Other M - A disturbing voice for the Metroid franchise

When this game was first announced, I myself was a bit skeptical at the "edgy" nature and controls being presented for Samus, however, I gained excitement as I saw additional footage in development. When I picked this game up, I was finally happy that Samus was going to have a voice...however, I never knew that it would leave such a bland taste in my mouth.


(www.ign.com)

I have only played this game for a little over an hour and the majority of it is Samus speaking in a very monotonous voice. The tough-as-nails bounty hunter that most Metroid fans grew to love was being presented as a person bordering manic depression and seriously needing therapy (I do not poke fun at this assessment, it is simply shocking to see Samus presented in this way - You will find out in an early cut-scene that the death of a baby Metroid from the 90's Super Metroid game deeply disturbed her and seemed to push her over the limit). What was surprising is that this character has gone through so much in the series, I just do not feel this is the best first impression of her with a voice. A Japanese-styled self assessment does not breed the best vocal homage to someone who has always been projected as being so much stronger in our imaginations.

Weapon's authorization? - This was perplexing to say the least in an exploration-based series as Metroid. Samus meets up with her former superior officer early in the game and is instructed NOT to use any of her weapons unless he authorizes it. This is simply incredible! Normally, a player is directed to locate all of Samus's weapons during the journey to the final boss showdown - a beautiful investment to strengthen your character and complete the game. At this stage in Samus's career, she should be running the show and this design decision takes away from our love of weapon's exploration and upgrading. - There is even a point in the game where Samus takes damage simply because she is not authorized to use a special heat-resistant suit.


(mDUO13.com)

In addition, there is too much of this "thumbs down" scene! (anyone who has seen the trailer will understand what I mean) - I will not get into much detail, however, it revolves around a call sign that Samus used to do when she received her missions from her superior officer in the past. The cut sequence is supposed to show how Samus, being a woman in a man's world, feels out of place and feels she needs to prove herself to her male counterparts. The problem??? - they repeated it 3 times and then Samus is "explaining" it to us! At this point, I just want her to be quiet. Effective story and character development could have been achieved by showing the scene and allowing the player to feel the impact and soak in Samus's emotions - especially since the cut scenes were done so beautifully. We are also presented with this monotonous voice again that sucks any life out of the monologue.

Lastly, the controls are a bit fidgety when it comes to directional usage and using the missile. Unlike the controls for Metroid Prime Trilogy, this game is mostly playing with the Wiimote in a side-ways position...similar to playing a Super Mario Brothers game. However, trying to navigate our heroine in diagonal directions feel non-responsive and turning the character felt like she was in a box instead of being fluid. The best motions actually are presented when the character enters First Person mode (this is achieved when you point the Wiimote at the TV and you are presented with a First Person perspective of the game) - yet there is one big problem...YOU CANNOT MOVE! The player can only turn to view items and to shoot missiles. Some of the best motions are experienced in this view, however, I feel that it is completely underused from what we experienced in the Metroid Prime Trilogy.



(www.all-nintendo.com)

Playing a little over an hour was enough for me to put this down and turn to Halo Reach. I will eventually pick it up again but I am in no rush to return. I am disappointed in Nintendo for this design direction since Metroid Prime was such a success. I am happy that fresh ideas were presented; however, I believe that a majority of Metroid fans will choose not to accept this interpretation of Samus and play mechanics.

If you are looking for a more exploratory and adventurous Metroid expedition, pass on this one and please turn to Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Wii or Super Metroid (currently available on the Wii Virtual console). Samus may not talk in these games, but her exploits will leave you speechless!