Metroid Prime Trilogy

[Pai Mel]

Cardboard outer sleeve, slightly embossed:

http://meldavid.com/photos/videogames/metroid_prime_trilogy/sleeve_small.jpg (http://meldavid.com/photos/videogames/metroid_prime_trilogy/sleeve.jpg)

Case, manual and disc. As you can see there is no tin box. The artwork for the inlay seems to be printed on metallic foil,
however the plastic sleeve of the case dampens the metalic sheen.

http://meldavid.com/photos/videogames/metroid_prime_trilogy/small.jpg (http://meldavid.com/photos/videogames/metroid_prime_trilogy/large.jpg)

In all the packaging isn't as cool as I thought it would be.
To not completely spoil it for you I have not shown what the additional leaflet looks like,
which contains Metroid Prime history and some artwork.

[Pai Mel]

I would have liked holographic imagery on the disc and would have preferred the artwork for the outer sleeve and case inlay swapped for each other.

[Cicada]

So Australia doesn't get the tin box? That sucks...

I was completely set on buying this until I discovered that MP3 saves aren't compatible. Having not finished MP3 for some bizarre reason, I'm not sure if I want to start from its beginning again for the benefit of replaying 1 (played once, didn't own) and 2 (did own played through a fair bit) with improved controls, graphics etc...

Does the extra stuff make or break the purchase, or is it just a nice addition?

[AranchineD]

Is it true that the graphics for MP1 & 2 look worse than they did on GCN?

[Pai Mel]

This is the UK version that I bought. I had it on pre-order. If the UK don't get a tin box then why would they give Australia better?

I have never played MP2 so can't compare it with the GCN version. I have read that the FMV cutscenes for MP2 has slightly more compression than the original to save disc space.

I have not popped the game in the Wii yet. I don't really want to play anything but Batman right now. :p

"Does the extra stuff make or break the purchase?"
16:9 presentation and having the three games on one disc is good enough for me as I had already sold MP1 & MP3, and MP Trilogy only cost me £34.99 + £1.00 shipping.
The bonus insert didn't really wow me - I haven't read it yet but I'm not that intrigued by the history to make me want to read it, haha.

[BB2K]

If we don't get the tin there's no way I'm buying this.

However, if we do get the tin, there's no way I'm not buying this.

[Pai Mel]

Metroid Prime 1 & 3 look pretty much the same to me as in the previous versions, 'cept for MP1 now taking up the whole TV screen.

I've only watched the intro of MP2 and it does look somewhat over-compressed. Kinda like watching a YouTube video. I can't see why they couldn't have real-time rendered that intro instead of using FMV.

Scanning things is more annoying than I remember. You have to hold the - button, point the wiimote above the center of the screen, then release to select the scanning visor, before you can scan with the Z button. I think I would have liked the - button to scan when you perform a quicktap, and to select a visor when you keep it held down.

You shoot missiles by pressing down on the tiny d-pad. I seem to remember a powerful shot based on your currently equipped beam on the GameCube version where you hold the A button to charge and then hit the missile button, but I'm not sure how this will be done now.

[Natrak]

With Brutal Legend and Uncharted 2 being released on the same day I can't see myself buying this right away. But having never purchased any of the three I'll definitely be picking Metroid Prime Trilogy up at some point.

[McChimp]

I've been tempted to pick this up, but I've still got my GC copies of MP 1 & 2, so unless there was something truly outstanding about this (improved graphics, worthwhile extras) I'll sadly have to give it a miss. Sucks, cos I'm a big Metroid fan and would've loved a decent excuse to get this.

[Blob]

The lack of metal tin may actually stop me buying this boxset. Ill see how it affects the prices of 1 and 2 secondhand before I make my judgement. A real dissapointment in my eyes.

[Pai Mel]

Yeah I reckon everyone should boycott the Australian release if it doesn't have a tin box. The Halo 2 CE I accidentally bought from ebay thinking it was Halo 3 had awesome packaging so I decided to keep it, but this is pretty lame in comparison. The franchise just doesn't have that 'wow factor' anymore.

Can you buy steelbook DVD cases by themselves anywhere?

