Metroid Prime Trilogy Reviewed
Release Date: August 24, 2009
List Price: $49.99
Metroid easily has to be one of my all-time favorite series of games. You play as bounty hunter Samus Aran, protector of the galaxy, who fights the evil Space Pirates’ who attempt to harness the power of biological weapons, including the organism know as Metroid. I have been a nonstop fan of the 11 games that have come out since Metroid’s creation in 1986, and am always looking forward to the next adventure.
In 2002 Nintendo released for the GameCube “Metroid Prime.” In all of the previous titles the game was viewed and played as a side-scrolling adventure. For this game Nintendo decided to change it up. It was the first time in the history of the Metroid series that players would experience the game in a first-person perspective. Most gamers were a bit worried and not quite sure what to think of such a change in style; thankfully Nintendo pulled it off perfectly. The graphics were excellent, the controls were smooth and worked great, and the game itself was an instant classic that dwarfed the other games in size and story. I loved every minute of it and couldn’t wait for the sequel.
In 2004 Nintendo answered our wishes by following up with “Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” for the GameCube. Again utilizing the first-person perspective and continuing the story that events from the first “Prime” game set, Nintendo had another hit on their hands. Again the graphics were excellent and even slightly improved, controls were slightly tweaked for the better and just as smooth as before and the game itself was excellent and also an instant classic. Once again, I loved every minute of it and wanted more.
In 2006 the GameCube was replaced by the new system, the Wii, and in the summer of 2007 Nintendo once again answered our prayers with their latest title in the Metroid family, “Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.” This game took all the best features from the previous titles and built upon them with new updated graphics; voice acting, for the first time ever; a new and unbelievable story that tied up the entire story; and a new and improved control system. Utilizing the pointing and motion controls of the Wii, “Metroid” fans were finally able to play the game in a way that felt so smooth and natural, that gave us unreal accuracy and made it all around so much fun to play, that you wouldn’t want to put the controller down. This is the way “Metroid” games should be played.
Well Nintendo agreed that the experience the Wii gave “Metroid” fans was unlike anything before and they felt that the fans deserved the chance to re-live the games that made this series so great with a new and improved control set up and updated graphics. On August 24, 2009, “Metroid Prime Trilogy” was released for the Wii and the fans rejoiced.
The Good:
Graphic/Animations: The first 2 “Prime” games looked absolutely great on the GameCube and pushed the hardware to the limits and really set standards for how games should look. For the re-release Nintendo did a bit of a touch up to the games in hopes of making the series all feel like one giant story that had the same look and feel. Wow was I surprised to see the big improvements and upgraded quality of graphics for these games on the Wii. The textures, the little details and lighting have all been significantly improved. Even the character models have been touched up and look so much more clean and detailed than before. I was pleasantly surprised on how fresh and new these games look now and they really look as if they were just recently released for the current generation of systems and not back in 2002.
With multiple missions and puzzles to solve as well as awesome weaponry and suit functions to use and upgrade, each game feels epic all the way through. The level of story details and extras the developers put in the game really adds to the depth of the story and makes it so you want to go through and complete the games 100% by collecting every item, bit of lore and info you can. While playing this game you almost start to become attached to Samus and start worrying what’s going to happen to her next. (Yes the main character is a female, just in case you didn’t know; she is one of the very first female heroes in video games and one of the best and most bad-ass video game heroines of all-time.) These games are so much fun that you will definitely lose sleep due to constant playing.
Controls: While “Prime 3” was already a Wii title that used the motion controls, playing the first two games with the new Wii pointing and motion controls is how these games were meant to be played. The level of accuracy that you get from being able to actually point at the screen is precise and flawless. Moving around the levels and navigating the menus is great and spot-on. It is so smooth now and really adds to the depth that these games have. No longer do you get frustrated when trying to shoot small moving objects or lock-on and fight off a boss. It now feels natural and the game really flows so much better. Your movements and actions are more precise and the game play is most definitely improved because of it. When these games first came out I never thought they could get any better. Man was I wrong.
Game Modes/ Extras: Not only do you have the three main story modes to play, but they also included the multiplayer mode that was included with “Prime 2.” While it isn’t the greatest multiplayer death match game out there, back in the day when the game came out it was kind of cool to have and fun to play with friends for a quick match or two. It is definitely nice that Nintendo decided to include it in the trilogy when they really didn’t even need to. Also another great thing Nintendo did with the trilogy is include the “achievement tokens” from “Prime 3” in all of the games.
