AlucardsFate
09-13-2010, 06:10 AM
Episode #65: Forward in Reverse
*Spoilers Ahead. (Like it matters)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/Boxshots/Metroid-Other-M-Box.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/Scores/75.jpg
Metroid: Other M (Wii)
What's Good: Old style Metroid gameplay fused with more modern 3D action games creates something both retro and fresh. Quite a few really fun boss encounters. Doesn't really look bad at all.
What's Bad: The plot is a string of various cliches and ripoffs from other sources. The voices and dialogue are mediocre at their best...but more often just plain bad at their worst. Samus' character is horribly misused. This is the most linear Metroid game I've ever seen. Pretty short and easy.
Once upon a time in space...
...there was a girl named Samus, she had a cool power suit and went around on space adventures in series of cool games called Metroid. Her fans loved her and her awesome, if occasionally infuriating games despite knowing very little about the character. As she went 16-bit her fans loved her more. After an extended disappearance, she appeared in 1st person and 3D. Though her fans were skeptical of the change, all was forgiven when this change turned out to be for the better. Then another change showed itself. The character herself had never really been focused on. Her fans never asked for it either, all was well, nothing was broken. But it was indeed decided upon to focus more on the character, but as the last change seemed to turn out well, her fans were trusting. And then Other M happened.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/Metroid_Other_M-thumb-550x310-45784.jpg
...after Samus read the script...
When Inspiration Goes Wrong
Now don't get me wrong. Other M is a fun game and I will start talking about that later. But I have to start this review with it's biggest failing, the plot. The first thing your going to notice upon starting the game, is the voices. Everyone in this game sounds so disinterested in the random nonsense they are spouting. While some voices occasionally reach competent levels, but too often does Samus in particular sound like she's asking a question when she isn't. Of course I wouldn't be interested in my script either if it was the shambling pile of cliches that this one is. If you don't want spoilers turn back now, but I really don't think it matters.
It starts just after Super Metroid, with Samus receiving a distress call from the so called "Bottle Ship", a Federation Research facility. Upon arrival she meets a few aggressive monsters and stops them with the help of a Federation Military Rescue unit, of which she used to be a part. (What a coincidence!) Your then given flashback sequences describing her past as the defiant youth of the group, with a commander at the head who is a victim of her "I'm just a girl you won't listen to me" rebelliousness. (Cliche #1 is go) Afterwords, the hardass commander of the group decides to assimilate Samus into the unit for this mission but insists she follows his orders. The first of these being, that she can't use her weapons.
Now let's stop there. It is not uncommon for Samus to lose all of her items and abilities at the beginning of a game. But usually they at least TRY to explain why. It's never a good explanation, but since story is limited in Metroid anyway, we never cared that much. Here, since story is important let's treat it as such. WHY WOULD SAMUS STOP USING HER ABILITIES BECAUSE HER EX-COMMANDER TOLD HER TO!? She is an independent bounty hunter, not only is this turn of events illogical, it's just plain stupid. Gradually as you progress, he will allow you to unlock certain abilities. But the he never does it at any logical times. For example, you will run through half of a volcanic area of the game unprotected, taking constant damage due to the heat. EVENTUALLY, he will decide that maybe he should let you have your Varia suit. But even worse then that alarmingly bad design choice, is the rest of the main game plot. (Now REALLY turn back if you don't want spoilers.)
It turns out that "The Bottle Ship" is a facility for creating bioweapons for the military, even though it's illegal. But something has gone horribly wrong and the weapons have escaped and run amok. (Cliche #2 you are go!) Now a military team has been sent in to rescue the survivors and contain the situation. But...one of these teammates is dirty and is looking to safeguard the military's fancy new weapon. Their marines are expendable. Does this sound familiar? Does it? Maybe you've played this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/resident-evil-1-ps1-box-art.jpg
or even better, seen this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/aliens_box_full.jpg
It's even got THIS boss:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/otherm_0619.jpg
Yeah, this game steals pretty liberally from other things for it's plot. And while at least it's stealing from some respectable sources, it doesn't even TRY until the very end to put another spin on it. And I say TRY for a reason. You see, apparently the collapse of the facility was caused by an AI modeled to take control of a project to weaponize Metroids, but became self aware. And when the research team tried to shut it down, it fought back. Ya know pull the plug, like in the backstory for this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/terminator2poster.jpg
So that's the gist of the plot, it's on the whole unexciting and not at all helped by the shoddy voice acting. But let's get off of this cynical trip and talk about the game.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/other_m_3.jpg
Even Samus obeys the leash laws...
