The history of Metroid Prime goes way back, even before the release of the GameCube. Ever since the first screenshots of the game were released, people have been skeptical about how a classic 2D side-scrolling action series would turn out in a completely 3D world with a totally new graphical style and control scheme. Many people have already dismissed it, believing that rookie Texas-based developer Retro Studios would never be able to get the job done right. But if a brand-new developer has ever before proved to the world that it knows how to make an excellent 3D game while remaining faithful to the original 2D series' roots and original feel, that developer is Retro Studios.

Metroid Prime begins with Samus Aran landing on an unidentified and long-forgotten space station infested with all different kinds of mutated creatures. After the opening cut-scene, she (now controlled by you) travels through many tunnels and underground passages. I can tell you that after just five minutes of gameplay, you will be totally immersed in the game and you'll forget everything around you. Don't believe what you hear on message boards about how the game has bad controls; it's not true. After you complete the first level, they will become natural and you won't even notice. Then the learning curve is over and you'll be into the game for good.

Visually, Metroid Prime is a wonder. You won't believe what you see. The amount of effort and design Retro Studios put into this game will leave you staring at your screen in awe; the level design and character models are beautifully crafted. The bosses you'll run into all look wicked, and they'll actually scare you at some times. If you're wondering whether or not Prime's boss battles measure up to the originals, then I can assure you you'll be pleased with what's here. The [tons of] extra graphical detail put into them is only the icing on the cake. And no matter how much action is taking place on-screen at once, you won't even notice a hint of slow-down.

I can't say that the controls in Prime are perfect, but they're definitely close, and nothing to get frustrated over. Almost every button on the GameCube controller is used here. Samus can do everything she could in the original and more. In the beginning of the game, all of the control functions are unlocked and you can use them freely. However, about a half-hour into the game, Samus will be stripped of all her extra abilities and all you'll be able to do is shoot. This is when the game forces you to earn everything back. Eventually, you'll be able to roll into a ball, shoot missiles, etc. -- all the small things that give the game its old-school feel.

If there's one good reason to own a GameCube, this is it. Metroid Prime manages to do the impossible: It keeps the classic, original feel of the Metroid series and somehow translates it perfectly into a 3D world. Your GameCube game collection is worthless without it. Prime easily wins my Game of the Year award.

Review by ForestRanger