[banjoeskimo]

Wait wait wait, so the make or break issue for you guys is a metal f---ing tin? It's in widescreen now, and your scans carry over between saves. Meaning it won't look quite as ass-tastic on modern TVs and the most annoying gameplay quirk of the entire series has been fixed. But by all means, keep bitching about the tin.

Christ.

I meant to pick this up day one, but I ended up getting Batman instead. Will pick this up once I've got some spare cash and the Christmas rush is over.

[Fenrir]

I might even pick this up before I even get a Wii, if there's a special release CE version and a separate ongoing "plain" retail version. Given the full dedication of Retro (and Nintendo) to what's essentially three instalments of content on essentially the same engine, I dare say game trilogies this polished are rare beasts to come by.

More interested in hearing about Retro's "next big thing", though.

[Nic Xtreme]

I might even pick this up before I even get a Wii, if there's a special release CE version and a separate ongoing "plain" retail version. Given the full dedication of Retro (and Nintendo) to what's essentially three instalments of content on essentially the same engine, I dare say game trilogies this polished are rare beasts to come by.

More interested in hearing about Retro's "next big thing", though.

They've been long-rumoured to be making something Zelda-related, though apparently, according to the same rumours that discussed this, whatever that was has been cancelled. It would sure have been interesting though, kind of like how GRIN (Bionic Commando devs) were working on a Final Fantasy game before they were shut down - the concept art looked gorgeous :(

[PrattP]

Hoping JB will have the trade 2 for 1 deal with this. :p

Looking good though, and I'll finally be able to play all the Metriods.

[Blob]

Wait wait wait, so the make or break issue for you guys is a metal f---ing tin? It's in widescreen now, and your scans carry over between saves. Meaning it won't look quite as ass-tastic on modern TVs and the most annoying gameplay quirk of the entire series has been fixed. But by all means, keep bitching about the tin.

Christ.


Its more the fact that PAL territories are getting left out from something that was part of the package the whole time.

[aubergine]

Wait wait wait, so the make or break issue for you guys is a metal f---ing tin? It's in widescreen now, and your scans carry over between saves. Meaning it won't look quite as ass-tastic on modern TVs and the most annoying gameplay quirk of the entire series has been fixed. But by all means, keep bitching about the tin.

Christ.

I meant to pick this up day one, but I ended up getting Batman instead. Will pick this up once I've got some spare cash and the Christmas rush is over.

I guess small things may make the difference when buying games you've already played, or probably still own and can already play on the console anyway.

I did read something briefly somewhere claiming that the new version of 1 & 2 was missing some lighting effects and doo-dads, though I haven't seen more to back that up from anywhere.

[Cerebral]

There are a few videos on youtube. Here's a link (http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/09/metroid-prime-trilogy-versions-look-worse-than-the-originals/).

It's nothing really huge, but they are definately (not) there, odd that they've omitted a few graphical touches on a system that is so similar hardware-wise to the Gamecube.

[Slippery]

kind of like how GRIN (Bionic Commando devs) were working on a Final Fantasy game before they were shut down - the concept art looked gorgeous :(

To be fair the only good game Grin made was Bionic Commando: Rearmed

Certainly a bargain if MP is your thing and you never had a cube or bc'ed the cube ones to your Wii.

[Fenrir]

They've been long-rumoured to be making something Zelda-related, though apparently, according to the same rumours that discussed this, whatever that was has been cancelled.
Hmm, something Zelda-related could've harvested the guts of the shelved Raven Blade - then the only people still speculating over it would be those guys who hack through games, looking for scrapped level assets*.

It still surprises me that they leave any of this shit in release binaries, at all.

[Lex]

There are a few videos on youtube. Here's a link (http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/09/metroid-prime-trilogy-versions-look-worse-than-the-originals/).

It's nothing really huge, but they are definately (not) there, odd that they've omitted a few graphical touches on a system that is so similar hardware-wise to the Gamecube.

wait, I thought the whole point was that they were touching up the graphics, or at least just adding bloom. how do you go backwards??

[Australian Ninja]

Can you play MP 1+2 with normal controls (a gamecube controller) or only with the new Wii-fied controls? Because I like the old controls, and it's single factor for me in deciding whether to get this, seeing as I only own Metroid Prime and no sequels.

