Metroid Prime is a series known for adapting the engrossing atmosphere and puzzle-like exploration of the 2D metroid titles into a first person, 3D perspective. It’s not known for its list of successful spin-offs. However, my potentially hot take is that this is the best of those spin-offs.
Hunters was designed as a direct response to the boom in multiplayer-focused FPS titles during the mid 2000’s. Evidence of this ranges from the multiplayer focus of Hunters to the “Headshot!” text that appears in-game when you make your mark. The multiplayer focus was the main marketing draw, promising local and online deathmatches and, at the time, exciting features like voice chat. To add variety, a cast of space bounty hunters with unique weapons, abilities, and morph ball-esque forms were introduced. Unfortunately, this aspect of the game can no longer be experienced the way it was designed, but my memories of this mode are very fond. Each hunter has a unique style of play and local matches were always a blast. These character designs are really strong and it’s a shame that they haven’t been used more since!
When playing alone, the promise of this game was a stripped back, handheld metroid prime campaign. Despite the technical limitations of the system, I think this was mostly delivered on. Some rooms feel repetitive and long hallways or slow doors often mask loading times, but given the game’s 2006 release, I still find it surprising how technically competent it is. Hunters takes a level based approach by having you visit several points of interest across the Alimbic System. Each of these areas feels distinct and the music enhances the sense of atmosphere in each of them. In each area, you’re tasked with unlocking a portal to the boss, defeating said boss, and escaping in a set amount of time. It’s simple, but functional, if a little repetitive (especially when it comes to the boss fights). Throughout these levels you may come across a hunter who you’ll fight or pick up one of the hunter’s weapons. The level based approach, mixed with the hunters and their varying weaknesses to the weapons give this the flavor of a Mega Man game. The missed opportunity here was not having the hunters themselves act as the boss for each mission.
This game is not for everyone. The controls are kind of wonky and the stellar quality of other Prime titles makes it a hard recommendation. Nevertheless, this is a unique take on Metroid Prime and doesn’t get the credit it deserves from fans of the series. Even though it’s highly unlikely, a Hunters sequel with full dual stick controls, a campaign that leans into the Mega Man vibes of the original, and a fully modern online multiplayer mode is something I want desperately. If you’re interested in what Samus was up to between Metroid Prime 1 and 2, I think you’ll find a fun distraction in Metroid Prime Hunters, and a multiplayer mode begging to be revived.
Hunters was designed as a direct response to the boom in multiplayer-focused FPS titles during the mid 2000’s. Evidence of this ranges from the multiplayer focus of Hunters to the “Headshot!” text that appears in-game when you make your mark. The multiplayer focus was the main marketing draw, promising local and online deathmatches and, at the time, exciting features like voice chat. To add variety, a cast of space bounty hunters with unique weapons, abilities, and morph ball-esque forms were introduced. Unfortunately, this aspect of the game can no longer be experienced the way it was designed, but my memories of this mode are very fond. Each hunter has a unique style of play and local matches were always a blast. These character designs are really strong and it’s a shame that they haven’t been used more since!
When playing alone, the promise of this game was a stripped back, handheld metroid prime campaign. Despite the technical limitations of the system, I think this was mostly delivered on. Some rooms feel repetitive and long hallways or slow doors often mask loading times, but given the game’s 2006 release, I still find it surprising how technically competent it is. Hunters takes a level based approach by having you visit several points of interest across the Alimbic System. Each of these areas feels distinct and the music enhances the sense of atmosphere in each of them. In each area, you’re tasked with unlocking a portal to the boss, defeating said boss, and escaping in a set amount of time. It’s simple, but functional, if a little repetitive (especially when it comes to the boss fights). Throughout these levels you may come across a hunter who you’ll fight or pick up one of the hunter’s weapons. The level based approach, mixed with the hunters and their varying weaknesses to the weapons give this the flavor of a Mega Man game. The missed opportunity here was not having the hunters themselves act as the boss for each mission.
This game is not for everyone. The controls are kind of wonky and the stellar quality of other Prime titles makes it a hard recommendation. Nevertheless, this is a unique take on Metroid Prime and doesn’t get the credit it deserves from fans of the series. Even though it’s highly unlikely, a Hunters sequel with full dual stick controls, a campaign that leans into the Mega Man vibes of the original, and a fully modern online multiplayer mode is something I want desperately. If you’re interested in what Samus was up to between Metroid Prime 1 and 2, I think you’ll find a fun distraction in Metroid Prime Hunters, and a multiplayer mode begging to be revived.