NOW PLAYING - Metroid Other M

NOW PLAYING – Metroid Other M

In between Skyrim marathons, I’ve sat down with Metroid Other M for a few sessions, and I have to admit – I have mixed feelings about the overall experience thus far.  Probably because I’ve become accustomed to the Metroid Prime experience, Other M seemed like a big throwback to me, which it essentially is.  Many have likened it to Super Metroid, which is pretty on target.

The game is played in third person mostly, with the option to switch to first person (to look around and shoot at things out of the camera’s normal visual range).  Samus retains most of her familiar abilities, from her Morph Ball and Bombs to the Charge Beam and Missiles.  She can now dodge with a quick tap of the Control Pad with good timing.

Perhaps it’s because I’m used to the massive, colorful, and beautifully designed worlds in Metroid Prime that I’m a little disappointed by the dull and dark environments of Other M’s world so far.  Sure, Section I has gotten a little more interesting in terms of world design, but you’re still confined to the inside of a ship.  Many of the rooms are also pretty linear, a change from Prime’s humongous levels.

But I suppose it’s unfair to compare this game too much to Metroid Prime, because it’s not trying to be Metroid Prime.  The controls are actually pretty good and respond well, and the challenge level is satisfying (yes, I’ve died a couple of times already, I have to admit).

I’ll let you all know how it turns out as I progress further…