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Destructoid review: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption photo

If you own a Wii, chances are you’ve spent the last month biting your fingernails to the quick in anticipation for the final installment in the Metroid Prime series, Corruption. For the hardcore crowd, there’s a lot riding on this game’s quality and success; Metroid Prime 3 is the first big release to be built from the ground up for the electric blue wonder. It's not a GameCube port, not a mini-game collection, not a sports title, not a toss-off Pokémon cash-in, but an original Wii title that you can actually play. Whether you like the series or not, Metroid needs to be the royal flush in the imaginary last hand between the casual and the hardcore set.

This is do-or-die time for the "novelty console", folks. They’ve tied the cute little fella to the conveyor belt and pushed him toward the buzz saw. Will Batman submit to Joker’s internet chicanery and post a ruthlessly negative screed in a blatant attention grab? Or will Robin take Penguin’s payoff money and write a glowing but heartless puff piece?

Hook your grapple lasso on the jump for my review.

I'm sure you've heard by now: the most revolutionary aspect of this game is also what makes it such a blast to play. Metroid Prime 3 controls like an absolute dream. In simple terms, you use the nunchuk analog stick to move Samus about, and point the Wii remote to aim and fire. The golden combination here is the option to employ advanced reticule sensitivity (in which the "dead zone" of movement is at its smallest on-screen) coupled with a handy lock-on bound to the Z button. This gives you the ability to center your screen on a particular enemy while still shooting at anything that crosses your vision. Locking onto enemies is a godsend when you want to perform precision strafing or circle around an enemy, but it's not essential to success; those who stick to free-firing can certainly do so. What makes this control scheme so unique is that it actually works. Retro Studios has created a functional Wii first-person shooter, and in doing so has also crafted the most successful installment yet on a console.

I never had a problem with the control scheme in previous Prime titles, but after playing Metroid with the ability to look around freely while moving, to dodge a boss while also aiming and shooting as you’re running away -- it makes the older system feel downright antiquated. The new control scheme lends a tremendous sense of engagement to the battles that was lacking before, not just from the Metroid series, but from the entire lineage of first-person shooters. The movements are so fluid and natural that this game is sure to draw new converts to the genre.

There are a few other touches sprinkled throughout that take full advantage of the Wii's capabilities. You've got the ability to rip shields off of enemies by slinging your nunchuk, as well as several lever pulling tasks to gain entry to locked rooms. Much more than janky add-ons, these aspects have the cumulative effect of creating an unparalleled sense of immersion. Never before have I felt so close to physically being inside a game’s world.

Beyond the phenomenal control updates, however, the core gameplay mechanics have remained largely the same. This is definitely another chapter in the Metroid Prime series. Corruption features only a few new suit upgrades that weren’t included in previous Metroid games, and generally unremarkable ones at that. While it’s always good to see the old Ice Missiles and Plasma Beam, it’s time for Samus to learn some new tricks. In their favor, Retro has been very upfront about this by naming it Metroid Prime 3, rather than Turbo Ultra Metroid Wii-tastic.

But even if you lower your expectations by that tiny notch, you'll still be impressed by the unparalleled execution in the game's essential design. The previous Prime titles were marked achievements in art direction for the previous generation of game consoles, but I wasn’t expecting to see many graphical improvements in this installment. Perhaps that's why I was so floored when I encountered complex textures, normal mapping, and lush organic environments at every turn. There’s a round, fleshed out feeling to everything in the game that isn’t made of metal.

If you were impressed by the way the GameCube handled Resident Evil 4’s lighting effects, then prepare yourself for the light show this game has in store for you. Explosive colors saturate each of the planets, providing a captivating backdrop to every puzzle or battle. You might find yourself using the Screw Attack just to watch the circular yellow flashes arc across the screen. There are dozens of breathtakingly pretty scenes to traverse through that will give you that classic “Metroid” tingling down in the pit of your stomach. Long-time fans will know what I’m talking about: those rare moments where you experience the harmonious fusion of art and entertainment.

