Metroid Prime 3 Hype Thread + Score Prediction (56k = no)

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Images --- Videos --- Previews

Story - "Something has gone terribly wrong at a drifting space station. Terminal text displays an eerie message: "Cryogenic systems stable. Corrupted life support anomaly detected." The computer systems have become infected with some kind of new virus, they begin to malfunction and meltdown, and Dark Samus appears to be involved." - IGN Preview

After Dark Samus breaks out of its "storage container" we see samus in her ship. She has just woken up from a hyperbolic sleep and heads toward the Federation where things pick up quickly. It seems that Dark Samus has started a war with the Federation and is attempting to wipe them out. Samus cant have this... so she is sent, along with several others, to stop this from happening.

Locations - So far, we have seen a few diverse locations in the game. Each with its own feel.

Note - see footage for a closer look

Federation Ship

This is the final boss of the first level of the game, im assuming. Before you can leave the Federation Ship, which is being destroyed, you must defete the Berserker Lord.

GameSpot Preview -

"It's worth noting that this particular monster, in true Metroid fashion, is one tough cookie--his armor plating means that most of Samus' shots bounce off him like raindrops. He's probably 20 feet tall and he's got enough horns and spikes to mean real bad news if you get too close. Not that he's that much of a party at distance, either, thanks to his ability to shoot a nasty blue beam, or emit a stream of blue, acidic liquid from his face. After taking a few potshots at him, it wasn't long before we noticed a few purple glowing spots underneath his armpits, which we proceeded to blast with extreme prejudice. After taking those down, the Berserker Lord began to shoot huge circular blasts of white electricity at us--the first time we took him on, those blasts were enough to bring us down. After a few practice runs dying at the hands of the Berserker Lord, the pattern of his attacks became clear... and it was bye-bye Berserker Lord."

Federation Planet

This is the most "traditional" level we have seen so far. It shows you the basics of the game by giving you places to shoot things down, grapple enemies and debris, open doors the "Wii way", and take on another boss that revives his little steam bot minions.

Sky Town Elysia

Probably the most unique place we have seen so far. The entire town is in the sky and you use your grapple beam to move through it. What I find interesting in Sky Town is that you see remniants of the Chozo here, which was a highly advanced civilization that died out just after giving Samus her Chozo Suit that she wears.

Notice the large head on the top of the building

And notice that the statue resembles the "bird-like" chozo.

Score Prediction -

Now... I find that it is harder to predict the outcome of a score now that we have this new way of scoring... but I will be giving you the original score pattern and then estimate what the score will be.

Gameplay - 9/10 - We have yet to see how well the controls to the game will work throughout, but we have been ensured that it is one of the best, if not the best controls we have seen in an FPS on a console. Quick percision and fast movement makes this game stand out above other FPS's. I predict that Gamespot will have something to nag about though...

Graphics - 9/10 - RE4 got a 9 in graphics and it is a gamecube game. Metroid Prime 3 looks a lot better than Metroid Prime 2 and, imo, better than any gamecube title to date. It should be noted that screens of the game to not give it justice.

IGN - "For some reason, Retro Studios' anticipated first-person adventure sequel, Metroid Prime 3, doesn't photograph well. Many of the officially released screenshots of the title look bland, a complaint raised all too often by message board addicts. But we've just compiled two hours with a two-level demonstration of the title and we can tell you, it sure looks good in motion."

Sound - 9/10 - With full voice acting and a wonderful soundtrack, this game could get an amazing score in this. There seems to be a LOT of voice acting going on, and really, if you listen to the music, it is very atmosphiric, and in places... quite epic!

Value - 8/9 - With a lengthy single player experience, this title will have just as much playtime if not more than most Adventure games. I'm guessing 20 hours minimum, nothing too long, but a well rounded experience. Re-play value will depend on the player, with lots of upgrades to get... you could very well want to play throught it more than once.

Tilt - 9/10 - No Metroid Prime game has not gotten a 10 in tilt, and I dont think this will be different. But... just in case ;) With some of the best visuals on Wii (best so far... thats for sure), full voice acting, energetic soundtrack, more characters, great fast paced gameplay... this title really has a lot to offer!

FINAL SCORE - 9.0-9.5/10

If you have any second guesses about this game, I suggest that you watch some videos on it, because it really looks fantastic!

eeeww!! j/k

High AA (keeping in mind Echoes)

EDIT: TC, you should tell poster to choose A,AA, or AAA and not straddle the boundaries.

