Prototype 2 introduces the Red Zone

Sergent James Heller is pissed at Alex Mercer.

It’s actually perfectly understandable when you realise that Mercer is the cause of so much anguish in Heller’s life, whether intentional or not.

While the plot of Prototype 2 isn’t news, the latest trailer released for next year’s not-Infamous-2 super-powered sandbox free-for-all certainly does well to explain it all in the most stylish way possible.

Having unintentionally unleashed the Blacklight virus upon the unsuspecting New York City in Prototype, Mercer also happened to indirectly murder Heller’s family during the initial virus spread; as well as infect Heller with the virus to save his life.

Intentional or not, because of Mercer, Heller now has no family, is an abomination of nature – and is being hunted down by Blackwatch operatives at every turn.

His pissed-offness seems appropriately placed.

The trailer shows off the different zones we’ll find in the game – Green, Yellow and Red.

The green zone being the safest region of New York Zero; the yellow zone is a virus-infested slum, where fights and gang warfare often break out; and obviously the red zone is the heart of viral hell.

As the trailer lady so elegantly puts it: “This is Mercer’s nest; his playground”

Building on the gameplay from Prototype, Heller will once again have free-roam of the city (obviously not from the offset), choosing his own missions and finding his own path.

Naturally, he will have a plethora of powers, abilities and weapons at his disposal to rip people apart in a gory display of claret and cause general destruction.

But I suspect we’ll be using Heller’s tendrils more than anything else.

The Blacklight virus caused a mutation unique to Heller, giving him vine-like extensions which can be used to subdue enemies or smash them, and everything else, around.

Come April 2012, Sergent James Heller is going to have a lot to contend with; luckily he looks well-equipped to take on the Blacklight monstrosities, Blackwatch – and Mercer, if it comes to that.

Check out the trailer below.