Metroid Prime 3 - Do Mother Brains' Have PMS? - 9.5 From IGN!

[daroga]

I tried playing the demo at a Gamestop and it bored me to tears. They also had the brilliant idea of having the Wii setup next to a window so camera kept spinning because of the sunlight bouncing off all the cars.

I'm actually glad for the experience though as it lowered my desire for a wii from minimal to none existant. Not only do I not find the games all that enjoyable, but I have two huge bay windows on both sides of my TV and a very shiny hardwood floor. Playing the Wii would be impossible unless it was night time.

I guess I can finally pick up Twilight Princess for GC.Your basing your judgment of a game / system based on a self-admitted horrid placement for the system? :roll:

[clockworkgreen]

"Bored to tears" would hardly be how I'd describe my play experience.

[seanr1221]

if you don't like it, dump it (still has a pretty good re-sale value) and go onto something else.

[Kayden]

:roll: yourself. I wasn't bashing it. I didn't say its the stupidest fucking game ever and only a total dick monger would like it.

I said it bored me. I didn't care for it. I did not find it fun. In my own personal opinion, I did not find the game enjoyable for anyone who is me. And in addition to that I commented on the positioning of the system. Yes, it added to my unenjoyment, but was far from the sole source.

That was one of my few civil posts and someone still had to act like I slit their mom's throat and fucked the hole. Christ you people are whiny.

Your basing your judgment of a game / system based on a self-admitted horrid placement for the system? :roll:

[clockworkgreen]

:roll: yourself. I wasn't bashing it. I didn't say its the stupidest fucking game ever and only a total dick monger would like it.

I said it bored me. I didn't care for it. I did not find it fun. In my own personal opinion, I did not find the game enjoyable for anyone who is me. And in addition to that I commented on the positioning of the system. Yes, it added to my unenjoyment, but was far from the sole source.

That was one of my few civil posts and someone still had to act like I slit their mom's throat and fucked the hole. Christ you people are whiny.

We're not the ones whining about sunlight.

You either can't play it because it's too sunny or you're a tard. We'll go with #2.

[dmaul1114]

io, there's a special ending for 100%? I thought it was just expanded at 75%.


There's an extra scene for 75% and another, additional extra scene for 100%.

[daroga]

:roll: yourself. I wasn't bashing it. I didn't say its the stupidest fucking game ever and only a total dick monger would like it.

I said it bored me. I didn't care for it. I did not find it fun. In my own personal opinion, I did not find the game enjoyable for anyone who is me. And in addition to that I commented on the positioning of the system. Yes, it added to my unenjoyment, but was far from the sole source.

That was one of my few civil posts and someone still had to act like I slit their mom's throat and fucked the hole. Christ you people are whiny.Um, wow. Easy there pal. I think you might want to reread your post and reconsider which person or people you label as "whiny." Pardon me for thinking it was pretty silly to base your impressions on a game when the control was all befuddled. I'm gonna try out every new game with the analog stick mis-centered now.

[MisterHand]

You're welcome to your opinion, but the fact that you started a separate thread instead of adding to the existing discussion indicates to me that you're more interested in being "that guy" than in offering constructive criticism.

[Mr. Roper]

I never beat the 1st 2 Primes and won't play this until I do so.
I dislike 3d puzzles in a first person shooter.
The original Metroid blows the Primes out of the water.
Still need to play super metroid, I am sure it is much better than this game too.

[trublustang03]

If you are not enjoying the game, then you should trade it in and try something else, maybe is not the type of game for you.

Me personally, the controls, were the last thing I had an issue with, if anything they were an improvement and not hard at all, eventually it becomes second nature to aim with the wiimote.

I would rate this game at 9.5 with the minus .5 for some of the loading times and one of the hand gestures that I had some troubles with getting to work, but overall is one of the better games out this year.

[akushin]

I don't understand how anyone could prefer an analog stick over this. In my opinion, the precision and speed of a wiimote are second (and this is debateable) only to a mouse. I can see why maybe if your hands or arms are ridiculously shakey an analog stick could make more sense, and if you have trouble pointing at things, the Wii probably wasn't ever for you in the first place.

[bigdaddy]

No, so give me the game, and while you are at it your Wii.

[Zen Davis]

I'm playing Metroid Prime 3-two or three hours in, I'm on the surface of the (first?) planet. So far I hate it. The control is hideous, and it's just a completely generic FPS. There isn't the slightest bit of what made the Metroid games (including Metroid Prime) fun---it's just completely straight forward "shoot stuff, move to another room", only with the worst controls I can recall playing in an FPS (made even more fun during the day when I spin in circles or the view randomly jumps around because of sunlight).

So...does this actually get fun at some point? Turn into an actual Metroid game? The combat stinks, and exploration (if there was any) isn't much fun since movement's so hard. Really glad I didn't buy it...

So far it actually reminds me of Metroid Prime Hunter for the exact same reasons...

Just wondering if this is worth sticking with, or if I don't like it yet, I'm never going to like it. (I've never not loved a Metroid game instantly...aside from Hunters, which IMO ISN'T a Metroid game).
My bitching has a first name. It's W-O-L-F. My bitching has a second name. It's P-U-P.

[Wolfpup]

Update-played it quite a bit more, and while I do think it gets better, my initial impressions haven't really changed. I'll get into the control in a bit, but this really isn't a Metroid game.

The difficulty also seems uneven to me, with certain boss-type sequences past the point of fun to me.

Actually, I think you are dead wrong here. I think it got a fairly wide range of scores PRECISELY because of complaints about the controls (only to those who wanted it to be just like the older games) or how un-Metroidy it was (ditto). Wasn't there one fairly low review that complained both that it brought nothing new to the series and ALSO that it wasn't enough like the original Metroid Prime (too linear or something)? Anyway, I couldn't wrap my head around that one. But I think SOME of your complaints are the very reason it didn't get universal 9.5 or 10's, which, IMO, it deserved. But I recognize it isn't for everyone and thus that explains the 8's and such - a much wider range than I expected.

That isn't a wide range at all. Gamespot gave it a "great" score. In another forum I frequent the consensus on this is that (unfortunately) many of the types of people on display in this thread are what prevents real game criticism. Like I said, if there were a film, you'd probably see a lot of high scores, but also a lot of 5's and 6's, and probably below. That people would be 'outraged' over a near perfect score, or the very real criticisms brought up in this thread is frightening. There's religious fervor on display here that's embarrassing.

I never understood the whole "NEEDS TO BE MOAR METROIDY" impulse. I got Super Metroid on VC earlier and found it dreadfully dull compared to the Primes. Across the board, they always balance exploration and direction perfectly. Why people bitch about it is beyond me...

Presumably because we're fans of Metroid style gameplay. I'm not saying you're "wrong" to enjoy the game. But it isn't much at all like Metroid. I seek out as many Metroid style games as I can, and usually enjoy them. When I pick up a Metroid game, I expect it to play like Metroid. For long time gamers the name is synonymous with a certain style of gameplay that isn't on display here. So yeah, it's a disappointment, and obviously comparisons are going to be made to actual Metroid-style games that wouldn't have been made had this not used the Metroid license. I've played a free Metroid style game that some long guy made that's more fun (to me) and certainly plays more like Metroid than Prime 3 does.

:roll: yourself. I wasn't bashing it. I didn't say its the stupidest fucking game ever and only a total dick monger would like it.

I said it bored me. I didn't care for it. I did not find it fun. In my own personal opinion, I did not find the game enjoyable for anyone who is me. And in addition to that I commented on the positioning of the system. Yes, it added to my unenjoyment, but was far from the sole source...

I think it's frightening commentary on humanity, frankly. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED CRITICISM! YOU MUST THINK LIKE US!

I never beat the 1st 2 Primes and won't play this until I do so.
I dislike 3d puzzles in a first person shooter.
The original Metroid blows the Primes out of the water.
Still need to play super metroid, I am sure it is much better than this game too.

I've never had a chance to play Metroid Prime 2, but I felt the first one was remarkably successful doing a 3D Metroid game, and not a first person shooter with Metroid trappings. This game is VERY different from MP1, and like I said earlier it fulfills all the fears I had about that game.

IMO (and I think this is generally even agreed on) Metroid 1 and 3 are the best in the series, and since you enjoyed Metroid 1, it's almost a sure thing you're going to enjoy Metroid 3 (IMO 2 and 4 aren't as good, 4 in particular, and Metroid Prime 1 for me would be placed maybe between those two games).

I don't understand how anyone could prefer an analog stick over this. In my opinion, the precision and speed of a wiimote are second (and this is debateable) only to a mouse. I can see why maybe if your hands or arms are ridiculously shakey an analog stick could make more sense, and if you have trouble pointing at things, the Wii probably wasn't ever for you in the first place.

I disagree. Beyond the issue that sunlight interferes with this, I find the Wiimote much less accurate than an analog stick, which is already much less accurate than a mouse. It's not unusable by any means, but an FPS that's well tuned for a stick has IMO more precision, and is just easier to deal with IMO. Not drastically so, but I find it faster and more accurate personally. Beyond that, with the Wii's scheme if you go past a certain point it looses track of the controller's position. I find it very difficult to really look "up" compared to a normal game.

It doesn't make the game unplayable, but I'd switch to a normal controller in a second if the option were available.

The other issue is just that I *like* how Metroid Prime intentionally deemphasized the first person shooter aspects, had a full lock on system that in some senses made the gameplay more similar to the 2D games. (Though I think you could still do the basic gameplay structure of Metroid in a game that controlled like an FPS.)

[Strell]

I find the Wiimote much less accurate than an analog stick

Then you are doing it so very wrong.

So, so very wrong.

And I'm not going to get into a semantics debate, but it very much feels like a Metroid title to me, and I just got done playing Super Metroid. There's not just endless enemies. There's lots of exploration, there's a pretty amazing amount of puzzle elements, lots of rolling in a ball, etc.

I'm not super far in the game but I actually sort of want more things to shoot.

[kaw]

I think you have trouble enjoying the game, because deep down you're still worried the Wii is giving you cancer.

[Javery]

I'm around 30% done and I'm STILL not 100% used to the controls or accurate with my aiming. That's probably my fault though. I do like this game and the small additions to the series with the ability to fly your ship to different worlds and stuff. It's not my favorite Metroid ever (so far) but it's certainly not the worst (SM and MP1 are my favorites). If you don't like it then what can I say, you probably have something seriously wrong with you. Maybe see a doctor or something? I don't know. Your condition is too horrible for me to even think about.

[Dr Mario Kart]

I find the Wiimote much less accurate than an analog stickhttp://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5676/rejectionpc9.jpg

I think you bought the wrong system.

[MisterHand]

The other issue is just that I *like* how Metroid Prime intentionally deemphasized the first person shooter aspects, had a full lock on system that in some senses made the gameplay more similar to the 2D games. (Though I think you could still do the basic gameplay structure of Metroid in a game that controlled like an FPS.)Just a comment -- the lock-on system from the first two Metroid Prime games is available by disabling "free lock" in the options menu.

[Dr Mario Kart]

To be fair, getting used to new controls can take a long time. I remember when Kingpin for PC came out, and it was the first game where I felt I had to learn to use the mouse, whereas previous FPS games like Doom, Duke3D and Shadow Warrior all had vertical autoaim and I played them all with both hands on the keyboard.

I remember how painful it was to learn the mouse, and it did take quite a while.

[Milkyman]

I'm surprised by the hostility here.

[mykevermin]

I'm surprised by the hostility here.

Shouldn't be.

Funny how someone not liking the controls, or not using them very well, is assailed with a "it's not the controls, it's you that stinks" attitude. Wonder how well that would go over if Lair was described that way. :lol:

I suppose this is a fair game question to ask here: I'm playing through MP2 right now, and I'm not really feelin' it. It's good, damned good, but for some reason, I know I'm going to feel like going Metroid-celibate for a few months after playing this. Purists and casual players alike: is it worth finishing MP2 for any reason before moving onto MP3? Also, how is MP3 compared to MP2?

I can't fuckin' figure it out; MP absolutely floored me, and my reaction to Echoes was along the lines of "huh, more of this, eh?"

[Wolfpup]

I'm around 30% done and I'm STILL not 100% used to the controls or accurate with my aiming. That's probably my fault though. I do like this game and the small additions to the series with the ability to fly your ship to different worlds and stuff. It's not my favorite Metroid ever (so far) but it's certainly not the worst (SM and MP1 are my favorites). If you don't like it then what can I say, you probably have something seriously wrong with you. Maybe see a doctor or something? I don't know. Your condition is too horrible for me to even think about.

Uh...well I'll just comment on the ship thing. I do like that mechanic. I've had particular ideas for that I've wanted done for a long time...maybe Mass Effect is going to do them, I'm not sure.

Just a comment -- the lock-on system from the first two Metroid Prime games is available by disabling "free lock" in the options menu.

Thanks. Yeah, I didn't realize that at first, and do prefer having that on. I've played with the settings, and my favorite so far is the medium sensitivity with autolock on (default is medium with autolock off). I used high sensitivity for a while, but it got too twitchy, and low is too "robotic" I guess in how the camera moves.

...
I suppose this is a fair game question to ask here: I'm playing through MP2 right now, and I'm not really feelin' it. It's good, damned good, but for some reason, I know I'm going to feel like going Metroid-celibate for a few months after playing this. Purists and casual players alike: is it worth finishing MP2 for any reason before moving onto MP3? Also, how is MP3 compared to MP2?

I can't fuckin' figure it out; MP absolutely floored me, and my reaction to Echoes was along the lines of "huh, more of this, eh?"

I'd like to know that too. Is Metroid Prime 2 more like the first one, or the third one? I might want to rent the second one at some point. Only part of Metroid Prime 1 I really disliked was that final boss battle (and come to think of it, I remember it as having very few boss battles, like the regular Metroid games, and very unlike MP3).

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Shouldn't be.

Funny how someone not liking the controls, or not using them very well, is assailed with a "it's not the controls, it's you that stinks" attitude. Wonder how well that would go over if Lair was described that way. :lol:

I suppose this is a fair game question to ask here: I'm playing through MP2 right now, and I'm not really feelin' it. It's good, damned good, but for some reason, I know I'm going to feel like going Metroid-celibate for a few months after playing this. Purists and casual players alike: is it worth finishing MP2 for any reason before moving onto MP3? Also, how is MP3 compared to MP2?

I can't fuckin' figure it out; MP absolutely floored me, and my reaction to Echoes was along the lines of "huh, more of this, eh?"

Don't worry about Prime 2 IMO. I couldn't get motivated to finish it even after getting 90% of the way through. I felt the same way as you. MP1 was outstanding and while 2 is very good, I just got tired of it and quit.

MP3 OTOH, has kept me enthralled since I first started it. It is just different enough (and I mean besides the controls which I think are fantastic) from the first two to make it fresh, but it keeps the core gameplay the same. I would recommend starting on Veteran difficulty if you want somewhat of a challege. I am right near the end of MP3 and I can count the number of times I have died on one hand. It's not that I want to be frustrated, but some of the boss battles, while amazing, have seemed a touch too easy.

I have been thinking about going to back to MP2 once I beat 3, but I don't think I'll be able to take the controls anymore.

