IGN Metroid Prime review

DarkMaster · 11-11-2002, 04:15 PM

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 · 11-11-2002, 04:19 PM

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 · 11-11-2002, 04:21 PM

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

DarkMaster · 11-11-2002, 04:22 PM

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

Perfect Stu · 11-11-2002, 04:41 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-11-2002, 04:41 PM

I want to see other reviews.

Shadow_Link · 11-11-2002, 05:11 PM

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

Dyne · 11-11-2002, 05:29 PM

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 · 11-11-2002, 05:35 PM

I would like to buy this game.

GameKinG · 11-11-2002, 05:39 PM

EGM (gamers.com) gives Prime a 10:

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

Shadow_Link · 11-11-2002, 05:49 PM

Quote from Gamers.com review:

Quote:

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

.

GameMaster · 11-11-2002, 06:16 PM

I can't wait to use the grappling ability.

Joeiss · 11-11-2002, 06:25 PM

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 · 11-11-2002, 06:32 PM

Oh baby!

Mushlafa · 11-11-2002, 07:31 PM

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..