Buy Singularity, get Prototype free

Activision is known for big franchises, but I hear a lot of people ask “Where are the original IPs?” Well, they’re also here — and games like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty started out as original IPs, too. I think it’s every new property’s dream to become a franchise. But new IPs don’t always get enough attention, either in buzz or in sales, to get that far. Simply because new IPs don’t have that built-in brand awareness, they often need some champions out there calling attention to them. Every new game is not going to be to your tastes, but if you’re out there asking for fresh creative ideas and new worlds…well, the power is in your hands to support them when they arrive.

Last year, Prototype was a game that I didn’t think got enough love. It was a dark, violent, chaotic open-world game from the team at Radical up in Vancouver, and despite decent reviews (average score was just shy of 8), it just didn’t turn into a megahit. This year, Blur and Singularity come out a month apart, two new IPs that have both seen delays as the team asked for (and got) more time to make the best first impression for their original IPs. G4 posted a new Singularity trailer title “Cause and Affect” just a few hours ago.

So I suppose it’s only fitting that two of these original IPs will sort of help each other out. Activision announced today that if you buy Singularity on 360, you can mail in for a free copy of Prototype. If you were one of those people who didn’t have the budget or didn’t want to take the “risk” on an unproven idea, this is a pretty good two-for-one deal. Maybe this freebie will reduce the fear of supporting a new IP for some folks.

Why is it only 360? Don’t know, but I’m going to invoke my default guess until I can find out: It’s probably a business thing. Prototype is a Platinum Hit on Xbox 360 so maybe that paved the way for a deal like this, but I don’t rightly know and I will ask. I know some PS3 and PC gamers will be disappointed that their platforms are not involved, but I’m crossing my fingers; maybe the deal will expand before Singularity ships on June 29.

UPDATE: Got a few more details as my post was not clear. This offer is only good in the United States, and you get Prototype through a mail-in offer. Details will be inside the paperwork that comes with Singularity.