Description

Metroid Franchise’s Heroine Gets Personal. For decades, Samus Aran has been known as one of the first female protagonists in video games and one of the most enigmatic. Having traded her haunted past for the solitary life of a bounty hunter, Samus finally tells her own tale in this revealing, personal story of her failings, her flaws and ultimately her motivation. Metroid: Other M is an unprecedented collaboration that blends the slick, action-packed production of the world-renowned Team Ninja development team with the game design talents of the creators of the original Metroid. Metroid: Other M is a dramatic new direction for a legendary franchise and a bold new blend between cinematics, storytelling and the best in interactive entertainment.

Customer Reviews

 polarizing but great - Sep 03, 2010

if you've been reading reviews to decide whether or not to buy this game then you should know by now that it's useless; opinions are all over the place. my reason for writing then is to clear up some complaints that might scare off a new player and reassure you that the game does rule, even if it's not for you.

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for starters, the controls function perfectly: it's players who have the problem. the learning curve is steep and you'll have to experiment a few hours before feeling confident, but the payoff is that samus is more nimble and fun to control than ever before.

the D pad doesn't just work for controlling samus in 3D space, it excels at it. the camera angles almost always allow you to press in one direction and make samus run exactly where you want to go. the feel is very reminiscent of super metroid or fusion, with nothing lost in the translation to 3D; by the end of the game you won't be able to imagine using anything else to play.

the D pad also allows you to dodge enemy attacks by quickly pressing any direction before the hit. the move quickly becomes second nature and is beyond indispensable, as even the early the enemies in the game are extremely challenging. melee attacks are another welcome addition to the series and typically are as simple as running into an enemy with a full charge beam... it's hard to understand just how immensely satisfying it is to pull one of them off until you've done it yourself.

the rest of the sideways remote controls are pulled straight from the old games; hammer 1 to shoot, 2 to jump.

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the static first person mode also feels very natural once you've learned when and where to use it. overall, it controls very much like the prime games with the exception of being frozen in place; it's very easy to forget that limitation is there since you don't want to move while precisely aiming or studying the environment anyway. coping with the switch can initially be disorienting, but a few hours in you'll find yourself instinctively swinging the remote around to take a closer look at things without even realizing it.

using first person in combat presents the steepest learning curve in the game, but the scheme works like a dream once you've conquered it. recognizing windows of opportunity to switch perspectives and fire missiles is key to successfully using it, however you do have the ability to simultaneously dodge and return to third person to escape in the event that you enter at the wrong time. poor decision making on the part of the player about when to enter cannot be attributed to the game- those complaining about getting hit in first person mode, it's your own fault. :)

in summary- if you could handle an snes controller for super metroid and a wiimote for corruption, you can handle this scheme. the controls allow for very intense gameplay that demands a lot from the player, which may not appeal to everyone, but in the hands of a skilled player there's no denying that they work.

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as for the game itself, the sinister atmosphere is present and stronger than ever, environments are beautiful and unbelievable in scale, the enemy design and boss fights are the best of any metroid to date, and, typical video game awkwardness aside, the story is very compelling.

the graphics can easily be said to be the wii's best, and this late in the console's life cycle that's not likely to change. the music is very different than the usual metroid fare, so if you're hoping for kenji yamamoto's memorable themes you'll be disappointed, although kuniaki haishima's ambient score is extremely effective at creating an anxiety you'll feel throughout the game.


if you're open minded and willing to experience a metroid that looks, plays, and feels differently than anything before it, this is a game you will enjoy. the only thing that could keep you from appreciating something of this caliber this is yourself; let go of any expectations you have for it and enjoy it for what it is.

 Unbelievably awful - Sep 03, 2010

Assuming you can keep your eyes open during the first half hour's worth of cutscenes full of moronic dialogue about things you probably don't care about, you'll finally get to a point where you can actually start playing a game with one of the worst control schemes ever conceived by man. Why the nunchuck wasn't used, I have no idea, but given the fact that you can't really aim and move at the same time, all you'll really be doing is mashing buttons and hoping something neat looking happens. Unfortunately, all that ever happens is more cutscenes and more talking. Congratulations on turning Metroid into some horrible anime soap opera, Team Ninja.

