The Metroid series has long been a fan-favorite of American gamers since its 8-bit inception on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. Metroid fused the ideas of the adventure game and the action platform to near perfection. Search giant areas, find hidden weapon upgrades, all while fighting real-time battles and participating in an unfolding dramatic story line. My favorite aspect of the Metroid series is the idea of going into a dangerous unexplored environment alone and handling the situation at hand. The feel of the series is excellent, giving the player a sense of foreboding. In other words, you really feel like your on an other-worldy, dangerous mission. Many Metroid fans were very disappointed upon hearing the news that the classic 2D format of the Metroid series was not going to be used in Metroid Prime. I was quite skeptical myself. I was curious as to how they would be able to re-create that Metroid "feel" in a first-person shooter. Retro Studios definitely succeeded. Metroid Prime is more of a gaming "experience", as opposed to sitting down and just playing a video game. You really feel like you are at the locations you see on the screen.
The story of Metroid Prime takes place after the original Metroid following the destruction of the Space Pirate facilities on planet Zebes. The Pirates searched the universe for a planet with a large energy resource and came across a planet named Tallon IV, a planet which was formerly colonized by the Chozo, a birdlike race of intelligent beings that travel the universe establishing colonies and spreading their technology and ideas from planet to planet. The Pirates discovered that there was an abundance of energy within the radioactive Phazon deposits under the Chozo temple ruins. Using their advanced weapon technology, the evil pirates wish to harness the radioactive power of Phazon to create mutant super warriors of mass destruction. This insect-like race strives for universal domination and will use any means in order to achieve it. By trying to replicate Chozo technology, the pirates are getting very close to reaching their goal. The only hope for the universe comes in the form of Samus-Aran. An orphaned girl who was discovered by the Chozo and fused with their blood, Samus is called upon to track down the pirates and destroy them once and for all. She is equipped with a Power Suit made for her by the Chozo which is fortified with several formidable weapons and also has the ability to interact with certain Chozo environments. The search for the Pirates leads Samus to a spacecraft in low orbit above the planet Tallon IV.
The first level of the game is brilliant. The player finds themself immediately immersed in the story and environment. Something went wrong on this ship and you don't know what. There are countless things to scan in this level. One of the features of your helmet is a scanning visor which gives you information on scannable objects. These objects are marked with a yellow icon which is noticeable when viewed through the scanning visor. You learn quickly to scan everything that can be scanned. This gives you valuable information regarding your enemies and also influences your overall completion percentage and game ending you receive at the end of the game. The more you scan, the better the ending. The first level also gives you some time to learn the games somewhat complex controls. The controls are not done in typical first person format, but are actually done better in my opinion. Upon landing on Tallon IV's surface, you realize that a lot of time went in to making this game. The graphics are breathtaking and effects, such as raindrops and water cascading down your visor, add to the experience of exploring a foreign world.
Not only do you play the role of high-tech fighter, you also will find yourself feeling a lot like Indiana Jones, exploring the ancient ruins of the Chozo. The Chozo leave you clues to help you on your journey. Along the way, you will encounter many puzzle-rooms and clever situations which require you to use your best gaming skills and intellect. The story develops nicely throughout the game as you find out more about the Chozo, Space Pirates, and yourself as well. The game reaches a feverish level of excitement as you infiltrate the Space Pirates headquarters and discover their plans for universal domination. This is a very challenging game, both mentally and technically. You will have to use your best gaming skills and quickly get used to using all of the many buttons on the Game Cube's controller. The ability to switch from weapon to weapon and visor to visor is a must and crucial later on in the game when battling some very tough bosses. The game has enough length to keep hardcore gamers busy for quite a long time, about 30 hours for 100% completion (off-track exploring included). The game audio is excellent utilizing the latest equipment and audio techniques to achieve a seamless integration into the game’s many different environments. Experienced players of the Metroid series will have a definite advantage being able to make educated guesses as to where an item may be hidden and what to do next. Gamers who are new to the series will also enjoy this title due to it's incredible look and depth in play, as well as it's ability to keep you coming back for more. I believe that Nintendo has created another breakthrough hit title that will make an impression in video game fan's minds and a mark in video game history. This is a prime example of the video gaming experience at its best. Metroid Prime.
