Metroid Prime was the most ambitious and experimental game of the sixth generation. Unproven development team, radically different direction, and all without a fifth generation Metroid game to build off of. All of this culminates in a game defined by thoughtful observation, a sense of wonder amidst danger, while continuing the legacy from Super Metroid and Ocarina of Time.
The sequence when you first arrive on Tallon IV is focused on an almost childlike wonder. Lots of holes to crawl into, unique reactions to interactions the player can do, raindrops on the visor, etc etc. Replaying the game going through the game, it hit me all of a sudden the main theme of this game is about growing up. The Chozo act as surrogate parents, and as parents do, await the growing up of their child. The messages of the Chozo are all prophecies of Samus returning (of course she was never on Tallon IV, but it is a return to the Chozo), with a distinctly messianic flair. The thing that really emphasizes this is the sequence where a Chozo statue takes Samus in the morphball, cradles it, and tosses her out. About as obvious of a metaphor as it can get.
The flow of the game is not unlike previous Metroid games but it doesn't mean there wasn't a lot of hard work to get it there. The scanning and general slower pace of the game greatly benefits the move to 3D, supplemented by the sheer detail of every environment. The levels are pretty much entirely bespoke assets, something you don't see much from games then or since. The air of mystery and exploration, along with a deeper sense of dread permeate the game. All of it culminates in the game's natural thoughtful exploration peppered with action. The one thing I will say against this is the progression, at the very least my perception of it, felt very haphazard. It really seemed like every new item you get to progress the way to go is some random spot on the other side of the game world... every single time. Felt very inconsistent and random.
One other thing is the score which is absolutely incredible and memorable, maybe the best of the trilogy and series. The bosses are inspired, being very inventive conceptually. There's so many moments that stand out, the lights going out in the Phendrana base, the entrance to the Phazon Mines, the Omega Pirate, the Chozo Temple, and more. While the incessant Chozo ghosts bring down the latter half of the game, nonetheless the game ends strongly. It's a real masterpiece of a game.
The sequence when you first arrive on Tallon IV is focused on an almost childlike wonder. Lots of holes to crawl into, unique reactions to interactions the player can do, raindrops on the visor, etc etc. Replaying the game going through the game, it hit me all of a sudden the main theme of this game is about growing up. The Chozo act as surrogate parents, and as parents do, await the growing up of their child. The messages of the Chozo are all prophecies of Samus returning (of course she was never on Tallon IV, but it is a return to the Chozo), with a distinctly messianic flair. The thing that really emphasizes this is the sequence where a Chozo statue takes Samus in the morphball, cradles it, and tosses her out. About as obvious of a metaphor as it can get.
The flow of the game is not unlike previous Metroid games but it doesn't mean there wasn't a lot of hard work to get it there. The scanning and general slower pace of the game greatly benefits the move to 3D, supplemented by the sheer detail of every environment. The levels are pretty much entirely bespoke assets, something you don't see much from games then or since. The air of mystery and exploration, along with a deeper sense of dread permeate the game. All of it culminates in the game's natural thoughtful exploration peppered with action. The one thing I will say against this is the progression, at the very least my perception of it, felt very haphazard. It really seemed like every new item you get to progress the way to go is some random spot on the other side of the game world... every single time. Felt very inconsistent and random.
One other thing is the score which is absolutely incredible and memorable, maybe the best of the trilogy and series. The bosses are inspired, being very inventive conceptually. There's so many moments that stand out, the lights going out in the Phendrana base, the entrance to the Phazon Mines, the Omega Pirate, the Chozo Temple, and more. While the incessant Chozo ghosts bring down the latter half of the game, nonetheless the game ends strongly. It's a real masterpiece of a game.