IGN Metroid Prime review

[DarkMaster]

well here it is. did it get high scores? why yes, yes it did.



Closing Comments

Metroid on the NES was one of the first epic games I ever experienced. My brother and I, at the age of about seven, spent weeks and months questing through the password-enabled adventure. It had a certain charm to it, and even if I couldn't describe it then it made an impact on me. Then along came Super Metroid in 1994, and I was totally blown away by how brilliant it was. It was a perfect videogame in my mind. It was edgy, home to a fantastic power-up system, full of awesome bosses, and the gameplay style was a soul mate to me.

Needless to say, I have an unhealthy obsession with the franchise. So, when Metroid Prime was finally announced I was both thrilled and frightened to see how it would turn out. But after several years of very hard work, Retro Studios and Nintendo have translated the same genius of Super Metroid into 3D with very few casualties. Because of that, Metroid Prime has not only become my most beloved title on GameCube, but also one of my most treasured games of all time. I'm not sure where I place it, but it's very high on the list.

If I had to make one personal observation, it would be that the change to first-person perspective was brilliant for its move to 3D, but not perfect. I felt comfortable (even in awe) 90% of the time, but there are a few boss fights where it can frustrate. It's extremely rare, but something you should be aware of going into it. It's nothing that sours the overall quality, though.

That said, I would recommend Metroid Prime as an absolute buy --skip the renting facade -- for every owner of a GameCube. It's a real collector's item. You'll want to keep this one even after your done spending 30+ hours with it. The only reason one would avoid it is if action/adventures are not part of your narrower taste in games. If you fall into that category, you have no idea what you're missing out on.

Metroid Prime is an instant classic that you will use to measure forthcoming software by.

-- Fran Mirabella III


Presentation
Metroid reborn in 3D, and an impressive sci-fi fantasy to boot. Awesome menus. Design is great from concept to execution. Few games are this polished. 10.0

Graphics
A stunning art vision that deserves major recognition, jaw-dropping world architecture, and volumes of pretty textures. At 60 fps with progressive scan support, there are few that compare. 9.0

Sound
The original Nintendo composer delivers another opus and fantastically designed sound effects compliment the mood with Dolby Pro Logic II support. 10.0

Gameplay
A true masterpiece; an accomplishment that will be recognized for years. It is Super Metroid in 3D, and it's as complex and wonderful as any gamer could want. Any self-respecting gamer must own it. 10.0

Lasting Appeal
30+ hours to average completion. Requires much longer to earn 100%. Unlock art galleries, difficulty settings, and connect to GBA for extras. No multiplayer, but like Zelda, do we need it? 9.0

OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 9.8


well wut did you expect? the full review? ha, pay my insider fee.

[Bond]

I'm not so sure on the 10.0 gameplay score... but the game does seem pretty nice. I'm considering buying it, I'll probably just get Skies of Arcadia Legends though.

[GameKinG]

Im surprised Matt didnt review it. He was pissing in his pants just talking about it.

[DarkMaster]

sometimes they have multiple reviews, perhaps Matt will make one in a day or so.

[Perfect Stu]

Originally posted by GameKinG
Im surprised Matt didnt review it. He was pissing in his pants just talking about it.

yeah, but Fran's a metroid whore...I heard his lisense plate reads "SAMUS"

[BlueFire]

I want to see other reviews.

[Shadow_Link]

Boy oh boy. I can't wait to get this game. It looks as though this game will surpass Super Metroid.

[Dyne]

omfg.

Thanks for posting, this definitely sounds like the game of the year. It was Game of E3; why not?

I'm suprised the graphics didn't get a full ten. Maybe there's some drops in framerate.... Ah well. I really want this game, I'll kill to get past others on the 18th!!

[GameMaster]

I would like to buy this game.

