Metroid Prime 2 gets reviewed tonight at IGN

[Perfect Stu]

What do you predict it's overall score will be?


With some heavy-hitting scores like 9.9 (GTA:SA), 9.8 (Halo2), 9.6 (Ratchet3, Jak3), I would be surprised to see this get anything lower than 9.6.

9.7 is my guess.



*Metroid Prime's score was 9.8, reviewed by Fran. This is going to be reviewed by Matt

[GameMaster]

I think either a 9.9 or 10.

[Seth]

9.7 is my guess. Person who wins get's +repped by everyone else in this thread.


Honestly, I'm not all that hyped about the game. I never finished the 1st one and I just don't have the money for any game.

I wonder what the multiplayer will be like with the play mechanics of metroid. Could be interesting.

Good luck with the guessing gents.

[Acebot44]

9.6? :confused:

[Vampyr]

I predict 9.8

I am looking forward to this game. A lot. I have asked for it for christmas from my parents, and I really hope I get it. If not, I'll buy it myself. :D I did beat the first game, with 97%. I was so close...if only I had scanned a few more things, I would have had it. I am bound and determined to get 100% in this game. :mad:

[Seth]

and it gets 9.5



That didn't take long.

[Acebot44]

I was closest so I win right? *shakes fist* Riiight?

[Jason1]

I think reviewers often unfairly bash the multiplayer portion of the game. Of course its not as good as the rest of the game, but they still use it as an excuse to dock it points.

Nevertheless, still an amazing score, EGM gave it a 9.0 9.0 10.0 I believe. Looks to me like the good people at Retro have done it again.

Oh and BTW, you can download the new commercial for the game at the offical website, www.metroid.com

Although you will have to do a bit of scanning around to find it within the website...cool commercial though.

[Dyne]

That's a really good review compared to so many other games. I can't wait to play it at Christmas.

[Ginkasa]

I think reviewers often unfairly bash the multiplayer portion of the game. Of course its not as good as the rest of the game, but they still use it as an excuse to dock it points.


I honestly think that reviewers should take a highly relative stance on multiplayer. By this, I mean that how much they include multiplayer in their judgements should be based on its relative importance to the game as a whole.

I haven't read the review yet, but I assume from your statement that IGN subtracted a few tenths of points for the multiplayer. That, I think, is ridiculous. Metroid has always been, to this point, a single player only adventure. The inclusion of a multiplayer of any kind should only add points, not subtract. The development team should be commended for going through the extra effort of including the mode (and to expect multiplayer just because the game is in the first person perspective and includes shooting is ludicrous).

On the other end, a game like Super Smash Bros. Melee would have to have its multiplayer section taken heavily into accout when reviewing the game. The main attraction for SSBM was the multiplayer section, and if it had sucked, the game would have sucked.


*is feeling pretty opinionated lately*

Hm.


*shrugs and walks away*

[Blackmane]

Well, that is another game I want.

So many games....so many consoles....so little money...

[Perfect Stu]

the reason why IGN uses a "not an average" system is to prevent themselves from forcing a score down because lack of multiplayer, lack of this, poor this, etc.

unless the reviewer said "the game would have scored a 9.9 if it had better multiplayer", I think it would be unfair to assume, as Link did, that they deducted tenths of a score directly in relation to their assessment of the multiplayer aspect.

[GameMaster]

That rating is so unfair. IGN is obviously favoring GTA and Halo. Well I hope Metroid Prime 2 sells twice as much as both of those games combined. OMG!

And when DS comes out, GTA and Halo games will begin to gather dust.

[Perfect Stu]

obviously the reviewers are more partial to GTA and Halo, GM (sarcasm or not). That's why they received higher scores. Wouldnt you favour game A over game B if you thought game A was better?

and you speak as if IGN is one person.

[Ginkasa]

unless the reviewer said "the game would have scored a 9.9 if it had better multiplayer", I think it would be unfair to assume, as Link did, that they deducted tenths of a score directly in relation to their assessment of the multiplayer aspect.


I had already said that I hadn't read the review and was assuming they had done so based on Jason1's post. It was more of a complaint with reviewers in general, anyway, than against IGN in particular.

I've also just got done reading the review, and I actually think the reviewer handled it well. He notes that Metroid Prime doesn't really need a multiplayer, and the the existing one is a little weak compared to Halo 2, etc, but that it is there and it works for those who would be interested. The area where he commented on the multiplayer (lasting appeal) received a 10.