[aubergine]

If the New Play controls are anything as good as the Metroid Prime 3 controls I really don't think you'll be bothered much, it kicks arse.

[faceless]

i'd rather nintendo made a new game

[aubergine]

Aren't you satisfied with Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus?

[concrete donkey]

Aren't you satisfied with Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus?

*giggle*

[ireadtabloids]

Looking forward to this! I never really played Metroid Prime 3. :D

[Vindik8or]

Well I've got all of the originals, the control scheme in the first two is perfect so no need for me to experience any change there, and I can play them all on the Wii anyway. I won't be buying this.

[aubergine]

I just feel good for the 90 million Wii owners who might now have a chance to play excellent GCN games, since none of them bought a freaking GCN.

[tau]

Btw, Wii plays Gamecube games already.

[Fenrir]

Sure, but who stocks/promotes Cube games anymore?

[banjoeskimo]

Furthermore, who wants to play a 4:3 game on a 16:9 TV?

[FrozenSoul80]

I might actually buy this. I never got to play Prime 2 and 3, despite enjoying the first (even though I never bothered to finish it).

Also, are the $50 Official Nintendo Component Cables better than the $20 third-party kind? I want this game to look as good as it can.

[Pai Mel]

When you pay $50 for a cable your mind makes you want to think it is better than a $15 cable. That part is true.

[aubergine]

The cables are just cables, get the cheap ones.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

When was this coming out?

[Kasplatza Red]

considering I've played like, about an hour or so of the first metroid prime and nothing else, I do wanna pick this up. I like the cardboard sleeve, it looks nice enough as is.
Dungeon Crawl have the UK version in, no idea when the AU version is coming here, though.

[Super Sleuth]

There's a voice in my head screaming to me 'just buy it'.

But as Vin said, the original controls were perfect and there's no real need for me to play it again at this point in time...especially considering the plethora of awesome titles that have just been released / coming soon.

I'll pick it up when it's cheap. Real cheap. Just to have it. I'm shit like that.

[aubergine]

I think it's due out tomorrow (15th Oct) from memory.

[Super Sleuth]

You are correct.





Congrats man.

[McChimp]

Also, are the $50 Official Nintendo Component Cables better than the $20 third-party kind? I want this game to look as good as it can.

I've got my Wii running on a 42" plasma with el-cheapo component cables, and they do the job just fine. If there was any difference between the two, I'd say it'd be minimal, if at all noticeable.

[Pai Mel]

Wii's SD jagged SD graphics don't deserve expensive video cables, imo.

[banjoeskimo]

Look, the Wii is going to look like ass on any HD TV, but the degree to which it looks terrible can be minimised by the cables. Text especially is much easier to read with a component setup.

In any case, I finally picked this up yesterday, and it's an outstanding effort. The presentation values are through the roof, and the art booklet that comes with the game is gorgeously printed. I fired up Prime 1 for a quick spin and it's just as I remember it. The new controls work very well.

A highly recommended purchase for people who never played the original games, or those looking to upgrade their experience for widescreen TVs.

[FrozenSoul80]

Brother bought this this morning, and I'm watching him play it now. The widescreen setup is beautiful. The controls, however, are just abysmal. I'm not liking the new lock-on system, aiming or visor switching mechanics. I wish you could use a GameCube controller with this game :(

[Adios]

I'm not liking the new lock-on system, aiming or visor switching mechanics. I wish you could use a GameCube controller with this game :(

Give it time. When it clicks, you won't be able to go back to MP1 and MP2 and their controls. They're not at all bad it's just that the Wii controls are fantastic.

[FrozenSoul80]

Give it time. When it clicks, you won't be able to go back to MP1 and MP2 and their controls. They're not at all bad it's just that the Wii controls are fantastic.

I don't think they are ever going to click with me, I really don't enjoy motion controls. They are just so bothersome.

EDIT: 2 hours later and it just gets worse. Wrestling with the controls is just ruining the atmosphere the original had. Instead of taking in the sights I feel like I'm trying to restrain an ADHD four-year-old who has just has just spent the last hour and a half eating nothing but sugar. **** you, Nintendo.

