I first gave the original Gamecube release a go but ended up completing this on Switch. I first blamed controls but in the end it was because I didn't realize how the boss works, so might give it another go sometime. However, the remaster is a perfectly good way to play this game.
The atmosphere is probably the best thing about this game and I really liked exploring the planet and it's varied locations. All the backdrops and surroundings are designed to look just as interesting as the previous 2D-entries, maybe even a bit more interesting with the third dimension added. The normal metroidvania-formula also works well and searching for new upgrades felt rewarding and satisfying.
Where it falls a little is how slow everything feels. Compared to the 2D-games, movement feels sluggish and crossing maps to backtrack feels way too much of a chore. The saving grace here is that the endgame upgrades are designed to make movement and backtracking faster, but it still feels way too slow compared to a 2D metroid game. I also feel like this would've done better as 3rd person shooter rather than 1st person, but at least the hud was more than immersive.
The combat also is done well, although switching between different beams for different enemies is little bit too complicated with the twin stick controller scheme. Some of the harder bosses are really iconic and memorable, in both good and bad, and there wasn't a single boss I would call outright horrendous or unfair. The game offers a great adventure and now having played this, I can see why the original is so liked.
The atmosphere is probably the best thing about this game and I really liked exploring the planet and it's varied locations. All the backdrops and surroundings are designed to look just as interesting as the previous 2D-entries, maybe even a bit more interesting with the third dimension added. The normal metroidvania-formula also works well and searching for new upgrades felt rewarding and satisfying.
Where it falls a little is how slow everything feels. Compared to the 2D-games, movement feels sluggish and crossing maps to backtrack feels way too much of a chore. The saving grace here is that the endgame upgrades are designed to make movement and backtracking faster, but it still feels way too slow compared to a 2D metroid game. I also feel like this would've done better as 3rd person shooter rather than 1st person, but at least the hud was more than immersive.
The combat also is done well, although switching between different beams for different enemies is little bit too complicated with the twin stick controller scheme. Some of the harder bosses are really iconic and memorable, in both good and bad, and there wasn't a single boss I would call outright horrendous or unfair. The game offers a great adventure and now having played this, I can see why the original is so liked.