Metroid Prime
In August of 1986, the original Metroid introduced the world to Samus Aran for the first time and brought us along on her mission to thwart the Mother Brain's plot to harness the power of the newly-discovered life form, the Metroids. 5 years later, Samus returned in her second game, which was for the Game Boy. Once again, Samus defeated the bad guys and saved the galaxy from turmoil. Then the world of gamers received Super Metroid, which was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994, which is still considered by many the greatest SNES game of all time. Then the Nintendo 64 came out, and Metroid fanboys and Samus lovers waited to see the next Metroid title. But there would be no title. Although Samus appeared in the game Super Smash Brothers as a playable character, she never truly got her own game for the N64. Then, after 8 years of waiting, the gaming society was shown a video. This was the video that every Metroid fan had been waiting for. They would finally get a new Metroid game.

On November 18, 2002, Metroid Prime was released. Metroid Prime is by far the greatest game of its kind. Anyone who has played Metroid can tell you that it is not a first person shooter. Metroid Prime has practically created its own category that we call a First Person Adventure. Prime combines the idea of shooting and blasting creatures to pieces, while also making the player think out what they are going to do next. The Prime world is truly and expansive one. With many areas to explore, Retro Studios has done a great job representing the Metroid atmosphere that was in previous incarnations of the series. The design of the world combined with its amazing graphics truly brings to life the experience of the intergalactic space genre. There is really no way to describe how great the graphics in this game are.

Graphics:

While Metroid Prime's main settings are usually darker, gloomy areas, some are not. One area that stays in my mind is Phendrana Drifts. The Phendrana Drifts are a snow-covered area in Prime, where you first meet up with the space pirates. I absolutely have to say that Retro Studios did a great job in creating this place. Every little detail that they add makes the experience so much better. For that, Metroid Prime deserves a great honor in the graphics department.

Sound and Music:

Metroid Prime's sound and music further expand the eeriness of Tallon IV. The way you can hear certain creatures allows you identify whether you are in danger or not. Along with that, the music of Metroid Prime certainly enhances the gaming experience. Bringing back many old songs from previous Metroid games, it also ushers in new music and remixes. There is just something about the way that the sound and music in Prime make the game's environment so much better than other games of its kind.

Storyline:

Metroid games aren't famous for their great and expansive storyline. But Metroid Prime seems to make the Metroid experience farther. With the ability to scan things, the story of Metroid Prime is much greater than that of previous Metroid games. Prime takes place between the events of Metroid and Metroid II. Samus is once again hot on the trail of space pirates, who plan to use the technology of the metroids to harness super-weapon capabilities. This time, instead of making base on the infamous Planet Zebes, they decide to use the newly founded Tallon IV as their base of operations. As you get farther on in the game, you find out what the space pirates truly hope to accomplish. Along with finding out the space pirates plans, for the first time you actually get to read about the Chozo, who are the bird creatures who took in Samus after her home planet was destroyed, and practically made her who she is now. As you can see, the story is much more complex than that of the linear plotline of the original Metroid.

Gameplay:

Of course, Metroid Prime wasn't always greeted with such greatness. When it was first shown, many fans of the series believed that its First Person style of gameplay could not match the previous side scrolling gameplay of the earlier games. However, as the saying goes, "never judge a book by its cover." The First Person style in Metroid Prime proves to be flawless. The gameplay in Prime is unmatched by any current game to date. Although shooting is the main idea, scanning and exploration is also recommended. It is practically impossible for anyone to make it through this game without scanning the terrain or exploring the vast planet of Tallon IV. Metroid Prime offers a style of gameplay that will get anyone, Metroid fanboy or not, engulfed into it for weeks.

Controls:

Controls are one of the most important things in a game. If the controls are horrible, then the game will be no fun. Luckily, Prime's controls work perfectly. As most games go, the controls take a little while getting used to, but once you have played the game for enough time, they will be second nature. The way Retro Studios designed the control scheme is reminiscent of Super Metroid, and the Gamecube's controller is the perfect specimen. The buttons on the Gamecube's controller are placed perfectly for the controls. Only the Gamecube's controller would be able sustain the control scheme in Metroid Prime.

Replayability:

The overall quest of the game takes about 15-20 hours to complete, but only if you don't get lost constantly. Of course, every game has side quests, and Metroid Prime is no different. With plenty of energy tanks, weapon expansions, and bio-scans to collect, Prime will have you on the verge of insanity with all its extras. Along with that, if you're able to complete 50% of your scan book, then you will receive a concept art gallery. If you complete 100% of your scan book, you will receive a second art gallery. The fun doesn't end once you've beaten the game either. After you defeat the final boss and watch the credits, you will be asked to whether or not you want to start a second file, which has a higher difficulty than before. If you're good enough to beat Hard Mode, you will receive the third and final art gallery. Along with all these great extras, if you own Metroid Fusion and also have that beat, then you can link them up to gain the original Metroid for play on your Nintendo Gamecube, along with a new suit for Samus to wear in Prime. Overall, Prime offers quality gameplay unmatched by any other game in its genre, and will remain at the top for a long long time.
Graphics: 9.8/10
Sound and Music: 9.8/10
Storyline: 9.6/10
Gameplay: 9.9/10
Controls: 9.7/10
Replayability: 9.5/10
9.7
Out of 10