AAA if they nail the controls and keep the environments varied, AA if they don't.

i hope we don't get someone who reviews it as a first person shooter who expects run and gun action. because if we do, they'll definitely give it a low score saying that there is too much backtracking, not enough shooting, too much scanning etc. and make the tilt a 6. also, if they hate wii in general, they'll make the gameplay a 6 too saying it's too gimicky and stuff.

if we get a metroid fan 9.5/10

High AA (keeping in mind Echoes)

EDIT: TC, you should tell poster to choose A,AA, or AAA and not straddle the boundaries.

Tungsten88

hmm? you mean in a poll? sure...

AAA. Everyone should join the 23 people vs. Tree-Branch bet (my sig) :PEponique

Yeah, lol, see ya later Tree Branch....I think if this game absolutely flops on it's face it will get 8.0 bare minimum.

You need to make this a poll

A , AA, AAA, AAAA

i hope we don't get someone who reviews it as a first person shooter who expects run and gun action. because if we do, they'll definitely give it a low score saying that there is too much backtracking, not enough shooting, too much scanning etc. and make the tilt a 6. also, if they hate wii in general, they'll make the gameplay a 6 too saying it's too gimicky and stuff.

if we get a metroid fan 9.5/10

gamecode101

I enjoy the backtracking in games actually (lots of people don't). It forces you to remember things that have gone on previously and put things together like a puzzle. And also the scanning is kinda cool as well. I wish more games would include backtracking instead of just go go go go forward. The backtracking I think makes the game more immersive IMO.

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

AAA. Everyone should join the 23 people vs. Tree-Branch bet (my sig) :PEponique

lol notice hes not around anymore...

High AA

They better keep the environments varied and try not to let the combat with the Wiimote overshadow the puzzles the Metroid series is known for. That was the problem with Metroid Hunters, but this Metroid game is actually being developed by Reto Studios, so that puts my mind at ease.

[QUOTE="gamecode101"]

i hope we don't get someone who reviews it as a first person shooter who expects run and gun action. because if we do, they'll definitely give it a low score saying that there is too much backtracking, not enough shooting, too much scanning etc. and make the tilt a 6. also, if they hate wii in general, they'll make the gameplay a 6 too saying it's too gimicky and stuff.

if we get a metroid fan 9.5/10

MikeE21286

I enjoy the backtracking in games actually (lots of people don't). It forces you to remember things that have gone on previously and put things together like a puzzle. And also the scanning is kinda cool as well. I wish more games would include backtracking instead of just go go go go forward. The backtracking I think makes the game more immersive IMO.

I agree... the scanning added in a unique story element, where if you were pateint, you could piece together a really cool back story. Backtracking is cool when it makes sense. If its just... "you need to go to the other side of the map to get this weapon so that you can come back here to open this door" then it sucks... which is why Prime 2 wasn't nearly as good as Prime 1 imo.

High AA

They better keep the environments varied and try not to let the combat with the Wiimote overshadow the puzzles the Metroid series is known for. That was the problem with Metroid Hunters, but this Metroid game is actually being developed by Reto Studios, so that puts my mind at ease.

TheOneMan

IGN said it will still have the puzzles and things -- they said its just that the E3 demo was just for run n gunning to show off the controls -- they said it was exactly like what they demoed for MP1 back at E3 2000 i believe?

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

sonicmj1

They only played the first level.

[QUOTE="MikeE21286"][QUOTE="gamecode101"]

i hope we don't get someone who reviews it as a first person shooter who expects run and gun action. because if we do, they'll definitely give it a low score saying that there is too much backtracking, not enough shooting, too much scanning etc. and make the tilt a 6. also, if they hate wii in general, they'll make the gameplay a 6 too saying it's too gimicky and stuff.

if we get a metroid fan 9.5/10

kansasdude2009

I enjoy the backtracking in games actually (lots of people don't). It forces you to remember things that have gone on previously and put things together like a puzzle. And also the scanning is kinda cool as well. I wish more games would include backtracking instead of just go go go go forward. The backtracking I think makes the game more immersive IMO.

I agree... the scanning added in a unique story element, where if you were pateint, you could piece together a really cool back story. Backtracking is cool when it makes sense. If its just... "you need to go to the other side of the map to get this weapon so that you can come back here to open this door" then it sucks... which is why Prime 2 wasn't nearly as good as Prime 1 imo.

Yeah, fetch quests like that suck for sure. When they are incorporated meaningfully into the story, or like in MP when you get a new power up and can go back to unlock new areas which were previously unaccessible, they work.

[QUOTE="Eponique"]AAA. Everyone should join the 23 people vs. Tree-Branch bet (my sig) :PHaziqonfire

lol notice hes not around anymore...

:o You're right! Regardless, GS System Wars isn't worth going to if Metroid isn't an AAA franchise here anymore.