Now when you complete a mission, collect an item or beat a boss you receive a token which can be redeemed on the main menu to unlock bonus materials such as concept art galleries, soundtrack music, and other extras. Great thing is you can use the tokens to unlock any of the bonus materials from any game as long as you have enough of them; there is no limit to what you go after.
The Bad:
Not a whole lot I can think of. These games are some of the best to ever come out.
I did notice on a very rare occasion some graphical glitches, screen tearing or pixilation of edges during some of the game play and cut scenes that if you were not looking for them you might not even notice. But for games that came out around 2002 on a whole different system you can’t really complain since Nintendo did a bang up job of cleaning these up and enhancing them to such outstanding levels. Also on occasion the controls could be a bit touchy if you move your hand a little too quickly to the left or right which would cause Samus to start doing a 360 which might just have been from me being overexcited to play.
Other than it I really can’t find much to complain about. These games are great and worth every second.
The Bottom Line:
Til next time, keep on gaming!!
List Price: $49.99
In 2002 Nintendo released for the GameCube “Metroid Prime.” In all of the previous titles the game was viewed and played as a side-scrolling adventure. For this game Nintendo decided to change it up. It was the first time in the history of the Metroid series that players would experience the game in a first-person perspective. Most gamers were a bit worried and not quite sure what to think of such a change in style; thankfully Nintendo pulled it off perfectly. The graphics were excellent, the controls were smooth and worked great, and the game itself was an instant classic that dwarfed the other games in size and story. I loved every minute of it and couldn’t wait for the sequel.
In 2004 Nintendo answered our wishes by following up with “Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” for the GameCube. Again utilizing the first-person perspective and continuing the story that events from the first “Prime” game set, Nintendo had another hit on their hands. Again the graphics were excellent and even slightly improved, controls were slightly tweaked for the better and just as smooth as before and the game itself was excellent and also an instant classic. Once again, I loved every minute of it and wanted more.
In 2006 the GameCube was replaced by the new system, the Wii, and in the summer of 2007 Nintendo once again answered our prayers with their latest title in the Metroid family, “Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.” This game took all the best features from the previous titles and built upon them with new updated graphics; voice acting, for the first time ever; a new and unbelievable story that tied up the entire story; and a new and improved control system. Utilizing the pointing and motion controls of the Wii, “Metroid” fans were finally able to play the game in a way that felt so smooth and natural, that gave us unreal accuracy and made it all around so much fun to play, that you wouldn’t want to put the controller down. This is the way “Metroid” games should be played.
Well Nintendo agreed that the experience the Wii gave “Metroid” fans was unlike anything before and they felt that the fans deserved the chance to re-live the games that made this series so great with a new and improved control set up and updated graphics. On August 24, 2009, “Metroid Prime Trilogy” was released for the Wii and the fans rejoiced.
Nintendo packed on a single disc all three titles from the “Prime” series remastered with updated graphics and sound, all three games now utilize the same pointing and motion control system that “Prime 3” has and I must say once again Nintendo has a hit on their hands. Playing either of the original two “Prime” games with these updates makes me feel like I am playing a whole new game for the very first time. The graphics look absolutely great, the sound is excellent and the controls are top notch and feel oh so right. Thank you Nintendo for deciding to do this and improving on already great games; I am definitely glad you did.
The Good:
Graphic/Animations: The first 2 “Prime” games looked absolutely great on the GameCube and pushed the hardware to the limits and really set standards for how games should look. For the re-release Nintendo did a bit of a touch up to the games in hopes of making the series all feel like one giant story that had the same look and feel. Wow was I surprised to see the big improvements and upgraded quality of graphics for these games on the Wii. The textures, the little details and lighting have all been significantly improved. Even the character models have been touched up and look so much more clean and detailed than before. I was pleasantly surprised on how fresh and new these games look now and they really look as if they were just recently released for the current generation of systems and not back in 2002.
3 Games 1 Disc: When I first heard of the trilogy coming out I thought, “Oh great, three more discs to add to the collection at 50 bucks a pop.”