Don't be put off by all this art talk if you're looking for hardcore action gaming; Prime 3 is no cakewalk and offers a fine challenge with its frenetic shooter showdowns. Much of this challenge, however, comes from not knowing exactly what to do in a particular boss battle or puzzle and fighting to stay alive while you figure it out. Figuring out the game’s mechanics and patterns will give you a bit of an advantage if you play Normal mode first, so those players looking for a truly tough experience would do well to start out on Veteran mode. These options are both available for first-time players at the game's start.

Speaking of bosses, Corruption features some of the best boss battles we've seen in recent years outside of Shadow of the Colossus. As massive and epic as previous titles, Corruption shakes things up with several bosses equipped with a slew of alternate forms at their disposal. Some even have up to nine different mutations they can swap on the fly, constantly keeping you on your toes. The variety in combat and inventive boss design schemes prevent the battles from resembling the sluggish grinds of attrition in earlier Prime titles and are a definite highlight of the game.

When you’re not tearing alien bat-dragons to shreds, Metroid Prime 3 also happens to be an adventure gamer’s paradise. The environmental puzzles in this game are phenomenally complex and enthralling. You’re given Herculean tasks to accomplish that are brought about by dozens of interlocking tiny missions. The payoff and sense of personal satisfaction is immeasurable -- "I built that destructive device with my bare hands before I dropped it on that city! I am the king of my living room!"

Unfortunately, Corruption is not without a handful of confusing tasks that are counterintuitive and don’t seem to flow naturally. These sections that leave you wandering around wondering what to do next can bring tedium to the game's otherwise measured pacing. They're not game-breaking, but they're enough to demand better environmental or textual cues for problematic sections where players tend to get off track.

What’s worse is that sometimes the game’s hint system can be downright misleading. There are a few instances in the game that will easily throw off a player who isn’t devoting their time to reading every piece of scanned information. I’m fine with venturing out on my own without a nanny computer coddling me through the game -- striking out in the wilderness and exploring is one of my favorite things about this series. The problem, though, is with the hint system’s inconsistencies. I never developed a solid relationship with the game’s hints where I felt like I could trust it to lead me in the right direction at that moment. A player shouldn’t be led off track by extending the game’s messaging system the courtesy of actually believing it.

Another detracting factor for the game is its horrendously weak opening. The first section of the game seems loaded with needless filler, whereas in the other Metroid Prime games they toss you into the action immediately. In Corruption’s first hour the action just seems stalled compared to the rest of the game; the setting is terribly bland and starts things off on the wrong foot. I don’t see any reason for such a great game to begin without firing on all cylinders. The addition of human, speaking NPCs in Corruption feels out of place and subverts the isolation that has become the series hallmark. The whole “stranger in a strange land” vibe is effectively destroyed with the inclusion of English-speaking military types -- how lonely and existential can you feel when you’ve got soldiers piping through your headset every hour?

Thankfully, the human NPCs reappear at only a few rare points throughout the game. But each time they do, it’ll give you the same sinking feeling you experience whenever your favorite band does a song for a fast food commercial. Somebody at Retro was sippin’ a little of the Halo syrup and the game certainly suffers from it. There’s even a squad based attack section with these squishy-faced losers which was, admittedly fun to play, but it absolutely does not belong in my Metroid series. That’s right, I get final say.

Keeping in line with another series tradition, you’ll often find yourself backtracking to collect last minute items that will help you access the final boss. Corruption, fortunately, really shines in this department compared to its predecessors. The backtracking is not a last minute afterthought employed as a cheap gimmick to extend the game’s running time. When you backtrack in Corruption, entirely new sections open up on the old planets you’ve already explored -- not just pockets with missile expansions once too high to reach without a double-jump. There's no need to brace yourself for a boring, 3-hour slog through useless errands or needless item collection. The game quickly builds to a suiting finale, and while the final boss battle may disappoint some after the long trail of ferocious bosses that precede it, I doubt anyone will find much to harp on about the game's closing chapters.

