Metroid Prime Trilogy

Since the release of the immortal classic Super Metroid right through the N64 era Samus Aran was sorely missed during her eight year hiatus having not starred in a single game until the year 2002 when suddenly two games came along at once. The first of course was Nintendo developed Metroid Fusion - aka Metroid IV - which saw Samus back in true 2D form and was well received by fans; but then came something even greater as the Texas-based Retro Studios took it upon themselves to work alongside Nintendo to bring the Metroid series into the third dimension with the end result being Metroid Prime.

The original game was released to such critical acclaim that a sequel was released and more recently the third and final installment providing Wii owners a satisfying conclusion to this epic trilogy that originated on the humble Gamecube. Following the improved control scheme that was implemented in the latest title which offered far superior motion enhanced control, Retro decided to go back and apply this far more precise control scheme to their earlier masterpieces while upgrading the visuals slightly and unifying all three fantastic titles into one package; and thus Metroid Prime Trilogy was born.

For the uninitiated this collection has never been more essential because not only are you getting three of the best games ever conceived but they are in fact now the definitive versions with the new controls adding so much more to the overall experience. Scanning feels more satisfying, jumping feels more natural and most importantly blasting Space Pirates with your arm cannon feels better than ever and it's all thanks to the Wii remote.

Visors are now assigned to a quick press of the minus button and a flick of the remote into the desired portion of the screen, this is the same for the Beams which are assigned to the Plus button; this may initially sound more complicated than the simple flick of the C-stick or D-pad on the Gamcube pad but in practice it's actually effortless and feels much more concise. As for the all-important Super Missile and other beam variants, these can be fired by simply charging up with 'A' - or 'B' if you've opted to change the settings - and pressing 'down' on the D-pad which works particularly well indeed; it's also worth mentioning that the 'ball-hop' move from MP3 which allows you to perform a small jump while in morph-ball mode with a simple upward flick of the remote has been retroactively fitted which will surely please many.

On a visual level the series has never looked better with all three titles now featuring full 16:9 widescreen support, anti-aliasing and smoother textures; the new unified title screen is very much welcome as it brings together the essence of all three games perfectly. Indeed it's truly testament to Retro's great abilities as a developer that despite the first two titles being updated GC ports they still manage to outshine the vast majority of games that were designed for the Wii so for the lazier developers there really aren't any excuses for it anymore.

Aurally things are as breathtakingly beautiful as they have always been thanks to legendary composer Kenji Yamamoto who worked his magic on all three games creating a sensational soundtrack that brings everything together seamlessly. Everything else from the charging of Samus' power beam to the rolling of the metallic morph-ball sounds fantastically fine-tuned and adds to the authenticity of the experience and goes a long way to contributing towards the astounding amount of atmosphere that the Prime games are so famous for.

Regarding changes that have taken place firstly as aforementioned there is a new unified title screen with a wonderful new accompanying theme, now some may mourn the loss of the original individual title-screens but the new one is exceptional and even changes to reflect the progress you make in the games which is a particularly nice touch. The difficulty of certain bosses in Echoes has been toned down slightly but this doesn't make things any less enjoyable, in fact if anything it improves matters; also there have been a few dialog changes to Corruption with the most notable being the removal of the word 'damn' which is hardly a big loss being that it added nothing to the overall experience.

On the extras front the Fusion Suit from the original game has made it back in thanks to the achievement-like credits system which is now in effect across all three games; for those unaware you get different coloured awards for your in-game progress which you can then use to redeem extras, it's a decent system because it ensures that you'll need to play through the games properly to gain enough for the better obtainable items such as the screen-shot capture tool but then again the games are immensely enjoyable to play anyway so it never feels like hard work but you are rewarded well for your efforts.

While it's mainly fans of the series that will no doubt be purchasing this collection, newcomers are catered for as well because the default 'Normal' difficulty while still challenging should prove to be conquerable for even newcomers with a reasonable amount of effort. However if you are after more of a challenge then the Veteran mode plus the newly added Hyper mode difficulty – only available once you've beaten the game once – should prove more than adequate for even the most hardened would-be intergalactic bounty hunters.

Overall this is one truly fantastic package that is well worth its price-tag for both newcomers and veterans to the series alike, indeed if you have yet to experience any of these fine games then I personally envy you because playing through them for the first time is a truly magical experience. But even for someone like myself who's very much well acquainted with all three games, I still found playing through them again to be a completely engrossing experience and that speaks volumes of the true quality that is on offer here in this stellar compilation.

