Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Offline)
It’s hard to believe now, but there was a time when the notion of first person Metroid The game seemed unfathomable. Prior to the release of Metroid Prime in 2002, the franchise was confined to the 2D realm, with intricate environments filled with secrets and hidden gear that enhanced your abilities and combat potential as you explored. The idea that Retro Studios, an entirely new entity at the time, could not only successfully reinvent the franchise in 3D space, but Also implementing a first-person perspective was downright absurd. However, the team succeeded spectacularly, creating what remains to this day one of the greatest GameCube games of all time.
Now, over 23 years later, Metroid Prime has been remastered for the Nintendo Switch, and Retro Studios has shown why it’s considered one of the most talented developers in the business (although the studio has tapped several other developers for this one). . It’s a awesome being revamped from top to bottom, and while there are a few minor issues here and there, we’re confident enough to say that Metroid Prime Remastered is a true masterpiece and an absolutely essential addition to your Switch library.
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Connected)
From the opening section, as you watch Samus’ ship dock at the derelict Space Pirate frigate, it’s clear how much thought and effort has gone into updating the game’s visuals. The original Metroid Prime certainly wasn’t far behind, and we’d say it provided more than a solid base to work from now on, but when compared side-by-side the differences are simply staggering. Everything has received a major lick of paint, from environments to enemies and even Samus herself. The essence of the original game remains firmly intact, but you’d be forgiven if you think this is a new 2023 Switch release and No a remaster of a two-decade-old GameCube title.
The differences also extend to small details. As you enter the flaming tunnels of the Magmoor Caverns, you can see Samus’ visor fog up with condensation, and while this effect has been toned down slightly from the original, the actual detail has been amplified; you can see every little drop of water in great detail. Not only that, but the rain in the starting world of Tallon IV has been given its own dose of TLC: here you can make out the individual raindrops hitting Samus’ arm cannon in the foreground, and if you’re aiming your cannon upwards, the raindrops will cascade down the metal case. It’s such a small thing and could have easily been overlooked by the devs in favor of the fruits within reach, but the amount of effort that has gone into tastefully enhancing every aspect of the visuals is mind-boggling.
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Offline)
That said, we do have a few minor drawbacks. First of all, you may have seen one of the original developers express their displeasure with the way doorframes were handled in the new version, and we have to agree here; some of the beautiful details of the original have definitely been lost. This is a minor issue, but returning players will definitely notice.
Additionally, Phendrana Drifts, one of the most iconic locations in Metroid history, doesn’t have the same visual impact as the original. We’re desperately trying to figure out why this might be, and when we look at the original game, the snowfall effect was actually toned down for the remastered version, and doesn’t seem enough so pretty, after all. However, for most gamers, these issues won’t be a big deal, and newcomers obviously won’t even notice.
Moving on to gameplay, the remaster features multiple control schemes to suit your individual needs. The default is a new dual-stick layout that’s closer to the typical feel of a modern first-person shooter (and yes, you power invert the y-axis). In fact, it works like a charm and will probably be the control scheme that most gamers will choose.
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Offline)
You also have the “classic” scheme, which seeks to replicate the original GameCube controls. We’re not going to lie; Unless you’ve played the original consistently over the years, going back to this method of control can be tricky. It seems quite dated compared to the double stick method, as you can’t aim while moving. By the way, we tried using a GameCube pad with a USB adapter, and while that involves a fair amount of tweaking, you can remap things appropriately in-game (except for the pause menu ) for a truly OG control experience.
Then you have the motion controls and sadly we’re sad to say they don’t work as well as they did on the Wii. If you recall, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and the Metroid Prime trilogy that followed offered an “advanced” mode for their motion controls, which would effectively increase your aim and movement sensitivity. Using the Wiimote’s infrared pointer felt so natural and was one of the main reasons why the Wii version of Metroid Prime felt more definitive than the GameCube original, at least in the controls department. The gyroscopic controls here, however, don’t offer the same ‘advanced’ responsiveness as the Wii version, meaning turning feels more like a chore, even if you crank up the sensitivity of the on-screen cursor. You also have to reset the pointer here when it’s lost, another downgrade from the Wii’s infrared aiming. Our advice? Stick to the new dual-stick control scheme and you’re good to go.
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Connected)
The real magic of Metroid Prime Remastered, however, is in the instant gameplay. If you’ve never played the original before, you’re in for a treat. What Retro Studios has done with this title is nothing short of miraculous, taking the essence of the franchise’s 2D roots and implementing it beautifully in a fully 3D environment. Like any great Metroid game, there’s a fair amount of backtracking as you navigate multiple unique biomes, and there’s really no better feeling than getting a new ability or power-up and realizing that you can now access a set of new ones. previously locked.
The high level of care and consideration extends to the game’s fantastic combat as well. precision in favor of a clever locking function. By allowing the player to focus on one enemy at a time, the focus was placed much more on movement and evasion, allowing the player to move around without losing sight of their target. Combine that with the ability to switch weapons and scopes on the fly, and Metroid Prime Remastered’s combat remains outstanding.
A big thumbs up also goes to the game’s scanning feature. In the larger Metroid franchise, this is completely unique to the Prime sub-series and allows Samus to gain vital information about the environment’s flora and fauna. . Simply select your scan viewer, search for scannable objects with an orange or red icon attached to them, and fill your head with juicy data. Unlike cutscenes or audio logs, this is a remarkably unobtrusive feature; if you’re not worried about it, you can progress through the game undisturbed beyond the occasional required sections, but for those looking to learn all about the world of Tallon IV, it’s a great little mechanic which we sincerely hope you’ll find. return in Metroid Prime 4.
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Connected)
Fans of the original game and its Wii counterpart will recall that Retro Studios included a fairly comprehensive gallery feature featuring some nice concept art from the development of the title. The remastered version expands on that considerably, adding a soundtrack gallery and a 3D model viewer. As you encounter more and more enemies in the game, you can jump into the model viewer and see their grotesque features in glorious detail – it’s really cool. In addition to the concept art itself, the team also generously provided materials from the game’s original development for the GameCube. there of the new remaster in separate galleries, so there’s plenty for Prime lovers to enjoy.
conclusion
With Metroid Prime Remastered, the impossible has been achieved: a masterpiece has been created. even better. The minor issues we have with motion controls and the occasional visual hiccup pale in comparison to the improvements that have been made here. Visual enhancements are plentiful, down to the smallest detail, and it all comes together to create one of the best looking games on Switch, remastered or otherwise. The new dual-stick control setup works great for veterans and newcomers alike, but if you’re itching to get back to the original GameCube controls, that option is there too. With an expanded gallery feature to round things out, Metroid Prime Remastered feels like a new benchmark in how older games can be thoughtfully reinvigorated for the modern era.