[Nic Xtreme]

I don't think they are ever going to click with me, I really don't enjoy motion controls. They are just so bothersome.

EDIT: 2 hours later and it just gets worse. Wrestling with the controls is just ruining the atmosphere the original had. Instead of taking in the sights I feel like I'm trying to restrain an ADHD four-year-old who has just has just spent the last hour and a half eating nothing but sugar. **** you, Nintendo.

The games controls are the same as MP3's, right? So, you sit on a couch, rest your forearm on your thigh, the wrist hanging off the edge for precise, slow movements - ensure it is calibrated for this position - and have the nunchuk in your other hand, on your other leg. Your right arm may prop up on its elbow at times, but overall you sound like your flailing around too much? Try make small, subtle movements, and maybe adjust the sensitivity?

On Prime 3 it was the Expert controls or something that were the best, give it a go - Prime 3 controlled absolutely gorgeously and one's hand only had to move slightly to pan your view across and take in the delightful sights and sounds of Prime 3!

[FrozenSoul80]

That's how I was playing, but the whole thing felt like a chore. The whole "you have to sit like this or it won't work" thing is the same issue that turns me away from PC gaming (and other forms of motion controls) as I find sitting still for longer than 10 minutes to be very difficult (yay, remnants of childhood ADHD!).

[Australian Ninja]

If the New Play controls are anything as good as the Metroid Prime 3 controls I really don't think you'll be bothered much, it kicks arse.

I don't like using the Wiimote, for anything, EVER. It's just not for me. Motion controls bug me and I'd much rather use a controller, so it looks like I won't be buying MP trilogy. I still do not have a Wii, and this was one of two games that I actually want to play on it (the other being Mad World). Sure there is Mario Galaxy, but I'm hopeless at the 3D mario games, never finished Mario 64 or Sunshine.

[Super Sleuth]

I like to lean back into my couch with my feet on the coffee table when I play games. I can't do that with Wii. I have to adjust my entire 'sitting style' when I play a Wii game, and it is not comfortable. Suffice to say, I haven't played my Wii since Metroid Prime 3 came out.

[aubergine]

Wow. I'm openly down on the Wii but certainly not for the Metroid Prime 3 controls.

I never found it strenuous, but if it helps, just think of it as trading button-mashing for wrist-mashing. Perhaps I am at an advantage having extra-strong wrists. Wrists like Popeye's forearms.

Or perhaps your wrists are simply limp. I just think it's weird seeing one of Wii's few great strengths described as a weakness.

[ireadtabloids]

I wish we got the collectors tin like other regions... :( I know we still get the artwork and all that, but I really wanted that tin!

[Queenie]

head on over to play asia via my signature god I hope they have collectors tin

[Zeph101]

I noticed something recently. This is kinda relevant to this thread.
When I first purchased MP 3, I played until I got to the first planet you could travel to in the game proper. Uni obligations came about and I just sorta lost interest in finishing it.
Now, this year I remember seeing the brief story on Kotaku about the MP trilogy having a slightly censored MP 3, were the word 'damn' spoken by the commander in the opening was changed to 'no'. OK, get this. I recently downloaded a Wii update, as it said it was required to access the Wii Shop. After downloading the update, a few days later I decided to finally play through MP 3. To my surprise I found that my original copy of MP 3 that I had bought in 2007 now had the same censorship the trilogy version had.

I really don't know how I feel to-wards this, but I can't help but think that Nintendo has crossed some kind of moral line. I'm sure it was legal, just not very ethical to censor something I had already legitimately purchased and was in no way in any violation of it's classification. I'm disappointed and quite profounded at the fact Nintendo would do this.

[borgster101]

I dont think Wii updates to the firmware actually affect disc based games at all .. so I'd imagine this "damn" dialogue actually never appeared in the game ever .. :/

[Zeph101]

Pretty conclusive.
-sUPR831LvQ
What else may have caused it?

[banjoeskimo]

It's shit like this that makes me think Nintendo will be forever stuck in the dark ages. Nobody cares. F---ing nobody. And yet their desire to santise even the most pedestrian of profanity and "protect families" is the same kind of bullshit that's holding them back from ever having a decent online setup. Because, god forbid people talk to each other like people.