Oh, and Lair was defended in the exact same way as you stated above by the developers. I mean they released a reviewers guide to Lair for christ's sake. Eggebrecht has stated publicly that he feels harcore gamers are not good at the game because they are not used to motion control and therefore they are unfairly rating it.

[Javery]

I'd like to know that too. Is Metroid Prime 2 more like the first one, or the third one? I might want to rent the second one at some point. Only part of Metroid Prime 1 I really disliked was that final boss battle (and come to think of it, I remember it as having very few boss battles, like the regular Metroid games, and very unlike MP3).

Metroid Prime 2 is pretty much more of the same from Metroid Prime 1. It's a very well designed game with some fun powerups and it nails "Metroid" (IMO) but it's not going to wow anyone - especially now. MP3 feels like a small step forward in the series whereas MP2 was more of a sidestep. If you love Metroid then definitely play it but if you are looking for a new/different experience then steer clear.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Metroid in that I want it to be good. Super Metroid is still one of the best games I've ever played ever and to not get a sequel or any new Metroid game for 8 years was a LONG wait. Then Metroid Prime came out and blew me away - I didn't want 3D and I didn't want FPS controls but I LOVED LOVED LOVED everything about Metroid Prime. The two sequels have been very fun but have had nowhere near the impact on my love for the series as Super Metroid and Metroid Prime did. I like them a lot but probably more because it's Metroid than because of the games themselves. If you stripped out the license then I'd probably give each game a B-/C+ but adding the license makes them both A-/B+ games (I would give Super Metroid and Metroid Prime both an A+).

[PawnTakesKing]

I suppose this is a fair game question to ask here: I'm playing through MP2 right now, and I'm not really feelin' it. It's good, damned good, but for some reason, I know I'm going to feel like going Metroid-celibate for a few months after playing this. Purists and casual players alike: is it worth finishing MP2 for any reason before moving onto MP3? Also, how is MP3 compared to MP2?

I can't fuckin' figure it out; MP absolutely floored me, and my reaction to Echoes was along the lines of "huh, more of this, eh?"

You've pretty much got it right on the money. MP2 was nothing special.

It's not that it was a bad game, but throwing in elements like "OMG I HAVE TO STAY IN THE SAFE ZONE" and giving an ammo count to weapons came off as more frustrating than innovative. Not to mention we've seen the whole "light world/dark world" scenario used countless times before, and better implemented too.

In my opinion, it's a game best skipped, lest it sour your taste for MP3.

[mykevermin]

Oh, and Lair was defended in the exact same way as you stated above by the developers. I mean they released a reviewers guide to Lair for christ's sake. Eggebrecht has stated publicly that he feels harcore gamers are not good at the game because they are not used to motion control and therefore they are unfairly rating it.

I know that much, but the difference is that it's the developers saying so, not players themselves. Both have merit, IMO, but different kinds. I've never cared for the "it's not the game, it's you" approach (my first taste of that snide attitude was with Ninja Gaiden). It should come as no surprise that developers say great things about their games; hell, I'm sure that Acclaim's old developers thought their titles were top notch (go back and pick up their old PSX WWF titles, or the "Legends of Wrestling" series, or...well, more or less any Acclaim published title for evidence of this).

Thanks for the info, all. Lamentably, I'm far enough into the game (~17%, 3 hours or so) that I feel compelled to finish it. I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling that the game is very good, but somehow rather ho-hum at the same time.

[botticus]

Played a token amount last night... was finally directed over to the Valhalla after I grabbed a couple upgrades to earn the 75% ending. I'll need to try to finish the last few hours or whatever is remaining this week since I'll be out of town this weekend.

[Dr Mario Kart]

Let it go Scrub. Its not worth it.

[dmaul1114]

That isn't a wide range at all. Gamespot gave it a "great" score. In another forum I frequent the consensus on this is that (unfortunately) many of the types of people on display in this thread are what prevents real game criticism. Like I said, if there were a film, you'd probably see a lot of high scores, but also a lot of 5's and 6's, and probably below. That people would be 'outraged' over a near perfect score, or the very real criticisms brought up in this thread is frightening. There's religious fervor on display here that's embarrassing.


It's because Metroid Prime 3 isn't like a film that gets some perfect reviews and a lot of poor 5-6 reviews.

It's like a super high rated, best picture winning movie that the majority of people love that gets nearly unanimously high reviews across the board.

However, that doesn't mean that everyone will love it. Just because a movie is at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes doesn't mean that everyone will love it. Similarly, just because a game like this is at 90%+ on gamerankings doesn't mean everyone will love it.

While I absolutely loved the game, and would give it a 9.5, I won't begrudge you for not liking it. Different strokes for different folks. What I loved about the game, is what you don't like, and that's just how it goes. The GTA series is nearly unanimously loved, and I absolutely hate it and have played few games that I had less fun with than GTA3.

Now I will admit that the "religious fervor" point is semi valid, and people on forums (this one in particular) get overly defensive when someone bashes one of the big games on their system of choice. But that's not worth getting bent out of shape over. Just pay no heed to the fanboys, or you just give them the attention that they so desperately crave.

[dmaul1114]

This is the type of stupidity that has driven me insane since the launch of the Wii. It's one thing to say you don't like the controls or the Wiimote or the Wii. Fine your entitled to like what you like. However, saying that an analog stick is more accurate than the Wiimote, something which is factually, provably false only makes you look like an idiot who is making up excuses to hate on the Wii.

What's more is that MP3 has the best controls of any console first person game ever made. Pretty much every reasonable person who has played the game will agree. Yet you say the controls suck.

I have my issues with the game and find it far from perfect, but you are just spewing some dumb shit that is begging to be attacked.


That's totally unnecessary. He said he found it less accurate than a stick. Just meaning that HE is less accurate with it than with a stick. Which makes since given his sunlight issues, and generally interfernce issues given his comment about the wiimote not responding as well near the edges of the screen.

And those issues aside, it WILL be less accurate for some people if they have shakey hands or are just super experts with the stick aiming.

Just because one person says it is less accurate for them is no reason to jump all over them and call them an idiot etc. Grow up.

[Scrubking]

That's totally unnecessary. He said he found it less accurate than a stick. Just meaning that HE is less accurate with it than with a stick. Which makes since given his sunlight issues, and generally interfernce issues given his comment about the wiimote not responding as well near the edges of the screen.

And those issues aside, it WILL be less accurate for some people if they have shakey hands or are just super experts with the stick aiming.

Just because one person says it is less accurate for them is no reason to jump all over them and call them an idiot etc. Grow up.

The control is hideos... the worst controls I can recall playing in an FPS

...

[ArthurDigbySellers]

I beat it on my lunch break today. 24 hours in-game time. There were a couple pause marathons that accounted for that though. I was a pretty big scan whore so that may account for the inflated time as well.

It was a great game but I am on the fence about what to do with it as well. Gamestop/EB is offering an extra 20% trade-in on it if you put it on a SMG or GH3 pre-order. I absolutely hate pre-ordering but only paying $20 for SMG sounds pretty good. EB/GS is offering $25 for MP3 according to their site.

[io]

That isn't a wide range at all. Gamespot gave it a "great" score. In another forum I frequent the consensus on this is that (unfortunately) many of the types of people on display in this thread are what prevents real game criticism. Like I said, if there were a film, you'd probably see a lot of high scores, but also a lot of 5's and 6's, and probably below. That people would be 'outraged' over a near perfect score, or the very real criticisms brought up in this thread is frightening. There's religious fervor on display here that's embarrassing.



It is a fairly wide range for a game. No, not as wide as some other more controversial games. But that's because this is universally acclaimed as an excellent title ;).

As for the "religious fervor" I think you are being a tad hypocritical here. Whenever anyone refutes a Wii-basher on CAG they get tarred with this label. Yet the people who come in to troll against the Wii never fall into that category? Yeah, right... It is one thing to criticize the game on various levels like it is too easy, or doesn't have enough exploration, or you wish it were in HD, or it is too short, or whatever... But saying "The control is hideous, and it's just a completely generic FPS." puts you in the religious fervor camp - just on the other side of the fence... Not to mention the troll-like title of this thread (which implies the game at least starts out being boring as if it were fact). Note that there is plenty of criticism in the MAIN Metroid Prime 3 thread and no one got too excited about it there. I'm glad this is in a different thread though - the other is for specific in-game issues and shouldn't be cluttered up with all this stuff ;).

Yeah, some of the comments here have been unfairly harsh, but that's no reason to then dump everyone who criticizes your comments into the brain-washed fanboy category. You have to realize that to most of us, this is the game that finally refutes most of the Wii-bashers arguments: not a Gamecube-port (ala Twilight Princess and even Mario Party 8), got the controls right (no tacked-on waggle like most third party games), and has significantly greater than Gamecube graphics. So, yeah, people will be a little sensitive when they've heard these points tossed around endlessly for nearly a year and now, finally, the game that delivers on the promise of the Wii is described as "hideous".

I noticed something in the last CAGcast that may help explain a bit why people are a bit defensive on the Nintendo side. Now it seems Wombat is a big Prime fan and surely will like the game once he plays it. Yet he said he was holding off because it is not an online game and thus he can play it at any time in the future. So now he'll put it off indefinitely (and it sounds like Cheapy will do the same as well after trying it out). They just aren't excited about it because it is on the Wii. That's fine if you are a big online community type person. HOWEVER, both of them sunk a ton of time immediately upon release into Bioshock which has even less online features than MP3. I'd say if you want to unlock all the extras you actually need to get into MP3 sooner rather than later. The "community" aspect will go away fairly soon (it will be hard to get people to trade vouchers). Now, sure, these little extras are completely superfluous (though you MUST get that Mii Bobblehead ;)). But the point is that they were willing to put the best Wii game aside because it wasn't, basically, on the 360...

Personally, I'm waiting on a cheap price for Bioshock. I'm not a big FPS player (Metroid Primes being the exception) but because of the hype I'm willing to give it a shot - but not for $60. But because of the exact point Wombat makes, I can wait. It's not like there is an online mode where I'll be hopelessly outclassed if I wait a year or two to play it. And by the way, I love the 360 as well - currently playing Blue Dragon which I think is one of the best games on the system. I'm glad I didn't let the majority of 360 owners on CAG (who seemed to dismiss it outright) scare me away from it.

[botticus]

I beat it on my lunch break today. 24 hours in-game time. There were a couple pause marathons that accounted for that though. I was a pretty big scan whore so that may account for the inflated time as well.

It was a great game but I am on the fence about what to do with it as well. Gamestop/EB is offering an extra 20% trade-in on it if you put it on a SMG or GH3 pre-order. I absolutely hate pre-ordering but only paying $20 for SMG sounds pretty good. EB/GS is offering $25 for MP3 according to their site.You'll get $37.50 if you trade it in by the 30th. Still undecided myself, but I haven't quite finished it yet. So I have some time.

[io]

You'll get $37.50 if you trade it in by the 30th. Still undecided myself, but I haven't quite finished it yet. So I have some time.

Yeah, they handed me a coupon for that when I was in there last time (after I told them I had just finished it). The funny thing is, after I said my son was still playing it occasionally, he said I could trade it in and probably like just a week later it would be $10 cheaper and I could buy it back. :lol: WTF?? I mean, I understand waiting till it drops to $30 or $20 (a year or three from now), but that was just some ridiculous salesmanship there.

The good news is that, clearly, EB/GS is desperate for Wii trade-ins which can only bode well for the system.

[dmaul1114]

...

He said the worst controls HE could recall PLAYING in an FPS. That's just his opinion, and may well be true for him.

I love the controls personally, but I'm not going to argue with someone who struggles with them. Different strokes for different folks.

[dmaul1114]

As for the "religious fervor" I think you are being a tad hypocritical here. Whenever anyone refutes a Wii-basher on CAG they get tarred with this label. Yet the people who come in to troll against the Wii never fall into that category? Yeah, right... It is one thing to criticize the game on various levels like it is too easy, or doesn't have enough exploration, or you wish it were in HD, or it is too short, or whatever... But saying "The control is hideous, and it's just a completely generic FPS." puts you in the religious fervor camp - just on the other side of the fence... Not to mention the troll-like title of this thread (which implies the game at least starts out being boring as if it were fact).


I agree to an extent that he brought it on himself. But a lot of the more trollish comments he received were from people that have shown time and time again to be super fanboys that jump all over any criticism of the Wii, regardless of how it's phrased.

The ignore user feature is the only thing that makes this forum semi-readable, as so many of the regulars are the same type of losers that are in the local gamestop annoying the piss out of everyone seemingly everytime I pop my head in there (which is rare as I'd generally rather buy elsewhere and spare myself the torture).

[TahoeMax]

Yeah, I think they said something about a big fetch-quest near the end. Except for running around fetching all the pickups to get 100% I didn't find the game to have any (overwhelming) aspects of backtracking or fetching. There was, like, one slightly tricky energy cell and you only needed to get that for the 100%. And I enjoyed that aspect of the game (puzzle solving) more than the combat and boss fights, so I wish there had been much more of it.

Well, it may or may not be a fetch quest depending on whether or not you actually know what you're trying to do. If you put them in the right places you don't have to go off the beaten path at all since I'm pretty sure there are 5 or 6 along the way as you go through the game. For my part, I didn't realize how important the energy cells were, nor did I know that if you put them in the wrong place it makes the game a lot longer. I actually loaded 4 into slots that just gave me pickups without realizing how much of a hassle it is to get ALL of the cells. The nice thing, though, is that if you do end up getting all of the cells, you'll pretty much have all the pickups, too, since there are TONS on the way to the last few cells. I think my last cell was pickup #97 or something.

[pittpizza]

Okay so I just beat the game, my percentage complete was only 73%!! That is so lame. Im kinda embarassed as it took me 15.37 hours. I have a couple questions.

THe ending I got was this: I fought dark samus then some giant aurora with a spine and then just the head. Dark Samus' form blew up and then I turned back my original color as the corruption (bacteria) was wiped out. Then the planet blew up and most of the ships got through the wormhole our aura made but the aurora itself didnt make it. Then someone said, Where is samus? and finally she flew by giving a thumbs up saying "misison complete" on her spaceship's screen.

Was this your ending too or is there a special one(s?) for higher completion percentages?

I only have this game for my free trial on gamefly so I doubt I will try to play through 100%. Is it worth getting 100%. Also do the higher difficulties change anythign substantive in the game? Overall I would give it a 9.8 out of 10! I loved it!

[dmaul1114]

There are extra scenes after that for getting 75% and 100%.

75%
She lands the ship, gets out and takes her helmet off and thinks off the three other hunters that were corrupted and that she had to kill--shows footage of them etc.

100%

She walks to her ship, takes the whole suit off, and gets on. It shows her fly away, then another ship appears and follows hers.

Higher difficulty just means it takes more shots to kill enemies and their shots do more damage to you. Know substantive changes. I don't even think the enemy AI is "smarter" as it is in games like Halo when you up the difficulty.

