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| “ | I looked for the truth. Found it. Didn't like it. Wish to hell I could forget it. Alex Mercer... This city suffered for his mistakes, for what he did at Penn Station. And whoever he was -- that's a part of me. When I close my eyes, I see the memories of a thousand dead men, screaming as I take their lives. Moments I'll relive forever. What have I become? Something less than human. But also something more. | „ |
| ~ Alex Mercer |
Alex Mercer is the main protagonist and playable character of the video game, Prototype and later the main antagonist in Prototype 2, after he lost his faith in humanity, he then wants to spread the infection beyond New York Zero and becoming the enemy of the new main protagonist James Heller, who seeks to kill Mercer for being the cause of his infection and the death of his wife and daughter.
Alex is voiced by Barry Pepper in the first game and Darryl Kurylo in the second game. Pepper also portrays Daniel Jackson in Saving Private Ryan, John F. Kennedy in The Kennedys, Jay Fuller in The Lone Ranger, Vince in Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials and Maze Runner: The Death Cure, Rick Lovick in Monster Trucks, and David Keller in Crawl. and voices Dunn in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
Biography
As a human
Once a human, Alex works for a company known as Gentek. He has no empathy, as evidenced when he is questioned of how does he feel of creating a deadly virus to be 10x deadlier, he replies that he "wasn't paid to feel".
One day, he is pursued by Blackwatch, a military unit and took a vial of the virus as "insurance". Alex is cornered by the team at Penn Station. As a result, he drops the vial to the ground, hoping to release the virus and put Blackwatch and Gentek in an untenable situation. He is shot to death afterward.
As a virus
His body is shown being brought to Gentek for dissection. The virus, having merged with his body, became an independent being based on Alex, codenamed Zeus. Zeus woke up, having no memory of how did he end up there, and tries to escape. Just then, Blackwatch corners him and shot him, but he survives.
Alex gets into contact with his younger sister, Dana Mercer, into helping him discover the truth. She even directed him to Karen Parker, his ex-girlfriend, to create a cure for the virus. However, the latter is possibly forced to work for Blackwatch as the genetic material he got for her is used to make a weapon against him. This is removed from him with help from Dr. Bradley Ragland.
Just then, Dana gets kidnapped by a Leader Hunter under orders of Elizabeth Greene. Alex has managed to locate her, and gets into a fight, but ended up creating the Supreme Hunter when he injected her with the same weapon. He saves Dana, nevertheless.
Next, Alex gets into contact with a mysterious informer, who knows everything about him. He reveals that he is the virus and that Alex is just his role.
The contact leads him into a confrontation with Director Raymond McMullen, his ex-boss at Gentek, to get information. The latter reveals how Alex Mercer is responsible for the plague by unleashing the virus in New York before having died at Penn Station.
Alex finally meets the contact, Captain Robert Cross, the specialist he fought early on. He reveals information on getting Colonel Taggert as a ticket to get into the Reagan to stop General Peter Randall from destroying Manhattan with a nuclear missile. When they got there, Alex absorbs Randall and gets attacked by Cross, who is revealed to be the Supreme Hunter in disguise.
Alex defeats the monster and puts the missile into the river. He fails to escape as the explosion takes him, too. However, his remains absorbed a crow, regenerating himself.
Prototype 2
Alex has witnessed a soldier named James Heller taking down the infected. What he didn't know is that he does that only to die fighting them.
When Heller becomes wounded, Alex infected him with the Blacklight Virus, giving him the powers he would have. This leads him to have a vendetta for Alex as he knows he is responsible for the death of his wife and daughter.
Personality
The original Alex was a cold monster with no empathy who ultimately unleashed the virus out of pure spite. His actions and demeanor are likely due to his troubled past, which made him a cold individual, both paranoid and sociopathic. On top of that, he seemingly doesn't care about his younger sister, Dana, and is seemingly only using her as a pawn in his plans as well. He rarely takes human cost into account during his actions, being able to murder scores of humans without remorse or hesitation.
But in truth, however, Alex is not completely heartless as he seemed; actually, he deeply trusts and cares for his younger sister Dana, having been the only real paternal figure for her, and had what can be assumed to be a loving relationship with Karen Parker.
The virus creation that merged with him, Zeus, was ultimately a better creature, displaying acts of genuine heroism and was horrified and disgusted with the original's actions. Even he is seemingly more caring to Dana after infected by the Blacklight virus, as she is the only one who can help him to uncover his past. However, his change is likely because, in truth, he is already dead when infected; His lifeless body was resurrected, taken over, and possessed by a virus that he unleashed and immediately took control of his mind, something which explains his amnesia upon his return. In addition, before being merged into Zeus during his death, Alex was a contrast of what he becomes now. He was positive, and full of life and often played games with his sister Dana despite his troubled past, showing a close bond between the two. However, when Dana betrays Alex at the end of the game, she says "the Alex I knew died a long time ago" Alex was hurt, but then said, "I'm beyond life and death".
