Users wrote

Most reviewers praise Prey 2017 for its immersive sim design, strong atmosphere, and freedom of play. Players highlight the interconnected Talos I station, lore-rich logs, and the ability to approach problems in many ways using stealth, hacking, and the GLOO gun. Some praise Mooncrash for extra replayability, while others note bugs, pacing issues, and an underwhelming ending. Overall, it is considered a misunderstood gem that rewards exploration and experimentation.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Atmosphere and world design (42 mentions) - Talos I is praised for atmosphere, sound, and visuals. The space station setting creates tension and immersion. The world design invites exploration with many hidden notes and logs. Reviewers feel the atmosphere and ambience contribute to the experience.
• Story and lore through logs (39 mentions) - Lore is conveyed through emails, audio logs, and terminals. The environmental storytelling and twists add depth to the world. The exploration of crew history and experiments helps paint a fuller picture of what happened. Many reviews highlight the storytelling as a strong point.
• Crafting, resources, and neuromods enable playstyle variety (33 mentions) - Crafting and scavenging are rewarding and integral to progression. Neuromods enable new abilities and varied playstyles. Resource management and recycling matter for crafting. The GLOO gun also serves as both tool and weapon, expanding how players solve problems.
• High freedom and multiple approaches (28 mentions) - Reviewers repeatedly mention you can approach objectives in many ways. You can sneak, fight, hack, or use the environment to solve puzzles. The game supports different builds and playstyles with neuromods and tools like the GLOO gun. This non-linear design lets players experiment and find unique solutions.
• Mooncrash DLC adds replayability (18 mentions) - Mooncrash provides roguelike runs that expand the core gameplay. It introduces multiple characters and new scenarios, increasing replay value. Reviews note it adds a fresh challenge and keeps players engaged beyond the base game.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Bugs, performance issues, and stability problems (34 mentions) - Several reviews report glitches, crashes, and stability problems. Audio mixing issues and occasional performance hiccups are noted. Some ports or deck experiences can worsen these problems, affecting immersion.
• Navigation and backtracking can be tedious (27 mentions) - Reviews repeatedly mention difficult navigation and heavy backtracking. The station’s layout can feel labyrinthine, and some players struggle with progression pacing and map clarity.
• Ending and pacing concerns (22 mentions) - Some players feel the middle of the game drags and the ending is underwhelming or unsatisfying. A few reviews mention the overall pace can dip and the payoff may not meet expectations after long play sessions.
• Combat balance and gunplay issues (21 mentions) - Several reviewers note that gunplay can feel weak or imbalanced at times. The Typhon can be challenging, and some players feel the game emphasizes tools and abilities over gun combat.
• Controller support and port issues (8 mentions) - Some players report poor controller support or a reliance on keyboard/mouse. Out-of-the-box controller compatibility is inconsistent, affecting accessibility for some players.

Compared Games

• BioShock (26 mentions) - Compared for atmosphere, world design, and the blend of story and gunplay.
• Dishonored (24 mentions) - Often cited as Arkane’s signature style and design philosophy influencing Prey.
• System Shock (18 mentions) - Seen as the spiritual successor and influence in immersive sim lineage.
• Half-Life (14 mentions) - Compared for its influence on design, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
• Dead Space (7 mentions) - Compared as a space horror with similar survival elements.