After the unadulterated fun I’ve had this week with this title, I don’t even mind that my Wii might be merely two GameCubes taped together. All I care about it is that I can finally use it to play a uniquely beautiful and exciting game that would be impossible to experience on any other console. If you like action games, adventure games, puzzle games, shooters, or if you simply want to see where the future of game development is headed, this is the game for you. For those of you without a Wii, this is the excuse you've been waiting for to pick one up. Metroid Prime 3 is the definitive entry in the Prime series that delivers on the long-awaited promise of the Wii as a console that caters to the hardcore crowd.

Verdict: Buy it!
Score: 8.5/10 









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75 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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next 50 comments

godkow's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 15:51
godkow
This post is relevant to my interests.
Gameboi's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 15:56
Gameboi
Got it, haven't finished it, but love it.
maxio098ui's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 15:56
maxio098ui
if i get a wii ill get this with it
Kryptinite's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 15:58
Kryptinite
got it, haven't finished it, but love it..as well.

This is the only reason I bought a Wii and I'm happy I did. I haven't a clue what I'm going to do with it after this game is done, maybe give it the the girlfriend.

See what I did there?
GenoBaby's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:00
GenoBaby
Sorry Twilight Princess but this could be the best game on the Wii.
Cowzilla3's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:02
Cowzilla3
I love that they finally put voice acting into a game and everyone says wait...i ddin't really want this, not this way. Watch what you ask for I guess.
Joe Burling's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:03
Joe Burling
Now if Nintendo could just put out more games like this...
blehman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:04
blehman
Wow tristero, you nailed the review. Good to know I'm not the only one who thought that beginning was sucktastic.

Until that first boss fight, and then WOW I was sucked totally in again.
Chad Concelmo's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:07
Chad Concelmo
THIS GAME IS AMAZING! That is all. :)
Bob Muir's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:08
Bob Muir
Note to self: get around to playing Prime 1 and 2.
Darren Nakamura's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:08
Darren Nakamura
Huzzah! I'm playing my Wii again!
king3vbo's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:11
king3vbo
8.5 is what I would give it. Its really good, but not amazing
comradetrotskii's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:13
comradetrotskii
Meanwhile, back in Europe Nintendo continues its plan for World Domination by not releasing this for two months.

We're getting Super Paper Mario next week though.


iRaf 's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:14
iRaf
don't have a wii.
ZMTToxics's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:17
ZMTToxics
COMMENT 100!

Will this work on my gamecube? :p
Oni's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:29
Oni
I'm shocked. There's no 'I sold my Wii months ago' comments yet. It must be a slow day or something.

I got this game on Thursday last week, and I've been having an absolute blast with it. I've been taking my time, taking it nice and slow, savouring every last morsel this game has to offer.

It's so good!
Morrius's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:29
Morrius
Is it still not very good despite lots of high review scores? You know, like the other ones?
Tron Knotts's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:32
Tron Knotts
I agree with the text of this review. Well written, and quite fair about both the pro's and the cons of the game.
bleep's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:32
bleep
I bought it, but will play it right after I beat the OG metroid on VC...
Tiff's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:36
Tiff
YOU'VE GOT THE TOUCH
Riser Glen's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:39
Riser Glen
Oh my god, Tristero. How dare you not give this game a 11 out of 10?! You must be one of those XBox 360 enthusiasts I keep hearing about.

(Excellent review. I'm just testing my new form of internet sarcasm that doesn't have improper use of capital letters.)
nilcam's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:40
nilcam
This game breaks down the wall for me - the controls are so natural that I often feel like those are my hands on the screen. I'm a huge fan of the Zelda series, but this game destroys Twilight Princess. This game is a beacon lighting the way for developers. The Wii has enough power to do beautiful games and the controllers needed to be truly inventive. Follow the light, people.
Fading Star's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:44
Fading Star
I concur Godkow. I might play this game someday. Nice write-up, Tristero.
Maurice Tan's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:48
Maurice Tan
YOU'VE GOT THE POWEERRRRRRRR!

Great review, will still have to wait till the end of October till it's out here :(
Daddygerplex's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:56
Daddygerplex
I actually thought "wtf have retro done this is shit" when i played the first hour as i spoke to badly voice acted space troopers and ran into the wall due to the sensitive controls.