Retrophelia Isn't Always a Bad Thing...
Now, I really liked the 1st person direction in "Metroid Prime", it added a very horror movie, lonely feel to the game. Very atmospheric. But here the have gone back to the 3rd person roots of the series, only in 3D. And Team Ninja has created a fun little action game. You'll run, jump and shoot your way around the ship, solving minor puzzles in between to move forward. You'll do it all with just the sideways Wiimote using like an NES controller. The only variaton is you can point the Wiimote at the TV to go to 1st person view to use missiles. I actually really like that, it kinda puts a limiter on the missiles so your not just firing them like a crazy person. (Like some later stages of other Metroid games) This view becomes key in some of the rather fun boss encounters as well. Aside from that it plays like any other Metroid, only in 3D.
But for all the backsteps the gameplay takes, it misses one very important one. The exploration. Metroid games have always been about exploring these huge, labyrinthine worlds. (and getting lost a lot) This game really just points you to your objective and you go from A to B. Outside of the occasional hidden item, there isn't much to explore. (It even goes and points all that items out on your map after you clear a room) One of my biggest problems with the GBA's Metroid Fusion was the linear, hand holding nature of it. This game is twice as bad about it. This linearity and lack of exploration results in the game being incredibly short, around 9 hours. Another minor gripe is in regards to the music. It's either non-existent or just bland. My classic Metroid games had some nice tunes. But I can't fault it too much as the Prime games weren't exactly known for their scores either.
On the whole, what we have here is a pretty fun if really short Metroid ride. But I suppose I should be thankful that the game was as short as it was, otherwise I would have had to deal with more of it's plot and voices. (And with all the things it felt the need to rip off, I'm sure we would have been at "Tyler Perry's Metroid" by the end) Now the toughest part. I wish I had waited to get this. Those of you who didn't buy it right away, don't. I don't feel like this is a gotta buy it full price affair. It's definitely fun, but wait 6 months for a price drop. (Or wait for Amazon Deal of the Day) Though I must admit I wouldn't mind seeing another Metroid with this gameplay style, just with more traditional Metroid exploration thrown in, make the game deeper. But next time you want to put a story in here Nintendo...don't. You've proven that minimal story is your thing, let's keep it that way.
*Spoilers Ahead. (Like it matters)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/Boxshots/Metroid-Other-M-Box.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/Scores/75.jpg
Metroid: Other M (Wii)
What's Good: Old style Metroid gameplay fused with more modern 3D action games creates something both retro and fresh. Quite a few really fun boss encounters. Doesn't really look bad at all.
What's Bad: The plot is a string of various cliches and ripoffs from other sources. The voices and dialogue are mediocre at their best...but more often just plain bad at their worst. Samus' character is horribly misused. This is the most linear Metroid game I've ever seen. Pretty short and easy.
Once upon a time in space...
...there was a girl named Samus, she had a cool power suit and went around on space adventures in series of cool games called Metroid. Her fans loved her and her awesome, if occasionally infuriating games despite knowing very little about the character. As she went 16-bit her fans loved her more. After an extended disappearance, she appeared in 1st person and 3D. Though her fans were skeptical of the change, all was forgiven when this change turned out to be for the better. Then another change showed itself. The character herself had never really been focused on. Her fans never asked for it either, all was well, nothing was broken. But it was indeed decided upon to focus more on the character, but as the last change seemed to turn out well, her fans were trusting. And then Other M happened.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/Metroid_Other_M-thumb-550x310-45784.jpg
...after Samus read the script...
When Inspiration Goes Wrong
Now don't get me wrong. Other M is a fun game and I will start talking about that later. But I have to start this review with it's biggest failing, the plot. The first thing your going to notice upon starting the game, is the voices. Everyone in this game sounds so disinterested in the random nonsense they are spouting. While some voices occasionally reach competent levels, but too often does Samus in particular sound like she's asking a question when she isn't. Of course I wouldn't be interested in my script either if it was the shambling pile of cliches that this one is. If you don't want spoilers turn back now, but I really don't think it matters.
It starts just after Super Metroid, with Samus receiving a distress call from the so called "Bottle Ship", a Federation Research facility. Upon arrival she meets a few aggressive monsters and stops them with the help of a Federation Military Rescue unit, of which she used to be a part. (What a coincidence!) Your then given flashback sequences describing her past as the defiant youth of the group, with a commander at the head who is a victim of her "I'm just a girl you won't listen to me" rebelliousness. (Cliche #1 is go) Afterwords, the hardass commander of the group decides to assimilate Samus into the unit for this mission but insists she follows his orders. The first of these being, that she can't use her weapons.
