Developer: Retro Studios

Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

Donkey Kong Country Returns brings back the beloved platforming adventure with challenging levels, familiar characters, and a modern twist, earning widespread acclaim.

Introduction

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling platformer game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, reviving the classic series with new levels and familiar characters.

Synopsis

Donkey Kong Country Returns, released in 2010 for the Wii, reignited the beloved platforming series with a vibrant return to form.Developed by Retro Studios, the game takes players on a tropical adventure with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they face a brand new threat to their favorite food: bananas.

The story unfolds on Donkey Kong Island, a lush paradise teeming with wildlife.However, this peace is shattered by the arrival of the Tiki Tak Tribe, a group of mischievous, music-loving Tiki mask creatures. Awoken by a volcanic eruption, the Tikis unleash their hypnotic tunes upon the island’s inhabitants, turning them into mindless banana-hoarding machines. Donkey Kong, thankfully resistant to the Tikis’ tunes, finds his entire banana hoard stolen by the hypnotized animals.

Fueled by a righteous fury (and perhaps a touch of hunger), Donkey Kong enlists the help of his trusty sidekick, Diddy Kong.Together, the unlikely duo sets out on a quest to reclaim their stolen bananas and restore peace to the island.Their journey takes them across nine diverse and challenging worlds, each with its own unique theme and perils.

The first stop is the Golden Temple, a once-sacred place now overrun by the Tikis.Donkey Kong’s strength and Diddy Kong’s agility prove crucial as they navigate perilous traps and defeat the Tiki Tak Tribe minions.As they progress, they encounter other hypnotized animals like Rambi the Rhino, who can charge through obstacles, and Enguarde the swordfish, who helps them navigate underwater sections.

The Volcano throws scorching challenges their way.Burning lava flows, precarious platforms, and fiery Tiki enemies test the Kongs’ platforming prowess.Here, they can utilize the fiery Rocket Barrel to blast through the air and reach new heights.

The Factory, a once-peaceful hub of industry, has been corrupted by the Tikis.Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong must use their wits to navigate conveyor belts, dodge robotic threats, and solve environmental puzzles.They gain a new ability here: the Cranky Barrel, piloted by the grumpy (yet helpful) Cranky Kong, which allows them to break through tough obstacles.

The Cliff, the Forest, the Cave, and the Ruins offer more varied landscapes, forcing the Kongs to adapt their strategies constantly.They encounter rolling boulders, giant bees, and even hypnotized tiki-powered Kremlings, familiar foes from past Donkey Kong Country adventures.Diddy Kong’s trusty Jetpack comes into play, allowing them to soar over gaps and reach hidden areas..

The final stretch of their journey takes them to the Beach and the Jungle, where the Tiki Tak Tribe’s influence is strongest. Here, the hypnotized animals become more ferocious, and the Tikis themselves become more aggressive.The Kongs must overcome their toughest challenges yet to reach the source of the trouble: Tiki Tong, the leader of the Tiki Tak Tribe.

Tiki Tong resides within a massive volcano, his base pulsating with hypnotic music.Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, using all the abilities they’ve acquired throughout their journey, face off against Tiki Tong in an epic showdown.They utilize the powerful Barrel Jet, a combination of Diddy’s jetpack and Donkey Kong’s explosive breath, to send the moon crashing down onto Tiki Tong’s base, freeing the hypnotized animals and scattering the Tiki Tak Tribe.

With their bananas retrieved and the island saved, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong return home as heroes.The animals, now free from the Tikis’ control, celebrate their liberation, and a joyous feast ensues (presumably fueled by the recovered bananas).

However, the story doesn’t end there.A post-credits scene reveals a mysterious Golden Temple hidden on the island.This cryptic tease hints at further adventures for the Kongs, leaving players eager for more banana-fueled fun.

