It has been rumored for years, but now at long last, Metroid Prime Remastered is here. It's not as good as getting the entire trilogy again like on the Wii, but Nintendo fans are assuredly still pleased. It's a good game to release before the next iteration comes out, Metroid Prime 4, which was announced way back in 2017.

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Nintendo hasn't shown one ounce of footage from that game yet, but maybe that will change in 2023. Could Metroid Prime Remastered's release be a sign that Metroid Prime 4 is closer now than ever before? Only time will tell for Samus and her trusty blaster, but for now, players can at least enjoy this excellent remaster of a truly classic game.

1 There Are Difficulties

The difficulty menu in Metroid Prime Remastered

Most versions of Metroid Prime launched with one difficulty setting and players could unlock additional modes upon finishing the game. The remaster allows players to start on Casual or Normal. For those that never played a 3D game in the Metroid franchise before, Casual is the way to go.

However, first-person shooter veterans should still feel relatively at home on Normal. Casual, may in fact be too easy for some, so it’s really a tossup. For those going in nervous, it's probably best to go with Casual just to be safe.

2 Stick With The New Control Scheme

The control menu in Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime Remastered introduces a new control scheme for the game, allowing both sticks to control Samus. The remaster not only cleans the game up to look like a modern shooter, but it also plays like one thanks to the new control scheme.

For those that adored the GameCube setup, that’s an option as well. The remaster even preserved the Wii’s setup with the motion controls and it works surprisingly well with the Joy-Cons. For Nintendo fans, there is a good controller option for all.

3 Turn On Narration

Samus in Metroid Prime Remastered

North American fans may not know this, but the Japanese and European versions of Metroid Prime launched with a narrator for some of the cutscenes. The first time players will hear it in the remaster will be in the opening cutscene.

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It sets the game up for another one of Samus’ adventures, almost like the narrator is reading from a book. Metroid Prime Remastered adds this option to the game for North American players for the first time ever. The narration is barely in the game, so it is recommended to give it a try as it is not too intrusive.

4 Remove The HUD

Fighting enemies in Metroid Prime Remastered

Another way that players can make Metroid Prime Remastered feel like a modern shooter is to remove the HUD and Samus’ helmet view. They can remove the helmet, but keep the HUD, but it’s off-center and looks weird without the visor.

It may be tricky to gauge how much life Samus has left or how much special ammo she has, but removing the HUD also creates a more immersive experience. Even though this series is far from a straight-up horror shooter, it does get close since Samus is stuck on an alien planet without any allies around. It’s a haunting adventure disguised as a bright colorful shooter.

5 Don’t Forget To Scan

Scanning objects in Metroid Prime Remastered

As a shooter, players may forget about Samus’ second-best weapon in the game: her scanner. This is used to activate certain switches like elevator controls, but it can also be useful in battle. Scanning a random enemy or a boss could show weak points, or reveal other valuable data.

The scanner can activate runes as well, which is necessary for unlocking bigger doors. A good early example of this is the room with the giant tree which leads to the first boss fight with Flaahgra.

6 Get Used To Strafing

Fighting a boss in Metroid Prime Remastered

Players should always be on the move in Metroid Prime Remastered and that is a tip that applies to most first-person shooters. They can lock onto enemies and then easily strafe around them with a boost dodge. This will allow Samus to get the drop on her opponents in case they have a weak spot.

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If players stay on their toes, it’s not a hard game at all even on Normal mode. Again, there is a reason why this game was so heavily celebrated when it launched on the GameCube and why it’s so great to see it back again in 2023.

7 Be Sure To Save Often

Saving in Metroid Prime Remastered

When players enter a new room with multiple choices for exits, they should check their map. If one way has a single room that doesn’t continue, chances are that is a save point. It’s important to save the game as often as possible because there are no checkpoints or autosaves in Metroid Prime Remastered.

Plus, some of these save rooms are few and far between. This is one of the few things that can make Metroid Prime Remastered feel less like a modern shooter. It’s something players will need to get used to again, because losing progress is never fun.

8 Take Manual Notes

The map in Metroid Prime Remastered

Taking notes is the most important piece of advice for Metroidvanias. If players come across an item they can’t get, or a passage they can’t cross, they should make a note of where it is. The map keeps track of locked doors, but it doesn’t log other things of importance.

That’s why a screenshot of the area and map would be a good idea followed by a note on a phone or something. It will make backtracking less of a hassle if players know where to go, like when Samus’ Morph Ball ability unlocks.

Metroid Prime Remastered was released on February 8, 2023, and is available on Switch.

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