And GM, I'm going to just assume that you're being sarcastic. Otherwise, I'd have to slap you.


*shrugs and walks away*

[DeathsHand]

Alls I know is in the beginning of the review, they said that Prime felt "Fresh and Groundbreaking", while Echoes does not... On account of it being more of the same... Which could be a good thing, or a bad thing, or both...

But my bet is that's what brought the score down a whole .3 from Prime's score...

[Xantar]

You know, I realize that 9.5 is an excellent score. And I respect that people may like Halo 2 or Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas more than Metroid Prime 2. Heck, for all I know, I would probably like Halo 2 better.

But what's with Matt saying that Metroid Prime 2 is disappointing because it doesn't stray from the established formula? No, I suppose it doesn't really. It just adds a few refinements, some new weapons and a multiplayer mode. Nothing revolutionary. But I didn't expect any such thing from Halo 2 or San Andreas either. And neither of them did in fact offer a revolution in gameplay (all right, I guess you can make a case for Halo 2's online play, but multiplayer is at least as new to Metroid as online gaming is to Halo).

So why is it suddenly disappointing that Metroid Prime 2 doesn't offer the same overwhelming sense of freshness that the first game did? That's pretty nigh impossible for all three games anyway.

[Perfect Stu]

a "sense" of freshness is as subjective as something can be, Xantar. you know that. it doesnt just come down to "what specific aspect of the gameplay offers something you cant find somewhere else?"

An example. I thought GTA3 was a great game. I wasnt as fond of Vice City. The game didnt stray from the winning formula. In fact, it added new elements here and there.

San Andreas, on the other hand, is a different beast. Why? Well, it doesnt have a multiplayer mode (other than the 2 player rampages, which are probably about 0.000003% of the entire game). It doesnt offer a completely new type of gameplay mode. But the entire package...it feels fresh and unique. To myself, and I can assure you, to many other people.

Same thing can probably be said about Halo 2 by loads of other people. I havent played the game yet.

Nor have I played MP2 yet. But that's not the point.

[Xantar]

The problem is I get the feeling from the review that Matt Cassamassina expects Metroid Prime 2 to blow us all away and revolutionize gaming in the same ways that the first game did. Sure, he doesn't come right out and say it, but why else would he keep comparing the two games and talking about how new everything felt in Metroid Prime?

The review for San Andreas, on the other hand, says nothing about the game feeling new or like an entirely different beast. Fine by me, really. If the game is fun to play, then it's fun to play. Yeah, maybe the "sense" of freshness is a subjective thing, but I really think Matt holds Nintendo and Retro to a different standard than Rock Star or Bungie. There is a serious disconnect here when he spends half of the review talking about some drawback or another (the Dark World isn't so exciting, the Dark Gun looks ugly, there's a lack of a save point near one boss, it doesn't feel fresh etc.) and rates the game 9.5. In any case, if it really doesn't feel so fresh, then Matt could have simply stated so and left the score there as it is. When he starts calling that "disappointing," I really wonder what he was expecting Retro to do in order to top a game that was rated nearly perfect in the first place.

[Jonbo298]

Yeah, same here. When he mentioned MP2 was disappointing because it didnt stray away from a good/established formula, that just confused the living hell out of me. It's bad because its uses the same good formula and improves on it? :eyes:

[Ginkasa]

GameSpot Gives MP2:E 9.1 (http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/metroidprime2/review.html)


*shrugs and walks away*

[DarkMaster]

You have to understand, that when you review a game for a website like IGN, you have to take into account the thoughts and expectations of all gamers, not just yourself. Because IGN and sites like it are read by pretty much every type of gamer, you have to give a score that everyone can reflect on, so it's not always a matter of straight up opinion. For instance, say you absolutely love a game to the point of a perfect 10, however the game itself has various drawbacks that a lot of gamers won't like, well you have to consider this when making a final score.

This is something I had to learn a while back when writing reviews for video games. I gave a game a really high score, and the text was nothing but pure opinion. However I was criticized about it, some people saying I should change it somewhat so as to include the thoughts and expectations of all gamers, and not just my own. So basically what I'm saying is, it's very likely Matt loved the game to a high extent, but he has to accept judging aspects such as how fresh and different it might be. Cause for me, it sounds like an aspect I would barely even mention in a game that I loved.

