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Metroid
Prime: Hunters (DS) |
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Review by: theunhackable1
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Reviewers Score:
9 / 10
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Posted: April 12, 2006
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Random planets and mysterious alien
powers...
That statement just about summarizes the entire Metroid series, and it
also holds true to this installment. "Metroid Prime: Hunters",
for those of you who don't know, is the first real Metroid game for the
loveable DS. Here, bounty hunter Samus Aran is sent to the Alimbic
Cluster to investigate a recent message from said system about
"ultimate power". Unfortunately, there are also a half-dozen
other hunters that seek this power, and it is Samus' job to take them
out.
Here's how the game breaks down:
Graphics: 9/10
For being a 3D game on the DS, it looks mighty fine. The four worlds are
extremely varied and represent some of the Metroid standards
(technologic, fire, water/ice, etc.) The colors are bright/dark when
needed, and the entire game just looks clean. The only drawback is the
blockiness of the characters, but the beautifully rendered cut scenes
more than make up for it.
Gameplay: 8/10
When I first fired up this game, I wondered if it was going to go the
same way as all the other handheld FPS games. Surprisingly, I found that
the touch screen serves very well as a right joystick. The only problem
with that is my left hand is forced to take a weird shape, like I'm
trying to invent a new letter in sign language. Once I got past
hand-cramping issues, I was able to enjoy the game itself.
First, the problem of Samus losing all her abilities at the start of the
game is non-existent. I was pleased to have started out with missiles
and the Morph Ball. Then, my giddiness faded when I found only a few
enemies to blast. That is, until the doors locked behind me and a swarm
of 20 creepies (don't recall the exact name...) appeared around me.
Later, I was forced into combat with one of the Hunters that are in the
game's title. I appreciate the fact that the six enemy Hunters are
varied, but combat with them tries my patience and my hands.
As for the levels themselves, this is where I feel that Nintendo
copped-out. You basically go along, defeating enemies and Hunters, until
you reach a teleportation pad that takes you to this hidden place where
you fight the boss of the level. Here was my greatest disappointment.
Apparently, this super-advanced alien culture was only smart enough to
create two "guardian" creatures to guard their most
treasured... things. Sure, they get tougher as you go along, but it's
the same two creatures
every single time!!! And then, here's the fun part. Once you
gain the artifact thing, the ancient culture's other
security system kicks in and you are left with mere minutes to get off
the planet. Otherwise, the artifact will somehow make you explode.
Imagine playing the final moments of "Super Metroid" and
you'll get my drift.
Aside from that, there is a plethora of stuff to find. Energy tanks, missile
expansions, and loads of items to scan are all waiting for the
adventurous gamer.
Sound: 9/10
Basically, all the Metroid sounds are here. Blaster shots, doors
opening, creepy ethereal music, etc., etc., etc. It just sounds a little
tinny coming out of my tiny speakers, even with the volume pumped all
the way up. Or maybe it's because I've spit on them in anger so many
times whilst fighting the pole.
Overall: 9/10
All in all, I went into this game with high expectations and left with
my dreams slightly compressed, not crushed. I thought the demo that came
with my DS was good, and because of that I went out and spent half of my
state tax refund on this full version. My only request is for the
creators of games like this to actually play them before sending them
out, because I don't know who's idea it was to fight the same freaking
boss characters four times over, but they should have to sit and play
"Neopets" for hours on end because of it. |
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