Unfortunately, after repeated betrayals and mishaps during his time away from NYZ after the initial outbreak, Alex decided that stopping the outbreak was a mistake and started a new one himself to usher in a new race; he claimed he was making a better world by doing so. In his new role as the leader of the Infected, Alex pursued his goal of spreading the virus in a far more active and aggressive manner than Elizabeth Greene ever did, even inserting spies within both Blackwatch and Gentek and using their resources and scientists to do so.
Powers and Abilities
Once reanimated by the Blacklight virus, every particle of Mercer's form, including his clothing and equipment, becomes comprised entirely of viral biomass. This substance can be manipulated at will. He can absorb the organic matter of other living creatures, converting it into more biomass. This process sustains and regenerates Mercer's health and is referred to as 'consuming'. In addition, Mercer can consume individuals, absorbing their knowledge, skills, and even their physical form, which he can call upon at will. He can manipulate his physical form to create weapons to attack his enemies, generate armor to defend himself, and take on the appearance of another person to disguise himself.
- Sentient Biomass Physiology: Upon being infected by the Blacklight Virus. Alex Mercer’s body was converted into living biomass. His body is now stronger than it has ever been before. Lacking many of the weaknesses that comes with a normal body such as internal organs, the issue of stamina and much more, while at the same time gaining a vast array of abilities that comes with his new physiology, such as shapeshifting and enhanced stats.
- Near Limitless Potential: Mercer is pretty interesting, even among other fictional characters, and even those within the video game media. Being one of the few characters showcased to have near limitless potential due to how his powers work. When the blacklight virus first infected Mercer, and later reforming it. Mercer was shown to be many times stronger than normal. This isn’t where his limits are however. Upon consuming other biological entities. Mercer is capable of converting them into biomass which is then added to his own. Increasing his stats, such as strength and durability, with each body that he consumes. So long as there is enough biological materials for him to consume. Mercer’s physical potential is almost limitless. Similarly, due to his ability to assimilate the memories of those he consumes. There is no real limit to Mercer’s own intelligence, so long as there are living beings for him to consume. Lastly due to the blacklight virus within Mercer’s body constantly evolving. There is a chance for Mercer to develop various new abilities simply due to a random mutation at some point down the line.
- Evolutionary Adaptability: Due to the Blacklight Virus’s ability to constantly evolve based on the situation and the information presented in consumed biomass. Mercer is capable of adapting to nearly any situation. Forming claws, and other such weapons from his body in order to better combat his foes. Developing resistances to things such as elemental damage like fire and electricity, and even developing a degree of immunity. In one case after being in a situation where Mercer was under 10gs of gravitation force. Mercer’s body quickly adapted by increasing his strength levels. Allowing him to walk out of that situation as if he was never under that level of extreme pressure.
- Potentially Limitless Superhuman Strength: Mercer’s is shown having vast levels of superhuman strength. Being strong enough to lift and toss heavy objects such as cars, helicopters, and buses, to objects as heavy as tanks several tens to hundreds of feet away. Even being able to run with these objects without his speed being impaired. Mercer’s strength is on such a level that he could overpower other superhumanly strong characters such as the infected hunters, Elizabeth Greene, the Supreme Hunter, and even James Heller at times, despite their superhuman durability being at a level where even missiles and tank fire can’t hurt them. In the first Prototype game. Mercer demonstrates an insane level of strength, being able to create a concussive shockwave just by thrusting his fists forward, uplifting cars, tanks and throwing people several tens of feet with enough force to kill them if not outright vaporize them. Mercer’s strength can continuously increase as he consumes more and more biomass. Even mutating and becoming stronger when consuming other infected individuals, and whatever potential mutations their variant of the Blacklight virus may have. Making his potential for strength virtually limitless so long as there is enough organic material for him to consume.
- Superhuman Leaping Ability: Mercer’s strength is shown to extend to his legs. Allowing him to jump several hundred feet into the air. Allowing him to clear barricades, get on top of buildings, and even leap high enough into the air to catch helicopters. Due to his increased mass. Mercer is capable of producing shockwaves when landing after leaping from large heights.
- Superhuman Speed: Mercers speed is far above that of a normal human. Being able to run far faster than the average car, making them appear as if they are standing still. He has been shown to out run helicopters chasing him at times, putting his speed around 200 to 500mph. He has even kept up and outpace other infected entities such as the Leader Hunters, the Supreme Hunter and even James Heller to a degree.
- Superhuman Agility: Due to Mercer’s enhanced physiology. He is capable of moving around far better than the average person. He can leap tall distances. Perform various kinds of flips with the greatest of ease. This combined with his constantly evolving parkour skills, allows him the ability to escape and move around the tightest of spaces without so much as losing his balance. He is capable of twisting his body in midair in order to quickly recover from being knocked back and landing on his feet in a battle ready stance.
