Topic: REVIEWS: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

[18 Days]

*grumble*

Why aren't games linear like music?

[archioverload]

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Corruption, because it has added its own deviations in addition to those inherited from the previous two Prime games, is particularly unrecognizable as a Metroid game.

This take came up for the review for Hunters too, and I really disagree with this, actually. By definition, if it has Metroid on the box and has a reasonable similarity in terms of genre to the predecessors (which would exclude, e.g., Pinball), it's a Metroid game. I dislike this idea that there has to be these hoops to jump through in order to make it a "real" Metroid game.

It's a suffocating way to look at game design.

[GoldenPhoenix]

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Originally posted by: archioverload

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Corruption, because it has added its own deviations in addition to those inherited from the previous two Prime games, is particularly unrecognizable as a Metroid game.

This take came up for the review for Hunters too, and I really disagree with this, actually. By definition, if it has Metroid on the box and has a reasonable similarity in terms of genre to the predecessors (which would exclude, e.g., Pinball), it's a Metroid game. I dislike this idea that there has to be these hoops to jump through in order to make it a "real" Metroid game.

It's a suffocating way to look at game design.

Technically you could also argue that Metroid Prime 1 wasn't a true Metroid game either, whether it be scavenger hunts, the first person perspective, and ::gasp:: it was 3D. Personally I think a TRUE Metroid game is an action game that requires sometimes complex puzzle solving along with exploration. Yeah you being alone could be considered Metroidesque, and even Metroid Prime 3 includes that after the introduction.  

[Bill Aurion]

Metroid Prime 3 sure feels like a Metroid game to me, and that's all that matters... =)

[GoldenPhoenix]

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Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Metroid Prime 3 sure feels like a Metroid game to me, and that's all that matters... =)

I don't see how you can feel it unless you have some goofy definition of what isn't a Metroid game. Hunters, on the other hand, isn't really a true Metroid game because its primary focus is BOOM BOOM shoot the aliens.

[Stogi]

I don't see how it's NOT a metriod game.

You run and jump alot; you shoot things; you kill bugs/plants and the like; you explore; you pick up new upgrades; and you explore some more.


Oh and let's not forget about the gigantic bosses that you must fight.

[GoldenPhoenix]

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Originally posted by: KashogiStogi
I don't see how it's NOT a metriod game.

You run and jump alot; you shoot things; you kill bugs/plants and the like; you explore; you pick up new upgrades; and you explore some more.


Oh and let's not forget about the gigantic bosses that you must fight.

I think the reason why people say it is not is because they shook up the formula a bit to make a fresh experience, which I see NO problem in, in fact I think it is a good thing. The beginning of the game was super fresh for a Metroid game and I think it helped set the tone perfectly for the game, especially since you are thinking "Wow, what else does Retro have in store for me? Looks like they went all the way here".

[Ian Sane]

"I wish they would have taken the risk and given Samus some good voice work. I felt the interactions suffered a little from her silence. Plus she did speak extensively in Fusion and Super Metroid's intro."

I agree.  Samus isn't really supposed to be a silent character.  Link traditionally never even said anything in text.  Samus did.  My only concern is what voice they would use.  I don't think it's supposed to be common knowledge in the Metroid universe that Samus is a female.  I'm worried that if they gave her a voice that it would give away the "secret".  If I made a voice for Samus I would have a female voice actress but I would alter the voice in such a way that it doesn't suggest a specific gender.  I would assume that Samus' suit alters her voice to disguise it.  Adding a voice to a character is a risk and I would prefer they not do it at all than f*ck it up (like they did with Mario) but it is doable and would be appropriate.

So far Metroid Prime 3 feels like a Metroid game but it's the least Metroid-like of the Prime games thus far.  There's kind of a line that seperates Metroid from Not Metroid.  I couldn't tell you where exactly it is but I would know if they crossed it.  I can tell they're approaching the line here but they haven't crossed it yet.  Metroid Prime Hunters however crossed it though I don't hear many arguements that that's a real Metroid game anyway.

[that Baby guy]

The last metroid is in captivity.  The galaxy is at peace.

