More than anything, MercurySteam proved that they can make a good, even great game, but so far their takes on Metroid lack the identity to become truly special. Gameplay is smooth as a Russian pancake and my playthrough was jam packed with unique moments. The jumps between world compartments work to serve the pacing of exploration, and no 5 minutes pass without a neat discovery, just a satisfying flow all-around.
It never gave me the desired sense of panic and dread though. EMMI ecounters invite the change in gameplay tempo, calling for quick reflexes and fast decision making, and don't get me wrong, it's a really damn cool change of pace. But being directly embedded in the exploration flux they cease to be the alien element outside of player control, and thus aren't really capable of creating tension the way SA-X did. The stylistic chops are definitely there! Just quite a bit lacking when compared to Fusion, which was able to create anxiety both in narrative and moment-to-moment.
Still, a damn good time. Really hope that the next step for Nintendo is to unfuck the work culture at MercurySteam so this major dub doesn't turn out to be a one-time fluke.
It never gave me the desired sense of panic and dread though. EMMI ecounters invite the change in gameplay tempo, calling for quick reflexes and fast decision making, and don't get me wrong, it's a really damn cool change of pace. But being directly embedded in the exploration flux they cease to be the alien element outside of player control, and thus aren't really capable of creating tension the way SA-X did. The stylistic chops are definitely there! Just quite a bit lacking when compared to Fusion, which was able to create anxiety both in narrative and moment-to-moment.
Still, a damn good time. Really hope that the next step for Nintendo is to unfuck the work culture at MercurySteam so this major dub doesn't turn out to be a one-time fluke.