Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii) Review
The Metroid Prime games were met with a bit of a mixed reception upon their original announcement. Avid Metroid fans awaiting another instalment in the series weren’t really sure whether a western developer could make a decent Metroid game, let alone a first person Metroid game. But, oh how they were wrong, and when Metroid Prime was released many fans were happy at how the gameplay, stellar graphics, soundtrack, and sheer scale of the world came together to create the perfect Metroid atmosphere. Fast forward about seven years forward and we have Metroid Prime Trilogy, an astoundingly value-packed package combining the best of the Metroid Prime series—all of it!
Metroid Prime is a trilogy of Metroid titles that take place in between Metroid and Metroid II, and follows the story of Samus and the Chozo people, an ancient race that are largely responsible for providing Samus with the equipment and abilities she has today. However, the Chozo on Tallon IV, a planet Samus lands on, have fled the place and a new deadly compound known as Phazon has begun to spread throughout the planet, corrupting those who come into contact with it. Naturally, the Space Pirates have capitalised on this Phazon by developing a mining regime. The Prime series primarily focuses on the relationship between Samus and the Chozos, and the eradication of Phazon from the planets it inhabits. In the second game, Samus will travel to a new world divided into two realms, in which she must assist one side of the planet defeat the other, while in the third game, Samus works together with the Galactic Federation to eradicate Phazon and her most rivalled foe forever.
Being a compilation of games that were released over a span of seven years, the graphical presentation of Metroid Prime is a little bit all over the place, but for the most part it still holds up rather well against most games available on the Nintendo Wii today. Character models are extremely detailed, creature animations breathe life into the game’s world and really help to establish that players are alone on the planet with Samus, exploring as they see it. The graphical user interface is still largely intuitive and really helps to make players feel as if they are literally in Samus’ helmet, experiencing what she experiences. Big bright flashes of light render reflections in the helmet, water reacts as Samus runs through it, and rooms fill with light with each beam shot. Nintendo have claimed that this game has been modified to provide widescreen presentation, which it does, as well as bloom lighting—though to be quite honest it doesn’t add a whole lot to the experience. Regardless, the graphical prowess of the Prime series are amazing.
The largest change to do with the Metroid Prime Trilogy is the introduction of Wii Remote specific controls for all of the games, not just Metroid Prime 3, which originally launched with the new control scheme. For the most part, Retro have done a good job at inserting the motion controls without really ruining the game—most of its difficulty is still retained and at no point does it feel broken. Aiming is now done with the Wii Remote instead of the control stick which provides an unprecedented amount of accuracy. The Nunchuk is used for movement, locking on to enemies, and moving into morph ball mode. All in all, the controls are extremely intuitive and perfectly complement the games without overly breaking them.
For those not in the know, Metroid games take place in a large world consisting of several smaller areas, some accessible from the start of the game and some accessible later on by acquiring accessories or upgrades. This means there is room for a lot of backtracking in the game, so if you’re not a fan of backtracking, then the Prime series may not be completely for you. Along the way players can indulge in the game’s atmosphere and lore through “scanning”, a process in which Samus analyses an enemy, structure, or fauna and gives a brief description of it’s composition or the history behind the item scanned. It’s definitely a perfect way to implement a deeper story without bogging the gameplay down for those who don’t want to explore further—though an emphasis on scanning is slowly diluted as the games progress, a fact that including all three games on one disc highlights. Thankfully, gameplay still holds up today despite being, effectively, over twenty years old in design, with some games even imitating the classic formula and still succeeding. Metroid Prime and its sequels are amazing games for the adventure buff and provide quite a bit of action for those interested more in the fighting side of things—expect some epic boss battles of great design and scale.
One of the most revered aspects of the Metroid Prime series is the soundtrack and how its brilliant composition aids in bringing the game’s amazing environments to life. Thankfully, all of the music in the games have remained intact and haven’t aged at all. They still are what I would regard as some of the greatest masterpieces to ever be featured in a video game. Music playing during a visit to Phendrana Drifts will bring most Gamecube gamers only positive memories. Some lesser known parts—such as the music playing as Samus ventures underwater into the sunken frigate ship Orpheon—are perfectly composed, providing a relaxing but unknown feeling to Samus’ exploration. In case you don’t understand what I’m trying to say here: the soundtrack is awesome and some of the best that gaming has to offer, even after seven or so years.
Metroid Prime Trilogy adds a few new things to the older games to increase replay value, as well as add a sense of consistency across all the titles. First up is the Medal system originally featured in Metroid Prime 3, in which players are awarded with different coloured medals for completing certain tasks. These medals can then be used to purchase various production assets like concept art, as well as some new features for the game, such as a screenshot tool. In addition, the infamous Friend Voucher system has returned, allowing players to exchange coupons over the Nintendo WiFi Connection in order to gain more awards. Both methods give players a little bit more incentive to jump back into Samus’ suit, but if you’re not much of a completionist, there’s not a whole lot of reason to. Additionally, there are hundreds upon hundreds of creatures, flora and other assorted bits and pieces for Samus to scan throughout her journey, as well as non-essential upgrades that will keep avid explorers busy for quite some time.
All in all, Metroid Prime Trilogy really impressed me for a compilation of games that are starting to become what is usually referred to as quite “old” in the industry. Players looking for a deep and engaging game with an absolutely charming atmosphere, coupled with some of the most ambient set pieces found in the medium, will definitely find what they’re looking for in Metroid Prime Trilogy. Be warned, though, while this is a very complete package, you’ll probably be a bit more disappointed if you’re expecting a full on shooter from this package; instead, adventure gamers will find themselves right at home.
Definitely one to grab and keep.
Graphics 8.5
Seven years on and the Metroid Prime series still holds up next to some of the most recent Nintendo Wii titles. Combine that with a newly implemented 16:9 widescreen support and constant progressive scan and youve got a rather nicely presented package. Admittedly, some models are looking a little rough around the edges, but thats expected with age. Additional effects are included, but to be honest theyre not as noticeable as youd imagine.
Gameplay 9.0
Almost all of the gameplay that defined the original games has been faithfully translated by Retro Studios to the three dimensional world. The newly implemented Wii Remote controls really add a whole new way to play Metroid Prime series, without breaking anything through balancing issues. People who hate backtracking, however, should probably subtract a few points from here.
Sound 9.5
Still some of the best pieces Ive ever heard in a video game. The widely renowned Phendrana Drifts ambient piece is just the beginning of quite possibly one of the best soundtracks that a series has had to offer to the industry. Creature noises are believable, environmental effects (although scarce) are well placed, and the little voice acting contained is pulled off without hassle.
Tilt 9.9
Lets face it, youre getting three full retail games in a new package with completely new gameplay mechanics. Theres a lot to do here in Metroid Prime Trilogy, and even more to do if you aim to complete all the games. Expect to be spending thirty hours plus to max out every title and collect all the post-game content.
Value 9.0
Once again, a great trip down memory lane for the enthusiasts who missed out on the original series or a brand new amazing experience for those looking for a great sci-fi exploration based adventure title.
Retro Studios manages to prove that even if something aint broke, there is still fixing to be done. In this case, the “fixing” adds a whole new dimension to the original games. Combine an epic storyline that carries out across three games, with some breathtaking environments and some aurally scintillating sound pieces, and youve got the Metroid Prime series. Its just a bit of an embarrassment that these game are still holding up quite well and sometimes even better against recently released Wii titles. A definite purchase for anyone who enjoys a great adventure game or even sci-fi in general.