Samus spoke, we all know.  She never spoke in the originals because there wasn't really anyone to talk to.  I think she didn't necessarily need a voice actor, but she did at least need a way to communicate.

[GoldenPhoenix]

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Originally posted by: thatguy
The last metroid is in captivity.  The galaxy is at peace.

Samus spoke, we all know.  She never spoke in the originals because there wasn't really anyone to talk to.  I think she didn't necessarily need a voice actor, but she did at least need a way to communicate.

She communicated in sign language. DUH!

[Mashiro]

Samus did NOT say "The Last Metroid is in Captivity. The Galaxy is at Peace". That was the narrator

[GoldenPhoenix]

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Originally posted by: Mashiro
Samus did NOT say "The Last Metroid is in Captivity. The Galaxy is at Peace". That was the narrator

Then who was the narrator?

[that Baby guy]

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Originally posted by: Mashiro
Samus did NOT say "The Last Metroid is in Captivity. The Galaxy is at Peace". That was the narrator

She did too.  Afterwards, we had a peek at her diary log.

[Mashiro]

That's a freaking mans voice, holy God people =/

If anything it was probably a scientists voice or just a convenient random narrator.

Sound clip for great justice.  

[Bill Aurion]

I already spoiled it in MP3 thread that Samus really is a guy... =)

[GoldenPhoenix]

Don't mind Mashiro he is just sexist and feels that no woman should talk.

[Mashiro]

But but . . . that's a man! >.>

Samus should talk . . . while she is making me a sandwich and getting me a beer! OHHHH SNAPPP!!!!!! jk of course.

[Jonnyboy117]

Regarding this business of whether Prime 3 is a real Metroid game (and likewise for Hunters)...

One thing I was trying to establish in the first section of my review is that Corruption is the least like a Metroid game yet, at least in some ways, and yet that is actually a good thing because Retro has created something so amazing and original and yet still knows how to pay homage to the original games.  Hunters is also not much of a Metroid game, but that's a bad thing in its case because what it is instead pretty much blows.  (I'm only referring to the single-player part.)

So yeah, I was actually trying to compliment Corruption with that remark, but I can definitely see how it could be misconstrued.  It's a complex argument to make about a very complex game and series, and I did my best to keep the thesis brief so I wouldn't bore people to tears with a lot of academic philosophizing right up front.

[TrueNerd]

That was a beautiful review, Jonathan.  

[Mashiro]

If there is one thing I can say about the Prime 3 experience and sum up how it is different from Prime 1 and 2 and the other metroid games is . . .

The experience retains a perfect balance of free exploration while pointing you in the right direction. They do a great job of making you not really get lost but at the same time you can easily get lost in the exploration of the worlds given to you.

Does that make sense? lol.

[archioverload]

Nothing wrong with philosophizing

...it's a really interesting question...especially in terms of Nintendo's future strategy and the debate over casual gamers vs. hardcore gamers--who, exactly, Nintendo is making games for now? I'm really curious to see how MP3 sells. I think that was what I was trying to say (very clumsily) in my post--that a significant minority--maybe even a small majority--of people buying MP3 aren't going to be Metroid fans, so whether it hits ALL the touchstones in the previous incarnations are going to matter less.

[Crimm]

I love this game, and this review is great.  I do feel like it missed something: sometimes doors just don't open the first time you walk up to them.  You have to walk away and walk back towards them.

That's really damn annoying if you're running for your life.

[GoldenPhoenix]

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Originally posted by: Crimm
I love this game, and this review is great.  I do feel like it missed something: sometimes doors just don't open the first time you walk up to them.  You have to walk away and walk back towards them.

That's really damn annoying if you're running for your life.

Hasn't the same thing been happening since Metroid Prime 1?  

[vudu]

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Originally posted by: Ian Sane
I don't think it's supposed to be common knowledge in the Metroid universe that Samus is a female.  I'm worried that if they gave her a voice that it would give away the "secret".

Have you played the game yet?  Because the opening cut scene shows Zero Suit Samus, which kind of gives away the "secret" more so than any voice work would.

[Madcat221]

Completely silent characters when everyone else is talking really bugs me.  What I think they should have done with Samus is something along the lines of Master Chief's speaking: make her laconic