Nintendo's Halo CE

There are only a few games I've played that perfectly capture the feeling of loneliness, this is one of them. Similar to Halo CE, Prime just masters the atmosphere. For pretty much the whole playthrough I didn't know what the fuck was going on or why I was where I was but damn was it a mood. The gunplay is very simple as is the platforming but exploring every piece of the planet is what sold me. I never got tired of the backtracking and frequently would stop whatever I was doing to go back to certain areas whenever I'd get new equipment just to see what it provides.

I like the idea of different beams but switching between them is a bit clunky, it's not very smooth and so when you gotta do it in comabt you're pretty vulnerable to taking damage. I also wish there was some sort of checklist like Dread where you can see how many collectibles you have left for an area just to make it a bit easier. I don't look at this as a bad thing but some of the missile upgrade locations where completely mental, even if I re-played this a dozen times I would have never found them without a guide.

I now understand the pain of the Metroid Prime 4 people

The original Metroid Prime was released nearly 22 years ago on November 18, 2002, exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. As the first Metroid title to utilize 3D graphics and a first-person perspective, the game catapulted the Metroid series back into the limelight after an eight-year hiatus following the release of Super Metroid in 1994. Universally praised and the winner of multiple Game of the Year awards, the success of Metroid Prime was followed by two direct sequels in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption along with three spin-off titles in Metroid Prime Pinball, Metroid Prime Hunters, and Metroid Prime: Federation Force. While fans await the fourth entry in the series (whenever it may be released), Nintendo, Retro Studios, and Iron Galaxy Studios game together to give fans an updated recreation in February 2023. The Metroid Prime Remaster is a faithful remake of the beloved 2002 game bringing Samus Aran's hunt on Tallon IV to the Nintendo Switch. This remaster goes beyond a simple coat of paint, offering a significant visual upgrade, improved controls, and the same immersive atmosphere that captivated players two decades ago.

The biggest obvious improvement in Metroid Prime Remastered is the graphical overhaul. While the original looked fantastic by 2002 GameCube standards, the remaster sets a new bar for the series going forward. Not only does Samus’ suit and various visors look fantastic whether handheld or docked, but every environment from the original has been painstakingly recrafted to push the Switch to its limits. From the Phazon Mines to the Chozo Ruins, everything is brimming with detail. Textures are sharp, lighting effects are impressive, and the alien world of Tallon IV feels even more alive and dangerous than it did two decades ago. Whether you're gazing across the vast snowy expanse of the Phendrana Drifts, navigating the claustrophobic corridors of the Frigate Orpheon, blasting through Space Pirates, or starring up at the rainy sky of Tallon IV, Prime has never looked this good.

Thankfully, the core gameplay of Metroid Prime Remastered remains exceptional and largely unchanged in the remaster. You still explore the expansive labyrinthine world of Tallon IV, unlocking old abilities like the Morph Ball, Grapple Beam, and Power Bombs, alongside new ones like the Phazon Beam that allows for easier backtrack and the uncovering of secrets. The lock-on mechanic and visor scanning system are as intuitive as ever, making combat against the hostile wildlife and Space Pirates both strategic and satisfying. The remaster also offers the option for both traditional and dual-stick control schemes, making the game more approachable for newcomers to the first-person adventure. As someone who played the original, I welcome these control scheme changes as the dual analog sticks available on the Switch make the game far easier to control.

A sense of isolation and environmental storytelling have been hallmarks of the Metroid series since the first game released in 1986. The original release of Prime already did a fabulous job at this, and nothing was dumb downed or removed for the remaster. Scanning the environment still uncovers lore entries that piece together the history of Tallon IV, the enigmatic Chozo civilization, and the Space Pirates' nefarious plans. The haunting soundtrack, untouched from the original release, is still excellent, and adds to the suspenseful atmosphere and sense of dread as you delve deeper into the planet's mysteries and uncover the titular Metroid Prime.

While Metroid Prime Remastered excels in most areas, it's not without a few shortcomings that also plagued the original (and many Metroid games in my opinion). The game's world design can be obtuse at times, with some areas lacking clear direction on where to go next. Without a guide (which I am not ashamed to admit I used) this can lead to moments of frustration for players, especially those unfamiliar with the original or who haven’t played in since 2002. Additionally, the lack of significant additions beyond the graphical and control improvements may leave some players who have already experienced the original wanting more.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Metroid Prime Remastered is an outstanding remaster that breathes new life into a classic. The enhanced visuals, improved controls, and timeless gameplay make it a must-play for both Metroid veterans and newcomers to the franchise. Whether you're revisiting Tallon IV or exploring it for the first time, Metroid Prime Remastered is an unforgettable adventure that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the series.

Prime manages to translate everything we have in 2D Metroid into a highly cohesive experience with the gameplay we already know, making it truly the other side of the same coin. The game's immersion, along with the constant progression of the gameplay, ensures that players always feel like they are discovering something new, whether it's a new ability, a new area, a new suit, etc. Despite the simplicity of the gameplay loop, it is well executed. The combat is not very complex, but the game manages to keep players unaware of this fact by consistently introducing new weapons that function similarly to the others with only minor differences. Last but not least, the soundtrack complements the player's journey, always setting the tone for an area or scene and drawing attention to what's happening at that moment.

the shadow drop of this game was the coolest moment of my pathetic life

Samus please, please consider marrying me

GooeyScale: 90/100

Metroid Prime has not aged a day. That is to say, Metroid Prime Remastered is just as annoying as Metroid Prime was in all the exact same places.

A complete lack of touch ups or re-works to the original in any significant manner may disappoint returning players (as it did me), but the truth is that Metroid Prime is still a contender for the best entry in the franchise, and possibly the greatest Metroidvania ever made. It shows absolute faith in the original product, and I believe that that was ultimately the right call.

Gameplay is peak, other than 100% completion backtracking. It just feels so good.

Magmoor Caverns getting stuck in my brain for hours on loop, feeling like a simulation

Love the space pirates aesthetic. Classic creepy space alien vibes

Really good game.

Do think the game is a little overhyped but that’s to be expected when it’s one of the most praised games ever. Main problem was the combat, it never got fun and was just super tedious and frustrating, luckily the exploration and world design make up for it.

I was extremely surprised to find out that this is essentially, backtracking: the video game. The amount of times this game makes you go through the same paths is insane. Still a great game tho.

I think I prefer 2D Metroid games overall due to the more agile and fast movement.

من منظور شخص يكره الميترويد فينيا.. قلت خلني اجرب ميترويد

وأشوف المشكلة بالأصل... ولا فيني؟

طلعت فيني

It's the Metroid of all time.

The feeling of discovery and progression in the first half is great, with the world building and upgrade path being paced great. You discover new items/areas as you learn more!

The remaster improves fidelity and framerate which I really liked, but the audio and gameplay remain feeling older. Especially the heavy backtracking and spongy enemies make the second half of the game a little frustrating. Going into the game blind as well makes it frustrating when missing a single ledge or path that was the only way forward.

It is a legendary game for a reason, spawning a whole genre, but keep in mind these drawbacks!