[trq]

As for the "religious fervor" I think you are being a tad hypocritical here. Whenever anyone refutes a Wii-basher on CAG they get tarred with this label. Yet the people who come in to troll against the Wii never fall into that category? Yeah, right... It is one thing to criticize the game on various levels like it is too easy, or doesn't have enough exploration, or you wish it were in HD, or it is too short, or whatever... But saying "The control is hideous, and it's just a completely generic FPS." puts you in the religious fervor camp - just on the other side of the fence... Not to mention the troll-like title of this thread (which implies the game at least starts out being boring as if it were fact). Note that there is plenty of criticism in the MAIN Metroid Prime 3 thread and no one got too excited about it there. I'm glad this is in a different thread though - the other is for specific in-game issues and shouldn't be cluttered up with all this stuff ;)

Well-said. There's such a thing as asking a question in good faith, and the issue goes far beyond this thread. I'll use the current bomb-du-jour (and game I'm on record as saying is underrated, in my opinion), Lair, for my example. What's the difference between a thread entitled "Lair: Steep Learning Curve For Controls?" and a thread going by "Lair: Does it Ever Stop Sucking Balls?" Each one asks for a different kind of response, in its own way.

[kill3r7]

The game picks up during the battle with Ridley, IMO.

I felt the same way as the OP, but as I overcame the earning curve for the controls (I'm not sure if it's just me but it certainly took some tweaking before I had the controls down to my liking), the game started to kick ass. It is truly an enjoyable game, way better than MP2.

However, I must say that getting comfortable with the controls takes far too long.

[daroga]

If you don't like the game, don't force it. I happened to love it and do think it has the best first-person controls this side of of a keyboard / mouse. The most difficult thing to get used to is that the center of the screen is NOT where you're aiming. I was trying to figure out, on my inital sessions with the game, what was so weird about the control, and I think that's it. Every FP game on the PC or console has it setup so that where you're looking is where you're shooting, the dead-center of the screen. Prime 3 isn't that way, so is kind of an unlearning / relearning curve. Once you get it, though, it works amazingly well.

And it is a Metroid game. Having played Zero Mission, Fusion, and part of Super around the time I was playing Prime 3, they all have the same feel. I guess I'm not sure what you're looking for. The "Hey, is this an FPS or a Metroid / Adventure game?" ends after the inital Norion encounter. It's Metroid through-and-through with a Haloy beginning.

[pittpizza]

I played and beat Metroid Fusion, Metroid Prime, half of Metroid Prime: Echoes and just beat Metroid Prime: Corruption last night with 73% scans in 15:37 and have to say that this was my favorite one ever by far. I may be biased since i beat it last night but I LOVED IT. 9.7/10 for me.

Think of me as a fanboy if you will but know I am not. I def. have my criticisms about echoes and even this game. There was a bit of backtracking and sometimes objective marks came up in one place even though I needed a tool somewhere completely different to reach it. This was a little confusin at times. In the end I beat it on my own with no cheating whatsoever.

One part did really piss me off when the nuchuck motion for grapple wasnt working but this only happened 2 times and after tapping the nunchuck kinda hard it stopped happening.

I thought it was perfectly online with the previous metroid games. I was shocked when it ended b/c I thought the percentage that was displayed was showing how much of the game's story had elapsed, not my scans.

As to the OP, just make sure you give it a shot by getting past the learning curve. Most people in here are urging you to put the control sensitivty on advanced and enable free aim and I would suggest you do the same. You are taking advantage of ALL the game has to offer this way. Close your curtains or move your sensor bar because playing with whacky controls will ruin any game. Stick it out past the learning curve. The game gets much more creative and fun when you get more items, abilities, and ways to do things.

What I love the most about these games and many other nintendo exclusives (zelda, mario) is that you are always right around the corner from the next big upgrade.

[MisterHand]

One part did really piss me off when the nuchuck motion for grapple wasnt working but this only happened 2 times and after tapping the nunchuck kinda hard it stopped happening.Interesting. I had this problem with Twilight Princess, but MP3 worked fine.

[Zen Davis]

Everyone has a great job of approaching this rationally. Personally I think this thread should be locked since it's quite apparent that everything the OP wants to say has been said and now it's nothing more than showboating for attention akin to Paris Hilton stepping out of cars without any panties on.

[Wolfpup]

Through an unrelated accidental mess up with Gamefly, I got my next game (Zelda: TP) so have to send back either that or Metroid Prime 3. Played MP3 some more last night, but I still dislike it more than I like it. There's still (6 hours in) basically no sense of exploration, and to me the boss battles are way too frustrating, and way too frequent (which seems to be the opposite of what others are saying here, but regardless I don't like it). It's just not the game for me. One thing I'll say for it, the limited platforming sections didn't give me any problem at all, even with a limited ability to look up and down. I think possibly they "cheat" with that, but regardless I never missed a jump or had issues with that.

Metroid Prime 2 is pretty much more of the same from Metroid Prime 1. It's a very well designed game with some fun powerups and it nails "Metroid" (IMO) but it's not going to wow anyone - especially now. MP3 feels like a small step forward in the series whereas MP2 was more of a sidestep. If you love Metroid then definitely play it but if you are looking for a new/different experience then steer clear.

Okay, thanks. From that description I do want to try it. I kind of skipped it since I haven't played it yet and I thought Metroid Prime 3 was going to completely surpass it, but to me it just doesn't seem like a Metroid game. And personally I'd rather play a generic Metroid game than what MP3 is.

That's totally unnecessary. He said he found it less accurate than a stick. Just meaning that HE is less accurate with it than with a stick. Which makes since given his sunlight issues, and generally interfernce issues given his comment about the wiimote not responding as well near the edges of the screen.

And those issues aside, it WILL be less accurate for some people if they have shakey hands or are just super experts with the stick aiming.

Just because one person says it is less accurate for them is no reason to jump all over them and call them an idiot etc. Grow up.

Hey, thanks. I did get better with it, and once I really think about it it definitely isn't even close to the worst FPS controls I've played. (I'd probably give that to some generic Playstation 2 FPS-you know the type-early stuff with really stiff robotic movement.) But even after I adjusted to them I prefer the controls in Metroid Prime, and prefer the controls in like the typical X-Box 360 FPS, where I don't have to think about them and can pretty much just aim and shoot (granted, that has auto aim, but still).

So my revised opinion (for my PERSONALLY) is that this provides a workable control scheme, but I'd prefer a good gamepad (or better still a mouse and keyboard).

One thing I really like about the Wii's controller is how it splits the two halves of the controller. Lets me have my hands far apart. That's something I've kind of thought about for years now. I'm not sure if it would be possible to do that with a normal Dual Shock or X-Box pad or not. Neat, because there's not a good reason to force you to keep your hands together...

(New thought) if you aim up or down too much, it does lose track of the cursor. The game's fairly smart about just assuming you're pointing at the same place you were last pointing, but it's something you don't have to mess with with an analog stick. EDIT: Same deal if you're trying to rotate around fast. It's bad enough on a gamepad when someone's shooting you from behind, but on this you have to slow-rotate, PLUS deal with the remote losing track when you go past it's range.

...
I felt the same way as the OP, but as I overcame the earning curve for the controls (I'm not sure if it's just me but it certainly took some tweaking before I had the controls down to my liking), the game started to kick ass. It is truly an enjoyable game, way better than MP2.

However, I must say that getting comfortable with the controls takes far too long.

Yeah, it really does. Maybe that's just because they're quite a different thing and it's not really fair to criticize how long it takes? I'm not sure. Well, it's a heck of a lot better than Red Steel's control at any rate :D

If you don't like the game, don't force it. I happened to love it and do think it has the best first-person controls this side of of a keyboard / mouse. The most difficult thing to get used to is that the center of the screen is NOT where you're aiming. I was trying to figure out, on my inital sessions with the game, what was so weird about the control, and I think that's it. Every FP game on the PC or console has it setup so that where you're looking is where you're shooting, the dead-center of the screen. Prime 3 isn't that way, so is kind of an unlearning / relearning curve. Once you get it, though, it works amazingly well.

And it is a Metroid game. Having played Zero Mission, Fusion, and part of Super around the time I was playing Prime 3, they all have the same feel. I guess I'm not sure what you're looking for. The "Hey, is this an FPS or a Metroid / Adventure game?" ends after the inital Norion encounter. It's Metroid through-and-through with a Haloy beginning.

I don't know. Maybe it's just a personal preference thing, but I really don't think it plays like Metroid at all. If you took away the trappings, I wouldn't recognize it as a Metroid style game. I really don't think it is, at least not as of 6 hours in. I've played a ton of non-Metroid games that are clearly Metroid style, and you don't need the license to quickly realize that. I just don't think MP3 is. (Which doesn't make it BAD in and of itself, it's just not what I was expecting.)


One part did really piss me off when the nuchuck motion for grapple wasnt working but this only happened 2 times and after tapping the nunchuck kinda hard it stopped happening.

Semi-related thought-I wasn't crazy about the parts that made you physically move the controller like that. They worked for me, but I think they were supposed to be immersive, and for me they were the exact opposite (again, probably a personal preference thing). Stuff like when you have to pull out a control, twist it, and push it back in, or physically throw out a grapple to grab a guy's shield. For me, rotating an analog stick around would be more immersive, or even just pushing a button, because I was having to physically shift position and it made me conscious that I'm just holding and manipulating a controller.

...As to the OP, just make sure you give it a shot by getting past the learning curve. Most people in here are urging you to put the control sensitivty on advanced and enable free aim and I would suggest you do the same.

Thanks, yeah messing with all that does give you a better sense of the controls. I finally ended up with auto-lock on and medium sensitivity as my preferred setup (it defaults to off), though unfortunately auto-lock doesn't work when I most need it, during boss fights. (I prefer auto-lock for this game-and liked it in the original Metroid Prime.)

It is a fairly wide range for a game. No, not as wide as some other more controversial games. But that's because this is universally acclaimed as an excellent title ;).

But I don't think it should or would be without that Metroid license, which is my point. I'm not saying it's a terrible game, or that it shouldn't get a lot of great reviews, but it has serious issues that I think-were it a film-would have been reflected by a number of negative reviews.

As for the "religious fervor" I think you are being a tad hypocritical here. Whenever anyone refutes a Wii-basher on CAG they get tarred with this label. Yet the people who come in to troll against the Wii never fall into that category? Yeah, right...

I have no idea as I'm not Wii bashing and I'm not familiar with what some fanbois do in terms of Wii bashing on here (try to avoid reading all that stuff for my sanity).

It is one thing to criticize the game on various levels like it is too easy, or doesn't have enough exploration, or you wish it were in HD, or it is too short, or whatever... But saying "The control is hideous, and it's just a completely generic FPS." puts you in the religious fervor camp - just on the other side of the fence...

Hey, I didn't say all of that :) I can't even remember what I originally said about the controls, but I take back about the controls being hideous. They're functional, I just don't like them as well as a good gamepad setup (after the steep learning curve, I've come to have bigger issues with the game then the controls).

Not to mention the troll-like title of this thread (which implies the game at least starts out being boring as if it were fact).

I don't think it's troll like at all. Obviously it means I'm not having fun with it, and want some quick advice as to whether it gets better if I don't like it at first. If this didn't have the Metroid license I wouldn't have bothered asking, but I really wanted to like it. Thankfully I think the percentage of useful comments on here has vastly outnumbered the fanbois and trolls :)

Personally, I'm waiting on a cheap price for Bioshock. I'm not a big FPS player (Metroid Primes being the exception) but because of the hype I'm willing to give it a shot - but not for $60. But because of the exact point Wombat makes, I can wait. It's not like there is an online mode where I'll be hopelessly outclassed if I wait a year or two to play it. And by the way, I love the 360 as well - currently playing Blue Dragon which I think is one of the best games on the system. I'm glad I didn't let the majority of 360 owners on CAG (who seemed to dismiss it outright) scare me away from it.

I have absolutely zero interest in multiplayer FPSes, so from that perspective I'm really glad that MP3 is just single player. I *HATE* death match games. Glad to hear you like Blue Dragon, as it and Lost Odessey are the two main reasons I'm sticking with the 360. I've been surprised by how dismissive some on here have been too when it's basically Sakaguchi's (SP?) first game since Final Fantasy X.

I'm just hoping my next 360 has a quiet drive so I can actually hear Uematsu's music ( semi- ;) )

[botticus]

But I don't think it should or would be without that Metroid license, which is my point. I'm not saying it's a terrible game, or that it shouldn't get a lot of great reviews, but it has serious issues that I think-were it a film-would have been reflected by a number of negative reviews.I have a feeling Halo 3 wouldn't be getting 10s if it weren't a Halo game.

Things are all relative in the video game industry. When the vast majority of people look favorably upon a game, it will get a very small range of scores. But hell, it's getting scored below its predecessors at this point (which I think is a travesty), so obviously there is some diversity.

If someone were to write a review giving this game something like a 6 or a 7, they'd have to really put a lot of weight on pretty small issues in order to justify such a score.

[dmaul1114]

(New thought) if you aim up or down too much, it does lose track of the cursor. The game's fairly smart about just assuming you're pointing at the same place you were last pointing, but it's something you don't have to mess with with an analog stick. EDIT: Same deal if you're trying to rotate around fast. It's bad enough on a gamepad when someone's shooting you from behind, but on this you have to slow-rotate, PLUS deal with the remote losing track when you go past it's range.


I don't get that at all on MP3 or any Wii games or the Wii menu. The cursor is equally responsive to all edges of the screen. Now in MP3 it does get sluggish when tryign to look up, but the same was true in the first two games. That was a design choice to show that it's hard for Samus to look up in the helmet.

But if you're getting less response from the pointer at the edges of the screen, your having tech issues. Maybe either your afforementioned sunlight issues, or maybe you need to go in the Wii Menu and turn up the sensor bar sensitivity (maybe you're sitting too far away for the current settings or have to much light in the room).

[botticus]

I don't get that at all on MP3 or any Wii games or the Wii menu. The cursor is equally responsive to all edges of the screen. Now in MP3 it does get sluggish when tryign to look up, but the same was true in the first two games. That was a design choice to show that it's hard for Samus to look up in the helmet.

But if you're getting less response from the pointer at the edges of the screen, your having tech issues. Maybe either your afforementioned sunlight issues, or maybe you need to go in the Wii Menu and turn up the sensor bar sensitivity (maybe you're sitting too far away for the current settings or have to much light in the room).I think he may be indicating he's pointing too far up, so that the camera is losing track of the sensor bar. Which just means he's attempting to turn/look faster by moving the remote farther than does any good.

[Wolfpup]

I have a feeling Halo 3 wouldn't be getting 10s if it weren't a Halo game.

Yeah, I think this phenomenon happens with ANY series/event type games, I don't mean to single out this game in particular.

When I used to listen to the CAGCast, CheapyD and Wombat even commented about this in regards to Zelda versus Oblivion, saying Zelda got several points higher just because it was Zelda, and Oblivion ended up with lower scores because it doesn't have that effect. (Note that I've not played either game substantially so can't agree or disagree with that comparison specifically) but in general I think this phenomenon happens in the game industry and not so much in other industries.

If someone were to write a review giving this game something like a 6 or a 7, they'd have to really put a lot of weight on pretty small issues in order to justify such a score.

