Review: Metroid Prime - First of Great Game Series
Quick Summary:
Quick Summary:
Pros:
* Great gameplay
* Feel of Metroid universe from 2D to 3D seamless
* Control scheme is implemented and quite fun
* Graphics are top notch for Gamecube
* Sounds are spectacular and speak highly of an unknown universe.
* Large open map that is HUGE and fun
Cons:
* Large map that is HUGE and requires back tracking, some may not like.
Publisher / Developer: Nintendo / Retro Studios
Platform(s): Nintendo GameCube, Wii
Release date(s):
* Nintendo GameCube - November 17, 2002
* Wii - (NA) August 24, 2009
Genre(s): First-person shooter, Action-Adventure
Story: 9 / 10
Of all the series of Metroid, Prime seems the one to set itself from the rest because it does its best to include a story. Not to say the others didn't, but for a newer generation and the fact that it's in 3D, I think they want to prove a point. Let's keep in mind now: this is not your side-scroller anymore, and because of that a lot of elements had to be changed--cut-scenes, backlog to the story, and much more are in included here.
This Metroid takes place right after Super Metroid (SNES). You are Samus, super heroine to the stars, and receive a distress signal from a Space Pirate Frigate that has been slaughtered upon your arrival by their own experiments. Upon arriving, you battle one of their mutated experiments only to be halfway blown up, losing all your suit upgrades and find out that Ridley is not normal like before. He is now known as Meta-Ridley (thought you killed him before in previous Metroids, but you didn't somehow (*DRAT*).
So you pursue Meta-Ridley through this world called Talon in order to find and destroy him. Now, here is where the fun begins. Besides having to navigate huge labyrinths of an old civilization, you begin to discover secrets of your past, the metroid's past and much more. I won't go into too much detail as this is what makes the game fun. As you explore this vast planet, you will also regain your suit upgrades, fight menacing bosses that are quite fun , and come across some science labs that housed experiments that are *tadah* mini-Metroids to soon discover an even BIGGER secret...Metroid Prime itself. Sort of funny it's the name of the game.
Of all the Metroid games made, this by far had a solid story that would do be great in written book format and does well as a game and possibly even a movie (see link below ). I hope I didn't spoil anything for anyone because playing it is a lot more rewarding than reading it.
Gameplay: 10 / 10
Now, this is a first Metroid that features a First Person Perspective, which is now dubbed First Person Adventure. Sounds gimmicky, but it actually works in EVERY regard. Grappling hooks, auto lock, strafing, and shooting are easy to pull off. Nothing is left out of place and is well tweaked for optimal game play. The mapping of the buttons on the Gamecube controller are also well thought out and don't hurt the wrists after long hours of play. I was almost missing the screw-attack since I LOVED that ability so much in Super Metroid, but the fact they added a double-jump was a nice replacement. In Metroid Prime 2, the screw attack is added back into Samus' array of abilities, without losing the new double jump feature, but that's a review for another day.
In fact, I had so much fun, it was difficult at times to get me away from playing. Metroid Prime was the SOLE reason I got myself a Gamecube. I loved the other games offered on it, but Metroid has a place in my heart that won't ever leave. They kept the same feeling from the 2D and moved it towards the 3D realm with no issues at all, at least for me. Even morphing into the ball is REALLY awesome, cool, and plays very well into the environment.
View article Images hereI will make a personal note, if you are the type that doesn't like to back track your steps A LOT to receive upgrades to your suit and to go to newer, unexplored areas, then this isn't a game for you. I say this because that aspect is MANDATORY, but for me, very ENJOYABLE. Back tracking could be confusing at times, because you could get lost very easily; however, the map, which is very well implemented, makes navigation easier.
Graphics: 10 / 10
By far, this game takes the Gamecube to another level and pushes the hardware to the limits. Now, I'm not stating that it makes it sluggish, but it does reveal what many thought about the Gamecube. It may not have Halo-esque graphics, but it performs extremely well for such a small machines.
What is a nice addition is that use of graphical effects with the visor. You see Samus' reflection within the visor, drips of water outside, frozen bursts upon yourself. Everything drips and oozes the characteristics of this fantasy world, making you believe that you are engulfed in this new adventure.
Challenge/Replay Value: 9 / 10
This is a very challenging game, partially due to lots of back-tracking. It may sound like this is a negative aspect, but this is what made the Metroid series shine in my eye. It's an action/adventure/puzzle/platform game. It's one heck of a hybrid with a lot of replay value: different endings depend on the percentage of collectibles you get: all those logs you read, databasing every creature, shooting down this and that and finding all those missiles and upgrades for your suit are just some of the things, if not all.
You'll be greeted with the 100% complete and a true ending for this effort and all done in a run time of less than 12 hours, if my memory serves me right. All in all, this is a collectible in the Nintendo franchise. It's really cheap now ($5 used), so it shouldn't be that much trouble to enjoy a new adventure on the Gamecube that is also playable on Wii.
Oh, one last thing: Metroid Prime Trilogy for Wii is available this August 24th. It is a $50 game featuring all Metroid Prime (1,2,3) titles. This game will enable you to use motion controls, or the original controls, along with some other minor tweaks.
Final note:
Makes me wonder if there is a movie in the works with this commercial . Also, I would say this is a KEEPER, especially since it's really cheap new or used. You get a ton of mileage for the money you spend, especially if your into this type of game. If you have a Wii, don't forget the upcoming Metroid Prime Trilogy set. You get all 3 games for $50 and they all make use of the nunchuk and Wii-mote. It's a thought that I was considering, since I don't have the 3rd installment, since it's Wii only.
Review: Metroid Prime - First of Great Game Series
By: gamepodunk
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