Metroid Prime

Posted Dec 20, 2002 by Chris Williams

Updated Sep 7, 2007 at 01:19 PM

System: Nintendo GameCube

Publisher: Nintendo

Reviewer’s rating: A+

Game type: Solo exploration/adventure

Kind of like: “Super Metroid,” but in 3-D

Best feature: Masterful continuance of the “Metroid” series’ gameplay, design and spirit.

Worst feature: Occasional low-res textures.

The bottom line: “Metroid” games have enjoyed a rabid following since the NES launch title, the Game Boy sequel and the peerless 1993 Super Nintendo epic. Die-hard fans doubted the wisdom of reviving the long-dormant series in 3-D, but Nintendo and Retro Studios knew what they were doing.

All of the claustrophobic tunnels and expansive vistas of a new planet are yours to explore, this time in jaw-dropping first-person point-of-view from behind bounty hunter Samus Aran’s faceplate. This new perspective could have ruined Metroid’s trademark feel, but completely preserves the balance of isolation, awe and terror.

The artistic and technical quality of “Metroid Prime” makes other games look rushed, choppy and feeble. So varied are the tunnels, canyons, grottoes and ruins of planet Tallon IV, and so branched are its pathways, that the illusion of “being there” is total.

The player can either blaze ahead toward glory or investigate every element of the meticulously crafted environments. There are no load times, speeches or expository cut-scenes to interrupt the action — the story is almost optional, largely learned when inspecting objects with Samus’ scan visor. She can lock onto threats with the combat visor, or perceive the invisible with the thermal or X-ray visors.

Though searching for items and infiltrating an alien planet rife with enemies might seem straightforward, Tallon IV’s layout is anything but, and you’ll look forward to revisiting areas after acquiring tools that will allow you to explore fully. The scope of the game is enormous, and there are so many secrets (all benefiting Samus’ power suit) that replay value is exceptional almost to the point of inevitable.

“Metroid Prime” takes a beloved series to new levels of immersion. This is a system-showcasing, must-have GameCube title and arguably the finest video gaming experience available to date.