Thankfully that is not the case. Nintendo has packed all three games onto a single disc at a low price of $49.99 (that’s about $16 per game!) so you don’t have to worry about multiple cases taking up space on your shelves but also so you can easily jump from game to game without ever getting out of your seat. I love the fact that I can play “Prime 1” then from the game menu jump right back into playing “Prime 2” or “3” if I want without having to take discs in and out of my system – quick, easy, and saves you a bit of time and space. Also to add the case the game comes in is a somewhat heavy hard metal collectible case with awesome artwork and a single guidebook that covers all three games. On top of that, “Prime 3” which is included, is a Wii title that came out only two years ago and is still close to 50 bucks in stores as a standalone title. Definitely a great deal!
Game play: Each of the games has such a great story that it not only takes you countless hours to go through but also starts at the first game and continues on right up to the last game. It has you wanting to find out what happens next and immediately starting up the next game once you complete the one you’re on.
With multiple missions and puzzles to solve as well as awesome weaponry and suit functions to use and upgrade, each game feels epic all the way through. The level of story details and extras the developers put in the game really adds to the depth of the story and makes it so you want to go through and complete the games 100% by collecting every item, bit of lore and info you can. While playing this game you almost start to become attached to Samus and start worrying what’s going to happen to her next. (Yes the main character is a female, just in case you didn’t know; she is one of the very first female heroes in video games and one of the best and most bad-ass video game heroines of all-time.) These games are so much fun that you will definitely lose sleep due to constant playing.
Controls: While “Prime 3” was already a Wii title that used the motion controls, playing the first two games with the new Wii pointing and motion controls is how these games were meant to be played. The level of accuracy that you get from being able to actually point at the screen is precise and flawless. Moving around the levels and navigating the menus is great and spot-on. It is so smooth now and really adds to the depth that these games have. No longer do you get frustrated when trying to shoot small moving objects or lock-on and fight off a boss. It now feels natural and the game really flows so much better. Your movements and actions are more precise and the game play is most definitely improved because of it. When these games first came out I never thought they could get any better. Man was I wrong.
Game Modes/ Extras: Not only do you have the three main story modes to play, but they also included the multiplayer mode that was included with “Prime 2.” While it isn’t the greatest multiplayer death match game out there, back in the day when the game came out it was kind of cool to have and fun to play with friends for a quick match or two. It is definitely nice that Nintendo decided to include it in the trilogy when they really didn’t even need to. Also another great thing Nintendo did with the trilogy is include the “achievement tokens” from “Prime 3” in all of the games.
Now when you complete a mission, collect an item or beat a boss you receive a token which can be redeemed on the main menu to unlock bonus materials such as concept art galleries, soundtrack music, and other extras. Great thing is you can use the tokens to unlock any of the bonus materials from any game as long as you have enough of them; there is no limit to what you go after.
The Bad:
Not a whole lot I can think of. These games are some of the best to ever come out.
I did notice on a very rare occasion some graphical glitches, screen tearing or pixilation of edges during some of the game play and cut scenes that if you were not looking for them you might not even notice. But for games that came out around 2002 on a whole different system you can’t really complain since Nintendo did a bang up job of cleaning these up and enhancing them to such outstanding levels. Also on occasion the controls could be a bit touchy if you move your hand a little too quickly to the left or right which would cause Samus to start doing a 360 which might just have been from me being overexcited to play.
Other than it I really can’t find much to complain about. These games are great and worth every second.
The Bottom Line:
Like I said before these games are some of the best games to ever come out and that I have ever played. Great graphics, an immersive and fantastic story, and game play that absolutely can’t be beat and still impresses the gaming world as being innovative and a standard for future games. I am impressed with what has Nintendo has done to revive the previous titles, and I’m glad that they bundled them together for a very low price and brought them into the next generation with new and quite improved controls.
I highly recommend this trilogy to everyone and anyone looking for a collection of games that will not only entertain you but also provide hours upon hours of game play. Playing these past titles felt like playing brand new games for the very first time. There is a ton more I could tell you about this set and I could go on forever talking about how great this collection is but I think you need to see for yourself what I’m talking about. Go get this set; it is definitely worth it. You will love the huge improvements and updates Nintendo has given us and you won’t be disappointed.
Til next time, keep on gaming!!
Labels: Games, Metroid Prime, Nintendo, Review, Wii
This entry was posted by James Dumas, on Monday, September 28, 2009. You can
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