The updates to the game are few but notable. Most significantly, the controls, which use the Remote and Nunchuk, are nearly identical to those found in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. You jump with B and fire with A (assignments reversible) and shoot missiles by pushing down on the D-pad. The C button activates the morph ball, and Z allows you to strafe and lock on. Since there is no Hyper Mode in Metroid Prime (well, save for during the final boss battle), beams are selected the same way as visors: by holding down the plus or minus button and dragging from the center to the top, bottom-left, or bottom-right of the screen. You can even flick the Remote to jump when in your morph ball! There is no GameCube controller support, but there's really no reason for it: the retrofitted controls feel completely natural and not at all tacked on.
The other major addition is widescreen support. Just as in Corruption, a few of the visor overlays and menu graphics are stretched in this mode, but the action itself is all in proper 16:9. There is also a nice visual upgrade for the Scan Visor, which is functionally identical to Corruption's. In the original release, the scan visor darkened most of the screen and highlighted a rectangular area in the center of the screen. The Wii port maintains a similar aesthetic using a circular (ovular in widescreen) highlight around where you are aiming with the pointer. So far I have not perceived any increased load times.
It's too early for me to tell how much the new control scheme affects the difficulty balance, but those looking for more of a challenge can hop straight into Hard Mode, now available from the start to accommodate veterans of the series. Retro has also brought over a version of the achievement system from Corruption, and while it isn't as complex with only two types of tokens, the sound test is a welcome addition. I can confirm the Fusion suit, originally unlocked by linking Metroid Fusion and Metroid Prime, is unlockable; there is no sign of Metroid (NES) so far, and its inclusion is unlikely given its availability for a fee on Virtual Console. There also seems to be at least a little additional voice acting. My memory may be failing me, but I don't recall a narrator stating your location when you load a save file on the GameCube.
The hint system, visual cues, and several online guides make this release very import-friendly, even if you've never played the original. However, The Homebrew Channel users should know it includes a new Japanese firmware update that may or may not cause problems.
I'm really enjoying playing through Metroid Prime again on Wii. While its graphics aren't as technically advanced as the second and third entries, the art direction remains fantastic, and it (arguably) has the most carefully crafted and Metroid-like world of the three. If you skipped the original because you couldn't get over the lack of dual analog back in the day, you no longer have any excuses for missing out on this fantastic game.
I don't know what they're going to charge for this in America, but I paid 3,070 yen ($33) for this new. I personally think that's a reasonable price.
I hope the whole "Wii de Ass-o-poo" series bombs. But curse Nintendo for actually marketting this ****. I didn't see any extensive video/ad campaigns (tv, internet or whatever) for early non-first party Wii stuff like BWii. ****ing double standards within its own publishing structure.
It would have been much better had Nintendo decided to release Metroid Prime and MP2: Echoes in a single compilation
Realistically the real Metroid Prime, the game it was designed to be, remains obscure and unappreciated by the masses.
There is no GameCube controller support, but there's really no reason for it: the retrofitted controls feel completely natural and not at all tacked on.
My memory may be failing me, but I don't recall a narrator stating your location when you load a save file on the GameCube
QuoteThere is no GameCube controller support, but there's really no reason for it: the retrofitted controls feel completely natural and not at all tacked on.
*sigh*
I probably won't buy this now. I would have liked to play Prime in widescreen with it's proper controller, but I guess it wasn't meant to be.
I hope the whole "Wii de Ass-o-poo" series bombs. But curse Nintendo for actually marketting this ****. I didn't see any extensive video/ad campaigns (tv, internet or whatever) for early non-first party Wii stuff like BWii. ****ing double standards within its own publishing structure.
So the fact that the new controls feel better and more intuitive don't win you over?
The point of these re-releases is to play classic games with enhanced Wii controls. If you want to play them with the GC controller, play the original releases.
This was in the original Euro (and maybe Japanese version), but all narration was silenced for the American version. Thankfully.
So the fact that the new controls feel better and more intuitive don't win you over? The point of these re-releases is to play classic games with enhanced Wii controls. If you want to play them with the GC controller, play the original releases.
Funny I thought most bought Wii for Wii Sports not Zelda. Silly me.
TYP, is there any other content added to this game like the space pirate side-story that was revealed some time ago?I have seen nothing to suggest this such an addition. If you're talking about additional things to scan for backstory, I'm afraid I'm not capable of determining that with my limited Japanese. (Besides, I didn't feel like reading through stuff I scanned anyway.)
