The Nintendo Switch has been a truly special console for Nintendo fans. Who could have guessed when the console was announced that we would see not only stand out new games in long running series, but also the return of beloved Nintendo franchises we thought were long gone. Take Metroid for example. Prior to the Switch, the Metroid series had seen one mediocre entry on Wii (sorry, not sorry Metroid: Other M fans) and Federation Force (because someone thought to slap the Metroid name on that for some reason). Then, after years of waiting, we get the amazing Metroid Dread in 2021 (my 2021 Game of the Year). Now, in 2023, Nintendo did the thing I never thought was possible and brought back the original Metroid Prime in the best way. Metroid Prime Remastered isn’t just a great return of the original Metroid Prime. Metroid Prime Remastered may go down as one of the best video games on Nintendo Switch.
Metroid Prime Remastered is, you guessed it, a remaster of the original Metroid Prime game that launched on GameCube back in 2002. That original game was an absolute masterpiece for many reasons. One standout reason was that it was an amazing example of transforming a 2D series into a 3D adventure, all while maintaining the feel that made the 2D series so beloved. Metroid games are about isolation and discovery, and Metroid Prime absolutely nailed it. I remember playing the game when it first came out in 2002 and thinking that video games would never get any better than Metroid Prime. It was that great of a game and is still easily my favorite GameCube game. So imagine my surprise when Nintendo casually announces a remaster and, oh you know, SHADOW DROPS IT RIGHT AFTER THE DIRECT. I’ve never bought a video game faster in my life than Metroid Prime Remastered.
Metroid Prime Remastered is an absolutely beautiful game, easily one of the Switch’s best looking titles. Every single detail of the game has been updated to an impressive level. Environment details, enemies designs, cutscenes, literally everything has been given a graphical boost. It’s genuinely impressive and makes the game look today how I felt the game looked back in 2002. It also runs beautifully at 60fps at all times, which is a pretty big deal for Metroid Prime.
Metroid Prime Remastered also nails the gameplay feel. The original Metroid Prime used what’s been called “tank controls.” In order to fire your weapon, you needed to stop moving, manually aim your weapon and fire. It worked back in 2002, when first person shooter controls weren’t completely nailed down (the first Halo had only come out the previous year). Thankfully Metroid Prime Remastered introduces modern gameplay controls, thus it feels like a modern FPS. This is great for people new to the series or those wanting to try out Metroid Prime. Don’t worry, there’s also the original control options in the game. There’s also the Wii motion control options in the game but why would you do that to yourself? (I’m kidding, the Wii controls for Metroid Prime were fine).
There’s also the wonderful bonus features included in Metroid Prime Remastered. There’s an entire concept art gallery that you can view, however you only fully experience the entire gallery after you finish playing the game. You see you unlock more concept art in the gallery by facing enemies throughout your adventure, thus unlocking new character art and 3D models. There’s also the soundtrack gallery, which allows you to listen to the soundtrack to Metroid Prime Remastered. Like the concept art gallery, songs unlock only after you’ve heard them within the game. Meaning you’ll get so much more out of this bonus feature section once you’ve completed a playthrough. Even better is that this bonus section includes not just a full deep dive into the GameCube concept art but also the concept art that went into making this remaster. It’s amazing to see the design decisions Retro Studios went through to bring this game to Nintendo Switch, and these bonus features are something I absolutely love seeing included.
The only negative thing I can possibly think of with Metroid Prime Remastered is literally the smallest little thing. In the original Metroid Prime, you could connect your game to the Game Boy Advance game Metroid Fusion and unlock the fusion suit in Metroid Prime. That feature is not in Metroid Prime Remastered for obvious reasons but the suit isn’t in the game period (or at the very least, I haven’t found a way to get it). There’s no special unlock somewhere (like in the Wii re-release) or some hidden area that has the suit. If you’re new to the series, you will literally never know this isn’t in the game. If you’re a longtime player like me, it’s sad that it isn’t in there somehow but is absolutely not a major negative. It’s just a small detail that I would have loved to see but it should tell you something when THAT is the only negative thing I can bring up about this game.
Metroid Prime Remastered is an amazing return of Metroid Prime and one of the best video games released for Nintendo Switch. Its masterful remaster takes an already amazing game and enhances every detail for modern audiences. Its amazing graphics, improved environmental and character details, smooth gameplay presentation and modern control scheme make Metroid Prime Remastered perfect for anyone wanting to get into the series or longtime fans looking to get back into its high point. There’s really nothing bad to be said about Metroid Prime Remastered. It’s one of the best remastered games Nintendo’s ever done and at $40, it’s an absolute steal for the high quality experience you’re going to get. Don’t hesitate for a moment, go out and buy Metroid Prime Remastered. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to go start my 4th playthrough of the remaster.
