Metroid: Other M. The game I've been hyping about since 2009 when I first saw trailers. Granted, this disappointed me in the fact that it was NOT the oft-rumored sequel to Metroid Fusion, Metroid: Dread, it still caught me by surprise: A Team Ninja/Nintendo collab? How will this game work? Almost everything seen in previews was absolutely foriegn to Metroid fans: This was not a traditional Super Metroid-esque 2-D platformer; it wasn't a Metroid Prime style 3-D FPS game; and this was all coupled with the fact that it told an actual story a la Metroid Fusion. So what was this game, really? The answer, a blend of all three: A third-person shooter platformer Metroid game that told a narrative through cutscenes and spoken dialogue.
1: STORY
The story is told through beautifully animated cutscenes and spoken dialogue between characters, as well as interaction between them. This borrows from Fusion, which was the only Metroid game that ever told the player a direct narrative without them having to inferr what was occuring, like past Metroid games. However, a few continuity errors occur which call into questions things that transpired in Metroid Fusion (no spoilers.) Despite these little ticks in the story, I give this component of M:OM a 9/10.
2. CONTROL SCHEME
This was something many Metroid fans were worried about when the game was announced: How the hell are we going to be able to do THIS using only the Wii Remote on its side?! I can safely say that all doubts I had about the controls of this game were quickly dispersed upon playing the tutorial sequence.
M:OM puts Samus in what are typically three-dimensional rooms, like the Prime games. However, what might seem like a 2.5-D game (See the New SMB games) isn't- Samus can move fully in the three dimensions provided, even though the movement is controlled by the Wii Remote's D-pad. Other controls are simple: Shoot with 2, jump with 1, enter Morph Ball mode with A. The scheme is very easy to adjust to, and although some might be worried that the lack of other control methods or at least the ability to attach the Nunchuk is missing, it doesn't deterr from the game one bit.
Then, there's the FPS mode Samus enters: When the Wii Remote is pointed at the screen, the camera angle pans to inside Samus's visor, a look clearly inspired by the Metroid Prime games. There are perks to being in this mode, however: Your look is fixed unless manipulated manually by holding B and pointing, and your position is also fixed on the point you were standing. This mode is usually used to investigate objects and fire missiles (the FPS mode is the only time Missiles can be fired, in fact.) This mode is usually used at leisure and doesn't pull away from combat much, since your enemies usually cannot move (much like yourself) when FPS mode is called for during battle.
Although the control scheme might look awkward at first, it works brilliantly. Any doubts I held about this game were put away as soon as I picked up the controller, and the controls feel smooth and responsive. I do have gripes about not being able to move in FPS mode, but if we could do that then it wouldn't be Metroid, it would be Metroid Prime, and the whole point of the game would be lost. I give the control scheme a 9/10.
3. GAMEPLAY
M:OM is obviously off the beaten path simply by looking at commercials and trailers. Team Ninja has infused Samus's typical run-and-explore method of travel with Dragon Sword-esque combat. Samus can now perform melee moves under certain circumstances when facing off against her many opponents, and these changes to Samus's arsenal are very, very welcome.
As mentioned earlier, the game relies heavily on cinematic to explain what's occuring. As a result, M:OM feels a lot like Fusion in that the story more or less forces you (although, in Metroid, "force" is hardly the right word) to go on a linear path. The typical exploration and backtracking elements of Metroid are still there, but not as focused upon as the main narrative is, which also gives the game a touch of Metroid Fusion since that game was also very linear and gave few opportunites to hunt for items. This may disappoint players looking for a spiritual successor to Super Metroid, but rest assured the gameplay of the classic series is still guiding Team Ninja's hand, just slightly less than people anticipated.
The gameplay mixes a healthy blend of combat and narrative with Metroid's classic claustrophobic exploration, but some diehard fans might not like the combat and narrative bit. I give the gameplay an 8/10.
4. GRAPHICS
As I've stated previously, visuals are everything in M:OM, and the presentation is absolutely gorgeous. The graphics are very Super Mario Galaxy, infused with a Metroid Prime flavor. The simplicity yet innate detailing of every environment is breathtaking, and it doesn't go too overboard with making everything look perfect as the Primes did. The cutscenes are also wonderful; everything in the narrative bits has to get across to the player, and boy does it get across well. There's not really much to talk about than what's already been said, but all that needs to be told is that the graphic presentation of M:OM is probably second only to their FPS brethren. I give the graphics a 9/10.
5. FINAL
Metroid: Other M is a wonderful entry into this franchise. It infuses Fusion's knack for narrative with Super's famous exploration and even has a unique blend of control and gameplay, brought to the table by Team Ninja. There are a few problems, however: The exploration is held back some by the narrative, causing the game to feel more linear than most Metroids, and the controls might put a damper on those used to joysticks, but none of this draws away from the full experience.
I give Metroid: Other M a grade of 88%.
