Introduction
When anyone hears the word Metroid or Samus, they automatically think of a
great two dimensional shooter for such systems as Nintendo, Super Nintendo
and Gameboy. Since then, Samus has been seen in only one game that was not
two dimensional. This game being Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros.
Melee. Seeing Samus as a three dimensional figure was very interesting,
since most have been anticipating a new Metroid game since the last was
released, which was Super Metroid. That was 1994. Bringing Metroid into
the next generation consoles would be a rather interesting task. In
mid-2001, it was announced before the Gamecube was released that a new
Metroid game would be out for it, named Metroid Prime. This game would be
fully three dimensional, and the most surprising news, it would take place
in mostly first person view. Not only was that news shocking to most
Metroid enthusiasts, it made them a little leery of what was happening to
the series. Now that the game is out, they have a chance to find out about
the game they were not very sure about. The game is not only a very good
complement to the Metroid series, it is one of the best games to ever come
out for any console.

Gameplay
Simply beautiful is the only way that the graphics can be explained. The
levels are very rich with texture and unique animations. When wandering
through a level, looking at the walls is extremely interesting. There are a
lot of them that look the same as a wall right next to it. Metroid Prime
definitely shows the Gamecube’s graphical power. The enemies themselves are
also extremely unique looking. The bosses even look better. They look more
or less realistic then most enemies in videogames. The most impressive
graphical feature of Metroid Prime has to be of the visors. They all have a
unique view to them. Even when near some enemies, the visor itself turns to
snow, what would be seen on television when it goes out. It is done
extremely well. Samus looks extremely sharp as well. The suits have their
special features which show a lot of character. The only problem involving
the graphics are when Samus is to close to something, it lacks a lot of
detail. That is just small price to pay for how nice the game looks
overall.

Story
With the old Metroid games, the gameplay was the most appealing part of the
game. The puzzles and the weapons used were always very compelling and an
exciting part of the game. This is exactly how Metroid Prime’s gameplay is.
To start off, the levels are huge. There is a lot to do in every area,
and if you are not very explorative, you will not find all the secrets there
are to find, such as the map for the area and a life or a missile expansion,
returning features from the older games in the series. A feature in the
game that allows it to become extremely intriguing and fun is the use of all
of the visor modes. There is a combat visor, and scanning visor, a thermal
visor and an x-ray visor. These visors add interesting gameplay and need to
be used to solve various puzzles to get to new areas and to see otherwise
invisible enemies. Throughout the game there are many upgrades to obtain.
Very similar to the older games, upgrades come to the weapon, such as the
power beam, ice beam, wave beam, and the plasma beam. They are used to open
certain doors, as is the missiles. Other power-ups include the grapple beam
and space boots. Now lastly, the morph ball is still a major part of the
game. Not only does it allow Samus to get to hard to reach areas, some
enemies can only be killed in this mode. There are a lot of little puzzles
designed alone for the morph ball. After all of the upgrades and abilities
are obtained, it is very necessary to go back to already explored levels to
see if you can use any acquired skills or visors to find something that was
not there or reachable at first. After the game is all over, you will have
realized that it took about 25-30 hours to beat the story, and another 10
hours to get to 100%.


Graphics
Thinking of the older Metroids, the music in the game is one of the most
distinguishing features of the game. With same composer as the series used
to have(Kenji Yamamoto), the music is as compelling as ever. It has the
trademark music from the old games, brought quite nicely into this newest
installment. Not only does the music change depending on the environment,
but during boss matches and when a task needs to be completed in a small
amount of time. The sound effects in the game are also top notch. There is
a unique sound for all of the weapons in the game along with all of the
enemies. The footsteps are also very well done. It is all put together
extremely nicely, which makes for one extremely ear-pleasing gaming
environment.

Sound
Not only is this game put together extremely well, it is an overall
excellent gaming experience. New gamers should really look into a game like
this because it displays everything that a game should be. With few flaws,
this game is one that will be played by many for a very long time. It is up
at the level that Ocarina of Time was for Zelda. Metroid was brought into
the next generation consoles with a lot of people who did not think it would
turn out great. Those people are not only wrong, they are out there having
tons of fun with this game. The last words that you are left with, you will
miss a good portion of life because of this excellent game.