So the fact that the new controls feel better and more intuitive don't win you over?
I didn't realize that the "feel" of the new control system could be considered a fact. It seems more like opinion to me. As for my opinion of it, I would argue that it feels worse. It requires a lot more physical effort to use the Wii control system considering that the precise location of your wrist determines your aim and movement as opposed to the location of your thumb). It's not like Metroid Prime wasn't eminently playable with its original control scheme. In fact, the distinct flavor of MP's controls is part of the appeal for me. I would be more interested in buying a copy of Corruption that allowed the use of the GameCube controller than this.
As for intuitiveness, the new system might be more intuitive (that could be measured at least), but even if it is that doesn't mean much to me considering I've played the original game through at least 5 times (not to mention it's sequel 3 or 4 times) and have already mastered the old control system. However, I never said Nintendo shouldn't be doing this, but that they should include the original control schemes in deference to people who prefer them but would like the advantage of the new wide-screen mode. Really, is that too much to ask?QuoteThe point of these re-releases is to play classic games with enhanced Wii controls. If you want to play them with the GC controller, play the original releases.
Don't worry, I will.
I hope the whole "Wii de Ass-o-poo" series bombs. But curse Nintendo for actually marketting this ****. I didn't see any extensive video/ad campaigns (tv, internet or whatever) for early non-first party Wii stuff like BWii. ****ing double standards within its own publishing structure.
Yeah, you do realize that Battalion Wars 2 is a first party game? Nintendo owned and published.
If you don't like the series, fine. Plenty of other people (including me) are interested in playing these games again in an improved form. Some of them of are also cheaper than buying used GameCube versions (Mario Power Tennis is like $35 used).
Umm...physical effort?
I would understand this if it was Wii Sports, Wii Fit or even something like "Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games" which requires intense waggle. But Metroid Prime?
I won't argue this since this is basically a matter of personal preference. But saying it requires a lot of physical effort when its pretty basic compared to other titles out there is exaggerating, in my honest opinion.
BWii was made by a 3rd party developer in a franchise Nintendo didn't conceive, like Geist. Not first party, more like a second party, definitely not supported like Nintendo's other forgettable first party projects.
BWii was made by a 3rd party developer in a franchise Nintendo didn't conceive, like Geist. Not first party, more like a second party, definitely not supported like Nintendo's other forgettable first party projects.
Sadly my GC copy is at home in the US. I might be able to do a followup on your side by side difficulty q in two months when my parents visit.
No garuntees the NA and Japanese versions have ever had the same difficulty, though.
Sigh, please do some research before making such claims. Battalion Wars is part of the long running "Wars" series from Nintendo (in fact, Battalion Wars was originally gonna be called "Advance Wars: Under Fire").
BWii was made by a 3rd party developer in a franchise Nintendo didn't conceive, like Geist. Not first party, more like a second party, definitely not supported like Nintendo's other forgettable first party projects.
Sigh, please do some research before making such claims. Battalion Wars is part of the long running "Wars" series from Nintendo (in fact, Battalion Wars was originally gonna be called "Advance Wars: Under Fire"). Being developed by a third party studio doesn't mean squat. That would be like saying the Mario Party games are third party, or most of the Mario sports games. The game is first party, plain and simple. Part of a long running IP owned by Nintendo and published by Nintendo.
TYP, is there any other content added to this game like the space pirate side-story that was revealed some time ago?I have seen nothing to suggest this such an addition. If you're talking about additional things to scan for backstory, I'm afraid I'm not capable of determining that with my limited Japanese. (Besides, I didn't feel like reading through stuff I scanned anyway.)
I have similar carpal tunnel syndrome issues that Rize has. And I play guitar as well just to add to the wrist destruction. It is more physically demanding than conventional controls.
Does anyone actually consider them part of the same series? I remember when the game was revealed as "Advance Wars" but there was some flack that it was quite clearly NOT an Advance Wars games since it had completely different gameplay and was made by a different dev. I always assumed Nintendo changed the name to avoid complaints like that.
In North America it seems quite clearly that "Advance Wars" is the name for the series overall anyway.
The final boss was the worst part of MP, it was more fighting the control (and the insane visor/weapon switching) instead of the actual enemy. It'd be interesting to see how that battle handles with this control scheme...
