We expected a simple remastered version of Metroid Prime. But what we get today looks more like a complete overhaul as Nintendo has managed to polish and perfect its classic game.
Rumors of a refreshed version of Metroid Prime – game that marked the GameCube era – had been running for months, even years. Players demanded it relentlessly from Nintendo, which, for its part, deliberately remained silent about this project… until very recently.
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
The Japanese giant indeed took advantage of its last virtual presentation to not only confirm this new port, but also to officially launch it.
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
Fans’ prayers have finally been answered. And it is clear that their patience was highly rewarded since Metroid Prime Remastered returns to us in a completely modernized and, above all, frankly stunning form.
Back to Tallon IV
We therefore head back to the planet Tallon IV, a hostile land populated by extraterrestrial creatures as terrifying as they are bloodthirsty. At the controls of the famous heroine Samus Aran, the player must investigate a mysterious toxic substance that has destroyed this foreign planet. To do this, he will cross many unique and singular biomes, whose only constant is the presence of formidable enemies.
We may have used our thumbs with Metroid Prime on our GameCube controllers two decades ago, it’s a completely improved and enriched universe that we now explore via our Nintendo Switch.
Yes, it remains familiar. But the experience itself is enhanced on several levels, starting with its now modernized controls, making the journey even more fluid and instinctive.
However, it is at the visual level that Metroid Prime Remastered impresses the most. Let’s face it, some studios sometimes cut corners when it comes to rejuvenating their games, seeming to apply a simple HD filter to restore their shine and position them in the current era. But not here.
Gorgeous
It is after a work of great meticulousness that Metroid Prime returns to us, this time with infinitely richer and more detailed textures and much sharper environments, all of great beauty. In a word, it’s wonderful. In fact, those who have never played the original version – or those whose memory has clouded over the years – will find it hard to believe that this is a holdover from the turn of the century. Because Metroid Prime Remastered is current, modern and able to compete with the current video game offer.
Purists can still be reassured: the essence of the original is preserved, as evidenced by the strong retro flavor that emanates from it. This one is also more heady in the few rare flaws of this new edition, such as the heaviness of the movements of Samus Aran or the few visual bugs encountered during travel.
Metroid Prime Remastered ★★★★☆
► Available on Nintendo Switch
Back to the Game Boy era
Notice to nostalgics: the Nintendo Switch Online system is now enhancing its offer by adding the classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance systems to its catalog.
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
Players can now dive back into that not-so-distant era when Mario, Link, and their peers came to life in the palm of our hands via these little handheld consoles. On the menu : Kirby’s Dream Land, Tetris, Metroid II – Return of Samus, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and others Kuru Kuru Kururin.
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
While the visuals of the Game Boy era may be off-putting to the new generation, it will appeal to those who grew up with games from that era. We are, in fact, immediately relapsed into childhood thanks to Super Mario Land 2 : 6 Golden Coins. As for the remains of the Game Boy Advance, we marvel at how much the Mario & Luigi : Superstar Saga or Mario Kart : Super Circuit still hold the road.