Donkey Kong Country Returns’ plot, while lighthearted, serves as a solid foundation for the game’s core gameplay.The stolen bananas provide a clear motivation for the Kongs’ journey, and the diverse worlds they explore offer endless opportunities for creative platforming challenges.The game’s charm lies in its simplicity, allowing players to focus on the pure joy of guiding Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong through a vibrant world filled with colorful characters and challenging obstacles.

Characters

Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tikis

Gameplay

Players navigate through challenging levels, using Donkey Kong’s strength and Diddy Kong’s agility to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The game features single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes.

Reception and Critiscism

Critics praised the game’s challenging levels, vibrant visuals, and faithful recreation of classic gameplay. It was well-received by both fans of the original series and new players.

Conclusion

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a successful revival of the classic series, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic gameplay and modern enhancements.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Metroid Prime: Trilogy (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Metroid Prime: Trilogy compiles three of the most iconic sci-fi adventures into one package, offering a seamless blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling. It’s an essential collection for fans and newcomers alike.

Introduction

Metroid Prime: Trilogy offers an unparalleled adventure across three critically acclaimed games. This compilation allows players to step into the boots of Samus Aran, a skilled bounty hunter, as she confronts the dangers of space and unravels the mysteries of the Metroid universe.

Synopsis

Metroid Prime: Trilogy is a compilation of three action-adventure games from the Metroid franchise developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The trilogy includes **Metroid Prime**, **Metroid Prime 2: Echoes**, and **Metroid Prime 3: Corruption**.

The first game, **Metroid Prime**, introduces us to the mysterious world of Tallon IV. As Samus Aran, the player explores the ruins and learns that the Chozo on the planet had been killed off by the Phazon infesting the planet, which originated from a meteor that impacted on the planet many years ago. The Phazon has heavily mutated the Metroids, causing them to forgo all metamorphoses in favor of remaining in their larval stage.

In the second installment, **Metroid Prime 2: Echoes**, Samus is sent to the planet Aether, which has been split into two dimensions, Light Aether and Dark Aether, due to a Phazon meteor impact. Samus must navigate both dimensions, battling the Ing, the inhabitants of Dark Aether, and recovering the planet’s energy to restore Light Aether.

The final game, **Metroid Prime 3: Corruption**, sees Samus battling the spread of Phazon corruption across the galaxy, which is being propagated by Dark Samus and the Space Pirates. Samus herself becomes corrupted by Phazon, gaining new abilities but also having to manage her level of corruption throughout the game.

The first two games, originally developed for the GameCube, were updated with many features first implemented in Corruption, such as a control scheme based on the Wii Remote and Nunchuk and a credits system supported by the WiiConnect24 internet service. The Spring Ball ability featured in Corruption is also implemented in the first two games. Other changes include faster load times, updated textures, bloom lighting, and 16:9 widescreen support.

The credits system from Corruption was incorporated into the first two games. Players can earn credits by accomplishing certain tasks, allowing them to unlock in-game items such as artwork, music, a screenshot feature, decorative items for Samus’s gunship in Corruption, and the Fusion Suit in Prime.

Metroid Prime: Trilogy was released in North America in August 2009, followed by Europe and Australia in September and October. It was not released in Japan, where ports of Prime and Echoes were released separately as part of the New Play Control! series. In January 2010, Nintendo discontinued the compilation in both North America and Australia. Metroid Prime: Trilogy was acclaimed, with praise for the new controls, updated presentation, credits system, and value for money. It was re-released on the Wii U ‘s Nintendo eShop in January 2015.

Metroid Prime: Trilogy is a remarkable compilation that brings together three of the most iconic games in the Metroid franchise. It offers an immersive gaming experience that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, all set in beautifully designed alien worlds. The trilogy is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Metroid series and its protagonist, Samus Aran.

Characters

Samus Aran, the iconic bounty hunter; Space Pirates, the recurring antagonists; Dark Samus, a formidable foe; and various species and characters unique to the planets explored.

