There are many benefits to a long-running franchise, even though so many find themselves going down in flames. With five entries out in the world, a franchise like Predator has a lot of interesting history that informs every new entry. It’s fascinating to see the same being change over the years, even when they’re going backward.
Preydepicts the firstcontact between mankind and the iconic Yautja species of skilled big-game hunters. Many have done battle with the Predator over the years, with varying results, but the first one to make landfall on Earth seems to do so with a unique set of equipment.
RELATED:Prey: 7 Great Moments In The Predator Sequel
The average Yautja hunter is decked out in a partial suit of metallic armor. They typically do not cover the entirety of their massive frame. Theone that attacked Arnold Schwarzeneggerin the first film wore very little, but later hunters came with a bit more gear. Their distinctive masks come in a variety of looks, but they all come in the same shade of blue-black metal. Their gear is typically specialized for their role, leading to completely different looks for the many unique subclasses inPredators. Many Predators outfit their armor with aesthetic details, like fishnets, leather belts, or trophies from previous kills. A Yautja never goes anywhere without cloaking technology, so many won’t see its unique look.
Beyond the gear, the Yautja is heavily outfitted with weaponry. Their most distinct tool is their serrated twin arm blades that jut out from the creature’s forearm. The typical Predator is also armed with the Combistick, a dual-edged telescoping spear. At range, the Yautja features a shoulder-mounted Plasmacaster and a Smart Disc that seeks its target. To catch live prey, they carry a net gun. Finally, most Predators will resist being taken alive and will activate their self-destruct gauntlet when defeated, causing a massive explosion. That’s the typical loadout, with a few exceptions, butPreyintroduces a freshtake on the concepts.
Preyintroduces a versionof the Yautja who is working with technology from over 250 years in the species' past. It’s still working with cloaking gear, leaving it invisible aside from its tell-tale shimmer, but it’s less well-executed than the more modern versions. Anything that physically touches the 1719 Predator disrupts its cloaking, meaning that it can only remain unseen when in the completely open air. One of the best images in the film comes the first time Naru gets a full look at the Yautja when its body is outlined in blood by a recently slain bear. This 1719 take on the character also opts for almost no armor, wearing only a loincloth. Its mask is the most notable difference. Rather than a sleek metallic helm, this Yautja wears a comprehensive plate of bone. It fits the head well, allowing the Predator’s distinct expanding jaw to make an appearance, but it also seems to be claimed during a previous hunt. It moves thePredator’s typical sci-fi monsterappearance into something more savage and bestial, along with the new thinner dreadlocks. This Predator has something distinctly natural about it, making it all the more horrific.
The first contact Predatoralso has a completely revamped loadout. His gear serves much of the same purpose, but it’s noticeably less advanced. The biggest drop is his Plasmacaster, which is here replaced by a sort-of laser-guided crossbow. This item appears to be its main projectile, and it unerringly follows the position of the Yautja’s distinctive laser pointer. The Combistick is replaced with a massive spear that splits into dual melee weapons. The net makes a return, but he also gets a new melee weapon in the form of a unique dagger. This throwing blade seems to have the properties of a slap bracelet and the ability to grow red-hot.This Predator employs the brilliantnever-before-seen strategy of using a shield, but he primarily employs it as a slashing weapon. Finally, his iconic self-destruct tactical explosive is replaced with a new function for his gauntlet. This iteration spits out three hovering discs which swiftly emit a wave of lasers to destroy everything nearby. This leaves the Predator without a suicide option, but with a great new area of effect weapon.
Preybrings a great new appearance and arsenal to the familiar Yautja. The massive time difference between films is reflected in the many changes to the creature’s arsenal. While some franchises make the mistake of granting prequels better technology to get use out of modern effects,Preymakes the Yautja feelconsistent. Granting the Predator a more sleek hunter’s appearance gives it an air of ancient horror. Naru and her tribe see it as a monster from their stories, and its appearance sells that presentation. Though not every piece of gear makes perfect sense, its arsenal feels more complete than the average take on the species. Hopefully, any future Predator films take the same clever creativity into designing their unique Yautja.
