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I have been allowed to play deeper into the game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 75 / 78
Date: September 10, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I had the priviledge of playing a couple of hours of Metroid Prime, and I liked what I saw.

The game began with Samus on an outside platform. Thousands of asteroids were flying across the sky, and she could go to a clear spot on the platform and shoot them. Ultimately, however, she needed to search her surroundings for hidden devices that would open the doors of the structure. The adventure doesn't really begin until Samus enters the building.

This game has all kinds of terrain to explore--including some very Turok-esque jungles. These are huge places. I have no idea how long it will take people to finish the game, but I'm betting better than 60 hours.

Seen through Samus's visor, Metroid Prime is every bit as much about exploration and puzzle solving as it is about shooting. Samus's visor includes a window that exposes hidden signs and symbols. Once you uncover these clues, it is up to you to figure out how to arrange them to unlock door and find hidden items.

Metroid Prime's camera shifts to the third-person perspective when Samus curls up in a ball and rolls places. She rolls through tunnels that are otherwise too small to explore. By placing explosives on the ground, she can bounce her balled-up self to reach elevated tunnels.

The game also has these really nifty half-pipe areas. Once you find the right explosives, you can launch Samus over the top of the half-pipes to reach otherwise inaccessible ledges.

Per past Metroid games, Metroid Prime has plenty of creepy vermin to kill.

Thanks to the first-person perspective, Metroid Prime does not suffer the irritating camera problems that have plagued so many of the latest 3D games. You are inside Samus's helmet, so you see what she sees. Better look quickly, though. When the action gets going, outer space thingies will come at you from all directions.

The art direction in this game is excellent beyond belief. I doubt that any PlayStation 2 game will ever reach this level of graphic quality. This even rivals Halo--and that is saying a lot.

The big complaint about Metroid Prime is that played from the first-person perspective, it cannot possibly have the same search-and-explore feel as earlier games--particularly Super Metroid for the Super Nintendo. This was a fair concern--but Nintendo guards its franchises carefully and Retro Studios has been true to the original vision. Metroid Prime does have that perfect blend of explore and shoot.

Actually, for those of you who play PC games, Metroid Prime feels a little--and I did say a little--like System Shock II from Looking Glass. If you played System Shock II as a naval officer instead of a spy or a marine, it was about exploring and setting traps and hacking into systems.

The weakness in this comparison is that the navy guy in System Shock II could not strap on anti-gravity boots or swing across ceilings--Samus does. System Shock II was brilliant in its sci fi reality and its feeling of danger. Metroid Prime has a more powerful fantasy element.

I, obviously, have not had the chance to finish the game, but I love this game. I absoultely love it.

Best game right now on the Gamecube, hands down.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 45 / 47
Date: May 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Well, the title pretty much says it all. Nintendo's fans (and even some fans of those "other" video gaming consoles) have waited 8 long years for the next installment of the Metroid series, having been tantalized in 1995 with the stunning (for the time) graphics and gameplay of Super Metroid on the 16-bit SNES console. Nintendo picked Retro Studios to produce the next installment in the series, which -- in a move that surprised many longtime fans -- was to be completely 3D, and played from a first-person perspective. What was this? Heresy! A Metroid game not in 2D? How could they do it?

Very carefully.

Someone at Nintendo had clearly read the writing on the wall, as Metroid Prime is probably the best game on the 'Cube right now, and also one of the best games on *any* next-gen system. It's that good. The gameplay, graphics, and, well, *everything* have been polished to a mirror sheen by the fine folks at Retro (literally; one of the cooler visual effects in the game causes your character's face to reflect on the visor in front of you when bright explosions go off nearby). The game moves slowly at first, as you explore a recently abandoned research frigate, but eventually picks up steam, and becomes downright frantic near the end, as you face several long, difficult stretches filled with enemies, and a series of climactic boss fights. However, the level of difficulty remains fairly low, as long as you devote some time to exploring the game world and searching out energy tanks and missile expansions. Also, the difficulty in the boss fights comes mostly from discovering the particular tricks you should use to fight them, not from the actual gameplay.

There are only a few minor points on which Metroid Prime can be faulted.

First, this style of game is not for everyone. Despite initial appearances, this is *not* a traditional First-Person Shooter game (a la DOOM, Quake, or Halo). The pacing is (deliberately) slower, the combat more strategic and less about pointing the biggest gun you can find at the enemies and holding down the trigger. Most of your time is spent exploring the nooks and crannies of Tallon IV, discovering hidden powerups and new abilities, and gradually uncovering the plot of the game (done, IMO very tastefully, by reading computer data logs and messages left inscribed on various archeological ruins scattered around the planet).

