PREY is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller which borrows elements from recent games like Bioshock and Dead Space and older classics like Half-Life and System Shock.

It is one of the most immersive and atmospheric titles of the last few years, pitting you alone and underpowered in a space station overrun by an alien species called the Typhon.

But if you were expecting a spin-off, sequel or prequel to the original Prey game from 2006 you may be a little confused.

Arkane Studios’ reboot of the series, which languished in development hell for a decade, is a complete change of direction – but a very welcome one.

From the first hour where the wool is pulled over your eyes, the story is a mystery that continues to unravel with your character Morgan Yu unsure of what’s happening and who to trust.

The first enemies you encounter can mimic items in the station making the experience tense and frightening, especially when resources and weapons are scarce.

Your foes get bigger and badder from there and it is always a desperate scrabble for survival which may frustrate some players.

But despite its challenge Prey never feels unfair. The biggest weapon is your brain as you’re constantly having to think ahead about how to overcome enemies and obstacles.

In this way you are encouraged to play your own way. You can fight the Typhon head-on, temporarily disable them, distract them or sneak around them.

To support your own play style, you can upgrade certain abilities like being able to hack terminals, sentry guns and security doors.

Alternatively, you can boost your strength to pick heavy items to make new routes.

There are so many options open and later on you can even take on the abilities of the Typhon.

One of the most interesting is ‘mimic’ where you can transform into any small item, like a cup or banana, to get into new places by squeezing through small gaps.

Prey is a hugely inventive and well designed game that will keep surprising and challenging you. Let the hunt begin.

RATING: 8/10

DAVID MORGAN