Just like that, one of the most influential games off my backlog FINALLY after so many years of putting it off. The Remastered announcement encouraged me to beat the original before the physical version of Remastered could hit the store shelves, and I suppose I succeeded in that.
Anyway, the game itself. When it comes to '3D Transitions', Metroid Prime is a super interesting one. On one hand, it pretty much flawlessly transfers the ingredients of the 2D Metroid games and somehow makes them all work in an exploration-heavy FPS game. On the other, the game still feels so distinct from the 2D Metroid games as if they could both co-exist, and I think its fair to say the fact Metroid Dread exists on the same console as Metroid Prime Remastered and the upcoming Prime 4 proves that well.
The environments in this game are all great, and have elements that make each one stand out for the better or worse. The first impression of Tallon IV's overworld, the dreadful hissing noises when accidentally falling into the lava in Magmoor, the heaps of lore in the Chozo Ruins, the separate levels of the Phazon Mines, etc. That alongside each location having their own distinct colour palette really helps make them more memorable, and I think they hold up pretty fine visually too for a Gamecube game, though I can imagine how mindblowing this game was back then. The music in each and every area not only bangs, but is some of the best atmospheric music I've heard in a game and sets the mood for each area (Phendrana Drifts especially holy shit).
I will say some of Phazon Mines and Impact Crater can get really damn annoying but I think the rest of the game really makes up for the trouble.
The combat does take some time to get used to, especially since because the Gamecube controller only has one analog stick, you have to lock onto enemies or look up/down with the shoulder buttons which can be a pain to get used to and make combat feel extra clunky. But once you get used to it, sending out multiple charge beams and missiles feels pretty much 2nd nature and dealing with enemies gets a bit handier as you upgrade Samus. The bosses are great too, but extremely intense sometimes as they can totally kick your ass if you get too ahead of yourself or don't focus enough. But once you exploit their weaknesses and overcome each one you feel like you could literally drown a tsunami with how good you feel after.
It never really occurred to me why Metroid Prime was an instant classic until I actually began playing it, and now I definitely understand. A few things like the controls and some level designs can make for clunky sections and potentially an excessive use of 'fuck' and 'bitch' but all in all conquering this game felt too satisfying. I will be playing the rest of the Prime series, so once Prime 4 shows itself...you know damn well I'll be ready!
Anyway, the game itself. When it comes to '3D Transitions', Metroid Prime is a super interesting one. On one hand, it pretty much flawlessly transfers the ingredients of the 2D Metroid games and somehow makes them all work in an exploration-heavy FPS game. On the other, the game still feels so distinct from the 2D Metroid games as if they could both co-exist, and I think its fair to say the fact Metroid Dread exists on the same console as Metroid Prime Remastered and the upcoming Prime 4 proves that well.
The environments in this game are all great, and have elements that make each one stand out for the better or worse. The first impression of Tallon IV's overworld, the dreadful hissing noises when accidentally falling into the lava in Magmoor, the heaps of lore in the Chozo Ruins, the separate levels of the Phazon Mines, etc. That alongside each location having their own distinct colour palette really helps make them more memorable, and I think they hold up pretty fine visually too for a Gamecube game, though I can imagine how mindblowing this game was back then. The music in each and every area not only bangs, but is some of the best atmospheric music I've heard in a game and sets the mood for each area (Phendrana Drifts especially holy shit).
I will say some of Phazon Mines and Impact Crater can get really damn annoying but I think the rest of the game really makes up for the trouble.
The combat does take some time to get used to, especially since because the Gamecube controller only has one analog stick, you have to lock onto enemies or look up/down with the shoulder buttons which can be a pain to get used to and make combat feel extra clunky. But once you get used to it, sending out multiple charge beams and missiles feels pretty much 2nd nature and dealing with enemies gets a bit handier as you upgrade Samus. The bosses are great too, but extremely intense sometimes as they can totally kick your ass if you get too ahead of yourself or don't focus enough. But once you exploit their weaknesses and overcome each one you feel like you could literally drown a tsunami with how good you feel after.
It never really occurred to me why Metroid Prime was an instant classic until I actually began playing it, and now I definitely understand. A few things like the controls and some level designs can make for clunky sections and potentially an excessive use of 'fuck' and 'bitch' but all in all conquering this game felt too satisfying. I will be playing the rest of the Prime series, so once Prime 4 shows itself...you know damn well I'll be ready!
SanguisRush
1 year ago