Prototype (computer game 1995)

Prototype is a computer game from the genre Shoot 'em up , which was developed by the Austrian studio neo Software in cooperation with Surprise! Productions and published in 1995 exclusively for PC via Max Design . When it was first published, it met with approval from the specialist press and was generally considered to be a progressive exponent of its genre.

Game content

The background story deals with an invasion of the earth by aliens , which is opposed as a last resort by the eponymous prototype of a new combat spaceship.

Prototype is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up in which the player moves his spaceship through the levels , dodging obstacles, shooting at enemy targets and occasionally collecting helpful power-ups . Prototype differs from other games in the genre in a few ways. First of all, the weapon selection is based on the fact that the player's spaceship is equipped with four different weapon systems from the outset. For these, however, the ammunition must be collected, so that not all weapons are permanently available. If ammunition is available, you can freely choose between the weapon systems. The approaching formations of opposing flying objects in the levels are not given, but are varied in parts at random. In addition, Prototype allows you to save and load the game status at any time , but there is no adjustable level of difficulty .

The technical implementation of Prototype is based on a Sprite graphic in VGA mode (320 × 240 pixels, 256 colors), in which the level backgrounds scroll past on six levels as part of parallax scrolling . The sprites of the objects displayed in the game have been pre-rendered . For less powerful PCs it was possible to switch off some of the parallax levels or to use line doubling . The soundtrack of the game, which can be assigned to the genres of hard rock and heavy metal , was stored as a CD audio track .

reception

The German-language trade press gave Prototype a good rating after its publication, with particular praise for its presentation. PC Games magazine gave the best rating in issue 5/1995 with 84%. Editor-in-chief Oliver Menne wrote:

“In terms of graphics, the Austrians have done some real miracles [...] the end monsters, some of which fill the screen, are particularly breathtaking. [...] Prototype offers everything an action gamer's heart desires. Fast graphics, rapid flow of the game and driving guitar riffs captivate the screen for hours. "

- Oliver Menne : Review of Prototype , PC Games 5/1995

In PC Player (issue 5/1995) Prototype was rated 67%. Editor Florian Stangl emphasized that "the parallax scrolling and the approaching enemy formations [guarantee] optical hectic, while the first-class soundtrack provides an additional adrenaline rush." However, the rather high and non-adjustable level of difficulty was criticized lead to the fact that "beginners and people with weak hearts [...] should first look at prototypes from a distance". Compared to competing products like Raptor from Apogee Software , Prototype noted a somewhat simpler level design.

The Power Play Rated Prototype in issue 5/1995 of 70%. Knut Gollert commented on the game as follows:

“Actually, it's a shame, but the technical potential that is in Prototype was not implemented in the game that was expected. [...] On the one hand, the prototype lacks real variety compared to the competition: the levels are too similar, the random attack formations are not random enough, the extra weapons are not exactly numerous [...] shooting fans and Austrians have to grab it, everyone else plays rehearsal again. "

- Knut Gollert : Review of Prototype , Power Play 5/1995

The abandonware site Home of the Underdogs later awarded the game the Top Dog award and commented:

“The game boasts excellent multi-parallax scrolling graphics with amazing illusion of depth. [...] One of the game's strengths is that the number and pattern of enemies change from game to game, which give the game an excellent replay value since no two game will be exactly the same. [...] The excellent production value, smooth animations, and even an outstanding soundtrack [...] makes this underdog far above your average shooter. "

“The game boasts excellent parallax scrolling with an amazing illusion of spatial depth. [...] One of the strengths of the game is the change in the number and formations of opponents from game to game, which means an extraordinary replay value, because no two rounds are the same. [...] The excellent production, smooth animations and an outstanding soundtrack raise this underdog far above the shooter average. "

- Home of the Underdogs

After its original publication, Prototype was further distributed as part of the games collection Gold Games (1996) and as a supplement to the PC Joker (issue 1/1998).

Web links

Prototype at MobyGames (English)
Screenshots and packaging photos for the game on TheLegacy
Prototype - Review at Home of the Underdogs (English)