This triple helping of Samus Aran will please old fans and attract new ones as well. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=19850 Metroid Prime Trilogy, though not specified by name, is actually a part of the New Play Control! series. It exists exclusively to bring Wii controls to the first two titles in the series. However, this is in no way a bad thing. Players looking for the ultimate Metroid Prime experience needn't look further than Trilogy.
Despite dating back as far as 2002, every game in this series stands the test of time. The first-person adventure gameplay is tight, and the experience is fulfilling; little can be said about the these games that hasn't been said before. Metroid Prime offers the most even-handed experience. The difficulty is about right, the exploration is manageable, and the world Retro creates is beautiful and interesting. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is easily the most challenging game in the series, since the exploration can become confusing and the difficulty overbearing. However, the game still offers the tried and true Prime gameplay, and with enough patience, it becomes increasingly enjoyable as the game progresses. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is the fastest-paced entry in the Trilogy, giving players more linear progression with a far more reasonable difficulty curve than Echoes.
Overall, the series is quite varied, with each game providing a unique experience while advancing the overarching storyline. Even though you'll be playing through three games that look and feel somewhat similar, the differences are striking, evidence of the quality of the series and this compilation disc as a package.
Of course, the changes made to the control scheme, as well as the extras included on the disc, do modify the experience to a degree. The Wii's motion controls allow for free aiming, giving the player a feeling of empowerment and providing a much smoother experience as you move through the world. The only interesting side effect of adding these schemes to the first two games is the fact that the hit boxes (areas that are susceptible to damage) on enemies are often extremely small. This makes it necessary to use the targeting on certain bosses, as well as on the turrets scattered throughout each world. Thankfully the targeting system ensures that this minor issue never holds you up.
The new controls also make beam changing quite a bit tougher. By default, players must hold the "+" Button in order to bring up the beam changer screen, which is similar to the visor changing screen accessed by the "-" button in Prime 3: Corruption. This makes certain battles more difficult because you can't quickly switch beams. It wouldn't feel as awkward had Retro at least paused the action during the beam change, but as it stands it's a frustrating side effect of modifying the controls. The Wii controls also make it quite challenging to play for long periods, due to the inevitable hand-cramping caused by holding the Wii Remote for an extended period of time.
The game only provides a few token control options. Players can swap the function of the "+" and "-" buttons in order to access their beams and visors differently. They can also swap the function of A and B, which by default perform the shoot and jump commands, respectively.
Visually, the titles included in Trilogy look slicker than the originals thanks to 16:9 widescreen support, a few replaced textures and models, and an improved HUD (particularly the scan visor). Naturally, Metroid Prime is not going to look quite as pristine nowadays as it did back in 2002; however, it still looks better than the vast majority of Wii titles.
After the first boss battle in Metroid Prime, players will quickly realize that achievements have been added to the first two games to match those found in Corruption. The achievements provide tokens (specific to the game in which they are unlocked) that can be used to purchase things like concept art, music, and fun unlockables like the Fusion Suit in Prime (sorry, no NES Metroid!). Players are also still forced to trade friend vouchers in Metroid Prime 3 in order to unlock everything. Importing save data from the original games isn't allowed either, so players must complete all of the games in the Trilogy in order to unlock all of the secrets found in the menu.
Veteran mode is now available from the start for all games, and Hyper mode (previously unavailable in the first two games) is unlocked after completing Veteran. The multiplayer from Echoes is available from the main menu, and it plays identically to the original. Though the controls have potential to make the experience more interesting, the poor level design and plethora of health power-ups keep the mode from achieving greatness. Regardless, fans of the original multiplayer will most likely be happy with the control upgrade.
Metroid Prime Trilogy is a must-own compilation for fans of the series and newcomers alike. All three of the games are still immensely fun, and the various updates made to the first two games make them even more enjoyable. If you have yet to experience the Metroid Prime trilogy, do not hesitate in purchasing this game. It's easily one of the best offerings on Wii.
Pros:
The Corruption control scheme applied to the first two games 16:9 Widescreen and updated visuals Additional difficulty setting in Prime 1 and 2 Three excellent games together on one disc (in beautiful collector's packaging!) Cons: Enemy hit boxes are too small in Prime 1 and 2 Wii Controls will cramp your hands over long play sessions Graphics: 9.0 While Prime 2 and 3 still look great, Prime 1 shows its age to an extent. Though it still looks better than a large number of Wii titles, the texturing isn't of the same resolution as it is in Prime 2 and 3. Additionally, the human character models in Prime 3 are so under par they feel out of place in the beautiful worlds they occupy.
Sound: 10.0 The music found across the Trilogy is some of the best video game music ever created. It's dynamic, moody, and always fitting. The sound effects are also of the highest caliber, deepening the Prime experience that much more.
Control: 9.5 While the controls are nearly perfect, the need to use the "+" Button in Prime 1 and 2 is frustrating and unintuitive. Regardless, the games are still far more enjoyable with their new control scheme. It's a more natural fit for their style of gameplay than the more rigid GameCube controls. Your wrist will get tired after extended play, however.
Gameplay: 10.0 Trilogy is notable for the fact that it offers three similar yet unique gameplay experiences on a single disc. With this gamut-spanning lineup, it's easy to find something to enjoy, particularly when each game included is absolutely spectacular in its own right. No matter which game you choose to play, exploring the alien worlds is a blast, and the adventure/shooter style of play is fulfilling and enjoyable.
Lastability: 10.0
With three full quests that will take nearly twenty hours each and a brand new difficulty selection for the first two games, there is plenty to keep players occupied. Metroid Prime 2's multiplayer mode has also been included to play with friends.
Final: 10.0
Metroid Prime Trilogy offers one of the best triumvirates in gaming in a single package, along with an improved play experience and control scheme. A couple of minor control annoyances do exist, but they aren't enough to prevent this compilation from earning our highest honors.
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