 M for mostly good - Sep 03, 2010

Q: I am a diehard fan of Metroid but I've heard some negative things about this game should I still get it?

A: Metriod Other M may disappoint some of the series more diehard fans. The game is much more linear than previous titles and opts instead to pack in rather sappy cutscenes. Long time fans will find that the main protagonist feels rather out of character and as such it was possible that the inclusion of many of the cutscenes can be considered a poor choice by the developers.

Q: If one can look past the above mentioned shifts where does the game stand?

A: On its own merits the game is quite good, the action is intense and the level design is both beautiful and interesting. The controls may take some getting used to and the game itself can be rather challenging or overly easy depending on how good you are with them. The game adds some very cool take down moves which makes the player feel like a futuristic ninja which may not come as a surprise considering the developers are from the same company as the ones that made Ninja Gaiden.

Q: So what's the bottom line?

A: Over all the game is very exciting and a worthwhile play even is it doesn't feel like a metroid game.

 I really wouldn't know as you still haven't shipped it.... - Sep 03, 2010

I wouldn't know about the game, although every store in my small town has it, but Amazon still hasn't shipped the game 3 days after release. I won't make this mistake again. Terrible service.

 Awesome - Sep 02, 2010

Let me start off by saying ive done nothing but bash the wii this whole gen. IMO for the most part it has been for little kids. But in the back of my mind i knew they would eventually shift away from prime and go back classic metroid and when that day came i would be forced to humble myself and buy a wii. well that day came and i found myself purchasing a console for only one game and i don't regret a penny. this is samus better than ever with next-gen treatment. gameplay reminds me of final fantasy 13, its linear but in a good way. i LOVE that its not an arcade-style story. while super metroid is arguably the greatest game ever made, lets be honest, there was little story if any at all. other m has beautiful cutscenes and really cool environments. i only have 2 complaints. one is the replenish system, i do miss getting ammo and health from killing bad guys, in this you can only do it at save points. the second is a minor one to me that seems to have upset a lot of people in that the d-pad is the only controller option. i hate the wii controls period but i would have liked to be able to use the classic controller. neither of these robbed this game of being great, they just would have been nice. all in all this was an excellent game and a must buy for any wii owner

 Flawed but still really good - Sep 02, 2010

I've always loved Metroid. From the graph-paper wasting original to the motion-controlled Prime 3, I've always thought the series was a breath of fresh air in a sea of "typical" games. Naturally when I heard Other M announced I was elated, purchased on release day, and already have logged a ton of hours. Let's start with the great...

Great:

Gameplay - I'm more of an old school gamer but I think the controls and gameplay in M:OM are pretty much perfect. I've read complaints of people having trouble switching to first person or using the wiimote to control samus is 2.5D/3D space but I've had ZERO issues - in fact I think it's really cool. Within the first hour I was switching between 3rd person and 1st person without even thinking and it helps to really flesh out the atmosphere of the game. The first 2 hours or so feel different as Samus is joined by some Space Marines but after awhile it reverts back to the classic Metroid formula of blasting enemies, searching tiny corriders, bombing walls for hidden items, and making notes on places to come back when you get your upgrades.


Story - Another issue people seem to have is with the story. I've heard cries of sexism, Samus acting"too japanese", and even people calling it "Emo". I'm not 100% done with it but I think the story is great. I don't know what a lot of people expected but Samus IS a human being - not some emotionless robot who has never had human contact. The voice acting is ok...kind of middle of the road.

Now for the good...

Graphics - Totally hit or miss. Yeah it's a Wii game so you shouldn't be expecting super high res landscapes and lighting effects but Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid Prime 3 have shown us that the Wii can still output some incredible stylized graphics. Sometimes you'll say, "I can't believe this is a Wii game - the graphics look amazing!" and other times you'll say, "This room is just ugly and full of jaggies". I don't really care about graphics so it's almost a non-issue to me but a lot of people do so I figured I would include it.

And now the bad...

