REVIEW: Metroid Prime Remastered
Introduction
With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond just around the corner, launching later this year, now is a great time to return to the game that started it all. Metroid Prime. Metroid Prime is a game I have a lot of history with. Releasing initially in 2002, I can still recall the times I would sit and watch my brother play and be mesmerized by the action on screen. With the release of the remaster in 2023, I now have the opportunity to experience what many call one of the most excellent titles released on Nintendo's indigo lunchbox with many enhancements and improvements. We'll dive into the story and its placement in the overall Metroid timeline, the gameplay that captured a generation, and whether it's still worth playing today.
Story
Taking place between the original Metroid and Metroid II: The Return of Samus, we see our heroic heroine and bounty hunter, Samus Aran, investigate a distress signal from a space station orbiting above Tallon IV, and after a brief encounter with the space pirates and her reborn adversary Meta Ridley, Samus must uncover the mystery behind the substance known as "Phazon" and bring an end to their dastardly plans. Aside from the introduction, the game conveys much of the story and lore through scanned Chozo lore and Pirate logs, immersing players in a tale of ancient ruins and danger while not bogging down the player in endless cutscenes and exposition.
Presentation
It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for a game. Now, let's be clear. Metroid Prime was never a bad-looking game, far from it. But the remaster significantly boosts the graphical fidelity over the previous releases on GameCube and Wii. Metroid Prime Remastered boosts the resolution up to 900p in docked mode and 600p in handheld, each running at a buttery smooth 60FPS. These changes, along with the others to graphical effects and lighting, mark this version as the definitive way to play Metroid Prime.
Gameplay
Many games had trouble transitioning from 2D to 3D, but Metroid Prime is an example of how to do it right. Make no mistake. We have everything beloved about 2D games brought into 3D here. Let's start with the basics. Metroid Prime is a first-person action adventure that puts you in control of everyone's favorite intergalactic bounty hunter.
One thing that frustrated me from the moment I stepped off our ship was the controls. Even when I attempted it on GameCube, it never felt right. Using the right stick for switching between the beam types felt strange especially looking back on it now where we've become accustomed to using the right stick to aim and the left for movement. Having to hold the trigger to aim the arm cannon manually is less than optimal (good we have the lock-on). And all these years later, I still find it less than optimal. Metroid Prime's tank controls are the only complaint I have here. Everything else works fine. Firing the blaster and missiles? Cool. Booking it in the morph ball? I could do it for hours. Metroid Prime Remastered, however, offers multiple control options. So, if you're like me and prefer a dual-stick layout, have at it. We also have the option to use a pointer more like Metroid Prime Trilogy on Wii. There's even a hybrid option between classic and pointer controls. Metroid Prime Remastered has got you covered on all fronts.
The big thing here is the lock-on system. Meanwhile, with the 2D games, you were jumping and lining up your shot to take down baddies. Hold down the left trigger to lock on and blast away, dashing left and right to dodge incoming projectiles. You could argue that it takes away some of the challenge of aiming manually, but if the game is better off, why not do it?
Exploration is one of my favorite aspects of Metroid Prime. With past 2D titles and other titles in the Metroidvania genre, non-linear exploration is a big part. Scouring the environment like an ant looking for that big score for those energy tanks and missile expansions is a super rewarding experience. What is more satisfying is as you progress through the game, getting more items, new visors and upgrades to your suit and blaster, thinking back with your new gear, and getting one of those items you couldn't before. There is one thing. The scan visor is one of the many that our hardened hunter can equip and is one of Prime's signature mechanics. Using it can yield a wealth of information like Chozo lore, encrypted space pirate data, and information about the creature of Tallon IV. There are countless opportunities to scan and explore, as Tallon IV boasts diverse regions—like the lush Tallon Overworld, the ancient Chozo Ruins, the fiery Magmoor Caverns, and many more—each offering unique puzzles and enemies. With everything discussed, you might wonder: Is this adventure worth diving into?
Recommend?
Metroid Prime Remastered is a fantastic experience for both old and new gamers. Whether you played the original on GameCube, the Prime Trilogy on Wii, or are experiencing it for the first time, the gameplay holds up remarkably well, and the graphical upgrades truly enhance the experience. I never had the opportunity to play Metroid Prime as a kid, so it felt great to knock this one off my list finally! But, as always, I'd like to hear your thoughts. What memories do you have of Metroid Prime? Are you a new player or a veteran? I'd love to hear your thoughts down below! And if you have any games I should add to the backlog, drop a suggestion below or on my socials.