Well...two things with that. What review system would that be under? Because typically a six or seven indicates a good game that might have some minor issues, or might be derivative, but it's a bad score under some rating systems that really only use maybe 6-10 or 7-10 and ignore over half the scale. On a true 10 point scale where 6 is above average, I'd probably give it around an average score of 5-6.x rating. There's aspects of it that are definitely above average, but for me they're made irrelevant by the structure of the game and boss battles which I dislike. Those aren't minor issues IMO but the core of the game.

I'll say it again, I'm nearly 100% confident that if this were a film, you'd see a range of opinion on it. Checking Gamerankings I don't see any range with this at all. Gamespot's score isn't lower, they just use more of the scale than some other sites. A "great" rating isn't dissent!

With films, nearly any film gets a huge range. About the only exceptions are like Pixar's films. But typically even ones considered great by most critics get a large percentage of very negative reviews. That we don't see that in these "marquee" game titles is a bad thing IMO.

I *LIKE* having that range of opinion. I *LIKE* being able to read critical reviews both positive and negative for a film I'm interested in. I think game critics are SCARED to do anything but basically perfect reviews for these types of titles. Heck, Jeff Gersten (SP?) from Gamespot said he doesn't like ANY of the Metroid Prime games. I respect his opinions whether I agree with him or not, and I'd LOVE to read *his* review of Metroid Prime 3-but I suspect he/they self censor by giving it to someone who loves the game.

Real criticism is I think a sign of the maturity of an art form. It's also interesting in and of itself-sometimes the reviews that you disagree with are the most interesting to read. With games, on many forums like this you're scared to even admit that in your opinion a marquee title is anything less that "ABSOLUTELY PERFECT BESTEST GAME EVER!" Just saying you think it's a solid game isn't acceptable to many people, or is ironically taken as a sign of being a fanboy (and just the fact that there are fanboys for and against different game PLAYERS is a sign of the immaturity of the art form. How many people sit around saying DUUUUDE, THAT VIVENDE MOVIE SUCKS! WARNER BROS. IS TEH AWEZOME!" :)

Totally rambling around in the topic here, but I'm passionate about games as an art form :)

[dmaul1114]

I think he may be indicating he's pointing too far up, so that the camera is losing track of the sensor bar. Which just means he's attempting to turn/look faster by moving the remote farther than does any good.

In that case it's user error. :D

Of course you have to keep the pointer on the screen at all times for it to work properly. It's a pointer, not a 3D mouse.

[dmaul1114]

Well...two things with that. What review system would that be under? Because typically a six or seven indicates a good game that might have some minor issues, or might be derivative, but it's a bad score under some rating systems that really only use maybe 6-10 or 7-10 and ignore over half the scale. On a true 10 point scale where 6 is above average, I'd probably give it around an average score of 5-6.x rating.

The fact is, no game review source uses a true 10 point score. EGM harps on about how 5.0 is average, but it's BS when you look at the scores.

Seldom is anything below a 7 ever remotely worth playing.

So while I get your point about a true 10 point scale, when reading game review magazines and websites you just have to realize that most only use 7-10 or 6-10 unless a game is god awful, and that helps explain the tighter score range.

It's best to just ignore the scores and read the text of the reviews. A lot of times you'll see a good bit of negatives in a game that gets an 8.5 or 9.0 for example.

[Wolfpup]

In that case it's user error. :D

Of course you have to keep the pointer on the screen at all times for it to work properly. It's a pointer, not a 3D mouse.

No it's not user error. No other common input device requires you to know where the limits of the device are. With this you have to either compensate by never going near the limits, or you risk going over them. Neither of which is ideal.

Metroid Prime 3 seems to handle it well, but it's still an issue with the interface device.

It's not "user error" unless you're telling me that you have hands with movement physically restricted to the exact size of your Wii's sensor range, and expect everyone else to have this physical situation :D

[dmaul1114]

I just watch where the cursor is, when it's at the edge of the screen, it's at its limit and I go no further.

You just have to get used to watching the pointer rather than paying attention to where you're pointing/where your moving the remote.

It's no where near as good as a mouse--though for me it's off set by the nunchuk being a 100x better than the keyboard. But I like it a lot better than the right analog stick, as I've never gotten very good at aiming with my right thumb.

So I have user error with never adapting to right stick aiming (or the keyboard), and you have it with not getting used to the Wiimote pointing yet. :D

[MisterHand]

Without spoiling anything, can somebody tell me if the bonus endings "stack"? In other words, is the 75% ending incorporated into the 100% ending -- or do I have to finish the game three times to see all three endings?

[botticus]

Without spoiling anything, can somebody tell me if the bonus endings "stack"? In other words, is the 75% ending incorporated into the 100% ending -- or do I have to finish the game three times to see all three endings?From what people have said, it seems the bonus endings are additional scenes, so 100% should let you see everything that other endings show.

Anyone have any time estimates for finishing the game when I'm just getting started with the Valhalla? Hoping there are only a couple hours left so I can finish it before the weekend.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

From what people have said, it seems the bonus endings are additional scenes, so 100% should let you see everything that other endings show.

Yes, that is correct.

Anyone have any time estimates for finishing the game when I'm just getting started with the Valhalla? Hoping there are only a couple hours left so I can finish it before the weekend.

If you haven't done anything in the Valhalla previously, I would say that you are about 3-4 hours away from finishing depending on whether you're doing a lot of scanning, getting lost, etc.

I had completed the Valhalla stuff before it became mandatory so I'm not exactly sure how long it will take you to run through it in one shot.

I know the very last section (after the Valhalla) took me about 2 hours and I died on the last battle once.

[botticus]

Yes, that is correct.



If you haven't done anything in the Valhalla previously, I would say that you are about 3-4 hours away from finishing depending on whether you're doing a lot of scanning, getting lost, etc.

I had completed the Valhalla stuff before it became mandatory so I'm not exactly sure how long it will take you to run through it in one shot.

I know the very last section (after the Valhalla) took me about 2 hours and I died on the last battle once.Thanks... might be doable since we aren't leaving till Saturday morning, I can always stay up late Friday night to finish it if need be.

[Strell]

I'm dreadfully behind in completing the game. Just got to Elyssia and ran into Ghor. Jerk.

But it is a lot of fun. I really like the level layout.

Question: When I shoot a door and it doesn't open, that means the game is still loading up the next area, right? Sometimes I have to wait a while for that to happen. Happens a little more than I'd like, but eh.

Also, I want little robot repair droids of my own. Awww.

[botticus]

I'm dreadfully behind in completing the game. Just got to Elyssia and ran into Ghor. Jerk.

But it is a lot of fun. I really like the level layout.

Question: When I shoot a door and it doesn't open, that means the game is still loading up the next area, right? Sometimes I have to wait a while for that to happen. Happens a little more than I'd like, but eh.

Also, I want little robot repair droids of my own. Awww.Yeah, door-loading sucks. Rest of the game being nearly flawless makes it more annoying.

[pittpizza]

Might as well voice my door loading gripe as well. It does suck you have to wait. Sucks especially bad when you are item hunting and just trying to travel quickly (not bothering to kill baddies). They just keep shooting you and shooting you while you keep waiting and waiting for the friggin door to open.

[Wolfpup]

I personally don't have an issue with the door loading. It seems really minimal to me, and the door changes color so you know it is doing something. But then I rarely have an issue with loading time in games.

EDIT: Besides, the first game did that a bit too (although I don't remember it being quite as much, but it's really a moot point IMO).

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, door-loading sucks. Rest of the game being nearly flawless makes it more annoying.

Yeah, the load times are ridiculously long for a current gen game system. But I've always had nearly zero patience for load times, have grown up on cart games that had none.

So it was definitely the biggest flaw in the game for me. Only other nit pick I had was having to use down on the d-pad and te +/---got used to it, but still was never ideal. But both are minor in the overall scheme of a great game.

Hopefully with the Wii 2 they'll find a way to get some more normal sized buttons/triggers on the controllers.

[Javery]

I'm dreadfully behind in completing the game. Just got to Elyssia and ran into Ghor. Jerk.

But it is a lot of fun. I really like the level layout.

Question: When I shoot a door and it doesn't open, that means the game is still loading up the next area, right? Sometimes I have to wait a while for that to happen. Happens a little more than I'd like, but eh.

Also, I want little robot repair droids of my own. Awww.

I'm not much further than you. I'm on the abandoned spaceship G.F.S. something or other. I think I'm stuck! I need power cells to turn on some elevators and crap and I can't find them... I'm going to go back to Sky Town and see if I can find anything. I could also use the power-up that lets you shoot multiple targets at once. I've come across a bunch of doors I can't get through without it... the last thing I got was the screw attack.

[botticus]

I'm not much further than you. I'm on the abandoned spaceship G.F.S. something or other. I think I'm stuck! I need power cells to turn on some elevators and crap and I can't find them... I'm going to go back to Sky Town and see if I can find anything. I could also use the power-up that lets you shoot multiple targets at once. I've come across a bunch of doors I can't get through without it... the last thing I got was the screw attack.They tell you to go to the Valhalla far too early, makes it a bit confusing. You don't need to go there until almost the end, and there's little point in optionally going sooner until you've collected a bunch of energy cells.

As I just posted a little bit ago, I made my first visit there 15 hours in when they required me to.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, that was annoying. Not sure why they pop the Vahalla up as a mission so soon, when you can't get anywhere without a bunch of energy cells.

I went right then and was annoyed. Didn't go back until I had all 9 energy cells.

[pittpizza]

Yeah, that was annoying. Not sure why they pop the Vahalla up as a mission so soon, when you can't get anywhere without a bunch of energy cells.

I went right then and was annoyed. Didn't go back until I had all 9 energy cells.


This is definitely the way to go. I went back a few times when I had one or two more enegery cells and was disappointed that it only oppend up 1 or 2 more rooms which didnt really advance the direction of the game at all. Ya dont need all 9 energy cells though.

Javery, on the map screen, on the left side, there is inventroy, click on this then on the left energy cells appear and give you hints as to where they're located. I think the Valhalah is hlepful because you can scan info thing which give you the hints on where to find the energy cells.

Heads UP: Some are pretty tough to get and require major puzzle solving capability. I roamed around Bryyo for about an hour trying to figure out how the heck to get one of em, but eventualy did it using no other help than the inventory clue.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, you just need all 9 to get all the pickups in there and to get the main thing you need to advance the game. I think you need 5 if you just go straight to the important thing.

And you are right about scanning the robots on the valhalla to get tips on where the energy cells are. That's the only point to go there first and you'll open up some rooms and find more of the robots to get the energy cell locations.

I didn't need them as I was trying for 100%, so I just found all pickups on all other worlds first (which included all the energy cells aside from the one on the valhalla) and then when there and finished it up and was at 100% and ready to go to the end of the game.

[io]

I went to the Valhalla every time I found an energy cell. That probably padded my 23 hour (100%) play time a bit, but I thought it was cool. It is a very creepy place. Yeah, it definitely helps to go there and find the clues about where the pickups are. Though once you get all the maps unlocked from the Chozo Observatory on Elysia you won't really need the clues any more (the energy cells will show up on your map just like the other pickups).

I spent an hour or two trying to find the last energy cell as I couldn't see it on any of the maps. Turns out it was the one sitting right on the floor of the dock on the Valhalla :lol:. I just didn't see it since it was right up against the busted ship that is also scannable (but much larger). At that point I had used them all except for the very last one I needed for the story. So I guess I did them in exactly the wrong order (and thus needed all 9). But that's OK since I was going for 100% anyway.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, pretty much everyone misses that one on the Valhalla--myslef included. :D

[pittpizza]

Hey everybody, i want to get the Mii bobble head and need some friend vouchers. My wii number is in my sig. Does anybody know how this works or want to trade with me, i have 15 to trade/exchange.

[dmaul1114]

It just works on the honor system. You're in the wrong thread though, there is an MP3 voucher thread just for arrange voucher trades.

I'm all out of them and done with the game, or I'd help you out.

[botticus]

I spent an hour or two trying to find the last energy cell as I couldn't see it on any of the maps. Turns out it was the one sitting right on the floor of the dock on the Valhalla :lol:. I just didn't see it since it was right up against the busted ship that is also scannable (but much larger). At that point I had used them all except for the very last one I needed for the story. So I guess I did them in exactly the wrong order (and thus needed all 9). But that's OK since I was going for 100% anyway.Even worse, there was a scannable body near the ship as well, so it was practically unnoticeable unless you hadn't scanned an energy cell before.

Just finished the Valhalla myself. I think I was missing 2 energy cells - probably could have grabbed one of the upgrades that was locked up, but I knew to avoid such places initially so I wouldn't run out, didn't bother going back afterwards. Glad to see I at least managed to get all but one energy tank. Missed quite a few missiles, I think. Assuming there aren't any more pick-ups in the end-game, I'll be finishing at 78%.

Back to the Leviathan tomorrow.

[Javery]

Yeah, pretty much everyone misses that one on the Valhalla--myslef included. :D

That's the only one I found! I spent like an hour roaming the place though. Grr...

[The Crotch]

I found that energy cell no problem...

I had originally planned to make a couple trips to the Valhalla each time I got a few energy cells (all of which I ran into completely by accident save for one), but those asshole Phazon Hoppers turned me off that rather quickly.

[io]

Assuming there aren't any more pick-ups in the end-game, I'll be finishing at 78%.

Back to the Leviathan tomorrow.

Yeah, no pickups in the endgame (ie, once you get to Phaaze). If you have all the missiles pickups you should be carrying 255. That seems like a lot, but I used most of them in the end battle ;). (OK, I probably still had about 100 left, but, man, that was more than I expected to use).

[The Crotch]

Really? I found my missile use decreased heavily as I began to use Hyper Mode more and more (read: end of Elysia). I'd fire them non-stop early on, but I'd only use the occasional one on bosses by the end.

[lilboo]

Beat the game tonight at 80% :(
Still, what a fun game!!

Question: I remember reading bits and pieces of spoilers weeks ago..there's a map you get that shows you all the stuff you missed?! If so, where is this..?

[SteveMcQ]

I'm making so little progress with this game. I only get half an hour or so to put into it. Only just disabled the last shield generator on Bryyo and flew to the Leviathan Seed. 'Bout how many energy tanks have you guys had thus far and how much further have I got to go? 70% left?

[botticus]

Beat the game tonight at 80% :(
Still, what a fun game!!

Question: I remember reading bits and pieces of spoilers weeks ago..there's a map you get that shows you all the stuff you missed?! If so, where is this..?Chozo Observatory in SkyTown.

[wjhard63]

Just finished with all bonuses, galleries, and soundtracks unlocked/purchased. Took me three play-throughs to do it. Started on Veteran and finished at 18:14, then hit Hyper and finished at 12:22, then tried Normal to get the remaining vouchers (missed the 'Perfect Escape' from Ridley on Norion - took me a while to get that one & finally got the 'All Troopers Survived' on the Pirate Home World) and finished at 7:35.

Great, great game (I wouldn't have spent so much time/3 play-throughs on it otherwise) and didn't disappoint me as a die hard Metroid fan. The only detraction I found, was the one posted most often (before the thread merge at least) of the loading times on certain doors. Other than that, a game consistent with the quality and feel of the Metroid moniker.

Definitely a keeper in my collection and a game that shows what the Wii can do over the GameCube, both with control and graphics.