Second, the controls will throw off some players who are used to "standard" console FPS controls (ie, using one stick to move and strafe, and another to control your viewpoint). Metroid Prime reverts to the "Goldeneye" system where the left analog stick controls turning and forward/reverse movement, and you have to hold the R trigger to look up or down. Aiming is taken care of by an auto-lock system (similar to that in the N64/GCN Zelda games), but some will find the control scheme limiting. I think it fits the game perfectly.

Finally, there are a few actual bugs in the game, one of which can cause it to occasionally crash (however, the general abundance of save points makes this less heinous, as long as you save often), and another which can make it impossible to complete the game (though only if you fail to pick up a key item when it is *very* clearly presented to you after defeating one of the later bosses).

Seriously, if I could give the game 6/5 stars, I probably would. It's that good. If you own a cube, buy it. If you don't own a cube, get one while you can still get MP bundled with it for free.

A must-have masterpiece for the GameCube

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 23 / 25
Date: November 18, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Presentation -
Metroid reborn in 3D, and an impressive sci-fi fantasy to boot. Awesome menus. Design is great from concept to execution. Few games are this polished.

Graphics -
A stunning art vision that deserves major recognition, jaw-dropping world architecture, and volumes of pretty textures. At 60 fps with progressive scan support, there are few that compare.

Sound -
The original Nintendo composer delivers another opus and fantastically designed sound effects compliment the mood with Dolby Pro Logic II support.

Gameplay -
A true masterpiece; an accomplishment that will be recognized for years. It is Super Metroid in 3D, and it's as complex and wonderful as any gamer could want. Any self-respecting gamer must own it.

Lasting Appeal -
30+ hours to average completion. Requires much longer to earn 100%. Unlock art galleries, difficulty settings, and connect to GBA for extras. No multiplayer, but like Zelda, do we need it?

Metroid on the NES was one of the first epic games I ever experienced. My brother and I, at the age of about seven, spent weeks and months questing through the password-enabled adventure. It had a certain charm to it, and even if I couldn't describe it then it made an impact on me. Then along came Super Metroid in 1994, and I was totally blown away by how brilliant it was. It was a perfect videogame in my mind. It was edgy, home to a fantastic power-up system, full of awesome bosses, and the gameplay style was a soul mate to me.
Needless to say, I have an unhealthy obsession with the franchise. So, when Metroid Prime was finally announced I was both thrilled and frightened to see how it would turn out. But after several years of very hard work, Retro Studios and Nintendo have translated the same genius of Super Metroid into 3D with very few casualties. Because of that, Metroid Prime has not only become my most beloved title on GameCube, but also one of my most treasured games of all time. I'm not sure where I place it, but it's very high on the list.

If I had to make one personal observation, it would be that the change to first-person perspective was brilliant for its move to 3D, but not perfect. I felt comfortable (even in awe) 90% of the time, but there are a few boss fights where it can frustrate. It's extremely rare, but something you should be aware of going into it. It's nothing that sours the overall quality, though.

That said, I would recommend Metroid Prime as an absolute buy -- skip the renting facade -- for every owner of a GameCube. It's a real collector's item. You'll want to keep this one even after your done spending 30+ hours with it. (By the way, please note that Prime's timer does not count down when you're looking at the map, reading scan data, examining your research log, or viewing cut-scenes. So, while your clock my read closer to 20 hours at completion, you will have in fact played much more.)

The only reason one would avoid it is if action/adventures are not part of your narrower taste in games. If you fall into that category, you have no idea what you're missing out on.

Metroid Prime is an instant classic that you will use to measure forthcoming software by.

The Best of the Gamecube!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 22 / 24
Date: March 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

