One of the most memorable battles involves falling down a long shaft while trying to blast away at Meta-Ridley before you both hit the bottom. It's experiences like these that make Prime 3 incredibly exciting and fun to play.
On top of that, new features like the Grapple Lasso add new depth to game play. For example, in the case of the Grapple Lasso, you’ll use the upgrade to rip shields and armor away from enemies, as well as opening sealed doors. Other items from the previous editions, like the X-Ray Scanner, have been improved making them more useful.
The only bad part is that there's a "fetch quest" at the end of the game, and while it can be annoying, it's not nearly as bad as the Triforce pieces in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Using the Wii remote and nunchuk to control Prime 3 is probably the game’s biggest selling point, and Retro has made sure not to let gamers down. Using the Wii remote to point and the A button to shoot is pretty easy, as is using the B button to jump, though switching the two buttons around might have made controls even easier. Locking-on is handled by the Z trigger, but unlike past games, you have to aim your shots once locked-on to a target. This is a big change at first, but it opens up the game’s control scheme, and later in the game, can be used to get one-hit kills. The Wii remote and nunchuk movements used in the game are simple enough for anyone to pull-off. Unfortunately, mapping missiles to the down direction on the directional pad is a little cumbersome at times, especially during frantic fights. Overall, controls are pretty intuitive and do a good job of making the gamer feel like they’re in Samus’ shoes.
For the first time, the game brings voice acting into the fold, and it’s done pretty well. The dialogue at times seems kind of, well, generic, but it fits the cut-scenes, which are very well done and serve a purpose. As far as Wii games go, Prime 3 is by far the best-looking and best-sounding. The environments look far better than previous games in the Metroid Prime series, and the game’s soundtrack fits very well with the overall design. Each planet has a unique look and art style to it, especially the game’s later stages.
Article comments
1 - Ryan
For future reference, please do not put 'No multiplayer' as a weakness. The reason for this being that you can complain that a game is too short or last long term appeal, but never ever mark a game down for not having multiplayer. I know its become the new thing on Gamespot and other website, but it is nonsensical.
2 - alexanderpas
you can switch the controls in options
(to all reviewers: READ THE MANUAL before reviewing!!!!)
3 - Matt Paprocki
Sure. Will do. But next year, if Madden doesn't have online multi-player, we'll be sure to score it the same. And the franchise mode? Pff. Who cares? Oh, and we'll redo the Shadowrun reviews because it doesn't have single player. Can't have it both ways.
Look, if someone is a casual FPS online fan and picks up a Wii along with Metroid, it's pretty important to note that they can't take it online. It may not be a major problem as it would be with a weaker single player only title, but it's still a con. It's important information.
4 - Ken Edwards
This game would have so much replay value if it had an online mode. I mean, they made Metroid work online on the DS, adding a ton of life to that game. Its a shame its not in this one.
Oh, and nice response Matt.