- Superhuman Reflexes: Mercer, upon his mutation into the Prototype, had his reflexes enhanced to superhuman levels. He can dodge gunfire, and other projectile base weaponry at point blank range. Keep up and overpowered various evolved infected creatures such as the hunter, and supreme hunter, and even combat and overwhelm the military’s super soldiers with ease.
- Potentially limitless Superhuman Durability: Mercer’s durability, much like his strength, is potentially limitless. As he absorbs more and more biomass. His body is capable of compacting the excess within himself. Making his flesh far denser than that of a normal human. Similarly he can alter the density of his biomass to even stronger levels. He has tanked gunfire from all angles. Survived being shot with missiles and other explosives. Tanked and survived hits from other infected individuals such as Heller and the Supreme Hunter. He has survived dismemberment, being inside clouds of the bloodtox chemical, and more, and still continues fighting.
- Superhuman Healing Factor: Mercer’s healing factor is on an insane level. Being able to heal from bullet and shrapnel wounds nearly instantaneously, He could regenerate from having large sections of his body torn out, regenerate lost limbs just as fast. So long as there is still a single bit of the biomass that makes up his body. Mercer will continue to regenerate back to full health. Even regenerating from a few pieces of tissue flesh after being caught at ground zero when a nuclear warhead exploded.
- Immortality: Due to Mercer’s body being made up of biomass. Mercer’s aging process has come to a halt. Due to his body constantly healing and replacing any damaged biomass. Mercer is in a sense, immortal. It was shown with Elizabeth Greene that after she got infected with the Redlight virus. Her physical body was shown to still look around the age of twenty. Having not changed even after nearly forty years passing since she was infected.
- Elemental resistance: Mercer is shown to be resistant to fire and electric attacks. However, being exposed to either high enough heat or voltage can still cause him harm.
- Superhuman Senses: Mercer’s sense after his mutation is shown to have evolved to far higher levels than that of the normal human. He can hear far better than the normal human and his eye-sight has evolved in a way to allow Mercer to see through several different types of visual ranges.
- Infrared Vision: One of two known vision powers that Mercer is shown to have. By using infrared vision, Mercer is capable of seeing the heat signatures radiating from various living beings. By using this vision power. Mercer is capable of seeing in environments and conditions that would normally limit or blind a normal person’s eyesight such as total darkness or thick smoke and fog by tracking the heat signatures of living beings within the surrounding areas. It should be noted that Mercer is capable of using infrared vision despite the fact that those infected tend to generate enough body heat to blind other infrared vision devices. Showing that there are some differences between Mercer’s infrared vision and other devices capable of allowing users to see in infrared.
- Infected Vision: After connecting to the hive mind created by the blacklight virus. Mercer gained the ability to see and recognize individuals infected with the Blacklight virus.
- Superhuman Intelligence: Upon consuming the biomass of an intelligence entity. Mercer’s own intelligence is shown to increase dramatically as he will know what the person he consumes knows. Given the numerous individuals that he had consumed over the course of the Prototype series. Mercer’s intelligence is at superhuman levels. Making him one of the smartest if not the smartest person within the Prototype universe… at least until Jame Heller had consumed him.
- Superhuman Mental Processing: Due to Mercer’s physiology. Mercer’s mental capacity and processing is at a superhuman level. He is shown being able to understand and process massive amounts of information that he gains from consuming his targets. Similarly during the events of Prototype 2, Mercer was capable of controlling and directing various individuals infected with the blacklight virus through the hive mind.
Powers - Matter Manipulation: While not really shown all that much. Mercer has the ability to alter the environment using the Blacklight virus as a catalyst. Through this ability. Mercer is capable of deteriorating concrete. Converting and absorbing the biomass of living objects such as living creatures and trees. Strengthening and converting even inorganic structures such as buildings into hives to fit his needs. Even converting inorganic material into layers of biomass over large areas which can be used to slow down his enemies, while not hindering his own forces or himself. He gains this ability after consuming Elizabeth Greene. It should be noted that even though Mercer is capable of altering the surroundings around him. His version of this power is very limited when compared to others such as Edward Elric from FullMetal Alchemist or Silver Surfer from Marvel Comics. As while he can make and convert things into organic matter. He can’t make inorganic matter like breathable air, or metal.
- Biokinesis: Due to Mercer’s ability to produce the Blacklight Virus within himself. Mercer is capable of controlling and altering the biomass both within his body and that of others infected to various effects. Being able to increase his physical stats to create various weapons abilities with his biomass. Similarly, due to his ability to constantly make new strains of the virus itself. Mercer is capable of infecting others with this virus. Allowing him to alter and control infected individuals by granting them a similar power set to his own or even morphing and transforming these individuals into monsters of various sizes and powers.
- Disease Manipulation (Blacklight Virus): Due to being infected and bonding with the Blacklight virus to the extent of becoming an entity called a Prototype. Mercer’s body is capable of constantly producing the blacklight virus. Even creating various strains of side viruses which can grant or evolve various abilities that he may not have had before. Similarly due to this virus production and the various strains he can make in his body. Mercer is capable of infecting others with a variation of the virus. Either turning others into infected drones which he can control or granting the infected individual a similar subset of powers as his own.