I think you're onto something. I've been playing this game on "Normal" so far, and it really does feel like the bosses die too easily. I've gone back and started a new game in "Veteran" mode--the Parasite Queen seems to take longer to kill. The first bug that crawls out of the sand takes 5 hits to kill in Veteran Mode. I'll have to backtrack on my Normal game mode to check there....Sadly my GC copy is at home in the US. I might be able to do a followup on your side by side difficulty q in two months when my parents visit.
No garuntees the NA and Japanese versions have ever had the same difficulty, though.
Funny you mention that, cuz in my mind Japan has gone soft, while the USA has gone casual. How the difficulty modes compare is a curiosity.
How about this, tell me how many basic Power Beam shots it takes to kill the first bug on Tallon IV in the different modes on Wii?
I think you're onto something. I've been playing this game on "Normal" so far, and it really does feel like the bosses die too easily. I've gone back and started a new game in "Veteran" mode--the Parasite Queen seems to take longer to kill. The first bug that crawls out of the sand takes 5 hits to kill in Veteran Mode. I'll have to backtrack on my Normal game mode to check there....
True, there was already a small chance of sequels, but now there's practically none.
Although, what I am hoping for (to stay positive) is that if these Wiimakes are successful and popular, perhaps that will prompt Nintendo to create sequels at some point. Unfortunately what is likely to come from these games performing well is that Nintendo will release even more Wiimakes. Mario Golf, Wave Race, Star Fox Assault, 1080 Avalanche, Luigi's Mansion... I can only hope these aren't added to the list of Wiimakes.
It seems strange that Camelot appears to have no interest in creating more Mario games. Surely a new Wii Mario Golf game would have fared better than their own generic We Love Golf game. It's a real shame, because Camelot always made the best Mario games; they were great at instilling personality in the characters.
And I hope that the Wiileases are kept to a minimum. Some of these games that didn't sell well are fine and dandy, but around the internets people are asking for Mario Sunshine and Luigi's Mansion ports. I have an aversion to those two specifically because there is little room for legitimate motion controls and they already sold very well. I think Pap64's list of what qualified games for this series is spot on.Really? Both of those games featured an item that you pointed around, which is exactly something you do with the Remote. In particular, Sunshine makes more sense with pointer control than Galaxy did.
And I hope that the Wiileases are kept to a minimum. Some of these games that didn't sell well are fine and dandy, but around the internets people are asking for Mario Sunshine and Luigi's Mansion ports. I have an aversion to those two specifically because there is little room for legitimate motion controls and they already sold very well. I think Pap64's list of what qualified games for this series is spot on.Really? Both of those games featured an item that you pointed around, which is exactly something you do with the Remote. In particular, Sunshine makes more sense with pointer control than Galaxy did.
I think Camelot wants to break out of the 'we handle farmed out IP games' mold. They want to create original games that stand out instead of taking a back seat. How would you like it if you were only known for making Mario themed sports games?That would be perfectly fine by me, especially if said games were considered of high quality like Camelot's Mario games.
If people honestly believe that Nintendo put all of their best teams and men on this remakes and halted development of real games and follow ups you are going beyond cynical.
new games, but considering the massive gaps Nintendo home console fans have had to deal with in the past
why isn't there a Play it on Wii: Battalion Wars?My guess there is that BWii is still in stores and Nintendo doesn't want to cannibalize its remaining sales potential.
so it doesn't come accross as a "Ports instead of new games" but instead "Ports or Remakes as stop gaps".
I predict...
Capcom will release Wii de Asobu Resident Evil Zero as the only "new" Resident Evil experience on Wii for the next two calendar years.
You're confusing it with the WiiMake REmake.
Zero still has a chance to come out, and Capcom should be excited about another... PORT.
A Zero Wiimake could be released only in effing GREENLAND and it'd still count as a Resident Evil release in Capcom's eyes. Really, nothing greater will come out of them for the next 3 years, cuz Monster Hunter 3 is staying in Japan. They have no idea how to market and analyze their own Wii products, and they're focused on figuring out how to spend money on HD development.
Really, stick with Sega.
You're confusing it with the WiiMake REmake.
Zero still has a chance to come out, and Capcom should be excited about another... PORT.
A Zero Wiimake could be released only in effing GREENLAND and it'd still count as a Resident Evil release in Capcom's eyes. Really, nothing greater will come out of them for the next 3 years, cuz Monster Hunter 3 is staying in Japan. They have no idea how to market and analyze their own Wii products, and they're focused on figuring out how to spend money on HD development.
Really, stick with Sega.