I know I'm in the utter minority here, but after buying Halo 3 on Monday night and playing 7 out of the 9 chapters on campaign with a friend on Tuesday, I kind of longed to go back to Corruption. Halo 3 is spectacular, but I just enjoy the ambience/feel of Metroid games more and really, really like the control scheme on Corruption over the standard last-gen dual stick set-up. To be fair though, I haven't played any multiplayer on Halo 3, though, so I'm sure it will suck me in after finishing the campaign.

[Javery]

I made some more progress last night. I found the Missle Spreader or whatever it's called. Is there any way to not waste a missle when performing this? I hold "down" to start the sequence but the initial press fires a missle that is ultimately wasted. Anyway, the phazon Metroids are pretty cool (but highly annoying) and with my new weapon I flle like there are a bunch of spots I can open up now to explore.

[elwood731]

I know I'm in the utter minority here, but after buying Halo 3 on Monday night and playing 7 out of the 9 chapters on campaign with a friend on Tuesday, I kind of longed to go back to Corruption. Halo 3 is spectacular, but I just enjoy the ambience/feel of Metroid games more and really, really like the control scheme on Corruption over the standard last-gen dual stick set-up. To be fair though, I haven't played any multiplayer on Halo 3, though, so I'm sure it will suck me in after finishing the campaign.
Halo has always been a far better multi-player than single player game. I've never found its single player particularly compelling, but the Metroid Prime games are. Oh well, Halo does do multi-player right.

[pittpizza]

I made some more progress last night. I found the Missle Spreader or whatever it's called. Is there any way to not waste a missle when performing this? I hold "down" to start the sequence but the initial press fires a missle that is ultimately wasted. Anyway, the phazon Metroids are pretty cool (but highly annoying) and with my new weapon I flle like there are a bunch of spots I can open up now to explore.

You can get into a new place with that weapon and I dont know of any way to charge it up without firing a missle off first. I like to think of it as a warning shot to the door, saying "You better open up soon door or I am gonna give you the whole thing!"

[dmaul1114]

Halo has always been a far better multi-player than single player game. I've never found its single player particularly compelling, but the Metroid Prime games are. Oh well, Halo does do multi-player right.

I thought single player in the first Halo was damn good and compelling, not so much in Halo 2 with the stupid Arbiter levels, and some annoying level designs.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

I made some more progress last night. I found the Missle Spreader or whatever it's called. Is there any way to not waste a missle when performing this? I hold "down" to start the sequence but the initial press fires a missle that is ultimately wasted. Anyway, the phazon Metroids are pretty cool (but highly annoying) and with my new weapon I flle like there are a bunch of spots I can open up now to explore.

I tried every way I could to not waste a missle, but it seems you have to fire one off to start the charge. Not a big deal once since once you are far enough to get that upgrade, you should have plenty of missles to spare.

I traded my copy in a GameStop yesterday to put down on a pre-order for Phantom Hourglass, but I could see myself picking it back up in a year or two to play through again on hyper.

[MisterHand]

Other than getting to 100%, what's the purpose of the ship missile expansion upgrades? Those seem totally useless to me.

[daroga]

I made some more progress last night. I found the Missle Spreader or whatever it's called. Is there any way to not waste a missle when performing this? I hold "down" to start the sequence but the initial press fires a missle that is ultimately wasted. Anyway, the phazon Metroids are pretty cool (but highly annoying) and with my new weapon I flle like there are a bunch of spots I can open up now to explore.Charge your beam and while charging it, start holding down on the dpad.

It's really more effort that it's worth, but it does work.

[dmaul1114]

Other than getting to 100%, what's the purpose of the ship missile expansion upgrades? Those seem totally useless to me.

You can call in airstrikes on enemies when you're under an open sky by going to the command visor.

I never figured it out either, just read about it here after finishing at 100%

[MisterHand]

Interesting, I'll have to try that out just for laughs.

[pittpizza]

I had no idea you could do that. Either the air strikes or the charge beam to save a missle when using a multimissile tactic.

[TahoeMax]

Eh, I never even got close to running out of missiles, so i didn't care about wasting one here and there.

[pittpizza]

Eh, I never even got close to running out of missiles, so i didn't care about wasting one here and there.

QFT, it did seem out of whack that the amount of missiles they give you is just ubsurd. You could use nothing but missiles and seemingly never run out. Esp. when every crate seems to hold 5.

I wonder if this remains true on hyper diffiuculty...hmmm.?

[ArthurDigbySellers]

QFT, it did seem out of whack that the amount of missiles they give you is just ubsurd. You could use nothing but missiles and seemingly never run out. Esp. when every crate seems to hold 5.

I wonder if this remains true on hyper diffiuculty...hmmm.?

The crate contents, at least on normal, seemed to adapt to what you currently need. It seemed like I always received health or missles when I needed it.

[dmaul1114]

I think they partly just made missles less important.

1. Harder to use in the heat of the moment as the down button isn't as intuitive to use compared to how missles where used in the past games.

2. Want you to use hypermode as your real damage attack. So missles really just needed for doors, breaking armor on some enemies etc.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

I think they partly just made missles less important.

1. Harder to use in the heat of the moment as the down button isn't as intuitive to use compared to how missles where used in the past games.

2. Want you to use hypermode as your real damage attack. So missles really just needed for doors, breaking armor on some enemies etc.

I know you've stated your missile problems numerous times in this thread, but there are plenty of us that feel they work perfectly fine, even on the d-pad. I honestly don't think Retro consciously made missiles less important because of where they were placed in the grand control scheme.

The main reason I didn't use missiles much is because even though they were supposedly homing missiles, they missed their target about 80% of the time, even when locked on.

[Strell]

I dunno. I haven't really had issues with the homing. Though I tended to make sure I was aiming right at the enemy before I shot a missile.

I do agree that absolutely requiring hypermode sort of screws me up. For example, when you kill one of those anti-air turrets on Bryyo, you really have to use hypermode to take out the space pirates. The first time I tried to do it, I just absolutely got worn down because I'd try to finish them off with charge shots and missiles. After a good 10 minutes of grueling battle, I finally died.

The next time I loaded up hypermode and finished the entire thing within a minute.

But eh. Small quibbles aside.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, the homing helps, but was spotchy. The d-pad just isn't easily accessible for me the way I hold the Wiimote. My thumb is on the A button, and not quite up to the D-pad in my normal position, so I had to shift a bit.

But nothing I can do about that. The buttons on the Wiimote aside from A and B are pretty crappy to use when not holding it sideways for me. Should have had another button or two on the underneath to aid in these type of games IMO.

The missles also seemed to do less damage in past games, so they were definitely de-emphasized. Not sure if it was due to button layout as I guessed, or just to encourage use of hypermode for big damage attacks.

[The Crotch]

1: You don't have to hold "down" while charging the shot - you can release the shot then hit the D-Pad. Still works. I think you can start it while changing visors, too - not sure.

2: The homing was fine for me - I wasn't expecting them to hit flying pirates moving at top speed. No problem with button placement, either. The main reason they're less useful is the lack of beam comboes. Without super missiles or wavebusters, there's nothing around to really eat through your missiles.

Edit: Strell, it is possible to take out the second AA gun (That is what you were talking about, right?) without Hyper Mode, even on Veteran - it just takes way more work. Lure the two pirates to one of the corners, and slowly weaken each one with missiles and regular attacks. Try to keep track of the damage so that you're killing them both more-or-less at the same time. Then go on a mad switch-flipping dash. You should be able to get all of them flipped before the pirates can undo your work.

[botticus]

Victory! Finished my first Metroid game ever with 78% at 17:09. Guess I should watch the 100% ending on Youtube, though I'm sure I can guess what it is.

Spectacular game start to finish, the few gripes I've already discussed aside. I approve of the record-keeping screenshot taken at the end.

[clockworkgreen]

Man, if you could just capture those screenshots to an SD card....

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Man, if you could just capture those screenshots to an SD card....

Or if those screenshots looked like the ones I have seen taken from Halo 3. Seriously, the screenshots from MP3 look like a 1 MegaPixel digital camera shot - shrunk down.

[Javery]

i just beat helios. very cool.

[pittpizza]

helios, i forget what that was...a boss fight? which one?

[dmaul1114]

Was the seed guardian on Sky Town I believe.

[The Crotch]

Yep. Definitely the most disappointing of the Seed Guardians. Not particularly hard, either, unless you get mauled by his vulnerable form. The way it stuns you leaves you open for so many hits...

[dmaul1114]

Honestly, none of the bosses were all that hard for me (played on normal) besides me before noted struggles (dying battery facilitated) against Mogenar. The Helios and the third seed guardian were particularly easy.

[The Crotch]

Dark Samus is a major prick on Veteran. I would always miss a clone, so she'd do that damn invincibility thing on me. Didn't help that I was still hurt from the fight with the Baby Leviathan. Bastard exploding guy knocked me into a Phazon pool, so even the crapload of health I got from the Leviathan wasn't enough. Thank god AU 313's first form gave up so much health and did so little damage.

[pittpizza]

I died once in the first major boss fight with Mogenar (missed a few of his orbs when he was re-energizing) and once in the boss fight with helios I think, that was due to me shooting the crap of em with phazon when he wasnt vunerable. I also died once in the first final boss fight.

Other than that I only died two or three other times due to phazon corruption.

Did anyone think it was wierd that there was only one point int hte game where you could choose yes or no, (it was a question like "will you accept hte mission"). Anybody knows what happens if you choose no?

[Strell]

Just got the Screw Attack last night.

I think that entire task really symbolizes what Metroid is all about - being isolated on alien planets, seeing remnants of their civilizations long since dead, and finding powerful artifacts that they sealed away. It's just unsettling enough, but still pushes you forward with curiosity.

The whole setting was perfect. Easily the best moment I've had in this game so far, and possibly the best on this entire system.

[dmaul1114]

Dark Samus is a major prick on Veteran. I would always miss a clone, so she'd do that damn invincibility thing on me.

Did you know you can use the X-ray visor when the clones our out? Then the real Dark Samus, appears in red, and you can just shoot her still and not worry so much about the clones. Made it easy for me, though again I played on normal as I hate hard games.

[pittpizza]

The x-ray visor also allows you to take out metroids with one shot.

[Javery]

The whole setting was perfect. Easily the best moment I've had in this game so far, and possibly the best on this entire system.

Wait until you assemble the bomb and drop it off - the escape pod sequence was awesome.

[dmaul1114]

The x-ray visor also allows you to take out metroids with one shot.

And a lot of the space pirates.

[pittpizza]

That escape pod sequence was really really cool.

Maybe my favorite part was where you acquired the spider ball upgrade (I think thats what its called, the magnetic ball thing) you just go around the whole game seeing all these tracks everywhere and when you finallly get it it was such a rush for me.

This is (BY FAR) my favorite part of every metroid prime game. I dont know why and it is kind of dorky I guess b/c it doesnt have anything to do with firepower or killing enemies. I just really like rolling all over the place upside down on walls and ceilings and jumpin around from track to track.

[Zen Davis]

I wonder if Samus will ever become a mother.

[pittpizza]

She would have to have sex for that to happen, but that could never happen because only Chuck Norris could have sex with Samus Aran, and Chuck Norris is so tough, he could only have sex with Chuck Norris.

Maybe Samus and Master Chief could get it on. Think about how much armor would be sprawled around the bed? Perhaps phazon has acted like an intergalactic hysterectomy. You all should check out the Samus v. Masterchief showdown they did on IGN, it was badass and samus won by a landslide.

[trq]

I wonder if Samus will ever become a mother.

She does in Metroid II ... sorta. ;)

On another note, I'm surprised people didn't use the missiles that much. I spammed them out incessantly, especially once I got the ice missile upgrade.

[dmaul1114]

I went through a period of trying to use the missles more, and did still use them fairly often, but it was just too awkward for me to hit the down button in the heat of battle to the extent I used them in the first 2 games.

[Strell]

Edit: Strell, it is possible to take out the second AA gun (That is what you were talking about, right?) without Hyper Mode, even on Veteran - it just takes way more work. Lure the two pirates to one of the corners, and slowly weaken each one with missiles and regular attacks. Try to keep track of the damage so that you're killing them both more-or-less at the same time. Then go on a mad switch-flipping dash. You should be able to get all of them flipped before the pirates can undo your work.

Look, I only get to play games late at night, when my mind is tired.

All I can think that late is to shoot some bitches. I don't have time to think about shooting some bitches, or if maybe I want to shoot some bitches, or if I should construct a plan to shoot some bitches, or how many times I need to shoot some bitches, or whether or not - when I shoot the bitches - that they will come back, only to let me shoot the bitches some more.

I'm in full shoot the bitches mode, with no stopping in sight. None of this thinking stuff. Bitches are on the screen? Boom. I shootin'em.

Spare me your philosophies concerning where, when, how, why, where, how, when, why, why, and how Imma shoot some bitches. Don't gots no time, don't gots no time.

[dothog]

Look, I only get to play games late at night, when my mind is tired.

All I can think that late is to shoot some bitches. I don't have time to think about shooting some bitches, or if maybe I want to shoot some bitches, or if I should construct a plan to shoot some bitches, or how many times I need to shoot some bitches, or whether or not - when I shoot the bitches - that they will come back, only to let me shoot the bitches some more.

I'm in full shoot the bitches mode, with no stopping in sight. None of this thinking stuff. Bitches are on the screen? Boom. I shootin'em.

Spare me your philosophies concerning where, when, how, why, where, how, when, why, why, and how Imma shoot some bitches. Don't gots no time, don't gots no time.
Is this the midday italics some bitches mode? Bitches in my post? Smack. I done italicized 'em

[Strell]

I 'bout to kill screen some bitches. Imma expose your faulty half-finished level due to memory constraints on code.

[The Crotch]

Pah. How 'bout this weekend I kill somma your bitches? You won't have to count how many bullets your little Marines shoot - they won't even get a chance with my Dark Templar.

Bitch.


Did you know you can use the X-ray visor when the clones our out? Then the real Dark Samus, appears in red, and you can just shoot her still and not worry so much about the clones. Made it easy for me, though again I played on normal as I hate hard games. Found that out later, I did. Plan to make use of that in Hyper Mode.

I also plan not to fight that one Hatcher on Norion at the very first opportunity. And I'm already utilizing Hyper Mode way more than I did on my first runthrough. I quit just before Mogenar last night. I wouldn't be surprised if he and that frog-thing from Sky Town forced many-a-restart on me.

Edit: Strike the golem off my list - only took one try. Got a little close at one point when I lost two energy tanks after getting caught in charge attack. Just slowly gathered health from his hands/orbs and eventually got to the point where I could take him down. The Steam Lord gave me a bit more trouble, but I still managed to beat him. Next up: the frog robot. This will not be good...

Edit 2: Defense Drone dead first try. He had me down to 22 health at one point, and given just how damn strong those bouncy balls he shoots at you are, the fact that I eventually came back to win is quite astonishing. I abused Corrupt Hyper Mode to an extent that only a few rogue Metroid-ologists considered possible. Further study will have do be done, but experts agree that their field has been rocked to the core.

[Zen Davis]

After a month of release, the game has yet to break 500,000 units sold.