[GameKinG]

EGM (gamers.com) gives Prime a 10:

http://www.gamers.com/game/289115/reviews

[Shadow_Link]

Quote from Gamers.com review:

The intense yet strategic combat of Halo. The ingenious level design and devious puzzles of Zelda's best dungeons. The intriguing story, moody atmosphere, and spooky thrills of Resident Evil. The new Metroid stands with the very best of modern games in almost every important respect. Well, except sound and graphics, where Prime surpasses them all

:D.

[GameMaster]

I can't wait to use the grappling ability.

[Joeiss]

Wow. This game sounds amazing... I will have to go to my friends house when he gets this game. I wish the was a multiplayer, though. That would add even more to the fun.

[CrOnO_LiNk]

Oh baby!

[Mushlafa]

some pretty nice scores hyping the game up... now all thats left is the dissapointment which usually comes with hype like this....... guys calm down..

[TheGame]

I'm definently going to play it now... buuut... like I said before I'm a huge fan of Metroid, but I'm not a fan of Super Metroid (and I think it has to do with Age)

There is not much room for dissapointment for me, cause I'm not expecting much.... maybe it will win me over though.

[bobcat]

Originally posted by TheGame


There is not much room for dissapointment for me, cause I'm not expecting much.... maybe it will win me over though.

I don't know what to expect from the game either. Coz I didn't play Metroid much, but either way I'm definitely going to buy it from the 2 reviews I have read

[Jonbo298]

I need $50 by next Thurs./Fri.!:mad2: But alas, I don't expect to have it. I guess I will have to wait a little longer to buy it.:(

[Angrist]

AWESOME.

[D-realJos]

Originally posted by TheGame
I'm definently going to play it now... buuut... like I said before I'm a huge fan of Metroid, but I'm not a fan of Super Metroid (and I think it has to do with Age)

There is not much room for dissapointment for me, cause I'm not expecting much.... maybe it will win me over though.

Last time I checked, you were ONLY renting the game if it got over 9.5

With the kind of experience the series offers, running through the game on ONE rental(even if possible) wouldn't uncover half the secrets the game has to offer. Thus, limiting your experience.

Looks like a certain sucker may have to buy the game after all the smack they laid down. :-o

First step to owning Metroid Prime, is to *cough* RE-purchase a GameCube *cough*

Man, I can't tell you how good it feel to be on your case. If I knew it was this gratifying, I'd have done it earlier.

*Laughs at The Game cause it just feels oh so good*


all together boys! ---> ... :p ... :p ... :p

[TheGame]

ROFL D-Real... you are such a loser

Where in my last post did I say I would buy or even rent it? I said I will PLAY it... now please do like Jericho sais, and SHUT THE HELL UP ;)

From other topic:
I'm not saying:

"The game is crap because I played the demo, and I will never givce it another run"

Depending on the scores, chances are I will give the real game a go... but for now based off of the previews, and the Demo, I see nothing special about this game.

So shut your role and know your mouth... or erm, know your role and shut your mouth :D

[bobcat]

Originally posted by TheGame
ROFL D-Real... you are such a loser

Where in my last post did I say I would buy or even rent it? I said I will PLAY it... now please do like Jericho sais, and SHUT THE HELL UP ;)



Actually if I recall correctly you said you'd consider renting it if it got 9.5 or over ;) Of course you changed your post now so I can't prove it, but I have a good memory. That's when I thought "If any game got 9.5 and over, I'd definitely look into it".

oh yeh I forgot :p

[Gamer]

Sweet! Is that not the best score ever on IGN? I know that Halo got a 9.7 and Vice City got 9.7...But Prime got 9.8!!! awsome, i cant wait to get it!!!

[BlueFire]

Originally posted by Gamer
Sweet! Is that not the best score ever on IGN? I know that Halo got a 9.7 and Vice City got 9.7...But Prime got 9.8!!! awsome, i cant wait to get it!!! The Legend of Zelda OoT got 10, and there are some other games that MIGHT have scored higher than 9.8 but I'm not sure.

[Crono]

Originally posted by BLueFire
The Legend of Zelda OoT got 10, and there are some other games that MIGHT have scored higher than 9.8 but I'm not sure.

