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Prototype

Review · Action · PC · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 4

Prototype

Reviewed: 29 Apr 2026

PC · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Xbox 360

Activision · 2009

Ludograph rating

B

Good

61 /100

Prototype is an action-adventure game where players develop spatial awareness and creativity exploring an open world with superpowers, but it has mature content and intense violence.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 44 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

44

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.58
B2Social-emotional
0.07
B3Motor
0.65

Prototype offers an expansive open-world experience where players can freely explore a detailed Manhattan and utilize a wide array of unique superpowers. The game fosters cognitive skills such as spatial awareness, creative problem-solving, and reaction time through its dynamic combat and traversal mechanics. Players can creatively combine abilities to overcome challenges and adapt to diverse enemy encounters, promoting learning transfer and strategic thinking.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The primary risks in Prototype stem from its mature content, including frequent and intense violence involving bloodthirsty monsters, military conflict, and the use of various weaponry. While the game does not feature manipulative monetization or social mechanics, its M-rating indicates content that may be unsuitable for younger audiences due to its violent themes and potentially strong language.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Prototype safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Prototype a rating of 61/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Prototype appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Prototype, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Prototype?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Prototype: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Prototype?

The primary risks in Prototype stem from its mature content, including frequent and intense violence involving bloodthirsty monsters, military conflict, and the use of various weaponry. While the game does not feature manipulative monetization or social mechanics, its M-rating indicates content that may be unsuitable for younger audiences due to its violent themes and potentially strong language.