Mactendo Reviews Something: Metroid Prime 3

At E3 2005, Nintendo revealed a lot of new information about their, at the time mysterious console, the Revolution, which now we all know as the Wii. They also revealed the first info on Metroid Prime 3. Highly anticipated, much speculation concerning the game was thrown around. Would it be a launch title? Would it return the light and dark mechanics of the previous title? And, upon the reveal of the Wiimote… how would the game work? Today, we’ll review the game, and see just how it turned out.This information was revealed overtime, as players impatiently waited for the game’s release. The game was released in August, and recently, I bought myself a copy of the game. Was it worth the wait? All that and more.
Metroid Prime 3 follows the continuing adventures of Samus Aran between Metroid 1 and Super Metroid. The first game in the series is well known as one of the Gamecube’s greatest games. The second game, while still great in its’ own right, was thought by many to be not as good as the first, due to its complex puzzle system and confusing game-play mechanics. 
The third game, however, tries its best to pick up where the first game left off, and at the same time adds a major element that this series has, in my opinion, lacked – the element of speed. This game does a really good job of picking up the pace, and adds a substantial amount of action to balance out the series’ tried-and-true puzzle solving formula. While the first game did have plenty of action, I never thought it was “fast” enough, especially when compared to other games in its genre (read: Halo). This game fixes that flaw, having several enemies per room, more ammo pickups, and of course, the new Hypermode ability, which is pretty much all about shooting as much as you can as fast as you can. 
Now, don’t get me wrong – though I may enjoy the action elements a lot, one of this series’ major draws is its puzzles. The Metroid series as a whole is known for its puzzles, however, the Prime series is especially careful about the puzzle issue, which overtime has made some people (like myself) expect Myst-level puzzles from the series. Luckily, Metroid Prime 3 does not disappoint, using the Wiimote to deliver what could possibly be the best puzzles in the series. The scan visor returns, along with the morph ball. They are joined by new mechanics, such as the Spider Ball, grappling hook, and, of course, Hypermode, to create wholly original puzzles and challenges. The point-and-click nature of the camera has added a while new element as well, making the puzzles even more unique and overarching. 
The Wiimote, in fact, changes the entire game. Controls and gameplay feel fresh and invigorated, as you point and shoot your way throughout the various planets found throughout the game. Unlike previous FPS attempts, such as Red Steel, the controls… just plain work. In fact, I enjoyed playing this more-so than any FPS I’ve played with a mouse and keyboard. The controls feel fluid and natural, and even the simplest tasks, like pulling a lever, are now put into the hands of the player. That combined with the game’s ubiquitous HUD make you feel like you actually are Samus Aran, and, of all things, that should be this title’s defining factor. 
Even the waggle-sensitivity of the Nunchuck is brought into play, used in battle to throw the grappling hook, in order to solve puzzles or tear weapons and shields from enemies’ grasp. The buttons are mapped out perfectly, as well, the nunchuck serving as the control stick, and the Wiimote serving as the main controller. This game may be difficult (rock golem boss on Bryyo), but at least it’s easy to play.
While you’re playing, be sure to take a close look around. This game is beautiful – the graphics are wondrous, the worlds are amazing, the weather effects are brilliant, and the textures are very real. This game proves that the Wii has power on the graphical and technical standpoint, rendering graphics comparable to X360 in some cases. Is the game colorful? Not very – the palette is a dark and gritty one, to help increase the games’ realism, however, it wouldn’t have hurt to see more colors in the sky, and grass in the outside areas. Imagine a morph ball puzzle that took place through giant blades of grass, for example, each blade gently pushed over as Samus and the player roll through. This game proves that the Wii could push such a graphic element, and it would definitely enhance the look and fell of the game, at the same time, however, it could be just me.
In terms of storyline, I really don’t want to give anything away, however, don’t be surprised if you find yourself taken by the story, even the main character keeps her series-wide vow of silence.
Overall, the game is excellent, and proves that the Wii has major ground as a serious console in this race. Hardcore and casual players alike will enjoy this game – it’s difficult and lengthy enough for the hardcore players, with lots of unlockables and goodies to get after you beat it, and for the casual, it’s very easy to jump into and presents a new type of game and challenge for those casual players who would like to start playing more serious games with their hardcore friends and for casual players who are exhausted of minigame fests and sports titles.
Pick this up. 5/5.