[Callandor]

After a month of release, the game has yet to break 500,000 units sold.

How disappointing, and yet unsurprising.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, shame such a great game isn't selling as well as it should given the 11 million Wii owners.

But I guess a lot of them probably are more casual players, and MP2 on the GC didn't sell all that well either, so I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

[Dezuria]

Not that it really needs to be said but, the Wii is selling because of Wii Sports and similar games, as far as I can tell.

[botticus]

After a month of release, the game has yet to break 500,000 units sold.According to... VGChartz? The 400k first week confusion is the only reason it would be "stalling," since NPD had it at 218k for the first four days. We'll see what the NPD says for September. And it's only selling to some 4 or 5 million US Wii owners, so such numbers aren't entirely surprising. The game releases in other territories later this month.

[007]

As much as I play the game and go 'this is the game I'd sell the Wii on', the realist in me knows that just doesn't work. Metroid, for all the hoopla, will always be a niche franchise. It sells reasonably well to the fanbase, but it never puts up hugely impressive numbers. So, the numbers don't really surprise me. Plus, like botticus said, I'm curious to see what happens when it comes out in other countries.

Regardless, it still is, hands down, the best game on the system.

[Wolfpup]

It used to sell systems, and IMO Metroid Prime 1 should have. I still say MP3 isn't even a Metroid game though.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

The sales are most likely on par with the past Prime games. None of them lit a sales fire out of the gate, they slowly inched their way up. I read somewhere that Prime 3 actually outsold 1 and 2 when you compare their release windows.

Nintendo did basically zero marketing for this game. If Reggie ends up bitching about MP3 sales, he has no one to blame but himself. Nintendo is making more money than they have in a LONG time, they need to start spending some of that money advertising their games.

[clockworkgreen]

It used to sell systems, and IMO Metroid Prime 1 should have. I still say MP3 isn't even a Metroid game though.

Despite that whole silly thing about starring Samus and being called Metroid?

Metroid Pinball - now THERE's a Metroid game that isn't actually a Metroid game.

[pittpizza]

Yeah Nintendo kind of has thier game names confused: see, e.g. the following analogy:

Zelda is to Link as Metroid is to ______?

[The Crotch]

According to... VGChartz? The 400k first week confusion is the only reason it would be "stalling," since NPD had it at 218k for the first four days. We'll see what the NPD says for September. And it's only selling to some 4 or 5 million US Wii owners, so such numbers aren't entirely surprising. The game releases in other territories later this month.I liked the bit where this totally reasonable post was lost in the middle of "That's a shame - stupid casual Wii owners!"

[io]

I liked the bit where this totally reasonable post was lost in the middle of "That's a shame - stupid casual Wii owners!"

Exactly... If it sells 500K in the U.S. to 5 million Wii owners I think that is actually not a bad ratio. It will continue to sell to those who do any research before buying games (ie, those who, at a minimum, look at review scores). I think going forward, Nintendo will be very happy to get a 10% attach rate for any game they release (the exceptions being Mario Galaxy, SSBB, and Mario Kart where they would expect, and, I'm sure, get, much more). But for the non-Mario stuff 10% ain't bad. If that translates worldwide then they have a million seller within its release window (which is different times in different regions), with more sales piling up as it becomes a "classic" on the system.

It's not going to approach Halo 3 status, but no one expected it to...

[Javery]

LOL at 90% of the retarded Wii owners!!!

[Strell]

Took some bitches out while I was nukin' that...thing.

Then I tore up Helios.

Metroids are STILL SCARY though. They were scary enough in the 2D games, shit.

Lookin' for fuel cells and 'bout to storm that pirate base. You know how I is.

[The Crotch]

That big battle with the Metroids is without a doubt the most intense part of the game. The bastards are just too good at dodging missiles. I know, I know - hit them when they attack. Kinda hard when there's 8 of them, and they can go through the fucking walls. I had to beat them all Parthian-like, slowly backing through the maze of corridors while firing blindly forward.

[botticus]

That big battle with the Metroids is without a doubt the most intense part of the game. The bastards are just too good at dodging missiles. I know, I know - hit them when they attack. Kinda hard when there's 8 of them, and they can go through the fucking walls. I had to beat them all Parthian-like, slowly backing through the maze of corridors while firing blindly forward.Those little shits scared the hell out of me. I don't know why they couldn't be nice and conversational like the espers who were similarly contained in FFVI.

[Doomed]

LOL at 90% of the retarded Wii owners!!!

My Wii was born that way. Stop being so insensitive.

[SpazX]

It's sad that such a good game doesn't get the exposure it should, but it's not surprising since the other primes weren't that popular either.

[pittpizza]

If you're having problems killing metroids, USE THE X-RAY VISION, (one or two shots kill) when you get it that is.

As to 90% of Wii owners not being "hard-core" gamers, the number seems high. This is evidence that Nintendo accomplished what they wanted to do, that is attract "casual" gamers.

I only wished that they did next gen (sick/HD) graphics AS WELL as the intuitive new motion stuff, not INSTEAD OF. Invariably this probably would have driven the price up and changed the dynamic of the system. I feel this way less strongly after playing Metroid and seeing some vids for Galaxy though.

[MisterHand]

As to 90% of Wii owners not being "hard-core" gamers, the number seems high. This is evidence that Nintendo accomplished what they wanted to do, that is attract "casual" gamers. I only wished that they did next gen (sick/HD) graphics AS WELL as the intuitive new motion stuff, not INSTEAD OF.As nice as that would have been, it would have also resulted in a more expensive machine. By not going HD, Nintendo was able to keep the console cheaper -- a big part of their success no doubt.

Next generation, they'll be able to do HD out of the gate *and* retain a low price if they so wish.

[Wolfpup]

Only problem is the 360 kinda sort started out at $300. Granted it was crippled by no hard drive, but it's still a far better deal than the Wii at $250 (from a price performance perspective). Of course the 360 was heavily subsidized at first, and the Wii made a profit out of the gate-real price difference would have been higher, but still.

The Game Theory podcast (Next Generation's people) guys have often wondered what the long term Wii game market will look like, since possibly these new people will only buy a game or two, versus like the 360 where most of it's audience (so far at least) buys a ton of games. Of course anything's possible long term.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Only problem is the 360 kinda sort started out at $300. Granted it was crippled by no hard drive, but it's still a far better deal than the Wii at $250 (from a price performance perspective). Of course the 360 was heavily subsidized at first, and the Wii made a profit out of the gate-real price difference would have been higher, but still.

The Game Theory podcast (Next Generation's people) guys have often wondered what the long term Wii game market will look like, since possibly these new people will only buy a game or two, versus like the 360 where most of it's audience (so far at least) buys a ton of games. Of course anything's possible long term.

Even if the majority of the Wii-owning public are casuals (which is not true), then even if they only buy 2 games over the lifespan of the Wii, it is still more money in Nintendo's pocket compared to last gen. Nintendo is going to have the loyal consumers who bought the previous systems plus the casuals this time around.

Regardless of how many games the casual consumers buy, all of it is money Nintendo didn't have last gen, and money that MS and Sony aren't getting.

[dmaul1114]

As nice as that would have been, it would have also resulted in a more expensive machine. By not going HD, Nintendo was able to keep the console cheaper -- a big part of their success no doubt.


I don't think it would have added that much cost to do HD. I mean the actual graphics down have to be 360/PS3 level to do HD. Remember the original X-box had some 720p games.

So they could have just supported 720p, and not went nearly as high level on graphics processors as the 360/PS3 did and probably not have added all that much cost to the box.

[kevlar51]

Nintendo did basically zero marketing for this game. If Reggie ends up bitching about MP3 sales, he has no one to blame but himself. Nintendo is making more money than they have in a LONG time, they need to start spending some of that money advertising their games.

It's insane how little marketing they've done for it. Compare with Halo 3 and Madden, where the release is hyped beyond measure for months in advance. I'm not saying Metroid would make the same numbers as Halo 3, but good God, man, at least make the effort.

All that being said, I'm sick of the all the crazed hype surrounding games. :)

[daroga]

Only problem is the 360 kinda sort started out at $300. Granted it was crippled by no hard drive, but it's still a far better deal than the Wii at $250 (from a price performance perspective). Of course the 360 was heavily subsidized at first, and the Wii made a profit out of the gate-real price difference would have been higher, but still.

The Game Theory podcast (Next Generation's people) guys have often wondered what the long term Wii game market will look like, since possibly these new people will only buy a game or two, versus like the 360 where most of it's audience (so far at least) buys a ton of games. Of course anything's possible long term.The 360 was only $300 to people really bad at math (or desperate at launch). That system was so crippled it wasn't even worth buying. And it was at least $300+Memory Card cost (was it $40 at launch?) because the system is worthless without being able to save a game.

[Zen Davis]

According to the VGC, it'll break 500k next week. I think everyone who likes this game should push it on their friends.

[kevlar51]

The 360 was only $300 to people really bad at math (or desperate at launch). That system was so crippled it wasn't even worth buying. And it was at least $300+Memory Card cost (was it $40 at launch?) because the system is worthless without being able to save a game.

Ditto. When MS announced that there would be two versions, I pretty much viewed the Core as additional marketing for the Premium. People would compare at the Core's specs with the Premium's and think to themselves "wow, I get absolutely nothing with the Core, but look at how much extra I get for only $100 more if I buy the Premium."

[The Crotch]

If you're having problems killing metroids, USE THE X-RAY VISION, (one or two shots kill) when you get it that is.We know. It's just that the biggest Metroid battle comes way before that.

As to 90% of Wii owners not being "hard-core" gamers, the number seems high. This is evidence that Nintendo accomplished what they wanted to do, that is attract "casual" gamers.
\The PS2 sold how many billions? And yet even the biggest games on the system sold only a fraction of that. The Wii will probably be worse, but still...

[vherub]

Metroid games have rarely been tremendous sellers, even though the games are a treat to play and critical darlings. Not that 500k is bad.

[Zen Davis]

Finally beat this. It's easily my favorite Metroid Prime game with the Skytown portion of the game being my favorite part of any game released in 2007. Simply inspired.

I'm from the school of thought that the original Metroid Prime is the worst game in the series. Although the Phendora Drifts (and that sunken spaceship) had an amazing effect on me the first time I played through it, the overall game seemed to rely too much on the cliche of the sand level, the lava level, the snow level, etc. The entire game felt like a pseudo-exploration quest, which I understand is staying true to the roots of Metroid, but other than chasing after Ridley, it never felt like there was anything on the line. Sure you went through the history lessons of a society past, but that was beyond the point. You were after Ridley and ended up discovering Prime. Honestly, the entire game felt like one big safari where you just happened to wander through a dead civilization.

I liked Prime 2 a lot more for going in a different direction. A lot of people disliked it for the dark world aspects and the tough difficulty, but being a hardcore gamer, I appreciated these things. Also the Aliens-esque tone of Prime 2 appealed to me far more than the aimless overworld hub of Prime 1. People were dying. A world was at stake. There was an invasion ongoing and it was up to Samus to figure everything out. Yeah, there wasn't a whole lot of variety in the game, but there was a direct focus to Echoes that wasn't there in the original Prime. Plus the addition of Dark Samus gave us a direct villain to focus on, which we really didn't have in the original game.

Prime 3 wrapped everything up amazingly. The new control scheme. The four new worlds. The elaboration of the Metroid universe with additional characters and voice acting. Honestly, after having finished Prime 3, I have to say that the game felt more like the first in a new series than the third in an old one. I know Retro Studios is going to be moving on and working on something else, but I can't wait until they return to the Metroid series. It feels like there a whole lot to explore and see in Metroid. Personally I hope they take a Knights of the Old Republic approach to the next Metroid game and further elaborate on the universe and add on to the exploration aspects.

I still don't think the perfect Metroid Prime game has been created yet though. Prime 3 felt very small compared to Prime 1 and 2 and I felt like that another few planets could have been added to the story to give the game a more epic feel. Otherwise, Retro Studios is probably among my favorite development studios and I can't wait to see what they're doing next!

[Wolfpup]

What does being a hardcore gamer have to do with wanting hard difficulty?

[dmaul1114]

What does being a hardcore gamer have to do with wanting hard difficulty?

Hardcore gamers=play a lot of games= get good at games= like harder games to get a challenge.

Obviously doesn't apply to all hardcore gamers, but the shoe fits many/most.

I don't consider myself hardcore, and hate hardgames. I have no shame on playing on normal or even easy as I just want to have fun and not get all frustrated and pissed off.

The difficulty of MP3 in normal was just right for me. Hard enough that I died several times on bosses, not so hard that I got frustrated and shelved is like I did MP2.

[MisterHand]

Around here, "hardcore gamer" = only plays FPS that feature blood and tits. Any other game is crap. Double so if it comes out on the Wii. ;)

[Zen Davis]

Around here, "hardcore gamer" = only plays FPS that feature blood and tits. Any other game is crap. Double so if it comes out on the Wii. ;)

I'm hardcore and look at how I pimp Zack and Wiki. :)

By the way, buy Zack and Wiki.

[pittpizza]

DMaul I know you were just trying to describe what most people think a hardcore gamer is, but I would def. consider myself a hardcore gamer and don't fit that pattern.

A hardcore gamer IMO is someone who spends a good amount of time playing/reading about/posting about/shoping for videogames. Someone who is good at them and has a "videogame instinct."

The videogame instinct I am talking about is hard to describe but basically just means someone who knows how to play a game and play it well. For instance in a game where you can't get somewhere and there is alot of (insert X item here) laying around, a hardcore gamer would know that the solution probably has something to do with the use of the X item.

A hardcore gamer knows that the key to most boss fights is that item that you just recently got. A hardcore knows how to play a game the way it was meant ot be played (in Bioshock/metroid type games they will thoroughly explore, in hitman/tom clancy games, they will use stealth and strategy, etc...)

There is no hard and fast test but I would suggest that a hardcore gamer plays at least 5 hrs a week.

I am a hardcore gamer and LOVE to play games like Pikmin, Viva Pinata, Super Paper Mario. I think it is a term that better desribes the person playing the games than the games they play (FPS w/ blood and tits).

Just my 2 cents.

[The Crotch]

Hardcore is for peaches and punk. Using that term to describe gaming - or any other hobby - just sounds silly.

[Strell]

Oh good god.

There is no such thing as a "hardcore gamer."

There is no way to adequately define one.

Please do not start this discussion.

[Droogs]

If there a softcore gamer like there is a softcore pr0n?

[pittpizza]

Oh good god.

There is no such thing as a "hardcore gamer."


Are you sure about that? I heard a rumor going around that you were one.

[Strell]

Are you sure about that? I heard a rumor going around that you were one.

I have 18 jackhammers of fury stuffed in my pants, mixed with equal parts kerosene and diamond juice.

But enough about that.

Just finished this game literally a few minutes ago.

Need to figure out where I missed five damn pickups.

Otherwise, pretty phenomenal game. Boss fights could be a little better though.

The final planet was exactly what Metroid is all about.

[Wolfpup]

Hardcore gamers=play a lot of games= get good at games= like harder games to get a challenge.

Obviously doesn't apply to all hardcore gamers, but the shoe fits many/most.