- Viral Gas Generation: Caught on a CCTV camera. Mercer is shown having the ability to generate and expel a cloud of gas from his body containing the Blacklight Virus into the surrounding area. Rapidly infecting and mutating those located on ground zero, caught within the cloud.
- Biomass Conversion: Mercer has the ability to nearly instantaneously consume and convert any organic organism into biomass which is then added to his body. Through this process. Mercer is capable of enhancing his overall physical stats and quickly recovering from any damage that he may have suffered during battle as well as gaining the memories and skills that the consumed individual may have had.
- Critical Mass: Upon consuming enough biomass. Mercer is capable of entering a critical mass state. Due to this extra mass, Mercer’s durability increases, allowing him to tank more damage. Similarly, due to having more biomass at his command. Mercer is capable of using his strongest attacks, called Devastators. Moves capable of clearing and killing anyone and everyone within a certain range of Mercer. Upon gaining critical mass. Mercer’s body gains a defense mechanism in which upon taking enough damage. This extra mass would harden to an extreme degree. Making Mercer almost completely invulnerable to most forms of physical damage for a short time in order to allow him to either escape a battle or try and consume another organic organism in order to recover from the near fatal damage.
- Memory Assimilation: Upon consuming an individual. Mercer gains access to all the memories and skills that that individual may have had. Allowing Mercer to suddenly master various new skills such as weaponry, vehicle usage, and even military tactics and plans.
- Shapeshifting: Due to Mercer not having a stable form like most other organic organisms. Mercer is capable of shaping the biomass within him into virtually anything he can imagine. He can shape his arms into various weapons such as blades and whips. He can change his form to match the form of anyone he consumed no matter their gender. Even morphing the biomass within his body to form mundane items such as clothes. Mercer's shapeshifting abilities are only limited by his imagination and the amount of biomass he contains.
- Voice Mimicry: Due to both of Mercer’s abilities to shapeshift and assimilating the memories of those he consumes. Mercer is capable of altering his vocal cords to match the voices of the people that he has consumed. Allowing Mercer to move around in areas with more heavier security. Mercer has even been shown being capable of using this power in battles. Taking the forms of high rank officials to trick various Military forces into fighting themselves. Similarly, depending on who Mercer is fighting at the time. If Mercer is aware of himself having consumed someone close to his opponent. Mercer can alter his voice in order to mess with his opponent’s mind. Getting them to drop their guard enough for him to score a kill, or at the very least, land more easier hits on them.
- Bio-Shield: Mercer due to his shapeshifting ability, much like most of his other powers, is capable of manipulating his biomass to form various weapons and armaments. One of these powers is the ability to form a shield on either one of his arms. Taking some of his accumulated biomass and forming it into the shape of a kite shield. Mercer then hardens this shield shaped biomass to the utmost degree. Allowing him to block all incoming damage from the direction he faces his shield at. However, it should be noted that the shield’s durability is limited as enough damage can shatter the shield. Unlike his successor, James Heller. Mercer, when using his shield power, prefers having a mobile approach to his defense as opposed to being a solid unbreakable wall like Heller’s own ability. As such, Mercer is capable of moving around instead of being rooted in place, Similarly due to this approach. Mercer is capable of using this power with his other abilities. Adopting a similar fighting style to that of a knight of old, with a shield in one hand, and a weapon in the other.
- Bio-Armor: When faced with a situation where Mercer is either taking damage from all directions or facing a foe that rivals him in strength and power. Mercer is capable of hardening the outer layer biomass that makes up his appearance into an armor like texture. Giving his entire body a shiny black texture that blocks most damage and reduces all incoming damage to a large degree. This increase in durability allowed mercer to take on foes such as Captain Cross, the Supreme Hunter, and even tank multiple hits from high yielding artillery without suffering much damage from these encounters. Much like with his bio-shield ability. Mercer is capable of using his more offensive powers with this form. However, this form is not without its weaknesses, as upon entering this form. Mercer’s speed is greatly reduced. While still capable of moving at superhuman speeds. It's only about half of his normal speed. Similarly, while in this form. Mercer appears unable to use his bio-shield ability, however this may be due to this form providing potentially better defense and allowing him more mobility in combat.
- Bio-Claws: One of the first offensive powers that Mercer gains during the events of the first Prototype game. Mercer gained the ability to form massive sharp claws on his hand by consuming a hunter-type infected. These claws are sharp enough when combined with his superhuman strength to cut a person to shreds. Even being able to cut and destroy heavily armored vehicles such as tanks. When combining his claws with his speed. Mercer can tear through hordes of basic enemies with ease. Even developing this ability further into the ground spikes ability and the AOE devastator, Ground spike graveyard attack.
