Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Prey: An Alien Encounter places you in the claustrophobic corridors of asteroid KG-42, where every step brings both hope and danger. Navigating through a series of pre-rendered video corridors, the game blends point-and-click exploration with timed resource management. Poison gas floods sections of the station, forcing you to conserve oxygen and choose your path carefully before your supply runs out.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The rescue mechanic is at the heart of the experience: your primary goal is to locate and save colonists scattered throughout the labyrinthine halls. As you consult your map, radio transmissions punctuate the silence with urgent updates and new waypoints, ensuring you never stray too far from your mission. The tension ramps up each time you decide whether to divert from a clear path to answer a distress call or push ahead toward a critical objective.

Combat is simple but effective: once you obtain a firearm, alien creatures emerge as the primary threat. Ammunition is scarce, so deciding when to fight or flee becomes a strategic choice. The limited arsenal encourages cautious play, rewarding those who learn enemy patterns rather than rushing headlong into every encounter. This balance of exploration, rescue, and the occasional firefight keeps the pacing tight throughout the game.

The integration of time pressure, resource scarcity, and rescue goals makes each play session feel urgent. Whether you’re backtracking to find survivors or racing through gas-filled corridors, the gameplay loop continually tests your planning and reflexes. While the control scheme leans on classic adventure mechanics, the added stress of a dwindling oxygen gauge gives Prey a distinctive survival element.

Graphics

Visually, Prey employs pre-rendered video sequences to depict the asteroid’s interior, creating a richly detailed but static environment. The high-resolution images capture the industrial design of KG-42, from flickering overhead lights to steam-venting pipes. Although these visuals lack real-time 3D rendering, they exude a cinematic quality that heightens the sense of isolation.

Lighting and color palette play crucial roles in building atmosphere. Shadows lengthen down deserted hallways, and the occasional red alert flash warns of incoming gas or structural failures. Even without dynamic lighting, the game convincingly conveys the threat of hazardous zones and impending danger. Environmental details—like scorch marks on walls or abandoned supplies—tell silent stories that deepen immersion.

Alien designs are brought to life through quick animated clips and well-placed sound effects. When a creature lunges at the camera, it feels like a genuine jump scare. The limited animation frames don’t detract from the experience; instead, they reinforce the retro horror vibe and play to your imagination. You’ll often hesitate to proceed just to avoid triggering another sudden apparition.

While modern titles may outshine it in polygon count and shader effects, Prey’s graphical approach remains effective. It leans into suspense rather than spectacle, ensuring that each corridor feels both lived-in and menacing. For those who appreciate atmospheric tension over flashy visuals, the game’s aesthetic will resonate strongly.

Story

The narrative of Prey begins with a simple but compelling premise: contact has gone dark with the colonists of KG-42, and you are humanity’s last hope. As you step onto the station, you inherit a mission to track down survivors and discover what befell the once-thriving outpost. Early radio dispatches set the tone, alternating between hopeful pleas and grim updates.

Progression is driven by scattered logs, intermittent broadcasts, and survivor testimonies. Each new location offers clues about the colonists’ fate and the alien threat lurking within the asteroid. Though the overarching storyline remains straightforward, these fragments of information weave together to create a sense of mounting dread. You begin to question whether rescue is truly possible or if you’re merely delaying the inevitable.

Character development emerges indirectly through your interactions with trapped colonists. Rescuing a survivor not only extends your mission but also reveals personal stories—families torn apart, scientific ambitions derailed, and the psychological toll of an alien incursion. These human touches deepen your investment, transforming faceless objectives into urgent pleas for help.

The ending ties the narrative together with a burst of dramatic tension. Without spoiling specifics, expect a revelation that reframes your understanding of the station’s downfall. It may not be as sprawling as AAA epics, but Prey delivers a concise, adrenaline-packed tale that complements its survival-horror gameplay.

Overall Experience

Prey: An Alien Encounter excels at creating a tense, unforgiving atmosphere that keeps you on edge. The marriage of timed resource management and rescue objectives makes every decision feel critical. You’ll find yourself retracing steps under the threat of asphyxiation, all while weighing the cost of each confrontation with the station’s alien inhabitants.

Its pre-rendered graphics and adventure-style navigation may feel nostalgic, especially for fans of classic ‘90s PC titles. While some modern players might yearn for more fluid movement or advanced visuals, the game’s design choices work in its favor—cultivating a slow-burn horror experience rather than a high-octane shooter.

The story won’t win awards for complexity, but it delivers enough twists and personal stakes to justify your efforts. Rescuing colonists gives tangible rewards beyond points: it humanizes the crisis and offers fleeting moments of relief in an otherwise hostile environment. Each radio update and survivor you find adds layers to the station’s tragic tale.

Overall, Prey: An Alien Encounter is a must-try for those who appreciate atmospheric survival horror with a minimalist approach. Its blend of exploration, timed challenges, and occasional combat forms a cohesive package that’s both nostalgic and fresh. If you’re intrigued by tight corridors, dwindling oxygen meters, and the desperate struggle to save lives against an alien threat, this game should be on your shortlist.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10