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…