- Groundspikes: When using his claws as his main weapon. Mercer is capable of compressing his biomass into his clawed hands before slamming them into the ground. Upon doing this, Mercer expands the compressed biomass in his hands outwards towards the direction he wants. After either reaching their target or hitting a certain distance. The expanded biomass will erupt as sharp spires from the ground. Impaling and cutting apart anyone and anything caught within eruption radius.
- GroundSpike Graveyard Devastator: An enhanced version of the groundspike technique. Upon entering critical mass. Mercer is capable of moving the extra biomass to his hands after a bit of a charge up time. Afterwards, Mercer will then slam both his hands into the ground. Sending the biomass out in all directions which would then track down any target within a certain radius before erupting out of the ground. This move is strong enough to bring down infected hives which were capable of withstanding the force of tank and missile fire.
- Hammerfists: When in need of some more brute physical force and attack power. Mercer is shown being able to move the biomass within his body to his arm. Covering them in the same fibers that make up his shield and armor form while at the same time enlarging them to the size of large warhammers, like those seen in games. With these new hammerfists, Mercer is capable of dealing massive amounts of blunt force trauma to the point of even destroying a tank with a few hits. He is capable of doing this by pressing more and more biomass into his fist before compressing them. Increasing their density and weight in the process. However, doing so does cost him some attack speed, as he is shown having some trouble at times lifting and swinging his massive hands around. The attack power of these fist are shown to be on a level capable of inflicting massive damage to entities such as the Supreme Hunter, and even James Heller. He has even shown the ability to produce shockwaves and quaking the ground with a few hits. Allowing him to stun foes with the aftershocks even when Mercer’s fist doesn't make contact with his intended target.
- Whipfist: Mercer’s main range attack. By moving his biomass to either of his arms. Mercer can morph his arm of choice into what could be called a grappling gun. By changing the normally rigid properties of his arm to be more elastic when compared to some of his other powers. Mercer can throw his arm forward, shooting out his clawed appendage at a target. Allowing him to reel it back to him or him towards it. He tends to use this when dealing with airborne enemies or when he needs to reach a farther distance than normal distance that his jumping ability may not be able to cover. Similarly due to the whipfist’s elastic properties. It is a good power to use when dealing with mobs as it can swing his arm. Extending it a certain distance and with his superhuman strength. Cut nearly anything in his path in half.
- Tendrils: Mercer is capable of forming and using tendrils. While not really shown in the first Prototype game. Mercer does use them in dealing with foes. Even creating two different devastator attacks with them. In the tied-in comics. Mercer is shown using the tendrils ability to impale and kill various individuals. In one case, killing Autumn with this ability after being shot in the head.
- Tendrils Barrage Devastator: Upon entering critical mass. Mercer is capable of condensing the biomass in his body. Creating large amounts of pressure within himself before releasing it. Causing an unknown amount of tendrils to burst from his body in all directions. Impaling and dragging any organic being towards him. Anything impaled and killed by this attack is then absorbed by Mercer, healing and strengthening him.
- Bio-Bombs: While Mercer isn’t shown using this ability as it was one of the main attacks of James heller. As the ability came from one of Mercer’s Evolved soldiers, carrying a strain of the blacklight virus produced by Mercer. Mercer likely has access to this ability. The ability itself allows mercer to implant a bit of his biomass into a target, before either allowing them to run off or simply throwing the individual at a group or target. The person in question will then explode in a mass of tendrils in all directions. Impaling, grabbing, and dragging all targets caught into a center mass. Crushing and killing anything caught in the center mass.
- Bio-Blade: Mercer is capable of shaping and forming the biomass in his arms to form a massive blade, capable of splitting humans in half, and piercing the armor of military vehicles such as tanks, and the thick skin of hunters and other infected entities. The bio-blade is Mercer’s strongest attack ability outside of his Devastator attacks. Not as fast as the claws nor as strong as his hammerfist. Mercer’s bio-blade ability doesn’t suffer from the weaknesses of either power. Acting as a middle ground, allowing him a far greater dps, or damage per second when confronting enemies. Mercer’s version of the bio-blade is shown being stronger than that of Heller’s. Being capable of dealing with crowds and more heavily defended enemies far easier than Heller’s version of the power.
- Density Alteration: Mercer, due to his shapeshifting abilities, is capable of altering the density of his body. Allowing him to increase the damage potential of his strikes as well as altering the way gravity affects his body. In terms of offensive capabilities. Mercer has been shown being able to do sudden changes while in mid air and increase his density to the point of creating shockwaves and cratering the ground he lands on with enough height.
- Muscle Mass Increase: Mercer is capable of increasing his muscle mass in his arms and body. Increasing his strength beyond his normal levels without suffering any loss in movement like many of his other defensive and offensive powers.