:o What?!? Since when? I thought it was coming to the West.
Yeah, but those were on Sony products.
Capcom's not in the business of releasing good products on Nintendo platforms this gen. MH3 Wii is a mistake they can't reverse, just like FF13 HD.
Don't forget Okami. Capcom's released nothing but good products on the Wii, and that will remain true for 2 more days.
Don't forget Okami. Capcom's released nothing but good products on the Wii, and that will remain true for 2 more days.
There is no significant change in Capcom’s strategy, and we will primarily release game titles for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii. In addition, we plan to release our leading titles overseas to acquire game users, as the overseas market for Wii is extensive.
One of our leading titles is ‘Monster Hunter 3 (tri-).’ If we can gain recognition of this product in the European and North American markets, our market strategy will see a noticeable change. Meanwhile, we are reviewing the possibility of releasing new titles besides ‘Ace Attorney’ for Nintendo DS.”
QuoteThere is no significant change in Capcom’s strategy, and we will primarily release game titles for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii. In addition, we plan to release our leading titles overseas to acquire game users, as the overseas market for Wii is extensive.
One of our leading titles is ‘Monster Hunter 3 (tri-).’ If we can gain recognition of this product in the European and North American markets, our market strategy will see a noticeable change. Meanwhile, we are reviewing the possibility of releasing new titles besides ‘Ace Attorney’ for Nintendo DS.”
From Capcom regarding MH3 (and other games). So Pro is WRONG.
I'm concerned that this thread is turning into yet another discussion on ports from X to Wii instead of about Metroid Prime on Wii.
I'm concerned that this thread is turning into yet another discussion on ports from X to Wii instead of about Metroid Prime on Wii.
Oh, wow, I'm sorry. It didn't even click to me how far off topic we went. I think I forgot that this was the talk back for the Prime preview.
*RANDOMLY JUMPING BACK IN THE ON TOPIC TRAIN*
Do we know yet when this is coming to the States?
I'm concerned that this thread is turning into yet another discussion on ports from X to Wii instead of about Metroid Prime on Wii.
Oh, wow, I'm sorry. It didn't even click to me how far off topic we went. I think I forgot that this was the talk back for the Prime preview.
*RANDOMLY JUMPING BACK IN THE ON TOPIC TRAIN*
Do we know yet when this is coming to the States?
Derailing threads is a NWR tradition! ;)
I'm concerned that this thread is turning into yet another discussion on ports from X to Wii instead of about Metroid Prime on Wii.
Yeah why even bother playing MP2... I'm done being sarcastic.
I have NEVER played MP2 multiplayer, in fact I haven't played MP2 period even though I have it (It is still sealed).
I have NEVER played MP2 multiplayer, in fact I haven't played MP2 period even though I have it (It is still sealed).
Why do you still have it? Are you a sealed collector or just forgot about it?
Hm, I've got a pretty sizable backlog of games too. I also have the tendency to go off topic.
Perhaps I do fit in here... :o
It's weird--the MP2 multiplayer was an afterthought in the original release. But the new control scheme gives the multiplayer more viability. Still, I'd rather see Retro work on a new FPS with multiplayer battles than rework MP2's.
In general, I'm far less interested in replaying the second entry in the series--I just remember its light-dark structure being somewhat more tedious than the first or third.
It's weird--the MP2 multiplayer was an afterthought in the original release. But the new control scheme gives the multiplayer more viability. Still, I'd rather see Retro work on a new FPS with multiplayer battles than rework MP2's.
In general, I'm far less interested in replaying the second entry in the series--I just remember its light-dark structure being somewhat more tedious than the first or third.
It's weird--the MP2 multiplayer was an afterthought in the original release. But the new control scheme gives the multiplayer more viability. Still, I'd rather see Retro work on a new FPS with multiplayer battles than rework MP2's.
In general, I'm far less interested in replaying the second entry in the series--I just remember its light-dark structure being somewhat more tedious than the first or third.
I think Retro is a pretty good sized developer. My guess is that they had a very small time work on the MP1 and 2 ports, with the others working on something else.
It's weird--the MP2 multiplayer was an afterthought in the original release. But the new control scheme gives the multiplayer more viability. Still, I'd rather see Retro work on a new FPS with multiplayer battles than rework MP2's.
In general, I'm far less interested in replaying the second entry in the series--I just remember its light-dark structure being somewhat more tedious than the first or third.