Well I was really bored so I got a list of all games reviewed by IGN that got a 9.8 or higher:

PSX:
Gran Turismo 2 - 9.8
Metal Gear Solid - 9.8

N64:
Super Mario 64 - 9.8
Perfect Dark - 9.8
Zelda: Majora's Mask: 9.9
Conkers Bad Fur Day - 9.9
Zelda: Ocarina Pf Time - 10

DC:
Tony Hawk 2 - 9.9
Tony Hawk - 9.8
Soul Calibur - 10

PS2:
Gran Turismo 3 - 9.8

...I forgot all about GB/GBA games...cuz I know Pokemon got like a 10...meh.

[Ice006]

A great man once told me (actually, just some guy from another message board): Metroid Prime with multiplayer is like Saving Private Ryan with rail guns and plasma cannons.

[DarkMaster]

Originally posted by Ice006
A great man once told me (actually, just some guy from another message board): Metroid Prime with multiplayer is like Saving Private Ryan with rail guns and plasma cannons.
what? :confused:

he obviously wasnt too great of a man

wut does MP multiplayer have to do with Saving Private Ryan with rail guns and plasma cannons?

[GameKinG]

I think he means that it does not fit the story well enough.

[Mushlafa]

It wouldnt be incorperated into the story tho.... just a side thing... if you wanna play it, then play it and have fun with it if you dont then dont... adding multiplayer to the game can in no way alter it for the worse.. simple as that :unsure:

[dwelzy]

"So, Like I said before, my opinion stands... if it gets over a 9.5 from IGN, it's a rent, if not, I'm not touching it"

tryin the old switch-a-runy huh game , shame on u :unsure:
i wont be surprised if your left with your
:WHOA: after playin the good old nintendo goodness
btw haven't u herd , there's an option where u can play the "original Nintendo Entertainment System Metroid game " so ya see nintendo thauhgt of everybody ,even people who judge there games from 15 minutes play of the demo versions :unsure: ...............

[TheGame]

1) both posts I made were before the release of the review... so if I sofend up (which I didn't) it's still prior to the review release. Look at the date posted, no edits son. (the first post may have even been before I sold my Cube)

2) Why would I care if they put an old as dirt game on it? I haven't played Metroid in more than 10 years.... if I want to play it again I could just download the Rom. :)

3) If you are wondering, I am in fact getting a cube again in q1 2003 (that is assuming Cel-da is still released then, and assuming it gets great reviews)... yep, that would be my second Cube... sitting along side my third Ps2... anything to help the game industry ;)

[Angrist]

Would multiplayer even be fun with auto aim, without strafing, without 20+ weapons... capich?

[Crono]

I think I'm gonna get this game for Xmas now...everyone is saying thats its very good...and it sounds pretty good to me, although I'm not a big fan of fps's...this game seems to be an adventure more than an fps...

[DarkMaster]

i'm pre-buying tonight, i just have this feeling that i'll like it. everywhere i look i see some game journalist giving it oustanding scores, and one of my buddies at another forum is a game journalist for a small company in japan (i believe), hes mainly an RPG man (like myself) and he said that MP was probly the best game hes ever played, which is wierd cuz the last time he said that was when he first played Chrono Cross.

[TheGame]

Originally posted by Crono
Well I was really bored so I got a list of all games reviewed by IGN that got a 9.8 or higher:

PSX:
Gran Turismo 2 - 9.8
Metal Gear Solid - 9.8

N64:
Super Mario 64 - 9.8
Perfect Dark - 9.8
Zelda: Majora's Mask: 9.9
Conkers Bad Fur Day - 9.9
Zelda: Ocarina Pf Time - 10

DC:
Tony Hawk 2 - 9.9
Tony Hawk - 9.8
Soul Calibur - 10

PS2:
Gran Turismo 3 - 9.8

...I forgot all about GB/GBA games...cuz I know Pokemon got like a 10...meh.

