Metroid Prime Remastered Review: A Timeless Classic Gets A Next-Gen Upgrade
Ah, the remastered version of Metroid Prime, a true gem in the world of video games! For those unfamiliar with this classic title, let me tell you, it’s a game that truly deserves its place among the greats of the gaming canon. Originally released on the GameCube in 2002, Metroid Prime has aged like a fine wine and this latest remastered version on the Nintendo Switch is simply a feast for the senses.
When you first start playing, you are put into the shoes of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter, on a quest to find Chozo artifacts. One of your first objectives is to scan your surroundings, and this is where the game truly shines. You see the world through Samus’s helmet and as you scan the environment, you gain information about the various flora and fauna, which are recorded in your Log Book. The log entries are incredibly rich and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of the alien world that you’re exploring.
The remastered version of the game is a true testament to the timeless quality of the original. With only minor changes, such as updated visuals and a new control layout, the game plays as smoothly as ever. The new dual-stick control layout has greatly improved the gameplay, making it feel like a modern shooter, while retaining the essence of the original. And with a slew of control options, including classic, motion, and gyroscope controls, the game is now accessible to a wider range of players.
Those updated visuals have been upgraded significantly, and the remastered version truly shines in its updated form. The attention to detail in the art direction, which combines sci-fi machinery with natural alien landscapes, is simply breathtaking. The game’s atmosphere, from the opening sequence of a destroyed frigate floating through space to the mournful trek through Phendrana Drifts, is more striking and jaw-dropping than ever.
One of the standout features of Metroid Prime is the scanning mechanic. By scanning enemies and bosses, you can reveal information essential to defeating them, which incentivizes you to take the time to scan everything. The game doesn’t simply tell you how to defeat a boss; it makes it feel like you’re discovering it yourself. For example, before you fight the boss Flaahgra, you have to deduce that you need to deprive it of sunlight to defeat it.
Even the quiet, seemingly inconsequential details in the log entries reveal something about the world and its inhabitants, giving you a sense of empathy for the environment and the creatures that inhabit it. The accumulation of these details gives the game a sense of inquisitiveness, making it a truly unique experience.
Metroid Prime Remastered is a true masterpiece and a must-play for any fan of the original or anyone looking for an exceptional gaming experience.
RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0.
Metroid Prime Remastered looks amazing and plays just as well as I remember. The updated visuals make it feel fresh without losing that classic atmosphere. Definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of the original or new to the series.
Metroid Prime Remastered looks incredible on the Switch! The updated visuals really do the game justice, and it still feels just as immersive as it did back in the day. Definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of the original or new to the series.