Now let's stop there. It is not uncommon for Samus to lose all of her items and abilities at the beginning of a game. But usually they at least TRY to explain why. It's never a good explanation, but since story is limited in Metroid anyway, we never cared that much. Here, since story is important let's treat it as such. WHY WOULD SAMUS STOP USING HER ABILITIES BECAUSE HER EX-COMMANDER TOLD HER TO!? She is an independent bounty hunter, not only is this turn of events illogical, it's just plain stupid. Gradually as you progress, he will allow you to unlock certain abilities. But the he never does it at any logical times. For example, you will run through half of a volcanic area of the game unprotected, taking constant damage due to the heat. EVENTUALLY, he will decide that maybe he should let you have your Varia suit. But even worse then that alarmingly bad design choice, is the rest of the main game plot. (Now REALLY turn back if you don't want spoilers.)
It turns out that "The Bottle Ship" is a facility for creating bioweapons for the military, even though it's illegal. But something has gone horribly wrong and the weapons have escaped and run amok. (Cliche #2 you are go!) Now a military team has been sent in to rescue the survivors and contain the situation. But...one of these teammates is dirty and is looking to safeguard the military's fancy new weapon. Their marines are expendable. Does this sound familiar? Does it? Maybe you've played this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/resident-evil-1-ps1-box-art.jpg
or even better, seen this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/aliens_box_full.jpg
It's even got THIS boss:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/otherm_0619.jpg
Yeah, this game steals pretty liberally from other things for it's plot. And while at least it's stealing from some respectable sources, it doesn't even TRY until the very end to put another spin on it. And I say TRY for a reason. You see, apparently the collapse of the facility was caused by an AI modeled to take control of a project to weaponize Metroids, but became self aware. And when the research team tried to shut it down, it fought back. Ya know pull the plug, like in the backstory for this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/terminator2poster.jpg
So that's the gist of the plot, it's on the whole unexciting and not at all helped by the shoddy voice acting. But let's get off of this cynical trip and talk about the game.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G-Prime/Reviews%20Redux/screens/other_m_3.jpg
Even Samus obeys the leash laws...
Retrophelia Isn't Always a Bad Thing...
Now, I really liked the 1st person direction in "Metroid Prime", it added a very horror movie, lonely feel to the game. Very atmospheric. But here the have gone back to the 3rd person roots of the series, only in 3D. And Team Ninja has created a fun little action game. You'll run, jump and shoot your way around the ship, solving minor puzzles in between to move forward. You'll do it all with just the sideways Wiimote using like an NES controller. The only variaton is you can point the Wiimote at the TV to go to 1st person view to use missiles. I actually really like that, it kinda puts a limiter on the missiles so your not just firing them like a crazy person. (Like some later stages of other Metroid games) This view becomes key in some of the rather fun boss encounters as well. Aside from that it plays like any other Metroid, only in 3D.
But for all the backsteps the gameplay takes, it misses one very important one. The exploration. Metroid games have always been about exploring these huge, labyrinthine worlds. (and getting lost a lot) This game really just points you to your objective and you go from A to B. Outside of the occasional hidden item, there isn't much to explore. (It even goes and points all that items out on your map after you clear a room) One of my biggest problems with the GBA's Metroid Fusion was the linear, hand holding nature of it. This game is twice as bad about it. This linearity and lack of exploration results in the game being incredibly short, around 9 hours. Another minor gripe is in regards to the music. It's either non-existent or just bland. My classic Metroid games had some nice tunes. But I can't fault it too much as the Prime games weren't exactly known for their scores either.
On the whole, what we have here is a pretty fun if really short Metroid ride. But I suppose I should be thankful that the game was as short as it was, otherwise I would have had to deal with more of it's plot and voices. (And with all the things it felt the need to rip off, I'm sure we would have been at "Tyler Perry's Metroid" by the end) Now the toughest part. I wish I had waited to get this. Those of you who didn't buy it right away, don't. I don't feel like this is a gotta buy it full price affair. It's definitely fun, but wait 6 months for a price drop. (Or wait for Amazon Deal of the Day) Though I must admit I wouldn't mind seeing another Metroid with this gameplay style, just with more traditional Metroid exploration thrown in, make the game deeper. But next time you want to put a story in here Nintendo...don't. You've proven that minimal story is your thing, let's keep it that way.