Samus Returns! (Metroid Prime 2 - Echoes (GC))

Member Name: heekeer

Product:	Metroid Prime 2 - Echoes (GC)
Date:	23/08/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique way of finding out the story, new dark world , good puzzles, better graphics, multiplayer

Disadvantages: None

Metroid Prime 2 Echoes is a shooter for the Gamecube developed by Nintendo.

Samus Aran is called back in to action to investigate the disappearance of some marines, on the ship she discovers a version of herself but slightly different so intrigued she gives chase. The game will take you through the planet of Aether which has been infected with dark energy which has ripped the planet into two separate dimensions light and dark and Samus must investigate the planet, find out about the Dark Samus she saw and hopefully restore the planet. The storyline is quite engaging and as before is told in a very unique way.

As before you get to scan the environments to pick up on plot points you may encounter and pick up information on the world and its inhabitants. It's a very novel way of exposing the plot and it really helps to immerse you in the experience.

Samus controls much the same as in Prime with her blaster cannon able to shoot quickly or be charged up for a more powerful blast attack, she has some missiles she can shoot along with a couple of new weapons the dark and light energy beams which are used to great effect in the light and dark environments of Aether. The combat is still lock on so you can aim pretty easily at the targets you want.

The game still has lots of puzzle solving including Samus Morph Ball form which has her roll around through enclosed spaces, alot of the bosses require some really creative thinking to get by so you will need to use your brain in the game! There are still many pick ups to find to increase your health and grant Samus with extra powers so there is a lot to do in the game.

The games main feature is the two different versions of Aether you can traverse, you can travel in the light side and go through portals to enter dark Aether. Both sides have a really distinct visual style with the dark side really warped and twisted looking as well as being harmful to Samus, you will have to run through safe zones which have shield generators in them.

Also included for the first time in a Metroid is the multiplayer mode where you can play with up to four people, the weapons are like the single player and you can play in a couple of modes from deathmatch to bounty hunter where you must collect a certain amount of coins to win the match! The multiplayer isn't as deep as I would have liked but it is a good addition and
fun to mess around with for a while.

Graphics are very good slightly sharper than the original, the sound design is brilliant too and has some eerie tunes to keep you immersed in the strange alien world.

Metroid Prime 2 isn't as amazing as the first it is still an excellent and very unique shooter well worth your time and money.

Summary: An excellent sequel.