Metroid Prime (GameCube)

I bought an American Gamecube specially so I can play the imported version of this game. Was it worth it? A most definate yes!

At first I was worried about the transition from 2D platform to First Person. But my fears were soon washes away. If you ever played the old games "Another World", or "Flashback" you know how real the world feels. This is the same feeling I have when I play Metroid Prime. On entering some levels I just stand there (if I'm not been attacked) and look at the visuals.

The combat system is something else. In someways it is a little like the Zelda N64 games where you 'lock on' to an enemy and attack it until either it runs away, or is destroyed. The difference is that as you progress through the game you get more 'Combat Scan' systems, which include heat vision.

Some of the environmental effects are so suttle, like spots of water on your visor, that you don't realise them at first because they are so natural.

The sound track is both gripping and none intrusive. The sound effects are spot on to the actions performed.

The game map is something else. This is by far the best mapping system I have ever seen. You can zoom in, zoom out, rotate, and can step through other sections of the mapped area. You can see very clearly where you are and which way you are facing. Great, and very handy when playing.

If you buy only one game for the Gamecube, then I'd buy this one!

Have fun!

First off, you'll have to get used to one of the most intuitive control systems ever created. You have the capability to change viewing modes to Scanner, X-Ray, Thermal, etc, controlled with the D-Pad. As well as change your Armed gun functions being Plasma, Ice, etc with the C-Stick. You'll have to scan your enemies to find their weak spots, then use your initiative to get to them. Samus can even morph into a ball to gain access to secret areas, etc.
It is an experience that will be hard to forget! The World of Tallon IV is magically created with amazing graphics, and the Atmospheric Soundtrack only emphasises this magic.
You'll explore new parts of this troubled planet, uncover new areas and Creatures, and encounter the Space-Pirates who you must protect this planet from.

The Attention to detail, that has been applied to this game, is phenominal. The glimpse of Samus Arans' face as she takes a lift down to the volcanic region of Tallon IV, or the reflective Flash of her face on the visor as a Space-Pirates missile explodes a little too close for comfort.

It is truly a joy to play, and now that its part of the Nintendo Players Choice, you have no excuse not to purchase this Marvel.

It is truly The Pinnacle Of Single Player Gaming

It's not easy - and despite it's record ratings, it's certainly not for everyone ; casual gamers should look elsewhere as it's not GoldenEye or Halo. It's not a pick-up and play game, and you should expect to struggle through for several hours. You'll come to dead-ends which cannot be traversed (you'll need a power-up!) and so this will involve a fair amount of back-tracking. Gradually though, you'll start to get to grips with what you're actually doing.

Once you do...the game is a masterpiece.

The easiest comparison to Metroid Prime is the Turok games on the N64. Vast spralling levels with various save points, and lots of ugly bugs to kill. But it's a vast improvement to those -overrated- games ; the graphics are crisper, the level layout better and the map system is far supeior.

For a couple of hours, you'll ignore the map. It looks overly complicated, and isn't the usual way you make your way through an FPS. Metroid Prime, however, isn't an FPS and you'll need the map to explain just what the hell you're supposed to be doing. Once you get to grips with it's instructions, the game is a joy.

Qualms about the control system have been raised, and YES, it takes a short while to get used to. Soon, however, you'll be well adept at switching between 4 guns and 4 visors (at the same time!). Straffing is still a minor problem, but it's more or less compensated, and it's doubtful you'll meet an untimely end as a result. The presence of a jump button, meanwhile, adds an extra dimension to the experience.

Metroid Prime is an intelligent, action packed game that deserves to be sampled by the serious gamesplayer. I wouldn't advise renting it - unless it's a for a period of at least week. No, Prime is a game that demands your time and attention.

Once it's got them, it'll rock your world.