Like the Mario & Zelda series before it, Metroid's long awaited transition into 3D gaming was a near perfect one.
As well as the critics love the Metroid series it still has not sold as many as it should have. Only 13 million have been sold. That's a great number, but it pales in sales when compared to some of Nintendo's other franchises such as Zelda, Mario, and Pokemon. I guess the Metroid series is more of an acquired taste than some of Nintendo's other series. It's not as easy to just jump into Metroid and play like you can with Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon games. You see the world of Tallon IV through in eyes of Samus Aran. Some say this game is a first shooter. Others argue that it's a first person adventure game. I call it a first person shooter/adventure, or, a brand new experience. The graphics and worlds in Metroid are absolutely gorgeous, and if anyone says that Metroid Prime is the best looking game of last generation, I wouldn't argue with them. Even after 5 years the game still looks amazing, and it's hard to not be in awe at the wonderful detail. After getting caught up in a big explosion, Samus makes an emergency landing on Tallon IV. In traditional Metroid fashion you must recover all of Samus' powers in the ginormous world you're on. Most of Samus's old powerups are all right here. Missles, charge shot, double-jump, grapple beam, and the morph ball are some of those power ups. The morph ball is without a doubt, the best power-up in the game. While in morph ball form you control Samus' movements with the analog, which feels very smooth and natural. You'll need the morph ball to make it through small, unreachable areas that can not be reached otherwise. There are also a few morph ball puzzles. You'll be able to upgrade your morph ball abilites as the game goes on as well.
The combat in Metroid Prime is also very well done and satisfying. The game has great AI, and for the most part, enemies and bosses put up a good challenge. The reason some people don't consider Metroid Prime to be a first person shooter is because it controls differently than most modern first person shooter games. Dual analog control isn't used here. There is a lock on system instead. You are able to lock on to your enemies by holding down on R, and can strafe by pressing B and moving left or right. The combat is very engaging this way. Along the way you'll also obtain different weapons to attach to your arm cannon. And the ammo is always infinate. Perhaps another reason a lot of people don't call it a first person shooter. Different enemies have different weakness, and you'll be required to use your new arm cannon attachments at some point or another. Certain doors can only be opened with certain arm cannon attachments as well. The sound in Metroid is also quite fantastic. You'll hear some new recordings as well as remixed classic Metroid tunes. As far as value goes, I'm sure you can find this game new or used for about $10 or less nowadays. If you're a Gamecube owner and you some how missed on out it before, go get it now. Besides Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime is my personal favorite Gamecube game, and one of my favorite games of all time.