One of the very first displays of the DS’s power
was a demo that was sent out with initial shipments of the system at its launch.
The demo, for Metroid Prime: Hunters, showcased the system’s graphical prowess
and its potential as a viable platform for the First-Person Shooter genre. Now,
after several delays, Metroid Prime: Hunters is now available for the DS. The
game features innovative controls that take advantage of the DS’s unique
touch-screen system, as well as great graphics, making it an excellent entry
into the Metroid Prime series and rivaling the series’ critically acclaimed
GameCube installments.
Metroid Prime: Hunters puts you back in the role
of Samus Aran as she hunts down powerful artifacts left behind by an advanced
civilization known as the Alimbics. However, Samus is not alone, as several
other bounty hunters are out and about vying for the same power.
In the same vein as the previous entries in the
Metroid Prime series, Hunters is played through the same first-person
perspective. However, the game uses the stylus more efficiently (it almost feels
like a mouse-and-keyboard scheme), and even feels more like an FPS than the
GameCube entries, which handled a bit more like third-person shooters. You have
complete control over Samus, aiming by sliding the stylus across the screen.
The game also offers a variety of different
control schemes, as well, meaning that even lefties (like yours truly) can find
something that feels comfortable. You can even nix the stylus altogether and
play using the D-Pad and the face buttons, even though it’s not really
recommended.
The game packs a remarkable amount of content
onto the DS, with full levels and big enemies. The game has a fair amount of
boss battles, as you’ll have to take on the rival bounty hunters several times
each throughout the course of the game. The pacing is a little more linear than
you’d find in the console iterations, but it’s still as cohesive and as deep an
experience as you’ll find in any handheld game.
The multiplayer elements are also quite great.
The game has a match-making service that instantly puts you into the action, and
tracks your progress. For example, the game will know things like weapon
preference and skill level, and match you up accordingly to people within your
skill level. Each bounty hunter that you play as will have their own unique
attributes and skills, such as melee proficiency and so on. The game ran very
smoothly, as well, with little to no lag throughout the play session.
Graphically, the game looks great. If not for the
lowered resolution due to the DS’s screens, it would be on par with the console
versions. The character models and environments look great, and the game takes
full advantage of the DS’s hardware.
The sound and music are also great, with a
full-on score similar to the one in the original Metroid Prime on the GameCube.
The sound effects are crisp with a minimal amount of “tinny-ness”.
Metroid Prime: Hunters is a phenomenal game that
uses the DS to its fullest potential in terms of graphical ability and
innovation.
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Gameplay: 9.0
Hunters makes great use of the DS’s unique control scheme, presents a huge
world, and feels like a full-fledged console experience in your hands.
Graphics: 9.0
The game is excellent graphically, with detailed environments and
well-rendered character models.
Sound: 9.0
The game has great sound, with a rich soundtrack and sharp sound effects.
Difficulty: Medium
Multiplayer: 9.0
The game’s multiplayer elements are great, with robust features, including a
match-making system, well-balanced online matches and minimal lag.
Concept: 9.0
Metroid Prime Hunters proves that the DS is a very capable machine when it
comes to first-person shooters, and holds its own even amongst console games.
Overall: 9.0
Hunters is one of the best games for Nintendo’s handheld, and rivals most
console first-person shooters in terms of content and gameplay.
