The original Prototype was marketed as a game for anyone with a lust for power as it gave players huge destructive abilities and a city to unleash hell on. While combat itself could have been more fluid, at its core Protoype did what it promised, offering the player the ability to create total mayhem. Prototype 2 developers Radical Entertainment have released a new 'Art of Combat' trailer, detailing how they've tightened things up for the sequel.

Prototype 2 puts an emphasis on the ultimate power fantasy so many gamers crave, evidenced beginning from the opening line of the trailer. In the original Prototype, protagonist Alex Mercer's vulnerability was always made apparent, while he had some very over the top powers including a giant blade for an arm. Death could still come easy to those who did put strategy into their attacks. One boss battle in particular (which shall not be mentioned due to spoilers) helped solidify this. In Prototype 2, Radical is making it easier for those who just want to button mash to do so.

However, Radical has not forgotten about those who want a little bit brains to go with their brawn in their hack 'n' slash titles. Players now have more options to evade and block attacks, one issue that was very annoying in the original title. In essence, it appears that Radical Entertainment is trying to appeal to fans of both gameplay styles, and judging by the looks of things, they've hit the nail on the head.

Check it out for yourself below:

[HTML1]

The trailer also details the new dismemberment system introduced to Prototype 2. In the original, mutilation was mostly limited to severing people in half. In the sequel, there is a bit more strategy to it. Players can slice off just about all enemy limbs, from arms to heads. How much of an effect this still has on the gameplay remains to be seen, but for those who enjoy dicing people into little cubes, this should come as a plus.

It's also worth noting that all of the gameplay shown in the trailer is Alpha footage, and it not only looks great, but it also appears to play very well. If Prototype 2 continues this trend it could end up being one of the surprises of 2012. Fingers crossed that Radical is able to put out a game that improves on it's flawed but fun predecessor.

Prototype 2 releases April 24th, 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

-

Follow me on Twitter @AnthonyMole