Metroid Prime: Hunters (Nintendo DS, 2006)

Let me start out by saying that I am a huge Metroid fan. Ever since a cousin of mine showed me Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance, I have been extremely obsessed with the series. In some form or another, I own every single Metroid game except for Super Metroid, which I will buy with the Wii Virtual Console, and the upcoming Metroid Prime 3, which I will also definitely buy. So, due to my obsession, I simply could not wait for this game to be released. I reserved a copy at my local Gamestop. Practically every day I would go on the internet and watch Metroid Prime Hunters videos. I even counted down the days until March 20, 2006, the release of this game. When I finally got my hands on a copy and began to play, I must say, even after all of this, I was disappointed.

Sure, the game was fun to play, but it did not even compare to some other entries in the series. Also, I hate to say it, but I liked the control scheme of the demo better than that of the actual game. So the game was fun but not as good as I thought it would be. Or, at least, the single-player adventure mode. However, I purchased a WiFi adapter for my DS and I was blown away by the multiplayer mode. It was ten times better than the single-player mode. Don't get me wrong, the single-player mode was still quite fun, just not quite as good.

Overall, I must say that the single-player mode deserves a 3.5 to a 4 of 5, while the multiplayer deserves a definite 5. If I could, I would give the game a 4.5 overall. For obsessive Metroid collectors such as myself, you absolutely must buy this game. For someone looking for a fun multiplayer FPS experience for the DS, this is your best option. However, for those Metroid fans who simply like the series but are not obsessed to the point of buying every game on the day of its release, you may want to consider it first. Although a fun game, Metroid Prime Hunters simply doesn't retain the classic feel of the series, and that's a real shame.

This a very different aproach to metroid that somewhat bugs me. The one player mode is pretty fun but many elements of past metroid games are gone. You no longer get any suit power ups only different guns. And besides the last boss there are only 2 bosses that you fight alltogether 8 times, each time they get more and more powerfull. These changes try to make for a more realistic metroid game. That is so wrong, if they left out amo and missle expansions it wouldn't even be metroid. What saves this game is its multi-player it is one of the best on the system. You can also face off against very smart bots, thats how i spend most of my time on this game. Wifi is great too. To prime 1 and 2 this game lacks greatly but stand alone its pretty solid. I do recomend this to every DS owner. Theres a lot of fun besides the flaws.

Metroid Prime Hunters is a great game and really showcases what the DS is capable when it comes to FPS. Hopefully there is more to come!

Gameplay- This game is great, environments are very mysterious and intresting, an enemy is usually in every room, giving it an action packed environment, along with hunters constantly attacking. Weapons are very intuitive, using each weapon (color) to unlock new areas in old planets.


Graphics- These graphics are awsome! reminds me of the first metroid prime for the cube. I was really amazed at how well and smooth they flowed together.


Sound- Sound is good, no complaints here, you can hear the ice cracking below your feet, or the metal clank of the space dock. Weapons sound cool too!


Controls- Using the stylus control scheme (highly recommended) the controls are almost too good, its amazing the control and reflex you get from the stylus, Also, all your weapons and other controls are displayed on the bottom screen for easy use.



OVERALL- This game is great if your into FPS and own a DS. If your skeptical, try it and you will love it. The only 'negative' thing i have to say about this game is that it is sometimes confusing to know where to go and what to do. This is easily countered by using a free online guide, but its not confusing to the point you will never figure it out, if anything it adds length, and difficulty to the game. Better a Hard long game then Easy and short right? So overall this game is incredible and the control scheme for the DS is velvety smooth.

Being an avid Metroid player I was giddy as could be when Hunters was announced. To hone my skill with the unique and easy to learn stylus control the ability to unlock and defeat other Bounty Hunters for the battle over Octoliths amazed me. The single player cutscenes and movies had beautiful graphics but the normal gameplay was nothing like Metroid Prime. The Alimbic Story along with the absence of Metroids was a daring leap for Nintendo but they still managed to make the story interesting. The ability to play against other players and Hunters over Nintendo WFC was something new entirely. The introduction of 6 (instead of the usual three)worked well with the individual Hunters using their own weapons. The varied areas and unlockable weapon and ending add a Metroidy feel to the game. If you meet MGG Omega over Wi-Fi or you have e-mail me. I want to know how good this Legendary Hunter is doing. ;)

this game is a good game! it is really unique, and really cool! i am going to bid on it. really cool because you can choose between 7 characters and have 2 forms, and no, i dont own the game, i just went to www.metroid.com and looked at the stuff.