But then it clicks.

All the shittiness melts away and you are controlling Samus like a pro.
Rainbowblack's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:56
Rainbowblack
once im done with every worthy 360 this 4Q i might give MP3 a twirl...im still mad that nintendo tricked me into buying this crap system lol
Hiltz's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:57
Hiltz
Fast, fluid, and solid gameplay
Very good graphics with even better art direction
New gameplay mechanics with satisfying and responsive motion control use
Intuitive, responsive and precise aiming and shooting
Surprisingly quick and easy turning
Pretty good voice-acting (first time by the way)
Camera is practically never an issue
Very good level design
Top notch music
Faster game pace
Epic boss battles
Less frusterating and less tedious back tracking
Unlockable content that rewards player for engaging in combat and scanning.



MP3 lived up to the hype.







jerrt's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:58
jerrt
@ necros: i need to play the first two as well. i even own them both, but have never taken them out of their cases. i'm glad to see the control's add something to the game. they should with all the work nintendo put into the new controllers.

not going to get it until its used and cheap, but i will definitely pick it up.
kielejocain's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:58
kielejocain
@Morrius;

Congratulations on having an opinion that differs from the masses! Carry on, secure in the knowledge that you've bested conformity. And with a snarky attitude to boot!

In the mean time, I'm gonna get back to playing MP3; it's pretty cool.
ZekeThePlumber's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:58
ZekeThePlumber
Just finished it yesterday. A tad disappointed with the ending but it was a hell of a ride getting there.
Dynamic Sheep's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 16:59
Dynamic Sheep
Nice review Tristero. This game is as good as Twilight Princess should've been. I'm hoping that they put out a new Zelda game this generation and that it's full of epic win.
Garbz's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 17:01
Garbz
I so badly want this in europe.

i need a decent game to justify why i bought a wii in the first place.
Bluefusion's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 17:10
Bluefusion
See, I actually liked the voice acting. We've all been whining for the longest time about reading text, and once we get some dialogue, we critique it?

The controls definately kick ass. I do not want to go back to analog. I don't think I ever used z-targetting.
Baron Calico's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 17:13
Baron Calico
I'm about 3 hours into the game, and so far I really, really, REALLY like it. But I started playing this straight off of BioShock so my bar was arbitrarily nudged in the wrong direction for me to get immediately comfortable with it. That said, I'm digging the mojo so far.

I think, though, that Prime 3 makes me really wonder what a TRUE Wii Zelda title would be like. Twilight Princess was awesome and all... but a real Wii Zelda title... whew!

Great write-up though! I agree with every one of your points (including the score).
pkhilson's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 17:21
pkhilson
Amazing controls, awesome game overall. Best of the Primes for me. Finished it twice already and I'm still not sick of the game. Haven't played a game like this in a LONG time.

Now how's this for an idea: Nintendo re-releases Prime 1 and 2 on the Wii with the world's first ever "tacked-on Wii controls" that make the game 100X better!
Tubatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 17:34
Tubatic
Very nice write up. The only points I kind of disagree with are the intro sequence and the voice acting. I dunno what it is, but I never have scathing opinions about voice acting in anything. Considering the voice acting in R.A.D being my low point for voice acting (and even then it was still comically good-bad), most V/O gets a passing grade from me.

While I suppose the very literal from ship to station intro was a bit slow, it still held some good establishing moments for me. Walking the halls, getting a little hero worship, watching that one bounty hunter go through the scan process before I did, and the escape from the waste hold were pretty cool small moments for me, and held my interest well enough until the planetside action.

Also worth mentioning, I think, are the little touches for the explorers that like looking around. Did anyone else notice the ice guy in the distance when you were leaving the crashed Fed ship in the first post intro planet? A real nice touch for the observant. or the scan-happy.
leshrac55's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:03
leshrac55
I'm really enjoying the game right now too, although it might be making me slightly sick on my 61" TV.

