Bounty hunter Samus Aran is well-equipped and can also deal out some serious damage to boss opponents in Metroid Prime Remastered. — Photo: Nintendo/dpa
BERLIN: It's been over 20 years since "Metroid Prime" revolutionised the first-person shooter genre. With "Metroid Prime Remastered," Nintendo is now bringing the video game classic to the Switch console.
Players slip into the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran, who’s on the prowl on the planet Tallon IV. In a world full of deep, dark tunnels, you are completely on your own. For a shooter, the game comes with a lot of puzzle elements that you have to solve to find your way.
The electronic visor in the heroine’s spacesuit helps with orientation, with its radar and information about enemies. The first-person view is really captivating, especially when the hostile Metroid parasites get in your way.
Originally released in 2003, the game has been thoroughly retooled for the Switch. Enemies and game worlds look much more modern, but still remain close to the style of the original.
The controls benefit from the second joystick on the Switch Joy-Con controllers, which allow the camera and crosshairs to move at the same time.
Although Nintendo has changed little else, the remake is already proving to be a hit. Critics have described the game as one of the best examples of how an old game should be brought back to market.
Whether for "Metroid" fans or newcomers, "Metroid Prime Remastered" is well worth it for shooter, but the trip down memory lane is a bonus for anyone who played on the GameCube. The latest version is available for the Nintendo Switch and costs around €60/US$60 (RM149 in Malaysia). – dpa