One word can basically sum up the effect of Metroid Prime on players-wow!! The environments, sound, graphics, gameplay, everything draws you into the wonderful world of Metroid Prime. And basically, Metroid is prime! The game is almost perfect. The graphics are gorgeous, and the world of Tallon IV draws you in from every corner. It's a world screaming to be explored. The effects of Samus' power suit are amazing, and the effects from inside the helmet are terrific! Moisture builds up from inside, water drips off of the front, sludge covers the helmet. It's gorgeous! The gameplay is very smooth, and while the game is long, it progresses very quickly. Sure, there'll be a few times that you have to retry, but the game hardly ever slows down. Exploring is encouraged, and the enemies are in all of the right places, providing the right amount of action and the right time in the game! The sound is good, with the music being top-notch and the sound FX being superb! Everything flows great in MP! The only complaint that I have heard is how awful the controls are. This is partially true, and partially understated. The controls are a bit rocky for the first hour or so, but then tthey are pretty comfortable, or at least I thought so. The controls look back at first when flipping through the manual, but sooner or later the even out for an enjoyable gaming experience! Is Metroid Prime fun? This is the big question on everybody's mind before buying the game. I can answer that-yes, Metroid Prime is the most fun that you will get out of gaming this year! The environments are awesome, the levels are fun, the action never slows down, and Metroid never looked better in 3D! I would rate this game to any Gamecube owner who loves classic games from Nintendo. My rating-9.8!

Samus fans, rejoice!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 21
Date: February 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I'll admit, just like everyone else when Metroid Prime was announced to be a 3d FPS I gave up hope. I thought it would obviously be the biggest mistake in the Metroid series. As the game progressed and the screenshots started coming out though, I became curious. And now that I've played through the game, I can say for sure: It is the best Metroid game to date. Bar none.

Prime is not actually a FPS, despite how it looks. It's not Halo, it's not even Half Life style. It shares more with Zelda 64, in fact. What I mean is that most all fighting is done via a lock on system. The game is far more based on adventure, strategy, and tactics. It's not based at all on aim, and very little on reflexes. It feels exactly like the Metroid series should. The 3d world feels completely natural. You'll spend a good deal of time doing jumps from ledge to ledge like before, but it's done perfectly in 3d. You'll never have to blindly leap, your view follows the leap perfectly.

The graphics are incredible, the best on the Gamecube to date. You might not be too impressed on the first level, but as you play through the game you'll see just why the graphics are so groundbreaking. It's hard not to be amazed when you jump out of a lake and water streams down the front of Samus's visor. The first time you try the Thermal visor or the X-ray visor, you'll be thrown for a loop. It's simply stunning. The bosses are incredible looking, and the game never skips a beat. Loading is done seamlessly as you move through the map, so you'll never see a loading bar even once.

The sound is incredible as well, you'll always be able to hear the enemies and the explosions without effort. The music fits the mood perfectly and never feels out of place. It's a perfect mix of old and new, sure to please any fan.

It's amazing, but playing the game you actually truly do feel like Samus Aran. When playing most FPS style games, you don't actually feel anything like the character you're suppose to be. Just a hand and a gun. But as I said, this isn't a FPS. Every single piece of your view is designed to be exactly what Samus Aran sees. From the HUD on her Visor to the amazing way effects like rain splats on the helmet, you are in the power suit. You'll never question it, and nothing is ever out of place. Samus never talks in the game, but you'll never question it's her.

The game's best power ups are still in there, new and improved, along with several all new enhancements. Now instead of the freeze beam or pulse beam taking over your gun, you'll always be able to switch between each gun with the click of a key. You'll have to use every weapon in your inventory to take on the game's enemies through the multiple and ever changing environments. Each gun interacts with the world exactly as it should... the freeze gun freezes, the pulse gun will drive electronics into a frenzy, the plasma gun melts and sets aflame whatever you blast in an instant. It's truly amazing.

You always have a 3d map available to help guide you through the world. And believe me, you'll need it. Without the map this game would have been a dull boring maze. With this map, getting from point A to point B across several environments is a breeze. You'll constant have at least a good idea of where to go, as hints will appear on your map telling you to investigate energy spikes, unusual activity, and the like.

The game's story isn't the most detailed or anything, but it's very entertaining and will keep you hoping for more bits and pieces at every turn. The story reveals the mystery of the planet, the strange space craft and bodies you find at the very start of the game, as well as the past of Samus Aran herself. You'll know more than ever before by the end of this game, and will look back on the older games with new understanding. The storyline fits perfect with the rest of the series and doesn't feel out of place in the slightest.

Samus has some new abilities that both help the story along, and make perfect sense for a bounty hunter of her skill and experience. Using your visor, you can scan computers or other electronics and the power suit will hack any security in no time flat. This is used for everything from opening force fields, and shutting down turret guns. Best of all is hacking computers to read messages and files and figure out what the heck is going on. The visor scans other items in the same fashion. It will translate carvings in walls, scan weaknesses in structures, scan enemies for weaknesses, and just about anything else you come across.