[borgster101]

Pretty conclusive.
-sUPR831LvQ
What else may have caused it?

Well there you go .. the only other thing I can think of is that the PAL version of Corruption was already censored, because it still seems weird that a Wii firmware update would actually "patch" a Wii disc game. Cause if this was possible, it would be nice if you know Nintendo used the technology to fix the online mode in Smash Bros or something? :p

And actually there was that Super Paper Mario glitch and the only solution was to get a new disc, no online patch .. all history points to such "updates" not being possible on Wii.


Anyway, it's stupid to censor it (really stupid), considiring other games on the console have the word **** in it ..


EDIT Looking at the youtube comments, seems like it was indeed censored for the PAL version back in the original release .. and the censored version then went to the Trilogy disc for all regions.

in case anyone was wondering, the trilogy version here, has the same line that was used in the Australians Pal version of corruption... with the "no"

LOL .. what the **** why even bother? It's such a lazy dub over as well .. ahahha

[aubergine]

I have yet to see this game on shelves. I asked at an EB, dude said they only got 2 copies, preorder only.

Is this a sign that Wii's trajectory is starting to mimic the gamecube? If retailers aren't supporting a title as "sure fire"? as this one I have to wonder if the Wiu isn't crashing badly with anyone approximating a real gamer.

[FrozenSoul80]

I have yet to see this game on shelves. I asked at an EB, dude said they only got 2 copies, preorder only.

Really? My Big W, which rarely gets new stock on time, got six copies on release day. Sure, my brother had to ask for them, but they did have copies on release.

[Zeph101]

Whoops, my bad. Now I'm not defending my own naivety, but the censorship issue still warrants how I feel towards Nintendo.
Oh well, they still make pretty decent games so I can't complain that much, as I'm having a blast with MP 3 at the moment.

[Nic Xtreme]

I have yet to see this game on shelves. I asked at an EB, dude said they only got 2 copies, preorder only.

Is this a sign that Wii's trajectory is starting to mimic the gamecube? If retailers aren't supporting a title as "sure fire"? as this one I have to wonder if the Wiu isn't crashing badly with anyone approximating a real gamer.

Unfortunately, this situation is apparently already happening. Maybe not so with Trilogy - I've seen plenty of copies - but remember the situation with Punch-Out? Or worse, Excitebots? They were either canned or exclusive to JB purely because of retailer disinterest. I'd also question whether the reason Another Code R hasn't been released lies in that same basket.

Then you have the situation as reported over in Europe - publisher Rising Star Games report that retailers aren't stocking Muramasa because they aren't interested in it.
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=101392

[McChimp]

Not........stocking......Muramasa??!!

LET THEM BURN IN HELL!!

[borgster101]

It's partly the consumers fault for not buying them :p Or I guess a better pharse would be not buying these types of games, making retailers believe all others that aren't based on a major franchise or have a big budget marketing push are doomed for failure.

[Dr Skinnybones]

market muramusa as a weight loss app and it should shift.
I would sell my wii if it wasn't for the virtual console.

[BB2K]

I went to my local JB, EB and Game today and it was at all of them.

[Jickle]

I went to my local JB, EB and Game today and it was at all of them.

It's pretty easy to get at Marion, if you can be bothered making a ridiculously long trip. :p

[aubergine]

Retail is incredibly slow here on the Sunshine Coast, with pretty much the only centre of note being in Maroochydore (to my knowledge.) I'd been to Caloundra and Kawana in my search until today.

I did finally see copies on the shelf in Gametraders at Maroochydore, who also had several other Wii titles I had not see elsewhere. The people who own/run that place are good for engaging with the gamers and ordering in copies of less mainstream, better quality stuff that they hear about from people like me. (they've ordered in stuff for the shelf I've recommended several times.)

[aubergine]

I officially called it. (http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/10/nintendo-profits-plunge/#more-364015)

[Fenrir]

That's hardly sufficient - Nintendo still continue their at least decade-long streak of posting yearly net profits, and all revenue models stabilize eventually. The points noted in the article are probably relevant, too.