Gameplay

A blend of first-person shooting and exploration with puzzle-solving elements. The games feature immersive worlds, upgradable weaponry and suits, and unique abilities like the Morph Ball.

Conclusion

Metroid Prime: Trilogy is a masterpiece compilation that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of the Metroid series. It offers both newcomers and veterans a comprehensive way to experience Samus’s captivating story.

Review Score

9.2/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

An exploration-driven adventure that blends metroidvania elements with first-person shooting, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes delivers a rich, atmospheric experience as players navigate the dual worlds of Aether to uncover its secrets and confront its dangers.

Introduction

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is a landmark title in the Metroid series, further pushing the boundaries of the metroidvania and first-person shooter genres with its dual-world exploration and intricate puzzle-solving.

Synopsis

“Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” is an action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the sequel to Metroid Prime (2002) and the first Metroid game with a multiplayer feature.

The game’s protagonist is the bounty hunter Samus Aran. The story begins when Samus is sent to rescue Galactic Federation Marines from a ship near Aether, a planet inhabited by a race known as the Luminoth. Upon her arrival, she discovers that the troops were slaughtered by the Ing, a hostile race that came from an alternate dimension of Aether.

As Samus explores the abandoned base of operations of the Galactic Federation troopers, she encounters a strange black-blue doppelgänger. Following this being through a portal, she finds herself in Dark Aether, an alternate dimension of the planet. Here, she witnesses the doppelgänger absorbing Phazon, a highly radioactive substance.

In Dark Aether, Samus is attacked by the Ing Horde, creatures borne of darkness. They steal a number of her Power Suit’s abilities, leaving her for dead. Despite the damage done to her suit, Samus proceeds to the GF trooper base, eventually finding their landing site where their damaged and burning ship, the G.F.S. Tyr, is located.

Samus learns that she must travel to four temples to ensure the destruction of the evil Ing. Along the way, she battles the Ing, wild creatures, Space Pirates, and her mysterious doppelgänger, now known as Dark Samus.

The gameplay of “Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” involves solving puzzles to uncover secrets, platform jumping, and shooting enemies. It takes place in an open-ended world with interconnected regions. Progress requires both dimensions to be explored, using power-ups that Samus acquires over time.

One of the unique features of the game is the Light and Dark concept. Samus must navigate both the light and dark dimensions of Aether, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The game also introduces new beam weapons that have limited ammunition.

“Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” was acclaimed for its graphics, atmosphere, and music. However, its steep difficulty and multiplayer mode were met less positively. Despite these criticisms, the game received several video game industry awards and spots on “top games” lists by Nintendo Power and IGN.

“Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” is a game that offers a rich narrative, challenging gameplay, and a unique dual-dimension mechanic. It stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of Retro Studios and continues to be enjoyed by fans of the Metroid series.

Characters

Samus Aran, the protagonist; the Luminoth, the native race of Aether; the Ing, invaders from the dark dimension; and various space pirates.

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with a unique mechanic of switching between light and dark worlds. Samus gains new abilities and weapons that allow her to access previously unreachable areas, combat enemies, and overcome environmental hazards.

Conclusion

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and innovation of the Metroid series, delivering an unforgettable adventure that challenges and rewards players in equal measure.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – A Triumphant Conclusion to the Metroid Prime Trilogy

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a first-person action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in 2007 and is the third installment in the Metroid Prime series. The game follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she investigates a mysterious phazon corruption that is spreading across the galaxy.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was praised for its stunning visuals, innovative controls, and gripping story. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a first-person action-adventure game. Players control Samus Aran as she explores a variety of planets and space stations, battling enemies and solving puzzles. The game features a variety of new weapons and abilities, including the Hypermode, which allows Samus to unleash powerful attacks for a limited time.

One of the most unique features of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is its use of the Wii Remote’s motion controls. Players can use the Wii Remote to aim Samus’s weapons, scan objects, and perform a variety of other actions. The motion controls add a new level of immersion to the game, and they make it feel like you’re actually controlling Samus herself.