(I didn't notice this post before)

The funny part about these 9.8 or higher scores... I know plenty of people who don't like these games. In my opinion:

Over rated:
Tony Hawk 2 (DC)
Tony Hawk (DC)
Soul Caliber (DC)
Gran Turismo 3 (Ps2)
Metal Gear Solid (Psx)
Super Mario 64 (N64)
Conkers Bad Fur day (N64)
Perfect Dark (N64)

This isn't to say I didn't like these games... well I didn't like Soul Caliber, SM64, and MGS.... but I'm just saying I personally would have rated them nearly that high. But I guess that makes me retarded, according to D-Real

[Mushlafa]

SM64 is not over rated.. it like changed the whole industry :unsure:

[fingersman]

Originally posted by TheGame
(I didn't notice this post before)

The funny part about these 9.8 or higher scores... I know plenty of people who don't like these games. In my opinion:

Over rated:
Tony Hawk 2 (DC)
Tony Hawk (DC)
Soul Caliber (DC)
Gran Turismo 3 (Ps2)
Metal Gear Solid (Psx)
Super Mario 64 (N64)
Conkers Bad Fur day (N64)
Perfect Dark (N64)

This isn't to say I didn't like these games... well I didn't like Soul Caliber, SM64, and MGS.... but I'm just saying I personally would have rated them nearly that high.

Well I agree about the tony hawks, and GT3 being over rated...but I think MSG desevred that score...in fact would even say that it was better than MGS2...,SM64 was cool ( although it didn't hold my interest)...SC was one of the best 3d fighting games I have ever played so I think it deserved that score because with all the other 3d fighting games it always felt like a chore to make the fighter strafe in 3d...plus I had tons of fun playing the game. :D

Right, I just had to add my two cents.

[Perfect Stu]

Metal Gear Solid is the only game that deserves a 9.8 or higher......it's the greatest game ever created IMO...

[TheGame]

Originally posted by Perfect Stu
Metal Gear Solid is the only game that deserves a 9.8 or higher......it's the greatest game ever created IMO...

wow... when I played it I could never get past the fact that I suck as video games :D

but that was years ago.... I have grown much stronger in my gaming skills

*forgets how to use save point in FFX*

DO'H!

[TheGame]

Originally posted by Mushlafa
SM64 is not over rated.. it like changed the whole industry :unsure: I would have gave it in the 9s for graphics alone..... the gameplay was decent and ground-breaking. But, I wouldn't have given it a 9.8.... my opinion is low 9s.

[Mushlafa]

Gameplay was ground breaking..
Graphics for their time were crazy... at least thats how i felt when i was like 9 :unsure:
Cant remember how good the sound was
The menus and stuff were cool

The only place i could see it siffering was Lasting appeal :unsure: but it kept me busy for a while getting all 120 stars.. but i was 9.. so it took me long to do that :p

[TheGame]

Originally posted by Mushlafa
Gameplay was ground breaking..
Graphics for their time were crazy... at least thats how i felt when i was like 9 :unsure:
Cant remember how good the sound was
The menus and stuff were cool

The only place i could see it siffering was Lasting appeal :unsure: but it kept me busy for a while getting all 120 stars.. but i was 9.. so it took me long to do that :p

I got just enough Stars to beat Bowser, and didn't touch it again.... in fact, in the time I got those stars I was so on-and-off with the game it took a good 6 months. :D

When I beat it I was just bored, so I sat down and just decided that I was going to flip that game over the weekend...

[Angrist]

Hmm that's how I beated Pikmin. Although I did get all the items.

I still can't believe how CBFD got a 9.8... :unsure:

Me want Metroid Fusion too!

[Mushlafa]

I feel bad.... I already have metroid fusion... :(... im such a bad kid
someone stole it from cube club and put it up on the net...

[Dyne]

I'm going to have to scramble for more money for Fusion... If I don't get it with Prime I will not be as happy as I could be. :D

It's like... Christmas in November!