The four visors included in the game also play a big part. Your default is the combat visor. There is also a scan visor that allows you to scan computer screens and pick up information or scan enemies of weak points. Some of these scans add much to the atmosphere and environment that surrounds you. They also tend to add a dark sense of foreboding that is much appreciated in the game. There is also a thermal visor that allows you to see heat, and an X-Ray visor that allows you to see through things.
There is combat though as well, you’ll come across tons of nasty creatures, pirates, and of course, the small energy-sucking Metroids. The combat can be a little tricky at first due to the lock-on dependence. You need to get good at this, and players of games like ZELDA shouldn’t have a hard time getting use to it. I like it a lot and think it allows you to focus more on exploration. There are some pretty combat heavy sections, and health sometimes doesn’t abound. Most of the time you’ll use a save point to fully replenish your health.
There are a few massive bosses in METROID PRIME, and most of them are easily beaten once you figure out the pattern. It’s another throwback to old-school gaming.
While METROID PRIME does not feature a multiplayer mode, there are plenty of reasons to keep playing. There are dozens of missile upgrades to find, and completing your library of data by scanning different objects unlocks extras. Also, by completing METROID FUSION and linking to the Game Boy Advance, you can play the original METROID on the GameCube. The inverse is also true as by completing METROID PRIME and linking, you can wear the power suit from FUSION.
Rain falling and bouncing off your gun, a blast of steam fogs your visor and leaves condensation on it, a bright flash of light lets you see your own reflection in the visor. These are just a few of the many effects that make Metroid Prime stand out above its peers. I nearly wet myself the first time I fired my weapon rapidly and noticed that heat waves came out of the barrel. Using the X-Ray visor, you can even see the skeleton of her hand. The game cruises with a smooth framerate and overall is just absolutely gorgeous.
The sound effects are well done and many times play a distinct part of the game. You can sometimes hear the power-ups nearby before you can see them. But better than the sound effects is the score. Take the classic score from Metroid and bring it up to date. It is absolutely fantastic. This soundtrack stirred so many emotions inside of me. One of my favorite pieces in the game is when you are under attack by multiple pirates and the intense music that plays while you battle them.
I’m blown away by how good a job Retro did with this game. This is the best GameCube game to date, and a must-own for any gamer. As Halo is to the Xbox, Metroid Prime is to the GameCube, except Metroid Prime is BETTER.
Like to get more bang for your buck? Then you'll definitely want to check out Prima Games' excellent strategy guide. It covers both Prime and Fusion, that's like two guides for the price of one!
A+
The world’s original videogame chick returns to take out some Space Pirate scum. While Lara Croft games are said to be exploration based, they don’t hold a candle to this. Quite possibly the Game of the Year.
Page 2 of 2
