The main concern for many people with Metroid Prime was the control method, as it has been pointed out many times that the game does not utilize dual analogue sticks. Instead, Prime uses a rather intuitive lock on system, very similar to the Z targeting in Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Never fear, it only takes a minute to get used to, and after about 10 minutes you will wonder what everyone was so worried about. Using the C-Stick for weapon selection works perfectly, you can flick to whichever weapon your heart desires instantly. Once you use the control, you will realise that it couldn’t have been done any other way, and been as good as it is. If you do have concerns, the introductory sequence should help you work the control out very quickly.
Combat in the game is simple, yet enjoyable. Lock onto a target, jump around a bit, and shoot the enemy until he is destroyed, then move on. Metroid involves many puzzles, and as you progress through the game and get more gadgetry, these puzzles become more and more complex, but still manage to stay enjoyable. Samus does have a wide variety of gadgets and weapons at her disposal; grappling hooks, power bombs, rockets, x-ray vision, heat sensors, and many more. Other than weapons, the gadget you will be using the most is the scanner. The scanner allows you to read information about an object, for example, the origin, attacks and weak points of an enemy, as well as activating switches. Scanning is also the way the game’s plot develops, as there is no solid narrative to follow.
Metroid Prime’s visuals are jaw-dropping, and will have your cake-hole dripping with drool throughout the entire game. The character models show just how much hard work Retro have poured into this game over the last few years. Animations are equally as awesome – smooth, yet believable. It’s fairly hard to describe, but once you see the game in action, you will know what I am blathering on about. The environments are spectacular, ranging from the lush greenery of the Tallon IV overworld to the snowy wastes of the Phendara Drifts; there is a distinct feel to each area which really aids in getting you immersed in the gameplay. The first person viewpoint helps further to immerse you in the game, thanks to a variety of small but eye popping visual effects; fog on the visor, rain on the visor, rain on your gun arm, explosions allowing you to see Samus’ face in the reflection of the visor, and more. The game’s sound also does a great deal to enhance the overall experience of the game. The soundtrack is very similar to the one that was featured in Super Metroid, although it is a little clearer, and more instruments have been used in its composition. Sound effects are crisp and clear, and of a very high quality thanks to Dolby Pro Logic II support.
Fans of the Metroid series or those who love Nintendo will feel right at home with Metroid Prime, though I reckon anyone who likes videogames would be able to enjoy the game quite easily.
Metroid Prime is due for release on March 21st in Europe, and April 3rd in Australia.
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