Pros
- Palpable atmosphere
- Remastered visuals look incredible
- Updated controls are a huge help
- The art style has aged beautifully
Cons
- Backtracking is a persistent chore
- The game does a bad job of telling you where to go
- Mapping the game’s locales can be a nightmare
Metroid Prime Remastered did a fantastic job of revamping the classic GameCube title to make it more than fit for modern audiences. Nintendo has managed to bring in a brand new sense of atmosphere that the franchise has never seen before, making it a very easy recommendation for newcomers and veterans of the series alike.
We were given the opportunity to pick out which control scheme we preferred throughout the entire game; there is the original GameCube configuration, motion controls from the Nintendo Wii and the contemporary dual-stick controls that are most commonly used in current FPS titles. This was a great addition, as it gave us more control over how we wanted to play and gives any old-school gamers the chance to revisit this game with GameCube-era inputs.
Moreover, we loved the progression system at the heart of Metroid Prime, noting it as very addictive. Players are tasked with reclaiming all of Samus’ abilities following a devastating fight, with invaluable upgrades being scattered throughout each level making it very easy to keep playing.
In terms of FPS games, it’s surprising how much Metroid Prime stands out from the crowd. Everything from Samus’ suit to the antagonists lurking around every corner has clearly been so thoughtfully designed, with the planet Talon IV – where the game is set – being ever so unique, with snowy mountains, sand-filled ruins and lava pits located throughout. This title manages to cram in so much personality and style that it hasn’t become derivate in the current sea of first-person shooters, even 20 years after its original release.
If you’re looking for something that completely dismantles what you know about FPS games, then Metroid Prime may not be for you. Despite its fantastic art style and progression system, there is a lot of inbuilt backtracking and the game isn’t great at telling you where to go. For something completely new, Deathloop or Dying Light 2 Stay Human might be better choices, but for anyone looking to revisit a classic game with an updated aesthetic, then Metroid Prime Remastered is a title you won’t want to miss out on.
Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full Review: Metroid Prime Remastered