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

sonicmj1

Thats interesting. But, you have to remember that these are demos and not the complete game. The Prime 1 demos when it was at E3 long ago were all about moving forward... and there was no backtracking. Im pretty sure that Retro would pick the levels that had you doing the most so that you can get a feel for the game, and not back track with the hour that you have with the game.

Though, this does bring up concern... :

eeeww!! j/k

OldParr

nice sig:twisted:

anyway im thinking 9.5

[QUOTE="sonicmj1"]

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

Firelore29

They only played the first level.

They played the first two levels; the Federation Ship and Skytown. If we're comparing it to Metroid Prime, the Federation Planet is like the Spacestation (linear), so Skytown should be like Tallon Overworld or the Chozo Ruins. In those latter areas, which you could reach in an hour of hands-on time, it's easy to see how open-ended Metroid is. It certainly isn't very similar to Halo in level design there.

So why are we seeing Halo comparisons in terms of level-design here? One of the things I loved about the first Metroid Prime was that it really wasn't copy-paste, and the world felt very unique and cohesive. Comparisons to The Library level of Halo worry me.

[QUOTE="sonicmj1"]

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

kansasdude2009

Thats interesting. But, you have to remember that these are demos and not the complete game. The Prime 1 demos when it was at E3 long ago were all about moving forward... and there was no backtracking. Im pretty sure that Retro would pick the levels that had you doing the most so that you can get a feel for the game, and not back track with the hour that you have with the game.

Though, this does bring up concern... :

I wouldn't think much of it if this were the first time it came up. It's a demo, so maybe that makes sense. However, when we first heard about the story, it mentioned that Samus would be moving between completely different planets to clean up the corruption left by Dark Samus. That means that it wouldn't be an interconnected world, but something different. That's why I'm concerned about it being linear.

[QUOTE="Firelore29"][QUOTE="sonicmj1"]

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

sonicmj1

They only played the first level.

They played the first two levels; the Federation Ship and Skytown. If we're comparing it to Metroid Prime, the Federation Planet is like the Spacestation (linear), so Skytown should be like Tallon Overworld or the Chozo Ruins. In those latter areas, which you could reach in an hour of hands-on time, it's easy to see how open-ended Metroid is. It certainly isn't very similar to Halo in level design there.

So why are we seeing Halo comparisons in terms of level-design here? One of the things I loved about the first Metroid Prime was that it really wasn't copy-paste, and the world felt very unique and cohesive. Comparisons to The Library level of Halo worry me.

The sky town demo at E3 only had the rail part of the level. It did not contain the ground parts where there adventure elements of the game kick in. Watch some of the videos of the game and you will see more traditional Metroid in there. But, it does worry me that Prime 3 is being compared to Halo in a lot of ways. But, as I have stated, I really think Retro picked the places where the action moved a bit more to show off the game.

Itll be AAA but this game is to hard for me and i have a tendency to stray away from hard games and this series bosses dont play around.xjet039

9.5

It's a Metroid Prime game;) With Wii controls.

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

sonicmj1

Well not to sound obnoxious, but 1up isnt a very good site. I do like them a lot, I always watch 1up show and listen to 1up yours, but Ive never put a lot of stock in their reviewing abilities. Other sites have already discussed Prime 3s level design and how the past Prime demos were the same as Prime 3's demo, completely linear. They have to be, theyre snippets and almost always customized to show certain aspects of the game. A demo like this is just too short to show off the exploration and design of the levels. I dont think its an issue to really worry about.

well ever since the no online announcement i've really lost most interest in MP3.paullywog

Would you really want to play Metroid online, though?

After trying Prime 2's multiplayer, I'm not sad that Metroid doesn't have online.

I'm still concerned about the level design. 1UP's preview of the game at E3 (where one of the editors played through the first hour of the game) did nothing to allay my fears. This is the quote highlighting my worries:

"We're definitely not sold on Corruption's new approach to level design. A large part of what makes Metroid Metroid is the ability to backtrack, re-explore, find alternate paths, and break sequence. Corruption really does feel like Halo in a lot of ways -- not just the intro section, but even Skytown. Not in the good way, but rather in the "linear stage designs and frequent repetition of level elements" way. Did you hate Halo's Library? Well, pilgrim, you may have to grit your teeth a little when you play through Skytown."

The controls seem like they're solid, and the game looks good, but the multi-planet approach that Retro has taken with this game could well remove the sense of exploration and the interconnected world that is the core of the Metroid experience.

sonicmj1

My guess: 80% chance of 9.0 and a 20% chance of 9.5.

Reasons being that, while the controls are going to be vastly superior, some of the metroid feel will be lost in transition. I'll think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, but like with Hunters, nobody will agree with me.