As you are undoubtedly aware by now, Metroid Prime: Hunters has major single and multiplayer components. The single player component is actually quite different from any other of the previous Metroid games. An encrypted message has been travelling around the universe and as the perennial female protagonist, Samus Aran, you set off to decrypt the message. Along the way you hop around four planets in order to collect numerous artefacts known as Octoliths, which are meant to help crack the mystery. The twist is that you’re not the only one after these artefacts. There are five other “hunters” out to get them and take you down in the process.
As with previous games, the story is hardly a narrative. However, it is a matter of discovering the hidden secrets and the hidden meaning behind the occurrences that have led Samus on this latest mission. Since this is a Metroid Prime title, you’ll be playing from the first-person perspective. For anyone who hasn’t already tried the demo that came out with DS over a year ago, this may come as a surprise. However, even those who have will find that there has been many changes.
Primed FPS for a handheld
So how does a FPS fit onto the DS? The top-screen is where all the action takes place and the touch-screen is used as a virtual keyboard and mouse, with a bonus radar. There are two different controller configurations and each can be set for right and left handed players. The first is moving and strafing with the d-pad, and using either the stylus or the thumb to control the aiming and access weapons, alternate visor and morph ball switches. The second configuration uses the face buttons to look around.
The first configuration was found to be the most effective, with the use of face buttons being too imprecise - if you've played Coded Arms, you'll know what we mean. As mentioned, each configuration can be switched to suit left-handed players. It came together quite nicely, even with a potentially tricky aspect like jumping coming off very nicely. The aiming is the most precise that you’ll find in a non-PC FPS. However, the set-up did bring about hand-cramps after half-an-hour to an hour of play or during intense firefights. The problem is that this is not a trivial issue; it is a serious one that will definitely affect some players worse than others. It can make or break a person’s experience (Note: this was played on a regular Nintendo DS).
The single player aspect of the game is disappointing, particularly if you’re a long-time Metroid player. Unlike the Prime titles for the GameCube, Hunters is much more structured akin to traditional FPS titles. It forsakes a lot of the exploratory elements that made the Metroid series what it really is. What you have in the end is a Metroid title that everyone can play – which isn’t too bad. There are four main levels in the game. Initially, you are basically “key-hunting” for three artefacts across the accessible parts of the level. Once you’ve found all three, a portal will open up to the boss, whom needs to be defeated so you can grab the Octolith. This is followed by an exciting escape sequence, where you need to get to your ship and disappear.
For the first half of the game, you’ll encounter the other hunters. These guys are all pretty similar, expect for one that fires a constant electricity stream. Apart from that one, they put up a fair but intense fight, often a quite enjoyable one. The levels themselves are very linear in comparison to previous Metroid games and the general level design is lacking in flair. Still, there is a healthy share of puzzles and morph-ball sequences to at least keep the variety up to scratch. Don’t think for a minute that scanning has been left out, but it is nowhere near as prevalent as in previous titles. However, apart from the usual health and missile upgrades, you will only find new weapons and not any body upgrades. Your abilities essentially remain the same but the six new weapons that you find are quite fun to use and are also quite varied.
It's not Metroid without morph balls
Once you’ve collected the first half of the Octoliths, you then realize that you need to go back and re-complete the levels – through another “key-hunt”. Still, the new weapons open doors that weren’t previously accessible. The levels get a bit more creative but other aspects begin to drag the game down. Throughout the first half you would’ve encountered all of the hunters and enemies called “guardians”. Whilst throughout the second half, you are persistently hounded by these guys to a point where the game loses appeal. Furthermore, there are two out of three bosses in the game that you will take on four times each. Talk about a lack of ideas. It might’ve been all right if they were at least enjoyable battles. Finally, the training and morph ball modes from the First Hunt demo have been lost and the single player experience represents a mere fraction of what can be found in the Metroid universe.
Metroid Prime: Hunters was delayed last year so that it could implement Nintendo Wifi Connection capabilities. It must be said that this makes the game so much worthwhile for anyone who can connect to the service. Whether you’re online or offline, the multiplayer experience is a very enjoyable one with a healthy amount of options that allow for quick and easy play. Offline you can play in either single or multi-cart LAN. However, options are severely limited in single-cart play. Online, you can either play against others through either anonymous matches or via friend codes. Obviously, the anonymous matches are limited in options, so some friends are necessary in order to get the most out of the game.
The modes and options to the game are a fairly obvious selection of traditional FPS multiplayer modes with a few twists. You’ve got Battle, Survival, Bounty, Defender, Prime Hunter, Capture and Nodes. There are a large number of levels that vary in size. Despite only catering for up to four players at a time, you’re never likely to be wandering around aimlessly searching for an opponent. Levels have also been filled with upgrades and alternative weapons. Not only do you fight it out with your guns, but also each character’s “morph ball” modes, which makes for some interesting possibilities tactics-wise and level nuances. The best part about the multiplayer is that it is simple yet fast, furious, balanced and very accessible. The only slight downer is that there is not a great deal of differentiating between the selection of characters.
The multiplayer mode is much more successful and enjoyable on the DS than the single player mode. It is much more suitable to the portable format. With the single player, you’re often forced to play long periods because you’re only allowed to save at the spaceship, with some exceptions. This just isn't well suited to portability. Multiplayer on the other hand can be quick and easy, with online play being a tad contingent on the quality of your connection rather than there being anything wrong with the game.
Some of the "other" hunters
Graphically, it is quite amazing what the developers have managed to do with the game. The graphical appearance of the levels supersedes that of anything that was ever done in a Nintendo 64 title. During the side-on morph ball portions, there are times where the game can be considered not too far off the GameCube titles. The art style has been very well retained and is faithful to the series. Despite being somewhat obtuse in comparison to the series, Hunters retains the atmosphere that you expect from a Metroid title. In general, the presentation of the game is top-notch, with clean menus and very nicely made cut-scenes. However, the DS is not a 3-D powerhouse, so texturing is very ordinary up close and aside from Samus, the rest of the models in the game seem very ordinary and devoid of movement animations. Frame-rates can take quite severe hits too.
Sound-wise, there are numerous classical Metroid tunes that have been mixed around in the game, as well as a bunch of new ones. Weapons fire with the expected grunt but they’re not on the same scale from what you’d find if you played off a TV. General sound effects such as footsteps and door openings are faithful and help retain an eerie atmosphere. However, the DS doesn’t always stand-up under what the game is trying to do, even with the very limited voicing being almost completely muffled.
Metroid Prime: Hunters doesn’t have much competition in being considered the best FPS ever made for a handheld - even with its shortcomings, this is a fact. It's quite an ambitious game and for the most part, it's commendable. As a Metroid game, its faithful to its roots but it leaves a bit to be desired. As a single player game, it’s very lacking in key areas but is accessible to almost everyone. The multiplayer aspect shines but without a WiFi capable connection, you’re left without a lot of options. The controls are the most faithful against PC controls, but some players will end up ruing the constant hand-cramps more than others. This is a serious issue, games are meant to be enjoyed, not meant to hurt. In terms of the actual game, anyone who can’t satisfy the multiplayer components will struggle getting much out of this game but for anyone who can, the hunt is well and truly on.
YES, my worries are over.
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