I don't consider myself hardcore, and hate hardgames. I have no shame on playing on normal or even easy as I just want to have fun and not get all frustrated and pissed off.

I guess I just think of it differently-just as someone who has gaming as a main hobby. I can't stand hard games (and it's EASY to make a game hard-a lot of people don't seem to understand that).

For years now I've always played stuff on Easy if it's available as a real mode. Can't stand playing halfway through a game and getting stuck somewhere, I hate cheesy difficulty, etc. I want to play through something and experience it, it's not like I'm trying to impress someone!

...
A hardcore gamer IMO is someone who spends a good amount of time playing/reading about/posting about/shoping for videogames. Someone who is good at them and has a "videogame instinct."

The videogame instinct I am talking about is hard to describe but basically just means someone who knows how to play a game and play it well. For instance in a game where you can't get somewhere and there is alot of (insert X item here) laying around, a hardcore gamer would know that the solution probably has something to do with the use of the X item....

That "videogame instinct" just means you've played a lot of games, and know the language of them. I think generally anyone is going to be able to do that if they're average intelligence. Just like you get to know how generally the flow of most movies is going to go (and start to appreciate stuff that breaks that mold).

There is no hard and fast test but I would suggest that a hardcore gamer plays at least 5 hrs a week.

I am a hardcore gamer and LOVE to play games like Pikmin, Viva Pinata, Super Paper Mario. I think it is a term that better desribes the person playing the games than the games they play (FPS w/ blood and tits).

Just my 2 cents.

Yeah, to me it just means you play a lot of games, spend a significant amount of time and probably money on them. And I guess I'd throw in the criteria that you play real games, you can't ONLY play like solitare and Brain Age all day, but have to be primarily interested in real games (like you mentioned ie Pikmen, Final Fantasy, Zelda, whatever).

[dmaul1114]

I guess I just think of it differently-just as someone who has gaming as a main hobby. I can't stand hard games (and it's EASY to make a game hard-a lot of people don't seem to understand that).


I'd agree with that definition. I just think that more people with gaming as a main hobby (especially if it's their #1 hobby) are more likely to be good at games just from playing more (practice makes perfect).

They're are exceptions to every rule of course, like you and I who game a decent amount but hate hard games. :D

Thus why you see the call for harder games from Nintendo by hardcore (or serious, or whatever you want to call them) gamers on forums like this.

[jer7583]

use of the "hardcore" term is really little more than a way for those who feel ashamed about the amount of games they play to separate themselves from the negative image of a gamer. Very rarely does anyone apply this term to themselves.. just to others.

[dallow]

I would never want to be considered a hardcore gamer.

[Strell]

You're more a hardstar gamer, dallow. Or a hardinteriordecorater gamer.

[Zen Davis]

Life is hard. Why shouldn't your games be the same?

[dmaul1114]

use of the "hardcore" term is really little more than a way for those who feel ashamed about the amount of games they play to separate themselves from the negative image of a gamer.

I'd think "hardcore gamer" has a more negative image than just gamer.

[dmaul1114]

Life is hard. Why shouldn't your games be the same?

I play most of the time to relax and unwind from games....

Picross DS at night is great for this!

[Zen Davis]

I play most of the time to relax and unwind from games....

Picross DS at night is great for this!

Life is hard. Play harder.

[dmaul1114]

Life is hard. Play harder.

:D That's what the gym, intramural sports and hiking are for. :D

I like harder games too, just not super hard stuff like Ninja Gaiden or Metroid Prime 2. I just get frustrated and don't have fun, which ruins it for me since games are meant to be fun.

But of course it's great that there are hard games for those who have fun playing them.

[elwood731]

:D That's what the gym, intramural sports and hiking are for. :D

I like harder games too, just not super hard stuff like Ninja Gaiden or Metroid Prime 2. I just get frustrated and don't have fun, which ruins it for me since games are meant to be fun.

But of course it's great that there are hard games for those who have fun playing them.
I kind of agree with you. While I played Ninja Giaden, beat it, and loved it--the truth is that generally I'd much rather play through a game and enjoy the entire experience than get hopelessly stuck on one level and quit. Sometimes it isn't even getting stuck as much as it is getting lost or disinterested because of frustrating and/or difficult design. That's one thing I generally really liked about Crackdown. I just wish there had been more of it.

[dmaul1114]

I kind of agree with you. While I played Ninja Giaden, beat it, and loved it--the truth is that generally I'd much rather play through a game and enjoy the entire experience than get hopelessly stuck on one level and quit. Sometimes it isn't even getting stuck as much as it is getting lost or disinterested because of frustrating and/or difficult design. That's one thing I generally really liked about Crackdown. I just wish there had been more of it.


Totally. My main problem is things like bosses that take me 20+ times to beat, or cheap one hit deaths and stuff like that.

I like my challenge to come from puzzles, or figuring out how to kill a boss etc. Metroid Prime 3 was great on Normal for me, as that was exactly where the challenge came from. Unlike MP2 (and to a lesser extent MP1) where even after figuring out how to beat the boss it took me 20+ trys on some of them to execute the strategy.

[The Crotch]

Just finished this game literally a few minutes ago.

Need to figure out where I missed five damn pickups.
Bryyo Ice and/or the Valhalla (especially that bastard on the elevator. I guarantee it.

The final planet was exactly what Metroid is all about.Without a doubt the best part of the game - even better than Ridley.

[Zen Davis]

Totally. My main problem is things like bosses that take me 20+ times to beat, or cheap one hit deaths and stuff like that.

I like my challenge to come from puzzles, or figuring out how to kill a boss etc. Metroid Prime 3 was great on Normal for me, as that was exactly where the challenge came from. Unlike MP2 (and to a lesser extent MP1) where even after figuring out how to beat the boss it took me 20+ trys on some of them to execute the strategy.

Gamefaqs.

[dmaul1114]

Gamefaqs.

Gamefaqs helps with figuring out what to do. It doesn't help you execute it without dying.

I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to damage a boss (bosses in MP3 were great). I don't like dying 20 times after figuring out how to damage them as it's so hard to get the timing down to dodge their attacks and get yours in etc. (MP2).

The solution is just for Nintendo to put variable difficulty in from the start in their games just like they did with MP3. Then people that like hard games can enjoy it, and people who like easier games can enjoy it as well.

[Zen Davis]

Buy this game.

[Zen Davis]

What a goddamn shame.

Top Wii Sellers

1 Wii Play
2 Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution
3 Zack & Wiki: QfBT
4 Mario Party 8
5 EA Playground
6 My Sims
7 Carnival Games
8 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition
9 Bleach: Shattered Blade
10 Metroid Prime 3

[KingBroly]

At least Zack & Wiki is selling. But it's still a massive failure on Nintendo's part when it comes to marketing their big titles.

[rodeojones903]

At least Zack & Wiki is selling. But it's still a massive failure on Nintendo's part when it comes to marketing their big titles.

You mean Capcom.

[The Crotch]

Blech. Death to Carnival Games!

[ihadFG]

You mean Capcom.

He means its a shame Nintendo didn't market Metroid Prime 3 better.

[JoeTheZombie]

Agreed. The whole 'Wii would like to play' thing just doesn't work for Metroid. I'd like to see some Zack & Wiki ads, but then again, I couldn't find it to buy it anyway.

[Javery]

I'm at the shapeshifter boss - am I 1/2 way done yet? I'm losing steam on this (but I love it) since I just got GHIII and I'm still sitting on Bioshock...

[dmaul1114]

I believe that's a bit past 1/2 way.

[vherub]

shapeshifter boss is more than halfway, probably closer to 3/4- depending on how many energy cells you have been collecting

[The Crotch]

See: my post in the thread in General Gaming, Javery.

Also, I should point out that the game gets a lot more shooter-heavy in a couple of hours. And the 45 minutes or so of the game is absolutely sublime.

[Zen Davis]

I'm at the shapeshifter boss - am I 1/2 way done yet? I'm losing steam on this (but I love it) since I just got GHIII and I'm still sitting on Bioshock...

You're almost there.

[Javery]

Sweet. I just had my posse attack the pirate homeworld after getting the nova beam for the green doors. I think I read here that there is a map that shows all the item locations - can I get that yet? I feel like I must be getting close... I've got 5 fuel cells too and I think I placed 2 or 3 on the deserted ship already...

[Friend of Sonic]

What a goddamn shame.

Top Wii Sellers

1 Wii Play
2 Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution
3 Zack & Wiki: QfBT
4 Mario Party 8
5 EA Playground
6 My Sims
7 Carnival Games
8 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition
9 Bleach: Shattered Blade
10 Metroid Prime 3
What. WHAT?! Those games ahead of Metroid had better sold 10+ million copies.

[The Crotch]

Once you've got the Nova Beam, you can get maps for items everywhere save for the Valhalla.

The maps are in the Chozo Observatory in Skytown. Keep in mind that it's the item maps you're looking for, not the world maps. You need to use the X-Ray visor and the Nova Beam to get the item map for the Pirate Homeworld.

[Javery]

I got to the Chozo Observatory and I think I got all the item locations - even though there were like 15 or so places that it looked like I could bomb I was only able to do 5 or 6 of them. Plus, I used the Nova beam with my X-ray visor to open up the thing in the center of the room. I also beat Omega Ridley - I think I'm just about finished although it's going to take a while to collect all the crap I've missed...

[Callandor]

I got to the Chozo Observatory and I think I got all the item locations - even though there were like 15 or so places that it looked like I could bomb I was only able to do 5 or 6 of them. Plus, I used the Nova beam with my X-ray visor to open up the thing in the center of the room. I also beat Omega Ridley - I think I'm just about finished although it's going to take a while to collect all the crap I've missed...

Yeah, at this point, you need to collect enough energy cells to get to the bridge of the Valhalla and get the codes for the portal to Phazee. Then go back to the pirate home world, find the teleporter up to the ship, and off you go.

And Phazee fucking rocks. Probably the best art direction Retro has pulled off in the Prime trilogy. You will be floored at the end game sequence. :D

I need to go back to this one day and finished my hyper mode second play through. All those damn 360 games have kept me otherwise occupied. :cry:

[The Crotch]

The entire last 45 minutes of Corruption is by far one of the greatest things I've ever played through. Better than my beloved Wind Waker final boss battle. Better than the start of "The Silent Cartographer" in Halo. Better than the opera scene in Final Fantasy 6.

[Callandor]

The entire last 45 minutes of Corruption is by far one of the greatest things I've ever played through. Better than my beloved Wind Waker final boss battle. Better than the start of "The Silent Cartographer" in Halo. Better than the opera scene in Final Fantasy 6.

I would have preferred if the final boss battles had been more legitimately difficult. Now as hellishly difficult as Meta Ridley and Metroid Prime from the first Prime, but just more difficulty outside of the continuous risk of Phazon corruption.. Maybe more like the Emperor Ing in Prime 2... that was a damn cool boss battle.

Now, I would probably kill for a new 2D Metroid on the DS or as Wiiware!

[The Crotch]

Emperor Ing was stupid. No buildup whatsoever - just, "Hey guys! Here's a big ball for you to bomb! Okay, now shoot him in the mouth! Again! I know you've neithe seen nor heard of this guy before, just keep shooting!"

As for the difficulty of the final fights in Corruption? Would have been difficult if not for the AU's first form. Any damage done by Dark Samus can be completely negated by just farming the AU for health. Myself, I walked in to that fight in a world of hurt. Motherfucker exploding guy knocked me into a pool of phazon just before I destroyed the Leviathan fetus. Even the mountain of health the Leviathan gave didn't really help.

[RollingSkull]

As for the difficulty of the final fights in Corruption? Would have been difficult if not for the AU's first form. Any damage done by Dark Samus can be completely negated by just farming the AU for health. Myself, I walked in to that fight in a world of hurt. Motherfucker exploding guy knocked me into a pool of phazon just before I destroyed the Leviathan fetus. Even the mountain of health the Leviathan gave didn't really help.

I hear you on that. I was one-shotted from near full health in that God-damned pool of phazon below the "abortion" miniboss battle.

[Javery]

I played another 2 hours last night so I'm up to 16:09 on the time next to my game file. I'm also at 85%. After getting the item maps I couldn't help myself and I started going from planet to planet to collect everything. I got everything in Skytown and on Norion. I was planning on finishing the game last night but before I knew it midnight had passed and I had to get to sleep.

I'm almost done getting everything in Bryyo but there is one powerup I just can't find - it's in a large room with some of the stone statues and there is a large half pipe against the back wall. There are multiple entry points to the room - most notably a hole in the center of the ground that leads to an orange door. Can anyone help me get this thing?

[hero101]

I played another 2 hours last night so I'm up to 16:09 on the time next to my game file. I'm also at 85%. After getting the item maps I couldn't help myself and I started going from planet to planet to collect everything. I got everything in Skytown and on Norion. I was planning on finishing the game last night but before I knew it midnight had passed and I had to get to sleep.

I'm almost done getting everything in Bryyo but there is one powerup I just can't find - it's in a large room with some of the stone statues and there is a large half pipe against the back wall. There are multiple entry points to the room - most notably a hole in the center of the ground that leads to an orange door. Can anyone help me get this thing?

I'm stuck over here too. I wish I knew what to do with those structures on my ship's grappling hook.

[Strell]

I'm almost done getting everything in Bryyo but there is one powerup I just can't find - it's in a large room with some of the stone statues and there is a large half pipe against the back wall. There are multiple entry points to the room - most notably a hole in the center of the ground that leads to an orange door. Can anyone help me get this thing?

Hehe, I had a little trouble with this one too.



First, at the half pipe area, you should be able to get into a door near the white dot. Go inside it, and ultimately, you should travel to an area where there's an energy pack, with green walls moving in and out you can space jump on. You HAVE to go here first, because you need to activate/open the gate.

Once you've done that, you need to go to the second area. Go to the landing site...I'm not sure which one it is, but it's the one that leads to one of the shield generators you had to bomb earlier. The area is kinda shaped like:

O
I
I

It's where you had to disable the anti-aircraft devices, and at one point, you were in an area where there were three switches to pull, and during that time, flying pirates came after you, and you'd have to shoot them before they could reset the switches. Make sense where I'm talking about? It might be the second or third site on the planet to land at.

Anyway.

Go there, and on the upper left area of the O (on my crude map up there), there's a large device that you can scan that says - basically - that it can be used as a power source.

This is a clue back at the area you were in the with the half-pipe - if you scan the area where the white dot is, you should see something that says "this is not being powered."

Use your ship to pick up the device you see.

Then go back to that area with the half pipe THROUGH this secret area. You have to go under the device you picked up and travel over to it - they connect, and I don't think you can use your ship to get back to the other area without having to drop the item you picked up. You should have gotten an energy pack there earlier. When you get back to the half pipe area, tell your ship to drop it down.

It's been a while, so I'm a little sketchy on details. But basically you have to open that gate in the energy pack room from the half-pipe area's side first, go to the other area, pick up the power source with your ship, travel back using that secret area to the half-pipe, and drop the source onto the structure.

That should allow you to get the power cell that's there.



Let me know if that cleared it up for you.

[Javery]

Hehe, I had a little trouble with this one too.