All in all, this game in unmatched on the Gamecube. It's by far the best Gamecube game today, and the best Metroid game to date. That may be hard to swallow, but try it and see for yourself. You'll be amazed. The game is roughly 20 some game hours, which translates into 30 some real world hours. A dedicated player can beat it in a week, but a casual gamer could play for a month. If you replayed the old Metroids, you'll probably replay this. If not, you probably won't reply this one either. But either way you'll have one amazing trip from the title screen to the ending sequence.

- Rirath_com

Metroid Prime...She's Back!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 36 / 48
Date: October 27, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I am going to try to sum up a few things that have been left out in all the other reviews here.

1) Samus now have 4 viewing visors - regular, scan (it is used to scan enemies/objects and learn about them), infra-red, and night vision. All 4 viewing visors come into play, for example, there will be a certain boss that you would have to switch to infra-red to find its weak spot. I have seen video footage of all 4 visors and it looks awesome - I know for a fact that after I beat Metroid Prime, i'm going to try to beat it again using only infra-red just for fun.

2) If you own both Metroid Fusion (GBA) and Metroid Prime (GCN) and a GBA/GCN link cable, you get special bonuses. If you beat Metroid Fusion and link it to Metroid Prime, you get to UNLOCK METROID I (NES) on Metroid Prime. Basically, Metroid Prime contains Metroid I for NES bundled inside it. Metroid Prime by the way is not a sequel of Metroid III (Super Metroid), it takes place between Metroid I and II. Another thing, if you beat Metroid Prime and connect it to Metroid Fusion, you get to unlock a 2nd costume for Samus so that you can play Metroid Prime a second time in a cooler costume.

3) Samus now has not only the morph ball..but also the spider ball (it lets you roll on some walls!!).

4) All previous Metroids have rewarded players who have beaten the games quickly. In Metroid I-III, if you were to beat the game in under 3 hours, you get a "reward" and you get to see Samus in a skimpy swimsuit. It is only safe to assume the same reward will be available to players this time.

5) Unlike Metroid I-III (which took 10 hours or less to beat..unless you were going for a speed run), it has been confirmed that Metroid Prime is a long game (20-40 hours).

Wow! One of the best games of the year!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 19 / 21
Date: December 13, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The 8 year layoff in the Metroid series has left Samus fans in a state of longing. Her appearances in both "Super Smash Bros." games helped slightly, but there was no replacement for the fun and adventure of leading Samus in a battle against Mother Brain and/or the other Metroids. With the frustration of Metroid having skipped the N64 system, fans were getting restless. It can be said, unequivocally, that "Metroid Prime" for GameCube brings Samus back in a big way and more than satiates the cravings of all Metroid fans.

It should be noted that "Metroid Prime" is actually a prequel of sorts. It takes place before the events of "Super Metroid" (on Super NES), but still presents some familiar foes (Ridley, anyone?) while introducing a plethora of new ones. One obvious area of concern for Metroid fans would be how this game could be translated from the perfect side-scroller into an effective game in GameCube's dynamic 3-dimensional environment. The same concerns existed when "Super Mario Brothers" made a similar transition on the N64 system. "Super Mario 64" made a smooth transition that opened up new worlds and new perspectives for fans of that series. "Metroid Prime" accomplishes the same goal, but on a grander scale. There is an initial battle scene aboard a battle-ravaged space station (similar to "Super Metroid") that helps players get the feel for all the controls and how the game functions. It is not overly difficult. It is just very different.

As Samus, the player employs a 'first-person shooter' perspective that comes complete with special visors and scanners that allow Samus to view a variety of different items in her travels. In the beginning, Samus has combat and scanning visors that are necessary to all actions in the game. The combat visor allows Samus to lock onto a fire at targets while the scanning visor allows her to scan for information from computers, about creatures, about artifacts, and various other bits of knowledge that will help Samus on her way. There are thermal and x-ray visors to be acquired later that enable Samus to have different ways of viewing her surroundings. They makes some boards easier to see, reveals some necessary secrets, and are absolutely essential to defeating some of the later bosses. In addition to the visors, Samus can (and will need to) acquire up to 4 different types of weapons. She starts with the power beam, but will also end up acquiring the ice beam, the energy beam, and the plasma beam. The ability to charge these beams for extra destructive powers returns from the earlier games. Missiles and morph bombs also return. What is most fascinating about Samus' arsenal is that there are combination attacks that can be acquired throughout the game. These combination attacks will combine the power of a specific beam, the missiles, and the charger to create a vicious attack. Acquiring these weapons and then learning how and when to use them is one of the more enjoyable aspects of the game.

