Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was definitely more challenging than its predecessor, and I'd go as far as to say it's the hardest Metroid game I've played so far.
There are a few reasons for this; firstly, the game's divided into dark and light areas, which the player can traverse between through portals scattered around the game world of Aether.
Dark Aether is essentially a remixed version of the game map, with certain areas that can only be accessed in the light world or vice versa.
Dark Aether also causes slow depletion of Samus' health, at least in the beginning, so there's a real sense of hostility and danger when you must travel there to progresss.
This can lead to some head scratching, as you must decipher how to reach parts of the (honestly quite convoluted) map via either traditional means - new powers or traversal abilities - or by manipulating the Dark/Light Aether mechanic.
For example, you may need to enter Dark Aether via a distant portal to open a certain door then return to Light Aether to continue your adventure.
Additionally, there are some tough and spongy enemies to deal with, as well as some mean enough bosses (nothing straying into Fromsoft territory or anything), and ammo for weapon power ups and missiles can be limited.
The game does outstay its welcome towards the end, with the completely unnecessary late game key hunt returning from the first Metroid Prime.
Despite these issues, I found Metroid Prime 2: Echoes to be a very enjoyable, and brilliantly oppressive, entry into the series.
The aforementioned health depletion, coupled with a dark and brooding atmosphere (so much purple!) and skin-crawling music, makes Dark Aether feel like a genuinely dangerous place to find yourself in, and this to me is the essence of a good Metroid game.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes received a Wii update with more manageable controls and some boss nerfing, and undoubtedly will get an HD r-release at some point, so I highly recommend giving it shot if you're able.
There are a few reasons for this; firstly, the game's divided into dark and light areas, which the player can traverse between through portals scattered around the game world of Aether.
Dark Aether is essentially a remixed version of the game map, with certain areas that can only be accessed in the light world or vice versa.
Dark Aether also causes slow depletion of Samus' health, at least in the beginning, so there's a real sense of hostility and danger when you must travel there to progresss.
This can lead to some head scratching, as you must decipher how to reach parts of the (honestly quite convoluted) map via either traditional means - new powers or traversal abilities - or by manipulating the Dark/Light Aether mechanic.
For example, you may need to enter Dark Aether via a distant portal to open a certain door then return to Light Aether to continue your adventure.
Additionally, there are some tough and spongy enemies to deal with, as well as some mean enough bosses (nothing straying into Fromsoft territory or anything), and ammo for weapon power ups and missiles can be limited.
The game does outstay its welcome towards the end, with the completely unnecessary late game key hunt returning from the first Metroid Prime.
Despite these issues, I found Metroid Prime 2: Echoes to be a very enjoyable, and brilliantly oppressive, entry into the series.
The aforementioned health depletion, coupled with a dark and brooding atmosphere (so much purple!) and skin-crawling music, makes Dark Aether feel like a genuinely dangerous place to find yourself in, and this to me is the essence of a good Metroid game.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes received a Wii update with more manageable controls and some boss nerfing, and undoubtedly will get an HD r-release at some point, so I highly recommend giving it shot if you're able.