Story

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption’s story begins shortly after the events of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Samus Aran is called to investigate a mysterious phazon corruption that is spreading across the galaxy. Phazon is a dangerous substance that can corrupt living beings and turn them into monsters.

Samus’s investigation leads her to a variety of planets and space stations, where she encounters a variety of enemies, including the Space Pirates, the Ing, and the Metroid Prime. As Samus progresses through the game, she learns more about the phazon corruption and its ultimate goal: to destroy all life in the galaxy.

Characters

  • Samus Aran: The protagonist of the Metroid Prime series, Samus is a bounty hunter who is known for her strength, courage, and determination. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Samus must use all of her skills to stop the phazon corruption and save the galaxy.
  • The Galactic Federation: The Galactic Federation is a peacekeeping organization that is responsible for maintaining order in the galaxy. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the Galactic Federation sends Samus to investigate the phazon corruption and stop its spread.
  • The Space Pirates: The Space Pirates are a group of ruthless criminals who are known for their piracy and violence. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the Space Pirates are working with the Ing to spread the phazon corruption.
  • The Ing: The Ing are a mysterious race of creatures that are native to the Dark Aether dimension. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the Ing are working with the Space Pirates to spread the phazon corruption.
  • The Metroid Prime: The Metroid Prime is the ultimate form of the Metroid creature. It is a powerful and dangerous creature that seeks to destroy all life in the galaxy. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Samus must defeat the Metroid Prime in order to save the galaxy.

Setting

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is set in a variety of locations across the galaxy, including planets, space stations, and the Dark Aether dimension. Each location has its own unique atmosphere and challenges, and Samus must adapt her strategies to each one.

The Dark Aether dimension is a particularly dangerous place. It is a realm of darkness and corruption, and it is home to the Ing. The Ing are a mysterious race of creatures that are immune to the phazon corruption. They are also very powerful, and they will stop at nothing to protect their home.

Reception

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was praised for its stunning visuals, innovative controls, and gripping story. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

The game received perfect scores from several major publications, including IGN and GameSpot. IGN called it “the best Metroid game ever made,” and GameSpot said that it was “a masterpiece of game design.”

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was also nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2007 Spike Video Game Awards. It won the award for Best Wii Game at the 2008 BAFTA Awards.

Legacy

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is considered to be one of the best Metroid games ever made. It is also one of the best games on the Wii. The game’s stunning visuals, innovative controls, and gripping story make it a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is also notable for being the last game in the Metroid Prime trilogy. The trilogy is considered to be one of the greatest video game trilogies of all time. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of Retro Studios that they were able to create three such amazing games in a row.

Conclusion

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a triumphant conclusion to the Metroid Prime trilogy. It is a beautiful, challenging, and rewarding game that is sure to please fans of action-adventure games. If you have never played Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, I highly recommend that you check it out. It is one of the best games on the Wii, and it is one of the best Metroid games ever made.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Metroid Prime (2002)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

A landmark title that brought Metroid into 3D, ‘Metroid Prime’ combines atmospheric storytelling with immersive gameplay.

Introduction

‘Metroid Prime’ marks a significant leap for the Metroid series into 3D, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and action in a first-person perspective.

Synopsis

Following ‘Metroid’ (1986), Samus Aran tracks Ridley to Tallon IV, uncovering Phazon’s effects on the planet and Space Pirate activities.

Characters

– Samus Aran: The protagonist, a bounty hunter. – Space Pirates: Antagonists using Phazon for experiments. – Ridley: Samus’ archenemy. – Chozo: An ancient race whose technology is key to the plot.

Gameplay

‘Metroid Prime’ introduces a seamless world, combining Samus’ abilities in new ways for exploration and combat. The game is praised for its innovative map system and immersive environments.

Conclusion

‘Metroid Prime’ is a celebrated entry in the Metroid series, offering a compelling mix of action, exploration, and story.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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