This is Metroid In Its Prime

Classic video games never go out of style. That's why I will always have a strong affinity for the old Nintendo action masterpieces like Double Dragon, Contra, Ninja Gaiden, Bionic Commando, and of course...Metroid. In my humble opinion, the original Metroid is the absolute best video game to ever be spawned by the NES. And that's why it was so deliciously bittersweet to purchase Metroid Prime a few years ago. On one hand, this could be the long-awaited 3D Metroid experience that one could hardly dream of without wetting one's pants; and on the other, it could completely tarnish the reputation of the Metroid franchise altogether by attempting to branch too far outside of its original concept...

Thankfully, Metroid Prime ended up being another brilliant addition to the Metroid canon. It takes the original idea of female futuristic bounty hunter, Samus, on a basic action platform and incorporates the 1st-person shooter aspect as well as expanding the Metroid universe to allow for a more free-playing experience. Your mission remains primarily the same: bring down the Metroids and other bosses while simultaneously destroying everything in your path and obtaining various weapons and helpful items.

Added Features: Aside from a bigger playing field and a 1st-person view, Metroid Prime offers tons of cool new features. One huge new aspect that relates back to the 1st-person perspective is the ability to scan items and collect information that is helpful to the overall plot of the game. In this way, the storyline isn't forced down your throat via cutscenes or awkward character devices (a la parts of Metal Gear: Solid) but is rather laid out naturally in the scannings of each level. You'll also get to test out a few new types of weapons and suit items that you haven't seen before. All the basics--Grappling Beam, Space Jump Boots, Power Bombs--are still here, but are overshadowed by some of the newer, cooler stuff. You are now equipped with an X-Ray Visor, a Wave Spreader, a Spider Ball, and a Flame Thrower. If the names of those upgrades don't make you want to buy the game right now, then I'm not sure you legally have a pulse.

Plot: I previously mentioned the basic plot of all Metroid games wherein you are forced to bring down the Metroid creatures (and ultimately another familiar friend). But a more in-depth look at the plot reveals that your main mission here is really to obtain the twelve Chozo Artifacts to keep them out of the dangerous hands of the bad guys. A pretty simple collect-and-shoot stuff idealology, right? But as you play the game, you'll find that it's so much more than that.

Graphics: Though still keeping with the franchise's futuristic cartoon look, the graphics are very detailed this time around. The different environments are wonderfully lively and/or dreary depending on the feeling the atmosphere is supposed to convey. The elements are realistic enough, so when it's snowing or raining or when you're getting lava shot at you, you'll feel like you're experiencing Winter, Spring and an especially Fire-y Summer all via your GameCube.

Gameplay: There are a few minor glitches that will occasionally disrupt the flow of the action. For instance, when you go to open a certain door to another room you may find that the door will freeze up and won't open for a few seconds. It's an easy correction though, as you generally just have to take a few steps back and shoot the door again. Also, the controls can get a little complicated for those of us not accustomed to playing 1st-person action games. Other than that, the gameplay is pretty smooth. I had few difficulties with all of the intricate maneuverings that Samus is forced to do (mostly with all of the jumping, grappling, and rolling to and fro on the Spider Ball tracks).

Though I could rave on an on about how magnificent Metroid Prime is and how, if it were a human, I would gladly have its baby, there are a few blemishes on the game that can't be completely ignored. For one, as with earlier installments of the game (primarily Super Metroid) you'll have to do a bit of back-tracking to get everything you need to move forward. Frustration can set in when you have no idea how to move beyond a certain point because you don't have the required weaponry and you have no clue where to find it. But not to worry, it's a rare occurence...and after all, isn't that what online walkthroughs are for? The only other drawback is the aforementioned complications with getting accustomed to the 1st-person controls. But once you get past the intitial learning curve, it's pretty darn smooth sailing.

If you're a hardcore Metroid fan, then there's no question: you must own this. For all other fans of 1st-person shooters, action/adventure platforms, or just awesome games in general, I would highly recommend getting yourself a copy and settling down for a solid 6 months to let yourself be engulfed in the fantasy that is Metroid Prime.