Sam Gittins
sam.gittins@n-europe.com

Comments

D_prOdigy Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 06:33 || Total Comments: 1596

Kudos Sam! Awesome review for what looks likely to be the best-value-for-money video game package in years. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from picking this up.

Hellfire Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 06:48 || Total Comments: 735

EVERYONE should get this, it's a fantastic package of three fantastic games made better.

Korn Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 06:50 || Total Comments: 155

I'd agree with the score if the game didn't have massive underscan black bars on the left and right and smaller ones at the top and bottom (Yes, I've got my Wii set to 16:9 etc) when using component cables with my 32 inch LCD TV. Also, we got shafted with the less elite packaging. So for me, it's only an 8.

S.C.G Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 07:12 || Total Comments: 380

The underscan lines aren't that big plus it's still improved from how the first two games looked on the Gamecube as the margins are significantly smaller, plus when you're actually playing the games you won't actually care about the slight border, it's a slight technical niggle but nothing more as the games still look and play better than ever. As for the case? it's that and nothing more... the fact that it's plastic instead of metal in no way reflects badly on the quality of the games contained on the disc thus the score for the package would still remain unaffected. In any case, each to their own :) my review is merely an opinion but it truly does deserve its perfect score based on the quality of the games alone; Retro have done an excellent job with this compilation and I'm sure for many fans it will take pride of place in their collection of Wii games where it belongs.

Korn Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 07:27 || Total Comments: 155

Don't get me wrong, I'm a massive Metroid fan, but owning and having completed all three games already, the tin case would have sweetened the deal. Also, my GC copy of Metroid Prime, bought on March 21st 2003, had no underscan or black bars at all (Except when played in 4:3 on a widescreen TV, obviously). The underscan bars are pretty big for me, and they do indeed distract me. It's disorientating when you point to the edge of the screen and notice that the whole screen isn't full. As you said, each to their own. If these problems don't bother you, then I'm glad for you.

Korn Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 07:33 || Total Comments: 155

I forgot to add that the 16:9 support is cheated on the cutscenes. You can tell that the image has just been cropped and zoomed in. Not a huge deal, but I expect better from Nintendo. Packaging and display issues aside, all three are incredible games.

S.C.G Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 07:44 || Total Comments: 380

"Packaging and display issues aside, all three are incredible games." Exactly and ultimately that's all that matters :) I realise that some will be slightly distracted by the slight borders but for me it was never an issue. Overall the pros by far outweigh the cons and this is a fitting send-off for the trilogy before the series is taken in a different direction with Metroid Other M.

Hellfire Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 08:10 || Total Comments: 735

Of course the cutscenes are cheated, they'd have to do them again if they weren't. On the other hand, the 16:9 on the game isn't cheated and the GC version had no underscan or black bars because the game was 4:3. No biggie for me since those bars never show up on my TV and certainly not enough to dock 2 points off specially since the controls certainly make the games worth playing again.

LostOverThere Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 08:46 || Total Comments: 99

Great write up! I'll definitely be getting my hands on this one as soon as it's released in my region.

Hamsterpig Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 04:21 || Total Comments: 443

*what looks likely to be the best-value-for-money video game package in years. Only been 2 years since Orange Box came out. That aside The Metroid Trilogy is a great package and should be picked if if you havn't played them. I won't be playing them again not enough hours in the day for me sadly.

Amazingandy87 Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 05:08 || Total Comments: 33

I have never really been a huge Nintendo fan (am still a fan nonetheless) unlike my younger brother who loves Nintendo. I will be selling my PSP to get a few Wii titles including this trilogy as have never played through them before (have played a small amount of the first one on Gamecube) and am curious to see how good they are, especially now they all have motion sensing via Wiimote. I was also thinking of getting Mario Galaxy as I started playing it before my younger brother moved to a new address (as it was his Wii console that I played it on) and really enjoyed what I saw. My parents and older brother bought a Wii between them which has been neglected as they only have Wii Sports and Wii Fit so thought i would make use of it and then eventually get my own Wii console to enjoy what I have been missing out on. I loved Mario Kart on Wii so would like to get that for myself including some other titles also. Wish me luck on my Journey into hardcore Wiidum/Nintendoism and let me know your thoughts on anything that springs to mind ;)

ConflictCloud Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 06:03 || Total Comments: 174

I've got this and it's excellent, the 10 is completely deserved. The only slight improvement I could ask for would be that you could play the games in Hypermode from the start. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful collection.

Darkflame Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 07:41 || Total Comments: 961

Amazingandy87 - This, Mario Galaxy and Zelda:TP should give you 200 hours or so of gameplay and make your Wii very worthwhile. If you havnt played it already on the PS2, Okami is also a must get, imho. Welcome to the Wiicore.

