I always had my doubts about the Metroid Prime series since it’s inception. Often times the transition from 2D to a 3D environment doesn’t bode over too well. I am glad to report that Metroid Prime 3 continues in Nintendo’s trend of quality ever since the first episode on Gamecube.
Metroid Prime 3 Corruption had a lot to live up to. Not only did it have to wrap up the series 3D evolution. It had to also prove that the Wii’s control scheme could competently deliver a satisfying first person shooter experience. I wouldn’t really classify the Metroid Prime series as first person shooters. The control scheme however is very similar.
At its core, Corruption is loyal to the Prime legacy, balancing combat, environmental puzzles, and exploration in an exceptionally well-paced package. Samus' trademark morph-ball abilities are as integrated into the level design as ever, and her scan visor still plays a central role in puzzle-solving and general exposition. Each new area provides her an ability that proves crucial to negotiating the environment or defeating enemies, and frequent small skirmishes are punctuated by minibosses, leading up to the inevitable epic boss battles.
A big difference in Corruption is that most of the story and narrative takes place in cut scenes rather than using text like the previous renditions. Overall it adds a much more cinematic feel to the game. The voice acting however is one step below horrendous. I would think that with a big name franchise like Metroid that Nintendo could cough up some additional funds for some decent actors. It isn’t that big of a deal, just slightly annoying.
In my opinion Corruption is still one of the most visually impressive games on the Wii. Even after all this time the only title to top it seems to be Super Mario Galaxy in my opinion. I guess Nintendo is one of the only developers actually harnessing the GPU of the Wii. Corruption is full of colorful, exotic environments. The visuals of Samus and the enemy characters are equally impressive.
Metroid Prime Corruption is a good showpiece to how the Wii-mote and nunchuk can be a competent control scheme. The lock on and grappling hook mechanics are both spot on. The music and sound effects of Corruption are also equally compelling.
Overall Metroid Prime Corruption is truly a fantastic game. The storyline is decent. The graphics and sound are also of good quality. One thing I did notice however is that Corruption does seem to be a bit easier than it’s predecessors. I am impressed with Nintendo’s first party endeavors on the Wii. I only wish that other developers would follow suit. If you pick up a copy of Metroid Prime Corruption, in my humble opinion it would be money well spent.
"If you're not directly working on the game, go away" - former Retro world artist, Nate Purkeypile
Then there is Microsoft's approach which is just to piss in the wind and 95% of their stuff turns out bad. Developers might like that personally but you'll be out of a job quicker than you know it through badly shipped products.
First party Nintendo titles are held to a specific standard for a reason. It could be argued that both Sony and MS could benefit from doing the same, but you are right with MS nonchalant approach and "it scored well internally" and then putting out something like Redfall. Even Halo, MS' flagship series, wasn't overseen with the fine tooth comb to ensure it was top notch quality.
Nintendo first party games are very rarely duds, let alone non functional ones. You don't get that without a little (or a lot) of micromanaging. Is it annoying? No doubt. Their track record speaks for itself though and you can't deny that.
I think there is good evidence for both sides of that argument, really.
Japan Studio didn't have much oversight and that studio produced pure magic. Financially, it wasn't a cash cow studio, but I sense that anyone who played their games really felt the care and passion for their creation at work. Media Molecule is another one. I personally feel that Sony and Microsoft micromanagement tends to be overly negative. It might work for Nintendo because they're big on making a fun and engaging game first and entice people that way.
Sony as of late and Microsoft for at least two generations now, when they get into the micromanagement, it seems like a profoundly anxious experience.
i dunno if i agree with that.
i think some leeway is necessary to achieve atleast some sort of spectacle.
With the Wiimote as your Arm Cannon, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a motion control revolution.
From Xfire: "Is Super Metroid still as super as it once was in 1994? If not, which Metroid game is better than the influential title?"
I look forward to the day any game beats that Super, Metroid or not.
Hollow Knight come damn near close to knocking Super Metroid from the top of my list, that’s a huge achievement for such a small team.
The problem for me is I’ve been waiting for a 2D Metroid that beats Super but I don’t think I’ll ever see that day. I still play the original 1-2 times a year and a few randomiser plays.
Fully agree with the list and all points it makes for each game. I’m expecting Dread to fit in the middle of that list but I’m happy to be wrong about that.
Nice review and I thought the controls were pretty slick as well ^^