First, at the half pipe area, you should be able to get into a door near the white dot. Go inside it, and ultimately, you should travel to an area where there's an energy pack, with green walls moving in and out you can space jump on. You HAVE to go here first, because you need to activate/open the gate.

Once you've done that, you need to go to the second area. Go to the landing site...I'm not sure which one it is, but it's the one that leads to one of the shield generators you had to bomb earlier. The area is kinda shaped like:

O
I
I

It's where you had to disable the anti-aircraft devices, and at one point, you were in an area where there were three switches to pull, and during that time, flying pirates came after you, and you'd have to shoot them before they could reset the switches. Make sense where I'm talking about? It might be the second or third site on the planet to land at.

Anyway.

Go there, and on the upper left area of the O (on my crude map up there), there's a large device that you can scan that says - basically - that it can be used as a power source.

This is a clue back at the area you were in the with the half-pipe - if you scan the area where the white dot is, you should see something that says "this is not being powered."

Use your ship to pick up the device you see.

Then go back to that area with the half pipe THROUGH this secret area. You have to go under the device you picked up and travel over to it - they connect, and I don't think you can use your ship to get back to the other area without having to drop the item you picked up. You should have gotten an energy pack there earlier. When you get back to the half pipe area, tell your ship to drop it down.

It's been a while, so I'm a little sketchy on details. But basically you have to open that gate in the energy pack room from the half-pipe area's side first, go to the other area, pick up the power source with your ship, travel back using that secret area to the half-pipe, and drop the source onto the structure.

That should allow you to get the power cell that's there.



Let me know if that cleared it up for you.

Awesome - thanks Strell. I'm going to give it a shot tonight - I'm actually hoping to finish the game.

Last night I got up to 94/100 powerups found (I think) but I am definitely missing an energy tank and one fuel cell. I was one cell short on the GFS Valhalla and I'm willing to bet that gets me the last energy tank. I don't see on my maps where six remaining powerups could be though - I think there are like 3 or 4 dots left... I hope I got all the item locations from the observatory in Skytown. Anyway, I'm going to give it another hour of wandering around trying to collect everything and then it's on to Phaaze for presumably the last battle with Dark Samus. I'm also rocking the Mii bobblehead in my ship which is just about the greatest "extra" of all time. What a great game!

[wildnuts02]

i'll admit i haven't read this whole thread but i have a questions.

how do you guys compare MP3 to MP2? i got really far in MP1 (never beat it) and I want to move on to either MP3 (once i get a wii) or MP2.

i've heard a lot of people recommend that MP1 fans should skip MP2 and move on to MP3. any thoughts on this? thanks

[Zen Davis]

I am in the miniority but I thought Echoes was a far better experience than Metroid Prime in that it had a very cinematic world. At the same time, you'll need a lot of patience to get through Echoes. There are mini-lulls in the game where you need to stop in energy bubbles in the dark world because wandering around outside of the bubbles automatically reduces your life as if you stepped into acid rain.

On the other hand, I felt the planet was far more interesting in that the world in Echoes reeked of death. Where Metroid Prime felt like fighting through the local mutated wildlife in order to get to Ridley, Echoes was more about survival against the insane alien species on the planet. No matter where you went, more death awaited you. Even the pirates were getting decimated.

Overall I would say that if you don't think you'll be patient enough for Echoes then just skip ahead to Corruption.

[wildnuts02]

I am in the miniority but I thought Echoes was a far better experience than Metroid Prime in that it had a very cinematic world. At the same time, you'll need a lot of patience to get through Echoes. There are mini-lulls in the game where you need to stop in energy bubbles in the dark world because wandering around outside of the bubbles automatically reduces your life as if you stepped into acid rain.

On the other hand, I felt the planet was far more interesting in that the world in Echoes reeked of death. Where Metroid Prime felt like fighting through the local mutated wildlife in order to get to Ridley, Echoes was more about survival against the insane alien species on the planet. No matter where you went, more death awaited you. Even the pirates were getting decimated.

Overall I would say that if you don't think you'll be patient enough for Echoes then just skip ahead to Corruption.

Thanks! I think that overall MP experience has a lot to do with patience and exploration which isn't a bad thing.

[Strell]

Javery - re: last pickups


I'm told the biggest places people forget to check are the warp/ice area on Bryyo where you got the screw attack/space jump originally (which I definitely know I forgot to check) and the Valhalla.

I need to replay through the game and see if that is indeed where I missed things. I did the observatory and got all the white dots, and ultimately ended up with 95/100.

[dmaul1114]

Cast me as one that hated Echoes.

Hated waiting in light bubbles in the dark world. Hated the extra back tracking from having a light and dark world. Hated the uber difficult bosses.

I loved MP1 and I loved MP3, but I couldn't get through MP2, quit about 16 hours in.

[pygmy carnotaur]

Echoes isn't as enjoyable as Prime 1 or 3, but it's still an excellent game. I'm guilty of writing it off myself as a bad game, but then I replayed it and was reminded of much better it was than I was remembering.

[wildnuts02]

Echoes isn't as enjoyable as Prime 1 or 3, but it's still an excellent game. I'm guilty of writing it off myself as a bad game, but then I replayed it and was reminded of much better it was than I was remembering.

would you say it's worth $20 new?

[Zen Davis]

would you say it's worth $20 new?
I would say yes. The game is going for around 15$ used and shipped on ebay.

By the way, if you play with Gamefaqs the game should become exponentially more enjoyable. I know Metroid is about exploration but the frustration can ramp up pretty quickly because the world isn't very distinctive and you can become lost.

[wildnuts02]

I would say yes. The game is going for around 15$ used and shipped on ebay.

By the way, if you play with Gamefaqs the game should become exponentially more enjoyable. I know Metroid is about exploration but the frustration can ramp up pretty quickly because the world isn't very distinctive and you can become lost.

nice! i'll use a guide and i'll pick it up after work.

why oh why do i have such a huge backlog though!?

[CombatCraig]

I started playing Prime 1 last year but lost track with graduating from college and getting a job. Finished it around the time 3 came out, so I went and bought 2 at GC - it is obnoxiously hard without a guide (I'm not ashamed)

Everynight I come home from work I plan on beating 2 (I'm right at the final boss) but then I get side tracked with other stuff

I just want to beat it so I can play 3 - I hear the final boss(es) on 2 means I have my work cut out for me :cry:

[CombatCraig]

As a matter of fact could anyone offer advice on how to beat Ing?

I've read every guide online - followed to the T and I cannot hit him the f'ing eye EVER after making the tentacles go away

I aim for the center, fire a sonic boom and it always flies off to the left and never hits him

What am I doing wrong?

[calebbradham]

best game ever. ing you have to hit him in the eye to beat him.

[Javery]

I finished it! 97% - not too bad but I missed an energy tank. 18:02 final time. Awesome game.

[CombatCraig]

best game ever. ing you have to hit him in the eye to beat him.

I am for the eye EVERYTIME but the sonic boom NEVER goes in - it always curves around or somehow hits the shields. The dark beam takes down the Ing slowly, but by then I'm halfway dead

[pittpizza]

Hey way to go Jav. YOur 97% is a lot better than my 79% (I rented it). either way you can watch the alternative endings on youtube if you don't feel like replaying it.

I aboslutely LOVED this game and felt like I had such a sense of accomplishment when I beat it.

Sorry combatcraig I can't help you, I only made it about 1/3rd or halfway through Echoes. It sounds to me like you may not be using the right weapon because of the way you describe your attacks glancing off.

[RollingSkull]

I am for the eye EVERYTIME but the sonic boom NEVER goes in - it always curves around or somehow hits the shields. The dark beam takes down the Ing slowly, but by then I'm halfway dead

I just used the Annihilator Beam, I think. Whichever one shoots like the fire beam in Prime 1, if memory serves. It has been a while though.

[The Crotch]

I just used the Annihilator Beam, I think. Whichever one shoots like the fire beam in Prime 1, if memory serves. It has been a while though.Prime's Plasma Beam = Echo's Light Beam. Only the Light Beam is shit. You're probably still thinking of the Annihilator Beam, though, since that's the only one that can consistently damage the prick.

Myself, I had no trouble hitting him with the Sonic Boom. I guess just work on your angle and watch his patterns. If you can recognize when he's going to be vulnerable before he actually is, the odds of your attack connecting will be far greater.

[Zen Davis]

I am for the eye EVERYTIME but the sonic boom NEVER goes in - it always curves around or somehow hits the shields. The dark beam takes down the Ing slowly, but by then I'm halfway dead

http://youtube.com/user/evilarbaz92

Here is a speed run for the game. You can watch it and see what you're doing wrong.

[CombatCraig]

http://youtube.com/user/evilarbaz92

Here is a speed run for the game. You can watch it and see what you're doing wrong.

You're a life saver Zen. I did exactly what the video showed and I.... FINALLY BEAT MP2!!!!!

Still a very annoying boss battle (Dark Samus also) but now I can start MP3 with full satisfaction!

[harunim]

I just got this game and realized it doesn't have multiplayer/online option??

I still like it but i was really surprised not to find it..

I remember even the DS's had multiplayer capability..

[Strell]

I just got this game and realized it doesn't have multiplayer/online option??

I still like it but i was really surprised not to find it..

I remember even the DS's had multiplayer capability..

...

You're kidding, right?

[Lan_Zer0]

Oh good, I was just about to bump this thread. I picked this up at Target today for $28 and it came with a mario pre-order coin (really). How are the different difficulty levels in this game? I'm not sure whether to start off on normal or hard.

[wjhard63]

Oh good, I was just about to bump this thread. I picked this up at Target today for $28 and it came with a mario pre-order coin (really). How are the different difficulty levels in this game? I'm not sure whether to start off on normal or hard.

I started on Veteran and would suggest the same, but I must say that I had previous experience with both Primes (beat them on Hard mode and took the time to get the 100% on both scans and items) and I was already familiar with the FPS set-up on Wii with COD3.

I haven't heard anyone on this thread complain about the difficulty or completing the game on Normal, but it does make some of the tokens easier to get.

After beating it on Veteran, I played through Hyper then Normal and I thought Normal was a push-over. That said, if you have any of the previous experience with Primes or FPS's on the Wii, you should be fine on Veteran (I think Veteran is still easier than Normal on MP2). If not, stick with Normal.

Not sure if that helps at all. Have fun with it - it's a great game.

[The Crotch]

Unless you're a pussy (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/member.php?u=24663), Veteran is definitely the way to go. It's not really that hard of a game, especially when compared to Echoes. If you get stuck in a fight, you're probably not abusing Hyper and Corruption modes enough.

[Lan_Zer0]

Thanks guys, looks like I'll jump straight into veteran then.

[RollingSkull]

Normal = pussy
Veteran = Normal

[daroga]

Normal = awesome
Veteran = nerd

That's right. I said it. Ya'll were thinking it!

[KingofOldSchool]

Oh good, I was just about to bump this thread. I picked this up at Target today for $28 and it came with a mario pre-order coin (really). How are the different difficulty levels in this game? I'm not sure whether to start off on normal or hard.

Dare I say how did you get MP for $28 at Target?

[Dr Mario Kart]

Normal = pussy
Veteran = Normal

I was always taught that you are what you eat.

[dmaul1114]

I played on normal, but I'm definitely a pussy with games. :D

Loathe hard games.

[mega_n00bzer]

I was always taught that you are what you eat.

Youve made my day. thank you :applause:

[Doomed]

I picked this up at Target today for $28
How did you do that?

[Lan_Zer0]

How did you do that?

Target had a BF deal for Big Brain Wii. It was sold out at my local store, and had a little tag next to it saying: Please substitute this deal with Metroid 3 for $28. I laughed since they were actually offering an even better deal. So I bought it, and the cashier handed me Mario Galaxy coin for some reason.

[KingofOldSchool]

Target had a BF deal for Big Brain Wii. It was sold out at my local store, and had a little tag next to it saying: Please substitute this deal with Metroid 3 for $28. I laughed since they were actually offering an even better deal. So I bought it, and the cashier handed me Mario Galaxy coin for some reason.

:drool:

Gee I wish they did that here. I would've been all over that.

[tankexmortis]

So I'm sure this has been asked before but... 87 pages. Anyway: I heard this game is way more action-oriented than the first game. Is this true? I'd be willing to pick this up if it's a real Metroid game, but if it's just an FPS with some mild exploration elements I won't bother.

[dmaul1114]

So I'm sure this has been asked before but... 87 pages. Anyway: I heard this game is way more action-oriented than the first game. Is this true? I'd be willing to pick this up if it's a real Metroid game, but if it's just an FPS with some mild exploration elements I won't bother.

It still feels very much like metroid.

There is more shooting I guess, but there's about the same amount of exploration, with a bit less back tracking.

It's the best in the Metroid Prime Series IMO.

[wildnuts02]

i finally picked this up and probably put about an hour and half in and i have to say:

awesome experience so far (i like how cinematic it is) BUT....damn i'm having a hard time getting used to the controls. i feel like such a n00b since no one else has complained about them. :wall:

i don't know what it is but i have a hard time strafing/locking on/shooting while at the same time dodging fire. thank goodness i'm playing it on normal mode or else i'd be dying constantly. hopefully i'll get used to them pretty soon.

[Vinny]

It's not just you... the controls take some getting used to. And even when you do get used to them, it's still kinda wonky at times.

Make sure to set your controls to advanced. That way, you can lock on to enemies but you still aim manually. It works the best, IMO.

[wildnuts02]

It's not just you... the controls take some getting used to. And even when you do get used to them, it's still kinda wonky at times.

Make sure to set your controls to advanced. That way, you can lock on to enemies but you still aim manually. It works the best, IMO.

thanks. good to know it's not just me. :D

my controls are on "normal" and it still lets aim manually when locked on. i haven't tried the "advanced" controls yet though so i don't know what the difference is.

[ecmazza]

thanks. good to know it's not just me. :D

my controls are on "normal" and it still lets aim manually when locked on. i haven't tried the "advanced" controls yet though so i don't know what the difference is.

change the controls to advance...imo, it is THE way to play the game. but yeah, they take a little bit to get used to...but man, what a great game!!!

[Vinny]

Hm... well, whatever the reason was, advanced controls were hella better... that's all I remember.

[dmaul1114]

Advanced just makes the cursor more sensitive (i.e. there's less dead area in the middle of the screen and it moves faster). Definitely the way to play.

Controls take a long time to get used to for sure. Takes forever to get used to having to keep aimed at the middle of the screen when walking around to keep the camera from spinning.

But once you get used to them they work great.

[wildnuts02]

Advanced just makes the cursor more sensitive (i.e. there's less dead area in the middle of the screen and it moves faster). Definitely the way to play.

Controls take a long time to get used to for sure. Takes forever to get used to having to keep aimed at the middle of the screen when walking around to keep the camera from spinning.

yep. you pretty much just nailed what happens to me. also, for some reason when i "lock on" the camera sometimes seems to slip and next thing i know i'm not really locked on anymore. hard to explain but it's prob just due to me totally sucking.

i agree though, awesome game.

[dmaul1114]

The enemy lock does break if the enemy moves to far out of view (or you move to far away from it, around a corner etc.).

[Vinny]

Yeah, the enemies in this game are way faster and dodge lock on a lot more than those in Prime or Prime 2.