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Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
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August 31st, 2007 by AlmightyMax
Samus' New Toys
As always, Samus’ large and varied arsenal has a leading role in the game, whether you use them for puzzle solving or combat. It can be argued that Corruption’s array of weapons is the best yet, with both classic weapons like Screw Attack and Morph Ball, as well as new weapons like the Grapple Lasso and Command Visor. The Grapple Lasso is an extension of the classic weapon Grapple Beam, but is used not for swinging but for combat and puzzle-solving. Longtime fans may be a bit skeptical about the use of the Grapple Lasso in combat and other tight situations, but it is executed flawlessly. You target an enemy or other object with the Z button and flick the nunchuck to activate the beam. You then physically pull off the shield, locked door or other such items. It feels excellent and is one of the best uses of the Wii’s motion control to date. The Command Visor, another new weapon, is also done brilliantly. It is used to remotely control your ship to land in certain areas or to go on bombing runs. Although ship control is actually automatic, you get an indescribable euphoric feeling when you see your ship annihilate a target.
One of the most notable changes made to Samus’ arsenal is the beams, which are no longer separate. They stack on each other like in the classic side-scrolling Metroid games, so your beams will gradually earn the abilities to melt ice, go through walls (X-Ray visor included) and more.
Phazon
Samus’ most important weapon, though, is the Phazon Enhancement Device (or PED). After an encounter with Dark Samus, Samus’ body started producing its own Phazon, and the Galactic Federation decided that equipping her with a modified PED would be a good idea. A prototype device, the PED usually requires the injection of Phazon stored in a backpack, but in Samus’ unique case, her own energy can be used.
For 100 HP, you can enter Hypermode, where all your attacks become Phazon-based and much more powerful. You stay in Hypermode until your Phazon supply is depleted or until the automatic shutoff occurs. Getting attacked by a massive Phazon-based weapon or staying in Hypermode for too long will trigger Corrupt Hypermode. You are still extremely powerful when Corrupt, but your Phazon goes up instead of down and if the bar maxes out, you become completely Corrupted and the game ends. If you are good you can expel some Phazon via weapon fire while still giving it enough time to recharge, thus letting you stay in Hypermode until automatic shutoff occurs. It is an interesting and well-thought-out system that encourages experimenting.
Alone no Longer
Possibly the number one thing that sets Corruption apart from its predecessors is the lessening of the series trademark feeling of absolute desolation. Instead, for the Prime finale Retro has decided to take us on a roller-coaster ride through the Metroid universe, and the result is easily the most story-driven and cinematic Metroid game ever created. It is not uncommon for emotional levels to run dangerously high; the brilliant story of Samus' struggle with the Phazon running through her veins is brought to life more than ever before with epic cinemas and voice acting. But you will soon meet another element new to the franchise - other hunters working along side you.
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Graphics
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9 |
How hooked?
9
(not an average)
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Sound
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10 |
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Interface
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8 |
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Replay
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9 |
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Gameplay
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10 |
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Stability
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9 |
Total votes: 12 - give us yours!
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Developer:
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Retro Studios |
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Publisher:
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Nintendo |
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Release:
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August 27th, 2007 |
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Genre:
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Action Adventure |
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Overall, Prime 3 is the best in the trilogy and is thus one of the greatest games ever made. Its rewarding exploration, difficult puzzles and spot-on controls make Prime 3 is an instant classic. |
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