Cinematic Metroid
Story:
+ Bridges 'Super Metroid' and 'Metroid Fusion'
+ Lots of fan service
~ Melodramatic
- Lots of exposition, long cutscenes
Visuals:
+ Cinematic, fixed camera
+ Good variety of environments
+ High quality pre-rendered cutscenes
- Art style is a bit bland
Sound:
+ First orchestrated soundtrack in a Metroid game
+ Good sound effects
~ Cinematic soundtrack recalls films such as 'Alien' and 'Aliens' but isn't as 'catchy' or memorable as other music in the series
~ Inconsistent voice acting
Gameplay:
3rd person sci-fi action-adventure that recalls the series' side-scrolling roots. Played with a single wiimote held sideways.
Unique mechanic: pointing wiimote at screen puts the player in a 1st person perspective. You can't move in this perspective, but pivot to examine the environment and use abilities. The transition is surprisingly smooth but takes some getting used to.
Some issues: navigating 3D space with the d-pad is a little clunky and the fixed camera is occasionally a hindrance.
I completed the story in 8 hours, but it was 11.5 hours to complete 100%. I suspect it will take most players 6 to 15 hours.
Unlockables include hard mode difficulty as well as concept art and cutscenes for gallery and theatre modes.
Final comments:
'Metroid: Other M' is a cinematic Metroid. The game is full of fan service but is hampered by a 'tell don't show' approach to storytelling. There's an engaging experience here, but it'll take an hour or two to accustom to the game's controls. That said, I did enjoy the game, especially for its classic yet unique gameplay.
+ Bridges 'Super Metroid' and 'Metroid Fusion'
+ Lots of fan service
~ Melodramatic
- Lots of exposition, long cutscenes
Visuals:
+ Cinematic, fixed camera
+ Good variety of environments
+ High quality pre-rendered cutscenes
- Art style is a bit bland
Sound:
+ First orchestrated soundtrack in a Metroid game
+ Good sound effects
~ Cinematic soundtrack recalls films such as 'Alien' and 'Aliens' but isn't as 'catchy' or memorable as other music in the series
~ Inconsistent voice acting
Gameplay:
3rd person sci-fi action-adventure that recalls the series' side-scrolling roots. Played with a single wiimote held sideways.
Unique mechanic: pointing wiimote at screen puts the player in a 1st person perspective. You can't move in this perspective, but pivot to examine the environment and use abilities. The transition is surprisingly smooth but takes some getting used to.
Some issues: navigating 3D space with the d-pad is a little clunky and the fixed camera is occasionally a hindrance.
I completed the story in 8 hours, but it was 11.5 hours to complete 100%. I suspect it will take most players 6 to 15 hours.
Unlockables include hard mode difficulty as well as concept art and cutscenes for gallery and theatre modes.
Final comments:
'Metroid: Other M' is a cinematic Metroid. The game is full of fan service but is hampered by a 'tell don't show' approach to storytelling. There's an engaging experience here, but it'll take an hour or two to accustom to the game's controls. That said, I did enjoy the game, especially for its classic yet unique gameplay.