[ireadtabloids]

Whoops, my bad. Now I'm not defending my own naivety, but the censorship issue still warrants how I feel towards Nintendo.
Oh well, they still make pretty decent games so I can't complain that much, as I'm having a blast with MP 3 at the moment.

I hate censorship of this nature. It is insignificant, but the scene as it was originally intended was better.

[aubergine]

I just read at PALgn that Kmart are selling this for $59.

[Pai Mel]

Yes, it's in the online catalog. I saw it with mine own eyes. O.O

[ireadtabloids]

YES!!! :eek:

[Gutsman Heavy]

damn, so bought!

[Jickle]

I picked it up today. $60 was too good to pass up.

The graphics have not aged well at all in the first one (so far), but I suppose that's to be expected. Not really sure if I should play them through in order or just start seperate files on all of them at once. I only ever played the first one, and even then only got about 5 hours in.

[Starscream]

I picked it up today. $60 was too good to pass up.

The graphics have not aged well at all in the first one (so far), but I suppose that's to be expected. Not really sure if I should play them through in order or just start seperate files on all of them at once. I only ever played the first one, and even then only got about 5 hours in.

You have to play them in order!

Also, how is the control scheme? Improved like RE4ii as I thought RE4ii was a Capcom Wii cash in (depending on your point of view), but the control scheme was utterly brilliant and that's how RE4 (and third person shooters) should be played (with the Wii remote). Mercenary mode just got better.

Damn playing RE5 on an Xbox 360 controller. :/

Maybe it is a Nintendo cash in, but a justified one with a better control scheme.

[Zeph101]

I picked it up today. $60 was too good to pass up.

The graphics have not aged well at all in the first one (so far), but I suppose that's to be expected. Not really sure if I should play them through in order or just start seperate files on all of them at once. I only ever played the first one, and even then only got about 5 hours in.

As Starscream said, you must play them in order. Like Half-life 2, it's a pretty simplistic story that is made great due to the way its presented. You'll miss out if you play them simultaneously.

[concrete donkey]

i kinda want to buy this.. but i really hate the wii.

[BB2K]

Well then buy it you tit. No one cares that you hate the Wii, it's inarguable that there's some good games on it, and if you're affected because you want to play a game on it but hate it so much, pull your head out of your arse and play it.

[aubergine]

I'm shitty with Nintendo but if I HAD a Wii, and, you know, an income, I'd definately get this. I've already finished all 3 games too, the first 2 numerous times.

[Pai Mel]

He could buy the GameCube versions off someone who wants to upgrade to the Wii triology version.

[concrete donkey]

He could buy the GameCube versions off someone who wants to upgrade to the Wii triology version.

yeah, and i cant touch my wii motes. my dirty house mate put his filthy hands all over them. biohazard :(

[banjoeskimo]

So does anyone want to trade friend vouchers so they can unlock some of the goodies this has to offer (art galleries, dioramas, easter eggs)?

I'm yet to unlock all the friend vouchers, but I've got at least 14 so far and I'd love to trade if anyone has some they need to get rid of.

[banjoeskimo]

Okay, just finished Prime 3 on Trilogy for the first time. Anyone who wants to unlock everything in the bonus galleries will need a total of 15 friend vouchers sent their way. I have 20. No trading love?

[BB2K]

I would, but I'm not sure if it works from the stand alone MP3 to Trilogy.

[banjoeskimo]

Nevermind. A quick run through Google suggests that Prime Trilogy vouchers aren't compatible with Prime 3 vouchers, and there might also be problems trading from PAL to NTSC systems.

[aubergine]

And it also uses the internet.

[Pauly]

Anyone wanna buy MP1 and 2 for GCN?

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Should have sold them when it was announced like I did!

[banjoeskimo]

So anyone planning to pick this up should probably do so soon. Apparently Nintendo has stopped shipping it (http://kotaku.com/5444418/metroid-prime-trilogy-no-longer-published-or-shipped), only after 4 months of it being on sale.

[borgster101]

Guess it makes it a real collectors item now :p

[Pai Mel]

I still want to get the tin case from the US and just pop the PAL disc in.

[SOX]

So you can sell it for more profit right?