6/19/03
Metroid Prime 2 E3 Video Impressions
Well, better late than never, right?! E3 has long come and gone and with it came a cavalcade of previews for new and upcoming games for every major system, but sadly only a slight glimpse of Metroid Prime's upcoming sequel. Those who've seen nothing of the video can check out some high quality screen grabs of it at Gamespot.com. The video showed a roughly ten second non-gameplay cinema of Samus getting slammed around by a new-ish cloaked alien in a somewhat Tallonesque environment. How did I feel about what we saw? Let's say impressions are mixed.
On the one hand, I really didn't expect any actual gameplay to be shown, but I really hoped to see signs of the return of at least one of the classic missing power ups. Some have speculated that the beginning of the video may show Samus using the spring ball (and even though it's just a camera illusion, many actually believed we saw the wall jump at the beginning) but the fact is that what is there is unclear and doesn't really show anything that points towards true gameplay additions. That's not to say Retro aren't working on these things, but at the very least the E3 video didn't show them. Another partial disappointment comes from the brightly lit, open, and somewhat familiar environment in which the action appears to take place. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a new moody organic alien world for Prime 2, but what is shown seems very reminiscent of what was seen in the Chozo Ruins in Prime, not the dark eerie cavernous environments of earlier Metroid games.
However, note that I mention a partial disappointment. Everything still looks great, just as in Prime. And while it may look familiar, there were several aspects of this new location which did hint at a setting change. The particles in the sky, the strange glistening floor, and the bizarre, twisted, transparent glowing blue trees looked adequately otherworldly, and give signs that what awaits us may yet indeed be very different from what we've seen before. In addition, the new alien (which to me resembles some of Retro's early, and in my mind superior, concept art for the space pirates) looks interesting and showcased a very impressive graphical effect as it lost its cloaking ability. There are no impressions on sound or music since the clip was set to some blaring techno music as part of a larger Nintendo preview video. So while there still isn't much to go on, at least we got something to talk about this early. There's still quite a ways to go in the development of this game, so let's hope the next batch of videos and screenshots shows off more of Retro's changes and enhancements for Metroid Prime 2.
On a related note Nintendo also showed several minutes of footage on their upcoming Game Boy Advance Metroid title Metroid: Zero Mission. Though not yet confirmed the game appears to be a greatly enhanced remake of the original NES Metroid complete with new power ups and areas! This one looks like it should be another 2D classic in the Metroid series. Click here to check out some footage of the game courtesy of Nintendo Japan.
Secret Page Added!
What would a Metroid site be without a secret? Now before you complain about how you hate secret pages, that they're nearly impossible to find, etc., know that I've hidden this in what I consider a very obvious place. After all, there's no sense in building something if no one can find it. That's especially true when the secret is as cool as the one you'll find there. It contains something that just about every Metroid fan, but particularly the old-schoolers, will get a huge kick out of, so pay attention and keep your Metroid sense active as you browse through the site and you'll find it. Those who can't find the page and really, really want to know what it is might want to consider sending in a Reaction. Depending on what you send I may just reply with a hint or a link. :-) Oh, but please don't just write in asking for the page. That just takes the fun out of it.
4/26/03
Metroid Prime 2 to be shown at E3
Looks like we won't have to wait long to see how this next Metroid game is shaping up! According to IGN.com, the already much anticipated follow up to Metroid Prime will be unveiled at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo! The game is expected to be seen only in video form at the trade event, which will be held in Los Angeles between May 14-16. For more details on this story be sure to visit IGN.com.
4/03/2003
Fan Reactions page added
The Fan Reactions page kicks off with such a lengthy and well written rant that it deserves a page all its own. This page is intended to be the place where other Metroid fans can give their opinions on Metroid Prime, this site, or send suggestions for the next Metroid game. You don't have to agree with me to get your letter added, you just need to have a coherent opinion to add. Anyone who wants to submit something should check out the Contact page for details.
3/28/2003
More Music Added
One of my personal favorites from Super Metroid, the theme from Maridia, has been added to the Downloads page.
3/21/2003
Updates and Downloads pages up
This will be the page where both Metroid and site news will be added on occasion. Be sure to check out the Downloads page for a nice official Nintendo wallpaper you may have missed as well as an MP3 of the Metroid title theme that should remind all of those who defend Prime's soundtrack what Metroid should really sound like. More soon.
3/13/2003
Metroid Evolution goes live
One fan's attempt to get in touch with those in charge of continuing his favorite videogame series goes up today. Only time will tell how succesful it turns out to be. In the meantime, be sure to check out the content on the site, look out for updates in the future, and if you have an opinion you want to express on the site, wether you agree or disagree, send me an e-mail. Check out the Contact page for more information.
Metroid, Metroid Prime, the Metroid logo, Metroid games and related items, all names, photos, and scans of these Metroid games or items are registered trademark and/or copyright Nintendo of America, Inc., and Nintendo Co., Ltd. The author of this page is not affiliated with Nintendo, Retro Studios, or any of their licensees. No copyright infringement in these pages is intended. All such content is protected by intellectual property laws and any use other than for private, non commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.