But, uh, yeah 9.5 is a great score. Can't wait to play.

[Professor S]

Does anyone know if they added a story to the sequel? I own the first and I quickly became tired of playing as I didn't know WHY I was playing. Sure it was gorgeous, had good gameplay controls and was a wonderful mix of next gen and retro design, but without a real story I didn't feel compelled to solve the puzzles, backtrack constantly and shoot the aliens. The lack of the ability to save the game when I wanted also added to my frustration with the lack of story.

I'm going to give this one a rent before I buy it.

[DarkMaster]

Does anyone know if they added a story to the sequel? I own the first and I quickly became tired of playing as I didn't know WHY I was playing. Sure it was gorgeous, had good gameplay controls and was a wonderful mix of next gen and retro design, but without a real story I didn't feel compelled to solve the puzzles, backtrack constantly and shoot the aliens. The lack of the ability to save the game when I wanted also added to my frustration with the lack of story.

I'm going to give this one a rent before I buy it.
Yeah, you had to scan those shiney walls for story info. Some computers and stuff had info too if you scanned them. It was something like, aliens invaded this planet which was inhabited by some race, called the Chozo I think. Uh, the aliens found metroids on the planet, and began to try and control them to use their strength, or something. Somehow they created or found a giant metroid, called prime.

Basically Retros way of allowing you to go throughout the whole game without any story interuption, However I would like to see SOME relevant story segments during cutscenes or something.

[Ginkasa]

Did you scan objects often? Its not that MP doesn't have a story, its just kind of hidden; more of a discovery of what has previously happened and why the present is like it is rather than a continuous flow of events...

Although I could see how one wouldn't like the presentation, anyway...

MP2 is supposed to have more cutscenes and stuff, though. I wouldn't expect a movie type presentation or grand dramatic story, however. I doubt you'll be able to get through MP2 if you disliked MP's story.

Metroid's more of a gameplay focused series. The story has been pretty much nil since the very first game.


*shrugs and walks away*

[Professor S]

I did try and follow the story from the scans in the original, but whether it was my ADD or that FF7 ruined me for non-cutscene driven storylines, the scans just didn't do it for me.

I think for me I have to identify with one or more of the characters to enjoy a game. Its sort of like my love of film and gaming have combined to screw up what I like in games. I remember spending hours playing Donkey Kong, Metroid and other gameplay driven games back when thats all there was. Now that intricate stories have become so commonplace, I don't fell entertained by a game unless it has one. Honestly, thats my loss.

[BreakABone]

I think the problem with putting a grand story into Metroid is really the type of game it is. She is a solo bounty hunter, usually on an alien planet where most of the people want her dead or vice versa. there are hardly any, if any at all NPCs for her to interact with. I mean they could try and force people into the story, but I will think it would take away from the whole isolation, You vs Them type deal.

With that said, I would suspect that Samus would have more interactions with the Luminoths, maybe some of the Federation Troopers and even Dark Samus in this game, but it's all my assumption.

[KillerGremlin]

I think if you pushed all biases to the side and got a review from someone that wanted something totally new and revolutionary, the scores for the last few games would be a lot different:

Doom 3 - 5.4/10
Grand Theft Auto 3: Part 3 (AKA GTA5) - 6.3/10
Halo 2 - 6/10
Metroid Prime 2 - 4.6/10


But you know..........you have to take into account the greatness of the original game, so it's like playing that great game all over again with a few minor tweaks. Lack of originality has been prevalent in the gaming industry since the N64 came out, if you haven't noticed.

[bobcat]

Woo hoo, can't wait to pick this one up

[Stonecutter]

What a load of garbage. IGN STILL doesn't have the MP2 video review up. You know, I'm definatly buying this game, it's not going to make a difference, but wtf?

[Zee Deveel]

Echoes is a very worthwhile sequel. It improved upon the original Prime in pretty much every facet.

[BreakABone]

Well, I guess talks of this game died down quickly....

Anyhow, I picked it up for Christmas, and thus far for some odd reason enjoying it a bit more than I did Prime 1.

I'm not too sure why I enjoy it better, I mean it still basically the same game with a new light/dark dynamic, but it just seems better to me... can't put my finger on it..

The boss battles are intense and usually involve using a lot of your skills, they are also pretty tough. Some of the puzzles take some brain work and of course backtracking. Finding upgrades is till enjoyable... Oddly enough, I think I may enjoy this game more than the original because I turned off the hint system so I'm basically just running around until I find something new.

