LogFAQs > #949845901

#51. Metroid Prime (Gamecube, 2002)



In the N64 days, I assumed the Metroid series was dead and long-forgotten. It didn't get the transition to 3D like every other big Nintendo series was getting. But at the same time, I wasn't sure I wanted a 3D game, because it was so good in 2D and I had been disappointed by many other 2D games. Eventually, I found out this game and Fusion were both being released together. I was more excited for the 2D gameplay of Fusion, but Metroid Prime sounded promising. I didn't own a Gamecube yet, but went and bought one specifically so I could play Metroid Prime. (Well, I also wanted to finally get myself a copy of Super Smash Bros Melee, but Metroid Prime was the main cause and first purchase.)

The wait between Metroid games sucked, but I think I'm glad they waited so long to do a 3D transition right. I especially liked the way it controlled, because I sucked at first person shooters, and that big complaining point for fps fans of the easy lock-on was kinda nice to me. They were also able to fill a 3D world with life and ample environments. I don't think this would have worked so well on N64 technology.

Metroid Prime hit all the high points it needed to. Slightly ambient but very cool electronic soundtrack, feeling of loneliness in exploration, detailed maps with a variety of memorable big and small rooms, challenging secrets to uncover, intentional and unintentional sequence breaks, that feeling of "oh dang I finally got this new item! Now I can run back to so and so place to the get the so and so thing!" You know, all the good Metroid stuff. I kind of want to play it again after doing this writeup. It has been a few years...

---

ONLY FIVE CAN LADDER.
Sushi, kamikaze, fujiyama, nippon-ichi...