I think Retro is a pretty good sized developer. My guess is that they had a very small time work on the MP1 and 2 ports, with the others working on something else.
Raven Blade anyone? That needs to see a return.
Thats what the Backloggery (http://backloggery.com) is for!I've heard of that site before. If I don't have the enthusiasm to actually play my games, there's no way I could muster up the energy to create a detailed list of everything I haven't touched or completed. :(
Thats what the Backloggery (http://backloggery.com) is for!I've heard of that site before. If I don't have the enthusiasm to actually play my games, there's no way I could muster up the energy to create a detailed list of everything I haven't touched or completed. :(
Thats what the Backloggery (http://backloggery.com) is for!I've heard of that site before. If I don't have the enthusiasm to actually play my games, there's no way I could muster up the energy to create a detailed list of everything I haven't touched or completed. :(
*In a bad, Peter Griffin from South Park voice
YOU THINK THAT'S BAD??? YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT MY "TO BUY" LIST! o_O
EDIT: Rize, you talk as if the game were dead! It's still epic now on both the GameCube and Wii. Hopefully people who never played it on GameCube will experience the awesomeness of MP1 now that it's on Wii. The third entry is nice and all, but the original's world is far more cohesive.
If I had to put the MP series in order from best to worst, it would be a downhill ride from the original for certain.You know, a lot of people seem to share this opinion, and I think I know the reason for it. When Metroid Prime was released, it was everyone's first foray into 3D Metroid. It brought a lot of the classic Metroid weapons, items, enemies, and concepts along with it, as well as adding a few of its own. Metroid Prime 2, however, was more of a continuation of Metroid Prime, and reused a lot of the same concepts and slightly expanded upon the weapons, items and enemies. For example, although it had different visuals for the beams, they had essentially the same effect: the Dark Beam could freeze enemies (Ice Beam), the Light Beam could burn foes (Plasma Beam), and whatever the mixed beam was called had a small homing effect (Wave Beam).
*In a bad, Peter Griffin from South Park voice*Um... Did I miss something, isn't Peter Griffin from Family Guy?
YOU THINK THAT'S BAD??? YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT MY "TO BUY" LIST! o_O
That point was more to explain why people who prefer the first feel that way, it wasn't meant to imply that everyone prefers the first. There's still individual gaming tastes to factor into the equation.
I believe the artifact hunt exists because the game was a little rushed at the end of development. Sadly it was a reoccurring trend in many GameCube games. :-\
Metroid Prime 2, however, was more of a continuation of Metroid Prime, and reused a lot of the same concepts and slightly expanded upon the weapons, items and enemies. . . .
. . . By the time Metroid Prime 3 had rolled around, most of its concepts, items, and enemies had already been realized in one or both of the previous games. Chances are, people played through both games more than once, so MP3 was no doubt going to be very familiar to many people. This is probably why the game was given a bit of a different "feel" to it, with the interactions between friendly parties, planet hopping, and more mechanical environments, to try and make it more unique.
*In a bad, Peter Griffin from South Park voice*
YOU THINK THAT'S BAD??? YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT MY "TO BUY" LIST! o_O
Um... Did I miss something, isn't Peter Griffin from Family Guy?
Hmmm... It's possible I'm dealing with a different bug unwittingly, but I'm counting four hits in Normal mode. This is after I've picked up the Varia Suit--not sure if that makes my uncharged shots stronger. I suspect there is a sliding scale, with a more drastic reduction in health for heartier baddies. Those lava-dwelling worm-Nellie things (sorry, don't know the technical name) die far quicker than I recall....I think you're onto something. I've been playing this game on "Normal" so far, and it really does feel like the bosses die too easily. I've gone back and started a new game in "Veteran" mode--the Parasite Queen seems to take longer to kill. The first bug that crawls out of the sand takes 5 hits to kill in Veteran Mode. I'll have to backtrack on my Normal game mode to check there....The difference between Normal and Veteran in Corruption was 2.5X damage required in Veteran. I predict your bug will take 2 hits in Normal.
That point was more to explain why people who prefer the first feel that way, it wasn't meant to imply that everyone prefers the first. There's still individual gaming tastes to factor into the equation.
I believe the artifact hunt exists because the game was a little rushed at the end of development. Sadly it was a reoccurring trend in many GameCube games. :-\
I also didn't like the little awards in Prime 3. It's bad enough I have to suffer through that crap on the PS3 and 360. I think you could switch them off at least (I think).
