I always had my doubts about the Metroid Prime series since it’s inception. Often times the transition from 2D to a 3D environment doesn’t bode over too well. I am glad to report that Metroid Prime 3 continues in Nintendo’s trend of quality ever since the first episode on Gamecube.
Metroid Prime 3 Corruption had a lot to live up to. Not only did it have to wrap up the series 3D evolution. It had to also prove that the Wii’s control scheme could competently deliver a satisfying first person shooter experience. I wouldn’t really classify the Metroid Prime series as first person shooters. The control scheme however is very similar.
At its core, Corruption is loyal to the Prime legacy, balancing combat, environmental puzzles, and exploration in an exceptionally well-paced package. Samus' trademark morph-ball abilities are as integrated into the level design as ever, and her scan visor still plays a central role in puzzle-solving and general exposition. Each new area provides her an ability that proves crucial to negotiating the environment or defeating enemies, and frequent small skirmishes are punctuated by minibosses, leading up to the inevitable epic boss battles.
A big difference in Corruption is that most of the story and narrative takes place in cut scenes rather than using text like the previous renditions. Overall it adds a much more cinematic feel to the game. The voice acting however is one step below horrendous. I would think that with a big name franchise like Metroid that Nintendo could cough up some additional funds for some decent actors. It isn’t that big of a deal, just slightly annoying.
In my opinion Corruption is still one of the most visually impressive games on the Wii. Even after all this time the only title to top it seems to be Super Mario Galaxy in my opinion. I guess Nintendo is one of the only developers actually harnessing the GPU of the Wii. Corruption is full of colorful, exotic environments. The visuals of Samus and the enemy characters are equally impressive.
Metroid Prime Corruption is a good showpiece to how the Wii-mote and nunchuk can be a competent control scheme. The lock on and grappling hook mechanics are both spot on. The music and sound effects of Corruption are also equally compelling.
Overall Metroid Prime Corruption is truly a fantastic game. The storyline is decent. The graphics and sound are also of good quality. One thing I did notice however is that Corruption does seem to be a bit easier than it’s predecessors. I am impressed with Nintendo’s first party endeavors on the Wii. I only wish that other developers would follow suit. If you pick up a copy of Metroid Prime Corruption, in my humble opinion it would be money well spent.
With the Wiimote as your Arm Cannon, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a motion control revolution.
From Xfire: "Is Super Metroid still as super as it once was in 1994? If not, which Metroid game is better than the influential title?"
I look forward to the day any game beats that Super, Metroid or not.
Hollow Knight come damn near close to knocking Super Metroid from the top of my list, that’s a huge achievement for such a small team.
The problem for me is I’ve been waiting for a 2D Metroid that beats Super but I don’t think I’ll ever see that day. I still play the original 1-2 times a year and a few randomiser plays.
Fully agree with the list and all points it makes for each game. I’m expecting Dread to fit in the middle of that list but I’m happy to be wrong about that.
DSOGaming writes: "Now here is something really cool. Thanks to a custom version of the Dolphin emulator, called PrimeHack, PC gamers can play the main trilogy of Metroid Prime like never before. And by that, we mean with proper keyboard and mouse controls, as well as higher FOV values."
Nice review and I thought the controls were pretty slick as well ^^