Metroid Prime Remastered is a modern-day enhancement of Nintendo’s 2002 GameCube classic. It combines the elements that make the series beloved with a unique, first-person perspective and a 3D environment.
It requires precision jumping across precarious platforms and swinging from a grappling hook to ascend huge, vertical spaces littered with hostile critters. An observant eye will also help as many things that appear inconspicuous at first glance hold secrets like a missile tank or an energy pack.
1. Be on the move
Whether exploring an empty room or in the middle of a giant fight, it is vital to always be on the move. Stand still and platforms will sink, creatures will attack, or traps will be sprung. The simplest way to stay alive is to keep Samus moving.
This is especially important during combat, as enemies will quickly close the distance between them and her. Aim for a head shot with the Combat Visor and strafe around enemies to dodge attacks.
Metroid Prime Remastered doesn’t provide as many hints as a modern shooter, so it is vital to be sure that you are headed in the right direction before engaging a creature or using a power up. This is especially true when you encounter a new traversal mechanic like the Boost Ball Half-pipe.
2. Watch your health
The combat of METROID PRIME REMASTERED can be fast and brutal, and enemies are quick to close the gap. Learning to strafe as a basic instinct while fighting will keep your shields up while also keeping you out of harm’s way. With tight corridors followed by large open areas, this is crucial.
METROID PRIME REMASTERED is a first person shooter that allows you to swap between four visors that reveal different aspects of Samus’ environment. These include a combat visor that shows the environment in 3D, a scan visor that allows you to see more detail of enemies and objects, and an X-ray visor that lets you see through walls. Each reveals unique information, so using them to fight enemies, solve puzzles and explore is essential to success.
3. Watch your missiles
One of the most sought-after upgrades in METROID PRIME REMASTERED is the Super Missile, which adds major firepower to Samus’ arsenal. Obtaining it involves a bit of an involved process, though the rewards make it more than worth it. The upgrade is found in the Observatory, a room within the Space Pirate’s Phendrana Drifts facility. To reach it, players must activate a series of spinners and bomb slots.
The visors in METROID PRIME REMASTERED are more than just eye-candy, with each revealing different information about the environment and helping Samus fight enemies and solve puzzles. In particular, the Scan Visor can reveal things like hidden power-ups and x-ray scans of enemies and objects. It’s also important to keep an eye on Samus’ missile count, especially as she nears endgame bosses.
4. Be on the lookout for traps
The Metroid Prime series is known for its environmental and gameplay details that make the most of Samus’ visor scanning. Switches and elevators activate with a scan, and even enemies can be scanned to unlock their weaknesses. While this takes away from combat, it’s still an engrossing feature that helps make each battle unique and interesting.
Metroid Prime Remastered offers a lot of tight corridors followed by large open areas, and navigating them can be difficult without keeping an eye on the distance between you and enemies. A good practice is to strafe as you engage creatures, so you can dodge their attacks without getting stuck in the middle of a cluster.
For example, during the Flaahgra fight, its weed traps and destructive plasma projectiles make it easy to get stuck. Taking out the sun reflectors that keep it active with Morph Ball Bombs will help shorten the fight.
5. Don’t forget to save often
If you come across a passage you can’t reach or a door that is locked, it may be best to just save and come back later. Metroid Prime doesn’t have a lot of autosaves or checkpoints, and many of the save rooms are far apart.
For gamers who are used to games automatically saving, this can be frustrating. However, it does make Metroid Prime Remastered feel more like a true Metroidvania and helps to keep the gameplay fresh and challenging.