Publisher: Nintendo
System: Nintendo Wii
Cost: $50
Review rating: 3 1/2 stars
So you're a fan of "Metroid Prime," huh? Maybe you've dabbled in the series, or maybe you've found every secret in both GameCube versions. No matter. You still haven't truly "become" Samus Aran until the Wii controllers grow into extensions of your hands while playing "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption."
Playing a first-person shooter has never felt as intuitive or interactive as it does in "Metroid Prime 3." Simply point the controller at what you want to shoot on-screen and press a button to destroy it. Opening doors requires natural pulling and twisting motions, and players can even rip shields off enemies by using the grappling beam. Because the control scheme feels so natural, there's only a slight learning curve and then you're off to slay extraterrestrials.
Visually, this is the "Metroid" that fans have come to know and love. While it may not be presented in high definition, the graphics and special effects are very impressive. Samus has also received some visual upgrades to her not-so-sexy body armor that enhance her morph-ball form.
But new threads aren't the only improvements, as Samus can now activate hypermode. When in this state, she becomes invincible and her attacks are much more powerful, but it's limited to 25 seconds. Later in the game, hypermode becomes very useful against the many powerful aliens and sentries she encounters.
Unfortunately, "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption" lacks online or offline multiplayer modes, but the awesome controls make it a great single-player experience.
Publisher: Sony
System: Sony PlayStation 3
Cost: $60 (includes Bluetooth headset)
ESRB rating: T
Review rating: 3 1/2 stars
When Sony introduced its reinvention of the "Warhawk" franchise, I thought it was destined to be little more than a showcase for the potential of the six-axis controller. Who knew that this simple flying game would be transformed into an action-packed, futuristic battlefield where players can fight on land and in the air?
Flying around the front lines in Warhawks is really fun. Budding pilots can use either tilt controls or a traditional setup to hover as well as fly. Pre-assigned defensive maneuvers are at their fingertips. In addition, weapons ranging from homing missiles to cluster bombs to aerial mines are at the player's disposal.
Grounded soldiers can hop into a powerful tank and blast the enemy using its powerful ordnance or drive in jeeps for speedier transport. Moreover, both vehicles can transport additional troops.
There are no soldier classes, so players are free to wield any and all weapons they can acquire. However, most players will find vehicles in short supply because infantry combat is rather mediocre by comparison.
"Warhawk" looks and sounds fantastic, and most of the online play is problem-free. Online leader boards, rank advancement, and persistent stat tracking help to round out this excellent title.
4 stars - Must have
3 stars - Pretty good
2 stars - So-so
1 star - Don't waste your time
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: Everyone
T: Teen (13 and older)
E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)
