In preparation for its big debut at E3 2011, Bethesda Softworks has just released the first trailer for Prey 2, the “spiritual successor” to the Native American alien survival shooter.

Abandoning many (read: all) of the features that made the first Prey a cult classic, this sequel explores the storyline of a new protagonist with a new set of abilities. While it might have been a bit jarring to hear of the complete 180 the project is taking, this trailer is mighty compelling.

In Prey 2, you are bounty hunter Killian Samuels, a survivor of the alien abduction that jump-started the events of the first game. Forced to find a new way to make a living on the planet Exodus, Samuels takes to the role of alien bounty hunter -- seeking out many of the planet's less reputable characters.

Yes, it doesn’t sound anything like the first Prey, but what this sequel lacks in similarities with its predecessor it makes up for by borrowing a few features from other popular titles — namely Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Seen briefly in the trailer is Samuels’ ability to locate and mark bounties via an alternate vision mode (think detective mode). Unfortunately, since this trailer is comprised of CG footage, how exactly this feature factors into the gameplay is unknown, but combining it with some fast-paced free-running sounds like a winning recipe.

Check out your first look at Prey 2 below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sYtVnyzVKc

While a lot of fans of the first game will be sad to see that popular elements like the puzzles and portals are gone, you’d be hard pressed to find any that don’t find this trailer appealing. Featuring what we hope to be inklings of a combination of FPS and parkour, Prey 2 just jumped much higher on my most anticipated list.

This trailer was fun to look at, but we’ll reserve the first impressions of the game for when we get some hands-on time during next week’s E3. Make sure you keep tuned to Game Rant to find out just what we think.

What are your first impressions of this Prey 2 trailer? Would you still liked to have seen a direct sequel to the first game?

Prey 2 is scheduled for a 2012 release on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Source: YouTube