Follwing a similar formula to the previous two in the series, Corruption takes place over an entire solar system...
Corruption is the best looking Metroid game to date; Old foes return, new ones abound
The Bad:
For a game which spans several planets and a few space cruisers, this game spreads it thin...
The Ugly:
Hidden items are much easier to find.
If you're reading this then you've read the main reviews, so I'll skip the story and content, and move onto my opinion and keep it brief.
Don't mistake this for a rant. I love the game and have played all the tv console versions of the series from the SNES on, so know alot of the backstory and such, and what to expect.
This game unlike the first two in the trilogy, seems to lack any of its own content for the planets natives. The sentient races leave plenty of lore behind to let you know how everything pieces together across the planets and ships and to that end holds the space (pun intended) between the planets together well.
What I'm talking about is how the first two describe the native flora and non-agressive fauna to give you a sense that the monsters you fight really could live and thrive without watiing for you for them to feed on.
The new motion controls in the Metroid universe add one more element to the game that was previously missing, especially given the 3d aspect. This helps to increase the immersification into the whole world. The motion controls overall are very smooth and rather accurate. In combat there is an auto targetting option (preferred) or you can opt to switch it off, and shoot from the hip, which I don't recommend unless you frequent a shooting range. I do find that the little tasks of welding, and twisting to manipulate switches and levers seems to break up the momentum of the game, though is novel.
The scanning visor is still your best friend, aiding you in finding an enemies weak point, and also revealing ideal tactics to victory. It was surprising to see that as you progress through the game and aquire new/better upgrades, the info for tactics will update accordingly as well, revealing for example that the heat gun will aid in melting metal opponents rather than using your missiles which was previously more effective.
Maybe it's me or just that I know the formulae to well now, but I find that the hidden upgrades (largely missile packs) are SOooooo much easier to find in this game than previous ones. (Super Metroid was such a pain to find even half the missile packs :D)
Rather than I finding the formulae predictable and rigid, I get the impression that unlike previous games, the areas are so far spread out and unhinged that you can afford to go back and forth (especially when it requires you to) and find all the hiddens that you missed the first time anyway.
I really enjoyed that in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes the space pirates were rather confused at the fact there were 2 Samus' hanging around causing trouble to vastly different ends, which just made me wonder what was going through their insectoid brains, largely enjoying their confusion. In this one they are much wiser, and also helps to make the game feel more linear.
I recall in Super Metroid you could actually (if you were really good) collect different upgrades in a few different orders, making the game feel more open than it is. In contrast Corruption requires you to collect all the upgrades and complete all tasks in a set order. Also, to my dismay (and likely alot of celebration in others) there is no water levels. This in itself isn't a bad thing, but it just feels like another thing missing.
Overall, this is on par with every other metroid game made on a tv console. Visually it's more stunning than any other. The story actually has a secondary cast and for the first time ever lacks nothing if you want it to. Still, by the end of the game, I can't help but feel like the game is on railway tracks forcing you to do task A, then B, then C etc.,
Good hunting!