Are immersive sims dead? Prey was the last game I know of that falls under this label but I'm pretty sure Bethesda were unhappy with sales and we won't get something like this from Arkane any time soon. I'm not even sure what that new game that Arkane showed at E3 is supposed to be but it sure doesn't seem like the type of game Prey was.
CDPR have said that they're inspired by the gameplay in games like Deus Ex and Prey and the term immersive sim was being thrown around in the interview I read, but I'm not sure how far they'll be going with the immersive sim elements. I feel like these games have underwhelming sales because the average gamer is unironically too dumb to play them after years of playing handholdy games.
> I feel like these games have underwhelming sales because the average gamer is unironically too dumb to play them after years of playing handholdy games. It's more like most gamers are ADHD riddled, and need their games to be actiony to keep them entertained. A game like Prey is more slow paced and is more about player input and great level geometry than anything, which doesn't look appealing to the casual, modern day gamer.
Jackson Hughes
I remember when Prey came out there were a bunch of people complaining how it's too difficult even on easy mode because they were trying to play it like your regular old run of the mill FPS game. They kept complaining how the enemies were bullet sponges but never bothered to actually try and use any of the other tools at their disposal when dealing with enemy encounters. It's a mix of ADHD and genuinely being spoiled by modern game design and having everything served on a platter.
I actually wish Prey was less casual because it still has many casual elements (like time stopping for hacking), but apparently even Arkane's attempts to streamline certain aspects of the game and make it more accessible failed. It pains me to see such a great game not succeeding because the immersive sim design philosophy is the embodiment of the true dynamic medium video games can be. The new Hitman games have a bit of this blood in them as well which is nice.
Joseph Martin
>many casual elements (like time stopping for hacking) hacking being a minigame to begin with is a casual concession to ADHD or whatever.
Jace Watson
I missed out on Prey at release because it flew under my radar. Plus, Yea Forums's shitposting was relentless. I fell for the shitposts claiming it was an SJW walking simulator because I didn't care enough to check. Now it's among my most favorite games of all time and it pains me we won't see another game of this quality anytime soon. Prey's brilliance will be recognized in the following years, but it will be too late.
Cooper Brooks
i wish we lived in the universe where both this and the original Prey 2 came out and did well
>“DEATHLOOP” transports players to the lawless island of Blackreef in an eternal struggle between two extraordinary assassins. Explore stunning environments and meticulously designed levels in an immersive gameplay experience that lets you approach every situation any way you like. Hunt down targets all over the island in an effort to put an end to the cycle once and for all, and remember, if at first you don’t succeed… die, die again.
Anthony Green
I don't mind hacking being a minigame if it's actually good. I think Deus Ex HR and MD actually got it right. The minigame has some strategy involved in it and even though actual hacking is nothing like that, taking over nodes and using nuke software and whatnot makes some sense in the world of the game. Plus, time doesn't stop during hacking in those games which was great. The hacking in Prey is one of the weakest parts of the game.
Levi Reyes
I'm not sure what it was about this game, but for me it missed the mark somehow, I played it for around 35 hours and it always felt like something was off and then I just kind of dropped it, I was near the end as well, but never really enjoyed the ride all that much. It's weird because it seems like exactly the kind of game I'd usually like. Thanks for reading my blog.