- Gliding: Mercer, by lowering his density while in the air, is capable of achieving a limited degree of flight by gliding through the air. He is capable of switching his body’s density on the fly to either slow his descent or rapidly falling. Similarly, it is due to this ability that Mercer is capable of clearing large distances as he can simply leap and glide over most obstacles in his way in order to escape his pursuers, or reach various locations far more quickly then simply running and parkouring his way there through the streets..
- Air Dash: Mercer is shown being able to move the biomass around his body at such a rate that it is capable of slingshotting him in any particular direction that he wants. Mercer generally uses this ability to cover more distance, extend his gliding abilities and even dodge projectiles and other attacks in mid-air.
- Wall Running: While strong enough to climb walls using his hands. Mercer is capable of wall running at high speeds as his body will alter his feet in a way that allows him to cling to walls while running without the risk of slipping off due to lack of momentum or adhesion. As such Mercer can run at high speeds in any direction when on vertical surfaces
- Knuckle Shockwave: Using his strength, Mercer is capable of producing a massive shockwave by a double palm thrust. This attack is capable of cars and people down an entire street. Even potentially tearing apart the latter.
- Critical Pain Devastator: An enhanced version of the knuckle shockwave. Upon entering critical mass. Mercer can move the biomass in his body into his hands. Upon doing a palm thrust. Mercer creates a massive shockwave that uplifts and tears apart humans and vehicles alike. Adding insult to injury. Mercer, during the process of performing this attack. Will also fire the biomass stored in his hands as tendrils into the shockwave. Shredding and crushing anything unlucky enough to survive the initial shockwave itself.
- [Hivemind]: A side effect of having the blacklight virus in his system. During the events of the first Prototype game. Upon realizing the threat that Elizabeth Greene posed, and the fact that said woman kidnapped his sister. Mercer would go and consume various infected individuals in order to form a stronger connection with the hivemind created by the Blacklight virus. Upon doing so, Mercer became able to communicate with Greene and other infected individuals. It wasn’t until he consumed Greene and later killed the Supreme Hunter that Mercer became the leader and focal point of the hive mind. In the events of Prototype 2, We are shown Mercer’s capabilities with this ability. Being able to control various infected creatures after infecting them with variation strain of the virus, and even being able to lead his Evolved minions over large distances via mental power alone.
- {Pack Leader}: Mercer, like with Heller, is capable of calling and controlling any infected individuals within the area. The most recognizable use of this ability came in his fight with Heller at the end of Prototype 2, where he called in a group of flyers to attack Heller. However, it should be noted that he was using this ability far more throughout the game than simply this instance. Sending various infected creatures to attack various bases and even aiding Heller through the sidelines. It appears that the only infected individuals that Mercer can’t control are those with extreme levels of willpower such as Heller, or the military super soldiers that were enhanced using the DX-1120 strain of the blacklight virus for unknown reasons. Likely due to the strain itself being altered by the military or coming from a source other than Mercer himself.
- Power Bestowal (Viral): Due to Mercer’s body being capable of continuously producing more of the Blacklight Virus. Mercer has the ability to infect those around him with variations of the virus. Often converting those he infects into his own minions. However, he has been shown making special strains capable of granting those that he deems either worthy, or useful to his cause with it. Granting these individuals with powers similar to his own.
- [Minion Conversion]: As mentioned above. Due to Mercer’s ability to produce the blacklight virus. Mercer can infect others with this virus. Allowing him to control and alter their physical makeup to varying degrees. Mercer has been shown being able to create several different kinds of minions through this ability.
- {Infected}: The infected are individuals infected with a more common strain of the Blacklight Virus, who started experiencing mutations. These individuals appeared like normal humans, however, they are much more violent, to the point of being almost mindless in assaulting their targets. They are the most basic type of minion under Mercer’s control as they are easy to form just by simply infected a random passersby and allowing them to run around, spreading the virus to create more infected minions.
- {Flyers}: Flyers are essentially birds that came into contact and were infected by the Blacklight Virus. Mutating them into a far more deadly, larger size bird which will attack anything and everything it deems either food or a threat unless stated otherwise by Mercer himself. Aside from leaving them to act on their own to cause as much havoc as possible. Mercer will use these flyers against a foe in order to distract them as their speed and pack mentality makes them difficult to avoid even if they are among the weakest of the different minion types under Mercer’s control.
- {Infected Animals}: During the Prototype tied-in comics. It is shown that animals are capable of being infected by the virus. Their mutations vary between different animals. However, it is shown that they gain increased strength and durability.
- {Brawler Hunter}: Mercer’s own personal variant of the Hunters that were created by Greene. They are the infantry of Mercer’s minion army. Being far stronger than normal infected civilians. Brawlers are strong enough to topple tanks and inflict heavy damage to foes as strong as Heller himself. With claws capable of shredding anything they grab hold of. Similarly, they are incredibly fast. Being able to keep up with most vehicles with ease.
