Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this game is part of the Metroid series of classic games and is the third one to be a first-person shooter. Since this game is on the Wii, the motion control system provides a more immersive experience as players use the Wii remote to actually do the shooting. But at the same time the game is lighter on mature, graphic content -- the aliens aren't shown bleeding or dying in agony. While a shooter, this game also focuses on puzzle-solving. We set the age appropriateness based on the difficulty of the puzzle play and some of the battles. It's possible to play this game online, which creates an unknown element when communicating virtually with other players.
Families can talk about how the game has changed over the years (check Nintendo's Wii Shop for older versions of Metroid to try) and Samus' evolving storyline. Do the Wii's motion-sensitive controls make you feel more like you are shooting the aliens? How about the perspective? Does first-person versus third-person make you feel more a part of the story? Of the violence? Does it make a difference to you that the violence is directed at non-human versus human enemies?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrew Bub
Halo 3 isn't the only game series on its third installment and wearing fashionable powered armor. Xbox 360 owners can have Master Chief and his Mature ESRB rating so far as Nintendo Wii players are concerned. For Wii fans, powered armor means Samus and a "3" in the title means Metroid Prime has come to the Wii.
METROID PRIME 3 is the first Nintendo-created first-person shooter. Launch title Red Steel and ports of WWII games have shown some potential, but Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is the first title that lives up to the immersive potential of aiming and shooting with a remote control, while moving using the stick atop the nunchuk controller. How'd they do it? We're not sure because this is the same movement system that was panned for Red Steel (the nunchuk is used for movement, while moving the remote to the edge causes the character to turn). Nintendo seems to have refined the sensor to differentiate aiming and turning better. The result is a lot more trick shooting and precision, and a lot less aiming at the floor or ceiling by accident.
The story covers familiar ground to any seasoned Metroid veterans. Samus Aran is an intergalactic bounty hunter -- but she works primarily as an exterminator. The story line is about a mutagen infection and the gameplay focuses far less on shooting and killing than most games like this, and far more in puzzles and exploration.
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is rated T-Teen, making it one of the milder shooting games, but the overall difficulty of some of the puzzles and shooting fights with superpowered Boss creatures makes for a game best recommended for more experienced gamers.
For other versions of this series, check out Metroid Prime: Hunters on the Nintendo DS and budget releases of Metroid 1 & 2 for the GameCube. For younger children, Wii Play has a target shooting mini-game.
Reviewed: 10/22/2007
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ViolenceLots of shooting, gunplay, explosions -- but no blood. |
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Social BehaviorYou're the hero, protecting the innocent from nasty aliens. But you have to kill -- a lot -- to do it. |
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CommercialismThis is part of a classic video game series. |
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Educational ValueThe puzzle and adventure elements are a good mental challenge for kids. |
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