With that said, it's amazing to me that the graphics still look clean and crisp on a 61" TV. Resident Evil 4: Wii, while it has great graphics, looks pretty pixelated on my TV. Anyone know why this would be? Better Anti-Aliasing technology or something?

-Jeff
http://alinktothefuture.com
Aaron Mxy Yost's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:03
Aaron Mxy Yost
Next paycheck, this will be mine. Nice review!
mandlebaum123's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:03
mandlebaum123
pkhilson, RE:4 wii would be considered the first.

I liked the beginning, because it gave me the feel for the controls, at my own pace, and got me into the story.

Voice acting was something I dont really care about, because I usually turn down the tv and turn on SIRIUS. Im glad they had the subtitles.
mandlebaum123's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:06
mandlebaum123
leshrac55, I believe the reason for that is that HDTVs, when being displayed in 480i or p, have very square pixels. The not-too-soon-to-be-obsolete CRT tvs have rounder pixels, which is more aesthetically pleasing.
Eschatos's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:13
Eschatos
Sounds nice, but I got no Wii, and I'm not planning to get one.
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:18
ArrestedDeveloper
meh, I've been dissapointed with every 3D Metroid and this doesn't look any different.
BenHaskett's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:18
BenHaskett
Great review! And as others have also said: I agree, the opening is just weak.
tsunamikitsune's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:22
tsunamikitsune
I just got this in the mail from GameFly today and played for maybe a half-hour to an hour.

I liked the first Metroid Prime, although my need to scan everything and complete the game 100% destroyed any chance I'll ever have to finish it. I only played Prime 2 multiplayer (and watched a friend play a little single player), but it seemed about as good as the first one. After playing a bit of Prime 3, I can't say I care much for it.

I just recently beat Zero Mission, which (aside from Fusion) is the only Metroid I've ever beaten. It had been a long time since I played Fusion, so I had forgotten how much I love 2D Metroids. I even downloaded Super Metroid on the VC, but haven't really played it much yet.

Maybe it's just all the 2D Metroid I've been playing lately that's making the 3D ones seem less awesome....

After reading this review, I feel a bit better about it, since I stopped right where it should pick up. I really don't like the people around or the other bounty hunters (didn't like Hunters for that reason, either). I loved the feeling of isolation in the past games and I already lost a lot of faith in this game after that opening.

I guess I'll keep playing and hopefully it'll get better like everyone says it does. At this point, I think I still prefer the old control style, but hopefully that will change.
ChrisFurniss's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:25
ChrisFurniss
You're the best



ARRROUUUUND!


(did i do it right?)
leshrac55's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:28
leshrac55
Mandelbaum:

Are you suggesting that games like Zelda and RE4, both beautiful games that still look a bit "pixelly", are somehow programmed with "round" pixels in mind? I don't know that that's even possible, but I'm not sure...

Nearly every other 3d Wii game I've played has looked like a 1st or 2nd gen PS2 game in terms of pixelation, even if it's technically pushing a few more polygons or effects. Call of Duty 3 was a damn joke on my TV... could barely see where I was going it was so muddy and pixelated. The only games that I recall looking "clean" on my TV were Super Paper Mario and Wii Sports.

Seeing something look as good as MP3 makes me wonder what the hell other developers are doing. No, it doesn't look as good as a 360 or PS3 game (it's certainly no Gears or Bioshock), but at least it has a clean and smooth presentation on my big screen like most HD games do.

-Jeff
http://alinktothefuture.com
ShinSennju's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:31
ShinSennju
Never been a fan of the Hint system, I always turn it off because I thought it made the game too easy, guess I was wrong ;)
mandlebaum123's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:32
mandlebaum123
To put it simply, Im saying that alot of it has to do with design/anti aliasing, but what would look rather smooth on an old TV will look a little more jagged on a HD, due to the square pixels.

Wii sports looks even nicer on my dad's old tv (he is one of the new expanded audience members) than it does on my HDTV.
Tristero's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:40
Tristero
@Chris

Yes. Yes you did.
Minako984's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/04/2007 18:49
Minako984
<3 Metroid
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