Manages to capture all the exploration of 2D with the action of FPS
So, with the Gamecube Ninendo realy had to release the bounty hunter otherwise she may have become "Portable only".
So, they get Retro. Studios to make the game, basically unknown to the gaming worl. Thankfullf these guys know how to make games and they have done an AMAZING job with this beloved franchise.
One of the defining things about previous Metroid titles was the fact that it seemlessley integrated exploration with frantic action. You could explore masses of caves looking for missile expansions and the next minuite be confronted by a massive dragon, then you could use the ability it gave you to explore regions which were once un-accessible.
Now, Retro had the daunting task of bringing this trademark gameplay into 3D. This was made worse by the 8-year wait Nintendo fans had to endure snce Super Metroid, adding to the hype the game would recieve. How on earth would they go about it? Nintendo had done it with Mario and Zelda so Metroid was the only one left, could they too pull off the impossible? YES!
Instead of simply creating a third shooter with loads of nooks and crannies (ala Zelda) they put loads of effort trying to create a way in which the Metroid series could define itself against the competition. Would a 3rd person game stand out? Would it capture Metroid? Could the controls and cacmera be tamed in 3rd person? They thought not so decided to create...............an FPA!!??
Yes, this is a first person game, with adventure - First Person Adventure.
It seemed strange at first, and most fans decided it would flop, but it works. It works well.
Basically you see everything from Smaus's point of view. It really feels like you are her (and for a bloke that is weird). You can even see the rims of the visor, rain actually makes marks on the screen, blood splatters on the visor.
In First Person it looks like a shooter. But it isn't. You can explore masses of land and as you get upgrades that will allow you to visit areas you could only see before.
Now, it may be an FPA but it does not scrimp on the action. You will come across tons of enemies. Whether it be "War Wasps", Space pirates or the dreaded Metroids. They all look stunning and are thrilling to fight.
In all this is a brilliant game. Retro have managed to capture the escence of 2D metroid but make it even more fun. This is by far the best Metroid game ever.
Graphics
Stunning. There are little to no glitches in visuals and all the enemies look brilliant. The locations are suitibly oppressive and really make you feel like an adventurer.
Gameplay
Metroid fans rejoice. This is Metroid at it's best. Don't be put off by the First Person. This is Metroid to the core. The action is brilliant. DON'T listen to the people that want "Traditional" dual analogue controls. The action works very well, and the lock on distances this from an FPS
Sound
Icing on the cake. Some of the best. It manages to set the mood but once you switch it off you will still sing along
Value
LONG. I beat it twice and got 100% scans. You get some seriously cool art work for your work. Also it links to Metroid Fusion to unlock the "Fusion Suit" and "Original Metroid"
Overall
CLASSIC, Metroid has been brought to 3D. It might have taken a long time but it's here.