Amazingandy87 Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 10:11 || Total Comments: 33

Thanks ConflictCloud and Darkflame. I was thinking of getting Zelda: TP as I watched my brother playing a fair amount of it (and other Zelda games) and I personally have never played a 3D Zelda (only played some of A Link to the Past and Minish Cap which both were on handheld consoles) so I emailed my younger brother asking if he thinks I'll like it and any other Wii titles that stand out apart from the obvious ones like Smash Bros and Mario Kart. He showed me some of the Conduit which I thought looked interesting and Tiger Woods with motion plus was very appealling. If theres anything else worth mentioning to me it would be very much appreciated as I would really like to start getting into playing on the Wii more as past Nintendo consoles I loved especially the N64 thats my favourite console of all time (so many fond memories, looking forward to Perfect Dark on Xbox Live this winter).

Blue_Ninja0 Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 10:59 || Total Comments: 133

Will definitely get this. Never bought a Prime game. Awesome value.

Charlesdabeast Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 17:18 || Total Comments: 6

This game definitely is a 10/10 regardless of whichever way you put it. But I agree with Korn on the packaging. The trilogy in my opinion is like a celebration of the Metroid Prime series. I don'tunderstand why the USA gets a tin case and then Nintendo goes all cheap on the PAL version. The tin case is like the cherry on the cake, especially for collectors and for those that already have the three games.

Pod Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 09:18 || Total Comments: 1037

Wow, 5/5 x 5, I think this is the first time I've seen that on this site. :) I might have to get this, to relive the first game, and to actually complete the second. ^_^;;

Reynard Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 10:23 || Total Comments: 307

Wait WHAT? I'm not getting the metal tin here in Australia? :( Not like i'd cancel my order over a box, but I'm really getting tired of yanks always getting the best stuff.

Sumo73 Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 16:08 || Total Comments: 317

This is a great package for people who have never played any of these games or who have played MP3 on the Wii but missed out on the Gamecube versions but for me I won't be getting this package despite being a Metroid fan. I already own these 3 games and the extras are not enough for me, sorry. I'd like to ask however is switching weapons over on MP, MP2 as easy now (with Wii controls) as they were when they were on the Gamecube?

Sariachan Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 16:47 || Total Comments: 326

@Amazingandy87: if you haven't played it on GC, make sure to get Resident Evil 4 Wii version, too. :)

Benedetto Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 22:59 || Total Comments: 325

can you unlock the NES metroid? or do you still need GBA cable and the metroid fusion game?

Amazingandy87 Says:
September 8th, 2009 at 11:03 || Total Comments: 33

Thanks Sariachan, I have played Resident Evil 4 on Gamecude and Wii and love that game its especially awesome on Wii (my younger brothers got my copy of the Wii Edition). By the way I sold my PSP with games and got Metroid Prime Trilogy, Zelda: TP, Mario Galaxy and Madworld as recommended by my younger brother and one of my mates which played some yesterday and today and think its funny, brutal and a joy to play. Started playing Zelda: TP but its hard when the Wii is in the living room and is connected to the family TV (as I would have to keep moving the console up and down the stairs when rest of family want to use the TV), will be looking to get my own Wii console soonish though.

Charlesdabeast Says:
September 8th, 2009 at 23:10 || Total Comments: 6

Can anyone confirm whether the PAL release of trilogy has the same issues with metroid prime 1 as the US version i.e. - the loss of visual effects on samus' arm cannon - water effects are static and do not react to beam shots.

S.C.G Says:
September 9th, 2009 at 04:36 || Total Comments: 380

Yes it's true but they really aren't 'issues' I mean it's a small miracle that they managed to fit both Metroid Prime 1&2 onto one Wii disc let alone 3 as well! That is a technical achievement in iitself tbf. All three games are completely intact apart from those aforementioned graphical changes so just enjoy them. :)

Amazingandy87 Says:
September 9th, 2009 at 13:15 || Total Comments: 33

I'm loving Metroid Prime but it can be confusing sometimes as to where to go next even using the map, suppose if I get stuck I could look up the guide on IGN. I think this could be the start to me being addicted to Wii and loving the console even more than before ;)

Charlesdabeast Says:
September 10th, 2009 at 01:06 || Total Comments: 6

I went back and played Metroid Prime 1 (Gamecube version) and I must say that although the graphic effects around the arm canon are nice, you easily forget about them if you don't focus on it. I think the Gamecube controls still hold up quite well today, even after clocking Metroid Prime 3.

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