The game, itself, involves Samus traveling to the world of Tallon IV, the former home to an ancient species of alien called the Chozo. Tallon IV was devastated by an asteroid impact some time earlier and the subsequent poison gas, called 'Phazon', was released and effectively destroyed the Chozo species. Of course, in the current time frame, the infamous Space Pirates decided they want to try and harness the destructive, but powerful, Phazon energy to fuel their weapons of destruction. Samus must travel to Tallon IV to thwart to Space Pirates and help rid the planet of this toxic presence. Samus goes into an exploratory mode similar earlier Metroid games. Samus has four regular zones in Tallon IV to investigate (Tallon IV Overworld, the haunting Chozo Ruins, the fiery Magmoor Caverns, and the calm, but dangerous, icy Phendrana Drifts.), plus the important Phazon Mines and Impact Crater zones. Samus must travel back and forth through all of these zones (except the Impact Crater) looking to recover various Chozo artifacts that will eventually allow Samus to enter the Crater and destroy the cause of all this misery. Make no mistake, though, this is not your father's Metroid. Whereas earlier Metroid games (and even the new "Metroid Fusion" for Gameboy Advance) could be completed in 3 hours or less of elapsed time, "Metroid Prime" will take closer to 20 hours! There will be a lot of back tracking, searching, and battles with numerous enemies (sometimes repeated). A lot of time and effort must be invested to win this game, but there is no doubting satisfaction that is to be derived from accomplishing that goal. "Metroid Prime" continues to raise the bar on Nintendo's games and sends a message to other platforms that this is THE standard to strive for.

All the reason you need to buy a Gamecube

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 13 / 13
Date: January 21, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Holy cow. What a game. When you get right down to it, in my opinion, there are only two problems with this game: 1) it ends eventually, and 2) the sequel isn't out yet. By now, an awful lot has been written about Metroid Prime (MP) and I'm not going to try to reproduce all of that here. Instead, I'd like to talk about the way the game felt for me, and hopefully some of these impressions can help you decide if you think the game would be right for you.

First of all, MP is not a first person shooter (FPS). I know what you're thinking if you haven't played the game: it sure looks like a FPS. It is, after all, played from a first person perspective and you do indeed shoot things. But trust me, it's not and the sooner you shed the notion while playing the game and start playing it the way it was meant to be played, the more you will enjoy it. So how is MP meant to be played? Remember the old Metroid games? Remember how you played them? They were a mix of action and exploration, platforming and puzzle solving and this game is no different. I can't believe how well the people at Retro did in capturing the spirit and gameplay of the Metroid franchise and translating it into three dimensions.

Nearly everything from the original game is here and more. I think the only thing missing is the jump attack. But all your old weapons (and more) are back and so is the morph ball. Indeed, the morph ball is much better now than it has ever been and is key to some of the games most exotic puzzles and platforming. The addition of the spider ball (the ability to stick to magnetic tracks and roll along walls and suspended from the ceiling and so on) is one of the most unique and exotic gameplay devices I have ever experienced. The various visors you utilize in the game is new to the franchise as well. Some people won't like the scan visor and all the scanning you have to do to solve puzzles and fill out your log book but I found it to be a very immersive and realisitic storytelling instrument. Rather than spoonfeeding you the plot through cut scenes, the designers at Retro have given you the power to unfold the world around you. The other visors, your thermal and x-ray visors, open up the gameplay in fascinating new ways, allowing you to discover some fiendishly cleverly hidden secrets, defeat invisible enemies, and solve some of the puzzles you will encounter.

MP is graphically stunning and the sound and music are about as close to perfect as they can be. Both come together beautifully to create a distinctly alien world and give the technology and the creatures you must battle a unique flavor that I can't put into words. You must experience it to understand it. The closest I think I can get is to say that the world of MP is an ancient blend of the mystical and scientific, infused with powerful and exotic technologies and surreal creatures.

The control scheme used in MP is really the only controversial point. If you quickly get beyond the idea that you're playing a FPS and quit trying to circle strafe around every corner and learn to trust the lock-on system you will be amazed at how well it works. Some people have contested that the lock-on system still isn't quite right. It doesn't automatically lock onto the closest enemy or the one who's attacking you and after you defeat an opponent, it doesn't automatically switch to the next closest oppenent. These are valid complaints but I think at that level the function of the lock-on system is a matter of individual taste and style. Had Retro built the lock on system that way, I think just as many, if not more people, would complain about the lack of freedom in the lock-on system. I think I would have been one of those people. I appreciate the freedom to choose my targets.

