginning of Prey completely caught me off guard. It starts in what seems like an ordinary apartment, with a realistic and relatable daily routine. You simply go through the motions of preparing for a normal day, and there’s absolutely nothing to hint at the extraordinary events to come.

Playing Prey was a truly eye-opening experience that completely changed how I viewed the game’s world. It took me by surprise when I realized the game wouldn’t follow a typical formula. The way it forces you to figure things out – initially trapping you in your apartment until you find a way out – was brilliant. It immediately established that appearances can be deceiving, and that feeling permeated the entire game.

The very beginning of the game immediately creates a feeling of mystery and makes you wonder what will happen next. You’re constantly questioning what’s real and what the game will throw at you – it’s a brilliant way to grab your attention. And that’s before you even consider how scary it is to explore the Talos I space station, constantly worried about hidden dangers disguised as everyday objects. Arkane Studios crafted a truly exceptional opening, and the game maintains that intensity throughout.

Prey’s Gameplay Still Feels Unmatched

What makes Prey special is how you play it. The creators at Arkane designed the game to let you try different things and make your own choices. There’s usually more than one way to solve a problem. You’re given abilities and tools that can be combined in imaginative ways. Like my experience with Dishonored, Prey really made me think outside the box. For example, if you find a locked door, you could find a keycard, hack the lock, or even use the GLOO Cannon to create a new path. You can approach enemies using stealth, direct fighting, or by using the environment to your advantage. This makes every situation feel fresh and exciting.

The Mimic enemies are a highlight of the game – they’re both my favorite and most frustrating opponents! They cleverly disguise themselves as ordinary objects, which kept me constantly on edge. I spent a ridiculous amount of time nervously eyeing things like coffee cups and toilet paper, worried they’d suddenly attack, but it was a surprisingly fun experience. These moments, along with the game’s exploration, created a lot of lasting memories over multiple playthroughs.

The way the game lets you grow and unlock new abilities is really well done. As you gain powers, especially the Typhon abilities, more of the game world becomes accessible. The Mimic Matter power, which lets you transform like the Mimics, was particularly fun. These abilities aren’t just about getting stronger; they change how you experience and interact with the world. This flexibility is what makes Prey so satisfying, and it encourages you to try out different character builds and gear. It’s rare to find a game that offers this much freedom and keeps you motivated to experiment, even years after its release.

The Lasting Impact of Prey’s Story

Beyond just how it plays, Prey offers a compelling and introspective story. The game takes place on the Talos I space station and delves into questions about who we are, our memories, and what it truly means to be human. These themes are cleverly integrated into both the story and the way you play. I was completely drawn into the game’s world, which feels incredibly realistic and detailed, with notes, emails, and the environment itself hinting at the events leading up to the disaster. Prey truly rewards players who take the time to explore and pay attention to the little things.

I absolutely loved how my choices actually mattered in this game. It wasn’t just a story happening to me, I felt like I was really shaping it and influencing how everything played out – even how the characters reacted! From the very beginning, the opening sequence just grabbed me, and honestly, the story never let go. Even now, I still find myself thinking about it and getting the urge to start a new game all over again. It’s just that captivating!

It’s really disappointing that we haven’t gotten a sequel to Prey, especially considering how much more the game could offer. The original established a strong foundation with its unique world, interesting gameplay, and compelling story – all of which deserve to be built upon. Prey remains a standout, ambitious sci-fi shooter, and few games since have reached its level of quality. Not continuing the story feels like a lost opportunity for both gamers and the industry. Given the negative response to Redfall and the way Arkane Studios has been treated, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see a sequel.

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2026-05-05 16:46