[Dyne]

I got it for Christmas too.

I'm not immediately impressed with it, but I did only play up to the first save point.

If I had to choose GOTY right now, I'd probably go with MGS3.. but I should really play more Echoes.

[Vampyr]

I got the game for Christmas as well, but only really started to play today, because I've been so addicted to Halo 2. I finally beat Halo 2 on Heroic, so I started on Metroid Prime 2.

Fantastic game. I played up to the second save point, and I'm just amazed. I agree with BreakABone that MP2 improved upon MP1 in so many small yet significant ways that it is just a better game. From the time I saw the new menu system, with the buttons hovering out from one center button, I was completely sucked it.

I was eagerly awaiting the next time I would scan something, or learn how the next Federation trooper died. And when they started rising back from the dead...that was just creepy.

I think the number one thing that makes this a better gaming experiance than the first one (which was already great), is the new story. It's much more fleshed out and intriguing. It has actually sucked me in and made me wonder what the heck is going on.

[Jason1]

Im up the the first MAJOR boss fight in the game, so not very far in really, and im enjoying it. But I cant say more than I enjoyed Prime so far. As has been stated in some reviews, it just dosent have that same sense of freshness that Prime had...I mean I guess we shouldnt really expect it too, considering how truly ground breaking Prime was. It was just so fresh at the time, so different, and so damn fun. So far that freshness that was a big part of Prime just isnt there. But its still been a helluva game so far, one that has kept me coming back for more. I just dont feel its been any better than the origional so far, but Id hardly call that a knock on it, considering how amazingly good the first one was.

[Dark Samurai]

As for me, Im almost done with MP2, (damned last boss!!!, IGN wasnt kidding when they said that the last boss is SO annoying). Currently I have 94% everything...

Im going to beat it first though, then get 100%

[BreakABone]

Yeah the rising of the dead Federation Troopers was kind of freaky. It happened only a few times, but anytime I see a dead body whether Luminoth, Pirate or Trooper, I just fear they will rise up on me. It really sucks reading their story so sad. And they seem to be spawned anywhere in the game.

Also, I like the fact that there are actually cutscenes to flesh out a bit more of the story so it's not all scanning. Like the backstory the Luminoths tell you or the projectors.

[KillerGremlin]

I got Metroid Prime 2 for christmas, unlike Metroid Prime, I plan to beat echos. I think Echos does a better job with the scanning stuff, it felt kind of repetitive to scan stuff in the first game. And the way the plot moves along is better in Echos. But I kind of liked the world better in Metroid Prime, I liked moving from snow to jungle to lava, it was traditional. Both games are breathtaking, from a graphical and artistic standpoint, so there's really no difference regarding graphics. Personaly, I think both games are pretty equal right now. Once I beat echos, I plan to beat Metroid Prime. I just got busy and never had a chance to beat it.........

[ZebraRampage]

Yeah the rising of the dead Federation Troopers was kind of freaky. It happened only a few times, but anytime I see a dead body whether Luminoth, Pirate or Trooper, I just fear they will rise up on me.

I feel the same way BAB. Whenever there is a body I wonder if it's going to turn get up and jump me. It's kind of like I feel that the game will turn into something like Resident Evil. I got the game for my birthday at the end of December, but I haven't really been playing it. I've been amazed by the graphics more than I was with the first one. The weapons are still as good as ever, and everything is more clear. The music isn't that great, but I guess it's not the biggest problem. I just got into Dark Aether in Agon Wastes earlier today and I found that it's going to be interesting navigating in it. For some reason, whenever it comes to games like these I always have to scan everything and be cautious when I turn around corners. I take cover when I'm shooting at Space Pirates, and when I see the dark, whatever it is, get to them, all I can think is "oh ****" because I know that they're going to get tougher. You never know what you're going to run into in this game, so that's what is keeping me on my toes a bit. I don't actually mind the story in this game either. The cutscenes are good, and you have a better idea of what is going on. I wish I had more time to play it, because I know I'm past the age where I used to sit and play my games for hours. I'm starting to feel as if I don't care much about my games anymore. I hope this one gets better.

[Jason1]

Welp, one thing I love about this game for sure is the length. Finally, a game that claims to be 20 hours long, and actually delivers on that promise and then some. Im over 17 hours in, and it seems Ive still got quite a ways to go...very enjoyable.