In the final analysis, video games fall into three categories: 1) worth buying, 2) worth renting, and 3) not worth anything. MP is absolutely worth renting and maybe should be rented before purchase if you're unsure about whether you will enjoy the platforming and exploration aspects of the game. But if you've played a Metroid game before and enjoyed it, then it's hard for me to imagine not just buying the game outright.

Best Game in Years; Perfect in Every Aspect

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 12
Date: December 09, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Good games like this come around only once in a lifetime. Metroid Prime, besides being the best game on the GameCube, is also the best game this year. It is in the first-person shooter genre (which, for those who don't know, means you are in the eyes of the character). However, unlike most FPS games, this game is more about platform jumping and puzzle solving than the old "See bad guy. Shoot him. See his blood. Smile. Move on." But Prime is much more than that.

Throughout the game, your character, Samus Aran (a she), will gain many new weapons with which to fight Space Pirates from the Planet Zebes. The most famous and well-known, and therefore, the best example of these weapons is the Morph Ball. In this move, Samus curls up into a little ball and can roll around and lay bombs. This move has been in every Metroid game and is truly a staple of the series.

You'll also discover many suit and visor upgrades throughout the game. For instance, you may get a suit that prevents damage from harmful liquids, or a visor that lets you see hidden switches. You'll also find 50 missle expansions and 12 energy tanks.

In this game, Samus Aran picks up a power signal coming from a derelict space station. She must go and explore it. Inside, she finds that something has gone wrong, but what? As she arrives at the center of the space station, she must fight a large Parasite Queen. As soon as it goes down, a seven minute self-destruct sequence is activated. You must flee the space station. Halfway out, you find a large winged dragon. He flies away. This is Ridley, a long-time enemy in the Metroid series. Also, right before you escape, an explosion occurs, taking away your heat-resistant Varia suit and leaving you with the measly Power suit. Oh, and it also takes away every ability you had except for jump, shoot, move, and scan. As you leave, you hop into your spaceship and follow Ridley down to the planet Tallon IV.

I will not hesitate to say that this is my favorite game ever, and that's saying alot. I'm a game reviewer, and I've played quite a bit. So I will say this: Buy this game, even if you have to buy a GameCube to play it.

Still feels like Metroid...thankfully!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 10
Date: November 22, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Metroid Prime turned out a lot better than I expected, and I had high hopes for the game to begin with. It doesn't feel like an FPS at all to me (which is what scared a lot of fans), but strangely enough it somehow manages to capture the classic Metroid gameplay- find powerups, unlock and explore new areas, and defeat minibosses.

The controls are unique, but they're going to take some getting used to for old-school Metroid gamers. They aren't very intuitive- for example, you can't aim up or down while moving, so you have to stand still while you look around. This is perhaps one of the few games where the simplistic nature of the Gamecube's controller does a game a disservice- the PS2 controller, for example, would have been well-utilized for Metroid Prime. But you get used to the controls after a few hours of play.

Combat is pretty simple, the lock-on system of the newer Zelda games has been adopted. Combat isn't as much about dodging and being a good twitch player as much as it is about finding your enemies weak points. That's good and bad, but intense combat has never really been a part of the Metroid games, its always been about recognizing patterns and weaknesses.

The levels are all huge and gorgeously detailed. There are a bunch of different environments, and the tried and true Metroid method of doubling back once you have the rockets, bombs, grapple beam, etc. to reach previously inaccessible areas is very enjoyable (well, to me at least). The special effects- humidity on your helmet's visor, flashes reflecting your face off the inside of your helmet, great looking explosions, all add a lot of detail to the game. The sound effects are wonderful, and the music is a mix of some new tracks and updated of the classic Metroid tracks.

The plot is played out mostly through your scan visor- you can scan enemies, both living and dead, and objects to see what the nefarious space pirates are up to. Fans of the Metroid universe will probably enjoy the many revelations about Samus' past.

The game isn't without its flaws, however. For example, Metroid games have a pretty basic formula- land ship, find out what the space pirates are mutating this time, escape before base/ship/planet explodes. It wouldn't have hurt the designers to do something different in terms of plot this time considering the ever-growing breadth of the Metroid universe, but the sheer playability and atmospheric detail of the game help overcome the paper-thin, overused plot.

Definite Game of the Year contender.

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