- {Spiked Brawler}: Larger, stronger variants of Mercer’s Brawler Hunters. Much like with Greene’s Leader Hunter. Spiked Brawlers are physically stronger than the normal Brawlers. Being capable of creating shockwaves and quaking the ground by pounding their fist into it. Similarly, they are more durable than the normal brawlers. Their spiked outer hide even provides them with some form of protection as foes must be careful not to not hurt themselves on them. Unlike their normal brawler counterparts. Spiked Brawlers are shown to have some level of intelligence that their cousins don’t have, as after taking enough damage. The Spiked Brawler will disengage from combat before looking for nearby infected individuals and consuming them in order to regain its lost health and returning right afterwards to fight again.
- {Goliath}: A special heavy unit created by Mercer. These Goliaths as they are called, are infected individuals that were mutated into giant disfigured monsters. Standing several stories tall, with an enlarged left arm and a bladed right arm. These monsters, due to their size and bulk are incredibly durable. Being able to withstand nearly everything thrown at them. They are strong enough to crater and crack the ground beneath their feet. Charging through anything that stands in their way and smashing anything else with its clubbed left arm. However, this minion does process some weaknesses. Due to its size. The monster isn’t very agile. Fast yes, agile no. As such an opponent who is fast enough can overwhelm them with attacks as long as they are able to circle around the beast. Similarly, do to how off balance their figures are. They can be toppled over with enough force, however, this will only keep them down for a short while. Similarly, the creature lacks any real options in dealing with range fighters. Allowing someone with good range attacks, such as strong firearms, or even long range powers to be able to hurt it from a distance without having to really worry about it getting close enough to be attacked by them.
- {Hydra}: A large snake-like monster created from the blacklight virus. These creatures are quite strong in that they are capable of sending tanks flying with ease off of a single swipe. They can also pick up and throw objects a good distance away with near pin-point accuracy. However, what makes them so deadly is their ability to dig and travel underground. Making them almost the perfect choice for landing a damage heavy sneak attack on a group of foes as they can simply erupt from the ground at random locations. And their large health and durability will allow them the ability to wreak as much havoc as possible before being taken out. The hydra is even capable of using its tongue to strike and grab its foe when there is nothing to either throw at its foe or if they are too far for it to hit them by swiping at them.
- {Juggernaut}: While not as large as their Goliath cousins. Juggernauts are still quite large. Standing several feet taller than the normal human. They are shown to be incredibly powerful. Being able to contend with Heller in direct combat far better than other infected units. Their strength allowing them to severely hurt Heller, and while they are slower than their Goliath cousins. Juggernauts are more agile. Being able to leap large distances in a single bound. Similarly, their arms are formed in a way to mimic Mercer’s hammerfist. Allowing them to inflict large amounts of brute force damage to their targets. They can throw objects with vast speed and power compared to other infected units. Making their projectiles more difficult to dodge. They are also capable of using the ground spikes ability to attack unaware foes from a distance, and even having some basic knowledge in hand to hand combat skills. What makes them even more dangerous is the fact that, like flyers and brawlers. Juggernauts are capable of using pack mentality. Leading a group of brawlers to battle or even other Juggernauts if needed.
- {Evolved}: Perhaps Mercer’s most powerful minion type. The Evolved are individuals that were infected with a far more stable variation of the blacklight virus by Mercer. Granting them similar abilities as Mercer himself. These individuals are shown to be able to maintain their intelligence, and gain the ability to shapeshift. Allowing them to retain their human form while at the same time having access to the abilities that Mercer has such as the pack leader ability, and the ability to form claws and blades. However, what makes these units so dangerous is their intelligence. They aren’t mindless or animalistic like the infected or the brawlers. And while they may not be on the same level of power as the Juggernauts. They are able to think and evolve on a far higher level than other units as they can call for help, alternate between different power sets and consume individuals. Making time their greatest ally and enemy at the same time. As they are at their weakest during their creation and as time goes on and they consume more biomass. Their powers and abilities will only strengthen. Effectively making them stronger than either the Juggernaut or the Goliath with enough time, or basically turning them into a weaker version of Mercer himself.
- Other Unknown Abilities: Unsure of whether or not I should put this here. It is hard to say if Mercer, due to his unique power set, had really shown everything that he could do within the Prototype games. As there are certain enemies and characters which display abilities or traits which Mercer himself hasn’t used. Things such as size alteration such as with the Supreme Hunter, and even the massive size increase shown by the Goliaths that he creates, or the ability to create wings and fly as he has been shown infecting various animals. One group of which being birds. It is likely that Mercer could in fact alter his body to use these abilities given his own power set. However, it is unknown if he could even use these abilities, as flight would require some time to adjust to the extra limbs and the mechanics behind using them. Likely creating similar abilities in order to mimic these abilities such as with gliding. However, it is possible as Mercer’s body was shown to always be evolving prior to his death at the hands of James Heller.
Skills - Indomitable Will: Mercer is shown to have some incredible will power. During the events of the first Prototype game. Mercer was shown being capable of resisting Elizabeth Greene’s control over the hive mind and all those infected by the Blacklight virus. Later consuming her and taking her place as the head of the hive mind.
