2

Pointing the Wiimote towards the screen shifts Samus’ view in to first person mode, which is required to fire off the missiles you’ll need to open certain doors, and dispense with certain enemies. Unfortunately when you’re in first-person mode you’re immobile, like a turret – and it makes the first person bits gimmicky and largely pointless. There are thankfully infrequent moments where the game forces you in to first person, usually to scan over the environment for clues. I could have done without the first person bits, but the manual switching of perspectives eventually felt oddly empowering.

Visually, it’s incredibly impressive, considering its platform. Thanks to some excellent design and some clever tricks, Team Ninja have produced some stunning visuals, topping Super Mario Galaxy and rivalling even some games on more powerful hardware. The varied and detailed environments, thanks to the research vessel’s simulated terrain aren’t just recycled ship interiors making it a visual treat. Coupled with the quality CGI cutscenes and vivid, well designed monsters, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were playing on at least 3 gamecubes duct-taped together.

The first hour or so of the game portrays a misleading picture of the game and belies the fantastic adventure that awaits – but don’t worry, you’ll soon experience the lonely exploration that’s the series’ hallmark. It’ll take you up to 12 hours to complete the main game, but stick around and continue after the credit s roll and you’ll be well rewarded – just take my word on that one. The game opens up even more after completion; after completing the game I had only collected 40% of the game’s cleverly hidden power-ups and it took a few more hours to get the rest – and experience the game’s proper climax.

5

Metroid: Other M is brave and daring; Instead of playing it safe and create a sequel that largely played like the 2D Super Metroid – or continuing the 1st person trail started by Metroid Prime, the developers have created something that gloriously straddles the line between both. It’s unfortunate that not all of their risks paid off. I would have preferred more control options, and although the implemented controls work just fine, any problems with them would have been removed by the use of the familiar Wiimote/Nunchuck combo. It’s nice that they’ve fleshed out Samus’ story and character…but did they have to make her emo?

Conclusion

Metroid Other M is a fantastic game that both benefits and suffers from the bold choices made by Nintendo and Team Ninja – but it’s one that any fan of Metroid really ought to play.

Scoring:

Gameplay: 8.0

Interesting control scheme with awkward compromises. It works, but could do with more options.

Presentation: 9.0

Excellent design permeates, top notch CGI.

Sound: 8.5

Wonderful orchestral soundtrack fitting of Metroid. Voice acting is excellent for everyone but Samus, who comes across in a wooden monotone.

Value: 8.2

10 hours for main campaign, maybe 3 or 4 more if you’re a completionist.

Overall: 8.5 (not an average)

Metroid: Other M is, I feel, a step in the right direction for the series. It is, despite first appearances a traditional Metroid game that will polarize fans upset with the change in direction – but frankly it shouldn’t.

[Reviewed on Wii]

Last Updated: September 14, 2010

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Metroid: Other M
8.5

11 Comments

  1. AC!D

    September 14, 2010 at 14:24

    Ive got to say Geoff im 3 hours into this game and im hating it at the moment. The controls are really awkward and every boss fight seems like its dodge in third person, switch to first person and fire missile at big yellow bulleye on boss.Its almost like the strategy for every fight is timing to pull in and out of views. Timing in frustration more likely. Im also not impressed with the in game graphics and to be honest i thought Metroid Prime corruptions 3D environments looked better. Why oh why team ninja thought it would be a good idea to keep you stuck in place for first person shooting is also beyond me. At the very least they could have added a strafe button so you dont have to keep switching in and out of views to dodge. You also make a good point about why on earth Team Ninja didnt use the analog on the nunchuck for movement and let you use the Wiimote to shoot. Also it seems they took out all the depth of past metroids like scanning for items and back story and tons of other equipment. Im also hating the ergonomics and the D-pad on the Wiimote on its side.

    I really want to enjoy this and im sticking it out but damn please tell me it gets better Geoff? because suddenly i miss Retro games developing the Metroid series like crazy!!!

    Reply

  2. Geoffrey Tim

    September 14, 2010 at 14:27

    If your base for Metroid is Prime, you’re likely not going to love the game. As a sequel to Super Metroid, it fits perfectly.

    Try your best to stick with it though, because I found it to be pretty damned excellent. It does get better.
    Then again, I’m a huge super Metroid fan.

    Reply

  3. AC!D

    September 14, 2010 at 16:37

    Im about 5 hours in and in sector 2. The controls are getting easier to handle a bit. I never played the older Metroid games and i see what your getting at with the 3rd person isometric vs FPS gameplay but im actually enjoying the 3RD person parts. Infact the FPS parts sort of ruin it a bit when you have to keep switching in and out. Fortunately its motsly only for on rails parts and bosses. But yeah seriously they should have just made all the boss battles in FPS mode where you can move around and let you play the rest of the game in the 3RD person as is.

    Reply

  4. Geoffrey Tim

    September 14, 2010 at 17:20

    I suspect that by the time it’s all over – particularly if you do the bits after the credits – you’ll bethinking “Damn, that was actually pretty awesome.”

    As i said, the game could have done away with the 1st person bits entirely.

    Reply

  5. pantsula

    September 15, 2010 at 08:35

    Getting it soon. Looks awesomwe

    Reply

  6. AC!D

    September 15, 2010 at 10:30

    @Pantsula: It is really good. Once you get past the strange design choices and and learn to use the controls properly the game really opens up. Ignore my ramblings up above.

    @Geoff: You mentioned in your review that after the game ends something happens if you keep playing.Without spoiling anything i just want to ask do you need to 100% the game for this event, ending or whatever it is to occur?

    Reply

  7. Geoffrey Tim

    September 15, 2010 at 10:40

    Nope. 100% isn’t necessary, you just need to go back to retrieve something.

    Really glad you’re enjoying the game now. It’s unfortunate that it’s likely going to be overlooked locally, because it’s pretty damned good.

    Reply

  8. AC!D

    September 15, 2010 at 11:54

    Unfortunately Metroid games are always overlooked. I think Corruption barely just sold over a million. For me Metroid is better than Killzone and Halo combined.

    Reply

  9. AC!D

    September 16, 2010 at 02:48

    Just finished it. Took me about 12 hours. Great game!!! Better than i thought it would be after the first couple of hours adjusting.

    Reply

  10. Nick de Bruyne

    September 16, 2010 at 04:26

    @AC!D – I’m really glad to hear that it ended up winning your heart after your initial concerns! :happy:

    Reply

  11. Nick de Bruyne

    September 16, 2010 at 04:29

    This is also a a good example of the frustrations we have to deal with when people come into our reviews after playing the game for only 2-3 hours and tell us that our reviews are terrible/broken/paid-for… you name it… when at the end of the day they don’t take the time to play through more of the game and discover what it offers as a complete package.

    Good on AC!D for keeping on, it looks like it was well worth it. Now Geoff, about that review copy…

    Reply

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