Let's face it, the Wii library has been little more then mini-games and lackluster releases since it came out. Sure, there were a few exceptions, and yes WiiSports is fun at parties, but the system really hasn't had anything resembling a "real" game since Zelda. So, when the release date of Prime 3 was FINALLY announced I was overjoyed. After, 21 hours with Prime 3, I can confirm it is the "hardcore" game Wii owners have been waiting for. Not only because it's a great game in general, but because the Wii controls finally add to the experience. Something that Wii has promised since the beginning.
So what's so great about the controls? The debate over FPS (first person shooter, for the casuals out there) controls on Wii has been a heated one. Mainly due to Red Steel's awful debut performance on the Wii. The launch FPS left a terrible taste in most gamers mouths, and several gamers started doubting Wii's ability to handle the genre in general. Luckily, these nerves are unjustified, as Retro Studios has sent a benchmark on how all FPS controls should work on Wii games.
Using Prime's "Advanced" aiming, you no longer have to constantly move your arm just to turn. What results is the movement accuracy of a joystick, and the aiming ability of a mouse. It makes for the best of both Dual Analog and Mouse/Keyboard and certainly adds to the experience. Aiming is sharp and precise requiring very little movement at all with practice. It took me around an hour to get adjusted to this new style of control, but by the end of the adventure it was completely second nature. Going back to the sticks or the keys seems a bit archaic at this point. Turning could still be a bit faster, but for the purposes of this game, it's not needed. A quick 180 button would have solved everything.
These aren't the only new motion control tricks. The game also features a new lasso item, that is extracted and retracted with the thrust of your nunchuck. While it may sound gimmicky at first, the mechanic is used in several battles, and will eventually become an extension of how you play. Throwing your arm out to rip battle armor off foes becomes as exciting as it is interactive, and adds another layer of fun to the combat. A few other tricks revolve motion activated switches and puzzles that feel a little more forced, but never too annoying. Finally, your morphball can now jump with a lift of the Wiimote. This makes morphball puzzles move much quicker and convenient. Sadly, it's not 100% accurate, but still works enough to warrant it a positive addition overall.
Controls may be amazing, but what about the game itself? Thankfully, Retro didn't screw that up either. Prime 3 is definitely the most "fun" of the series. A lot of that is due to the controls, but a huge part is the much needed upgrade in presentation. While the first two Prime games were mainly silent and lonely affairs. Prime 3 involves several NPC and Voice Acting. This isn't a huge deal to anyone that's owned a Playstation 2, but for a Nintendo title this is big news. Prime's pacing is also improved, with less frustrating backtracking, fewer items to collect, and easier areas to explore. Combat is improved as well, and is more fun and faster paced. The whole game feels a bit more action based compared to the past titles, but in no way does it abandon it's roots as an exploration shooter.
Once again, Retro shows true talent when it comes to art direction. Despite Prime 3 Gamecube+bloom lighting graphics, Retro has given us beautiful worlds to explore. Wither it be a planet filled with giant stone golems, an ancient city in the sky, or a ghostly spaceship. Retro knows how to create worlds you can get lost in. Similar to other Prime games, every room is different and holds it's own. Each area is filled with tons of environmental puzzles that fit right into the Prime universe, a couple may even have you stumped for a few minutes.
Boss design is still at the top of the class, both artistically and mechanically. On par with other Prime releases, the bosses become epic events to be anticipated as well as feared. The excellent music playing throughout the game just adds to the immersion. The only downside is longer load times, which won't bother you at first, but as you are running from room to room can't get a bit frustrating.
The biggest downside to Prime 3 is the difficulty. While bosses are epic, they aren't all that difficult on Normal mode. In fact I fully believe Normal mode should have been called beginner mode instead. Veteran mode (also available at the start) has a much closer difficulty to past Prime games, but still lacks in a few areas.
The main reason for this is the new "hyper" mode. Once you gain the ability to become "hyper" you will find yourself blowing past enemies with ease. The catch is that it zaps your health. This poses a problem in the first 1/3 of the game, when you haven't collected many energy tanks. Once you have, the game becomes MUCH easier. Which is disappointing considering you'll have more trouble on the First "big" boss then the last.
Items and suit upgrade are also much easier to find this time around. Getting 100% completion has never been simpler with new map upgrades found later in the game. Which may make some newer gamers happy but will have hardcore Prime fans itching for more challenge. Prime 3 is not an extremely easy game, but it is the least hardcore of the 3, which is a bit of a bummer. In comparison bosses, items, puzzles, and even combat have had much stronger moments in the other games in the series. Don't worry, Prime 3 still has plenty for fans to cheer about.
Wii may be the casual gamers console, but I don't think Prime 3 will be being played in retirement homes. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is the first "gamers'" game designed for the console from the ground up, and it truly succeeds at it. It's easily the best game available on the Wii, at this time, that doesn't involve mini-games. It is a definite recommendation to any gamer who owns the console for it's promise, to revolutionize the way we play videogames.
9.4/10.0