By far the best GameCube game ever. Realistic graphics and sound, dazzling battles and gameplay. Surely worth playing.
This game changes anyone's concept about "women can't be heroes", since the main character is, unlike most people expect, a girl (not that this really matters, but whatever).
In a realistic world, with brilliant graphics and sound effects, Metroid Prime pulls you into Samus' armor to live an unique adventure in Tallon IV. Travel through the icy Phendrana Drifts to the the burning Magmoor Caverns, from the ruined, sandy lands of Chozo Ruins to the peaceful (not so peaceful) natural environment of Tallon Overworld. And into the nasty Phazon Mines, filled up with enemies and dangers. Something that always catches my attention when I play this game over and over is how alive the scenario feels. Every single leaf or creature is a completely individual character, that's necessary to give the game this feeling. The music also helps a lot into transforming everything around you in pure reality. Exciting songs during battles and relaxing melodies in more peaceful places.
Metroid Prime's length is just right. Not too short, not too long. Sometimes you get lost, making you loose much time, I mean, no Metroid play time is lost or wasted. Even if you don't make any massive progress in the game itself, you can delight your eyes with its beauty.
So, I highly suggest you to play this game, even if you have never heard about Metroid. Nowadays I'm a huge fan of the series, but before playing Prime, I didn't even know how Samus' games were.