Metroid Prime 2
Metroid Prime -- its the name of a game that cant be muttered around any Metroid fan without an explosive amount of fond memories rushing through their head, met only be their intense anticipation surrounding the sequel, Metroid Prime 2. Indeed, for many, Metroid Prime is the pinnacle of what we call gaming. Its over-the-top job of re-presenting the Metroid franchise in glorified 3D is on par with what Nintendo did with its famed Mario and Zelda series, with the releases of Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time, respectively. And furthermore, its jaw-dropping technical merits are just another reason why newcomer developer Retro Studios is one of the most respected developers around.
With these things said, one must realize how anticipated the sequel to Metroid Prime is. The title, tentatively dubbed Metroid Prime 2, will embark players on the second GameCube Metroid title, as well as the second 3D Metroid title. Prime 2 will follow closely in its brothers footsteps, from what has been said, and will employ a similar gameplay engine to its older brother, Metroid Prime. While no concrete details on the game are available, what we can confidently say at this point is this. Metroid Prime 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to one of the best games ever, Metroid Prime.
For what we know, read on to our first-look at Metroid Prime 2.
Features
- The sequel to the highly respected GCN hit, Metroid Prime
- Improved Metroid Prime engine brings us Metroid in the first-person view once again
- More third-person elements, such as morph ball-based puzzles
- Four-player split-screen multiplayer mode marks the Metroid series entry into multiplayer
- Only for Nintendo GameCube
The Game At E3 2003, Metroid Prime 2 made is premiere debut. In a 12 second short, Samus was showcased on the big screen at the Nintendo conference. The video showed her rolling out of her morph ball form and engaging in a battle with a new kind of enemy. The enemy looked to be like a Chozo Ghost but also looked infected with Phazon, a life-altering chemical that was introduced in Metroid Prime. The clip shows this powerful creature tossing our star, Samus, all about. Quickly, the video comes to an end, showing her tossed onto the floor, followed by a cinematic close-up of the Chozo Ghost-esque alien. The crowd inside Nintendos conference room, of course, went wild.
Samus poses for her close-up from the Metroid Prime 2 E3 footage
There are a few conclusions that one can come to after the E3 2003 footage of the game. First off, as mentioned above, the enemy Samus squares off with, what looks to be like an infected Chozo Ghost. Those who finished Metroid Prime, and saw the 100% ending, will know that the game leaves plenty room for a just-as-intriguing sequel. Perhaps Metroid Prime 2 is truly Metroid Prime 2 following directly after the events that took place on Tallon IV. If the final product is anything like what were dreaming, then Metroid Prime 2 will pick up right after the events in Metroid Prime.
However the storyline unfolds, it will be backed by very familiar gameplay. Retro Studios will be using the same 3D engine used with Metroid Prime, one that uses the first-person perspective in its gameplay. The options Samus has available at her whim in Metroid Prime, if they can be used as an example of what to expect in its sequel, and they can, are varied and fresh, although they stay true to the Metroid universe. Samus will have a variety of different guns at her disposal, including a Power Beam, which is returning from Metroid Prime. She will also have a variety of different visors, including one confirmed never-before-seen one.
Control, too, shouldnt stray too far from what we saw in Metroid Prime. Prime 2 will use a lock-on system, allowing players to dash around their enemy as they trample them. Players will also be able to morph into Samus famed morph ball, which will take the perspective to third-person. And, as far as third-person goes, the title will feature more third-person-centric mechanics, including more use of the morph ball. There are also some unconfirmed rumors that we could see the use of a third-person perspective for more of the core gameplay, too, as well as the return of the corkscrew, a power-up introduced in the Super NES Metroid, Super Metroid.
Finally, shrouded in complete mystery, a multiplayer mode will be included in Metroid Prime 2. We know for sure that it will feature at least four players, although whether or not online or LAN options will appear are unknown. How the multiplayer mode will play out is up in the air. Will it play like a deathmatch, capture-the-flag, race or king-of-the-hill? Maybe it will feature a co-operative mode? Well find out at this years Electronic Entertainment Expo in May, most likely.
Technology To date, Metroid Prime remains one of the most beautiful GameCube games available. In fact, its unforgettable art style a blend of ice worlds, lava worlds, beautiful architecture and dynamic lighting help make it one of the best-looking games, thus far, from any home console.
As for Metroid Prime 2, it looks to follow in Primes footsteps. So far, the title looks more like an enhanced version of Metroid Prime 2, more than a revolutionized version of the graphics engine from the original. The media shown showed off improved character models, textures and other things alike. In the 12-second short, shown at E3, Samus suit featured some bump-mapping, as well as overall improved textures. The same can be said for the scenery in the clip. The tiled alien ground Samus stood on was detailed, thanks to its texture, and featured a stylish pattern to boot. Lighting was also improved in the footage, as was the animation. Expect the game to run at 60 fps, given that the game doesnt improve too much more visually.
Samus gets knocked down. In terms of audio, too, we should see improvements, although theyll likely be even more subtle. Metroid Prime ran in full Dolby Pro Logic II the end result one of the best-sounding games on GameCube. Chances are that Metroid Prime 2, too, will support Pro Logic II. And with it, expect deep, atmospheric sound both in terms of sound effects and musical compositions. Other audio improvements will be revealed at E3. Voice acting, perhaps? Stay tuned.
Outlook The GCA team is home to some very big Metroid followers, which only means it makes sense as to why Metroid Prime 2 is one of our most anticipated titles of 2004. Its predecessor, Metroid Prime, knocked our socks off, along with the rest of the video game world. Well, our socks are back on, and we need to take them off.
Most likely, Metroid Prime 2 will be able to do so. The game looks to take what we loved most about Metroid Prime and take it to the next level. For that reason, well have much, much more on the title as details become available, including our complete hands-on coverage of the title next month at E3 and all coverage of the title leading up until its November 16, 2004 release.
Stay seated.