- Biological and Genetic Expert: Mercer is an expert in the scientific fields of Biology and Genetics. Having attained a Ph.D for the latter, prior to his infection. This degree was what had allowed Mercer to become employed by Gentek as part of the science team in charge of studying and altering the Blacklight Virus. Being the one to unlock most of the unexplored coding within the virus, creating the strain which he would later infect himself with. His understanding in these fields is shown to be on a level that later during the events of Prototype 2. He was able to create a strain of the blacklight virus which wasn’t just immune to the effects of the Whitelight chemical, but also capable of converting it into more of the virus. Turning the original plan the Military had to get rid of the virus into one which they would unintentionally spread the virus to multiple people in the areas which it was used.
- Martial Arts Master: It is believed that prior to his mutation during the start of the first Prototype game. Alex Mercer had trained in martial arts to some degree. Being able to fight and combat various superhuman foes skilled in hand to hand combat such as Captain Cross and even James Heller and hold his own. Similarly due to his ability to consume his enemies and assimilate their memories and skills into himself. Having killed and consumed a vast number of specially trained combat personnel. Mercer’s hand to hand combat skills have improved by leaps and bounds with each person he consumes. Similarly due to his connection with the Blacklight Virus’ hive mind. Mercer and assimilate the combat skills of all those infected into himself without the need to consume them.
- Parkour Master: Due to his mutation and his natural athletic abilities. Mercer is a master of Parkour, the art of freerunning. Using his enhanced abilities. Mercer is capable of moving around highly condensed areas with the greatest of ease. Being able to vault over moving objects, squeeze his way through some of the smallest spaces and transverse up and down various elevations without slowing down. He has been able to use these abilities to escape military pursuit on a number of occasions. His skills in freerunning also increases with the more people he consumes that are skilled with parkour as well.
- Master Marksmen: Much like with his martial arts abilities. Mercer is something of a master marksman. He has shown the ability to throw various objects such as people, rocks, cars, tanks and so forth vast distances with extreme accuracy. Similarly, due to his ability to consume his foes and assimilating their memories and skills. Mercer is capable of using nearly any firearm or throwing weapon with near superhuman precision.
- Weapon Master: Due to Mercer’s ability to consume and assimilate his foes. Having consumed a number of highly trained weapon users. Mercer is a master of various weapons. Such as firearms, grenade launchers, and even bladed weaponry. Mercer’s ability to use weapons increases with each person he consumes who has some sort of skill in weapon usage.
- Explosives Expert: Mercer is an expert on explosives. Having knowledge on the use of such weaponry as grenade launchers, rocket launchers, missiles and more.
- Master Vehicle Driver: Mercer is capable of driving nearly any vehicle he can get his hands on. From simple transportation such as cars to military grade attack helicopters. Mercer is capable of doing this due to his consumption of various personnel trained in piloting these vehicles. Therefore should he come across a vehicle that he doesn’t know how to drive. He can simply consume someone who does and have all of their skills doing so.
- Stealth Master: Due to Mercer’s altered physiology. Mercer is a master of stealth. His ability to shapeshift allows him the ability to move around undetected. Allowing him to move around in public and sneak pass potential chasers without being noticed. Combined with his parkour skills and the memories of the people he has consumed.
- Espionage Master: Mercer is a master in the art of espionage. Being able to shapeshift into anyone he needs to be as well as his ability to assimilate the memories and skill set of whoever he consumes. Mercer can virtually walk into highly guarded areas, sabotage whatever he needs, and leave without anyone being the wiser. In some cases, depending on how high rank a person is when Mercer consumes them. Mercer can even have entire groups of soldiers fight one another just by giving pointing and placing blame on whoever he wants eliminated.
- Master Military Operator: Mercer is a master of military tactics. Having consumed a number of military and Blackwatch personnel. Mercer is incredibly knowledgeable of various military tactics and operation procedures. It was due to the information he got from consuming his various victims that allowed him to lead the military into stopping Elizabeth Greene, and saving New York from a nuke and later taking over New York for a time.
- Expert Hacker: Due to having converted and consumed numerous individuals of both civilian and military backgrounds. Mercer is shown being incredibly skilled in hacking. Being capable of hacking into both Gentek’s and the Military’s computer databases in order to find information on their plans or locating a target that he is after. Often using this information to further his plans.
- Multilingual: Due to Mercer’s ability to gain all of the memories and skills of a person he consumes. Mercer is likely fluent in multiple languages.
- Numerous Other Unknown Skills: Due to having consumed a vast number of individuals over the course of both games. Mercer likely has access to a number of skills which were either unexplored or simply never used due to either being completely useless or simply not fit for the situation at hand. It is unknown just what other skills he knows, as well as, how vast his knowledge on various subjects really is.
Trivia
- Alex is one of the very few video game protagonists to start off as the protagonist and then become the antagonist in their game's sequel.
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