With the game now slated for a June 27 release in the USA (and a few months later in Europe) I figured it was time for a thread. A new Metroid game is always worth noting, and this one more than any other considering the direction it's taking.
Basic information:
- The game is developed by Nintendo with the help of the Team Ninja (the people behind the recent Ninja Gaiden games).
- The only control scheme available is holding the Wiimote sideways, without the nunchuk. Old school NES style. One button to jump, one to shoot, and A for the morph ball.
- It's "2.5D", meaning it's in full 3D but you progress like in a classic sidescroller game most of the time. There's a slight auto-aim to adapt to the added 3D depth (those who played Shadow Complex will know what it's like).
- Sometimes the camera will move to an over-the-shoulder view à la RE4, and at any time during the game you can point the Wiimote at the screen and press B to inspect stuff in a first-person view. In that mode you can also shoot missiles, but can't move around.
- You can perform evasive moves, counterattacks and even finishing moves with the D-pad.
- The story takes place in-between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion. It starts almost right where Super Metroid left. It also ties to Metroid Fusion's storyline, most notably by introducing the character of Adam (the guy the computer's personality is modeled after in Fusion).
Link to IGN's hands-on impressions (very detailed, recommended read)
Pictures gallery
The old E3 2009 trailer
Recent interview with some details (I love this guy for trying as hard as he can not to spoil stuff. Bioware should learn from him!)
I was skeptic about this game when it was first announced, but all the articles I've read are so enthusiastic about it that I'm now waiting to pre-order it. There's only talk of amazing gameplay, breathtaking action, phenomenal cut-scenes, superb atmosphere instantly reminiscent of the Metroid series (the feeling of isolation, among other things), old school platforming, huge focus on exploration with a labyrinthine complexity that will make it easy to get lost despite the very well done mini-map, incredible level design (deeper than Shadow Complex') that uses the 2.5D concept to the maximum. Most expansive plot in the story so far, tying all the different games together in a coherent fashion, and shining some light on Samus' past and present as well as on the Galactic Federation and the universe at large.
The only two complaints I've seen so far are about the voice acting for the NPCs in the demo and the gimmick for Samus not having all her powers right from the start (Adam has to authorize their use or something, haven't read all the spoilers). Nothing too dramatic I think.
So, the "true sequel" to Super Metroid at last. If that doesn't build up expectations, I don't know what else can. Still, I'm confident right now. Regardless of the shitty marketing, if the people who've seen and played the game say it's worthy of the title, I'm willing to believe them.
Basic information:
- The game is developed by Nintendo with the help of the Team Ninja (the people behind the recent Ninja Gaiden games).
- The only control scheme available is holding the Wiimote sideways, without the nunchuk. Old school NES style. One button to jump, one to shoot, and A for the morph ball.
- It's "2.5D", meaning it's in full 3D but you progress like in a classic sidescroller game most of the time. There's a slight auto-aim to adapt to the added 3D depth (those who played Shadow Complex will know what it's like).
- Sometimes the camera will move to an over-the-shoulder view à la RE4, and at any time during the game you can point the Wiimote at the screen and press B to inspect stuff in a first-person view. In that mode you can also shoot missiles, but can't move around.
- You can perform evasive moves, counterattacks and even finishing moves with the D-pad.
- The story takes place in-between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion. It starts almost right where Super Metroid left. It also ties to Metroid Fusion's storyline, most notably by introducing the character of Adam (the guy the computer's personality is modeled after in Fusion).
Link to IGN's hands-on impressions (very detailed, recommended read)
Pictures gallery
The old E3 2009 trailer
Recent interview with some details (I love this guy for trying as hard as he can not to spoil stuff. Bioware should learn from him!)
I was skeptic about this game when it was first announced, but all the articles I've read are so enthusiastic about it that I'm now waiting to pre-order it. There's only talk of amazing gameplay, breathtaking action, phenomenal cut-scenes, superb atmosphere instantly reminiscent of the Metroid series (the feeling of isolation, among other things), old school platforming, huge focus on exploration with a labyrinthine complexity that will make it easy to get lost despite the very well done mini-map, incredible level design (deeper than Shadow Complex') that uses the 2.5D concept to the maximum. Most expansive plot in the story so far, tying all the different games together in a coherent fashion, and shining some light on Samus' past and present as well as on the Galactic Federation and the universe at large.
The only two complaints I've seen so far are about the voice acting for the NPCs in the demo and the gimmick for Samus not having all her powers right from the start (Adam has to authorize their use or something, haven't read all the spoilers). Nothing too dramatic I think.
So, the "true sequel" to Super Metroid at last. If that doesn't build up expectations, I don't know what else can. Still, I'm confident right now. Regardless of the shitty marketing, if the people who've seen and played the game say it's worthy of the title, I'm willing to believe them.
