It might have taken over 20 years, nevertheless it looks as if Nintendo’s GameCube is lastly getting the respect it deserves. I used to be there throughout its heyday, arguing incessantly with anybody who would hear that its library was completely stellar. It additionally feels loopy to say this a few Nintendo console in 2023, nevertheless it was additionally probably the most technically-accomplished on the time, and was able to placing out impossibly stunning titles – together with Metroid Prime.
The truth is, you can name 2023 the Yr of the GameCube, on condition that a number of of its key titles are making a reappearance in varied totally different kinds. Resident Evil 4 is getting the total remake therapy, whereas two of its finest JRPGs – Tales of Symphonia and Baten Kaitos – are getting remastered. Effectively-documented flaws apart, it will likely be fantastic to revisit these worlds and see how they maintain up.
Becoming a member of that checklist of classics is Metroid Prime, which surprise-dropped on Thursday following the newest Nintendo Direct. I really, bodily, squealed with pleasure at this information. Not solely was it one in every of my favorite video games throughout that technology, nevertheless it’s one I’ve needed to revisit for a number of totally different causes. Foremostly, it was an immensely difficult title for a child, and I keep in mind simply having to surrender through the Phazon Mines. I’m not happy with this, and it’s left me with a severe sense of unfinished enterprise.
However principally, I simply wish to return to the world. For its time, Metroid Prime was borderline unbeatable by way of visible constancy, and I’m not even simply speaking in regards to the environments and character fashions. Certain, they have been second-to-none, however I used to be blown away more-so by the eye to element. Rain spattering off your helmet’s visor and weapon, Samus’s face mirrored within the visor when firing your weapon in darkish environments. It was stuffed with little particulars like this that drastically elevated your sense of immersion.
So this remaster had some fairly massive boots to fill – Samus Aran-sized boots, if you’ll. And, fortunately, it’s just about principally pulled them off.
Extra Like Remake
The truth is, calling it Metroid Prime Remastered feels borderline harsh given the intense visible overhaul the sport has went by way of. It’s so in depth, that if it wasn’t within the title and also you hadn’t heard of Metroid earlier than, you’d be forgiven for believing that this was merely a model new Change sport developed for 2023.
It’s simply one of many Change’s best-looking video games up to now, and a well timed reminder that the {hardware} could have extra life in it than the dialog surrounding its age would counsel. I need extra highly effective {hardware} greater than something, however when video games look nearly as good as Metroid Prime Remastered it’s tough to really feel that strongly about it.
Nevertheless, it’s not with out its minor downsides. Whereas, total, the presentation is rather a lot nicer right here, and effectively in step with 2023 requirements, a couple of of these visible prospers I discussed earlier have fallen by the wayside. The way in which rain bounced off your weapon’s floor within the authentic model has been changed with a extra simple animation, and the sunshine of your weapon’s pictures not fill darkened rooms with a blinding assortment of colored lights.
It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, and also you may not even discover these refined variations whereas enraptured by the great thing about its world, however, visually, it’s the one criticism that caught with us all through the journey.
No Management Points Right here
By way of gameplay, it stays fairly devoted to the unique with one key distinction: a whole management overhaul to convey it in step with extra fashionable shooters. The unique was somewhat unwieldy, with tank-like controls that pressured you to make use of a single joystick to maneuver the digicam and character. That’s all modified now, with the inclusion of a dual-stick design.
In case your first encounter with Metroid Prime was on the Wii, you’ll be happy to be taught that the pointer controls from that model additionally make a return. They’re simply as sensible as you keep in mind, as effectively.
That needs to be the aim of a remake/remaster, actually – present an expertise that’s devoted to the unique whereas modernising the weather that haven’t aged as effectively. You need your expertise in 2023 to be as optimistic because it was initially, heightening the positives whereas decreasing the negatives.
Effectively, fairly frankly, Metroid Prime by no means actually had any negatives within the first place. It’s an exquisitely-paced expertise that often rewards you with new toys to play with. That tempo additionally helps to maintain exploration feeling contemporary. You naturally hold a psychological map of the areas you’ll be able to’t entry, and as quickly as you discover a new weapon or merchandise, you immediately do not forget that place you couldn’t entry earlier than.
Trendy Thrives
Having mentioned that, a few of the design does really feel jarring at the present time. Gaming fingers are very a lot held at the present time, however that’s not the case right here. There are occasions once you’ll get misplaced, for instance. The sport does a great job of nudging you again on the best path, nevertheless it’s nonetheless jarring in a world full of sunshine trails main you from path A to B.
Then there’s the save system, which can simply be the most important ache level for newcomers. You may solely save at particular areas, and in case your final save was 40 minutes in the past and also you simply died, you’re doing that bit over again. Throughout my run on regular problem, this solely occurred twice (I nonetheless hate these Phazon Mines) nevertheless it was nonetheless irritating. Having to replay content material doesn’t really feel enjoyable on any stage – nor does it notably add to the problem.
A brand new autosave system – even when it was elective – would have gone a great distance in direction of mitigating that frustration. The truth is, there’s a couple of modern-day trimmings that Metroid Prime may have benefited from. You’re consistently backtracking, which is a part of the design, however a quick journey system between save factors would have been very welcome – notably through the artifact-hunting part of the sport.
I wish to add that I feel the map design of Metroid Prime is fantastic, and also you’re by no means that distant from the placement you wish to be because of the handily-placed elevators. Quick journey would have simply diminished a ton of needles backtracking that, once more, doesn’t actually add a lot to the expertise.
Lastly, some type of potential to view missile and vitality tank unlocks on the map – and even to depart notes as you play – would have been useful. I perceive this may be blasphemous to many, nevertheless it’s little touches like this that shall be off-putting to these unaccustomed to video games of this classic. In addition to, you can at all times select to have these turned off or on on the very starting.
So Is It Price Getting?
Lack of modernisation apart, Metroid Prime Remastered ought to 100% make its method into your Change library. It completely deserves its traditional standing with a mixture of sensible sport design, an exquisite artwork and visible fashion, and wonderful balancing that retains the expertise feeling contemporary all through.
The remaster principally makes every part higher – notably the visuals, which have been lovingly introduced as much as fashionable requirements. Whereas the gameplay didn’t really want such sweeping modifications, the dual-stick controls are an extremely welcome addition.
It’s only a disgrace that a couple of different fashionable touches couldn’t have made it into the ultimate expertise, together with auto-saves, quick journey, and a extra helpful map.