Upgrade system - Yeah you've probably heard about it and yeah it's kinda lame...Not a terrible idea in concept but pretty poor in execution. In previous Metroid games Samus always finds a way to lose all her upgrades (suits, beams, grapple hooks). On the bright side, I think that formula was getting kind of stale and I don't fault Nintendo/Team Ninja for trying something different. On the...not so bright side, having Samus start with everything but not USE the items due to authorization is a bit weak. Maybe they could have had a marine accidentally blow up something using a power missile and create a hazardous situation for the group so that Adam, the leader, had reason not to authorize the use of weapons until the secured the area? Maybe have some items require authorization and have other items be found with mini stories on why Samus doesn't have them? Regardless, it's the weakest part of the game.

Music - Music is REALLY lacking! When it does ramp up, it's really cool but for the most part this has the weakest music of all the Metroid games.

Overall - Even with these flaws, I'd give Metroid: Other M a solid 4.25/5. If you like Metroid or are into the more classic side of gaming, I'd HIGHLY recommend this one. The positives in gameplay and style far outweigh any negatives that arise from the upgrade system and I wouldn't be adverse to an Other M 2 with some changes. It's not Super Metroid (best game ever), but what is? I still think it's better than Prime 2: Echoes.

 Other M needs just a bit more polish. - Sep 02, 2010

After playing trough a bit of the Game I can safely say that, beyond the spectacular cutscenes the game feels rushed. What do I mean by that? Other M's "innovative controls" are awkward(there is always a moment's pause between switching, that is just not elegant.). Character models are detailed but textures are Muddied and dull. Enviorments are varied and interesting, but fall short of the visual wonder that is the Metroid Prime series.

Maybe Retro Studios set the bar too high -- because Other M falls just short.

 An excellent addition to the Metroid series - Sep 02, 2010

Lets start by saying that although I own almost every Metroid game,with the exceptions of Metroid II and Hunters,I'm hardly the biggest Metroid fan out there,and I guess that allowed me to enjoy this game for what it is,a solid action game.While I have played and finished the excellent Prime Trilogy,and Super Metroid various times,I believe that Other M has become my favorite game in the series,simply because it is a very good game,with great graphics,a solid,albeit slightly convoluted story,fun and fast paced gameplay,and an excellent orchestrated score.

A big issue with many players seems to the be the control scheme,I barely had any problems with it at all.Sure,at the beginning changing between 1st and 3rd person will feel a little awkward,but as you play on they become a non-issue,at least to me they did.As for the whole "switching views during boss fights" concern,the big majority of boss fights rarely require you to use your missiles during the regular fight,but when they do the boss will always have a brief moment when they stagger after repeated assault with the power beam,or when they start charging some sort of beam or attack,which gives you an opening to use your missiles,which means that you're not supposed to try to use your missiles in a "willy nilly" manner.As for clearing a room full of enemies,dodging and using your charged power beam will clear the room with no problems,especially when you get the first improvement for the Power Beam,and onward.

While I understand that opinions will always runt the gamut from "terrible" to "excellent" in anything in life,but in my honest opinion,this is "excellent".Maybe over time,the "This is not Super Metroid 2,which is what I wanted" feeling will turn into "This is a great Metroid on its own right",which is what happened with the great Prime Trilogy.Now,off to finish getting all the items in the game.

 Would have been a good game, but several horrible design choices render this title unplayable. - Sep 02, 2010

I bought this game with an open mind,knowing that it was going to be different from others in the series.I don't mind that,I don't mind change in a series such as this, I view it as a good thing assuming it is done well.So when I read negative things about this game, I erroneously assumed that it was just die-hard fans of the series that just couldn't accept the change, and that their bias led them to overlook a good game.I was wrong.Very wrong; The game just isn't that good.

The game starts with some very nicely rendered FMV scenes complete with voice acting (barring comparatively minor sound bites, this is the first Nintendo game to feature voice acting, meaning it has an actual script) however the voice acting is average at best in the game,bordering on horrible for certain characters.

Without spoiling too much, Samus answers a distress signal from a space station, and while there happens upon her old buddies from her squad in the galactic federation, including her former commander.These are terrible characters with no personality,as well as being so unbelievably generic as to be indistinguishable form one another, except of course the black guy and the asian guy, who are so stereotypical it's laughable.

In past Metroid games,as you explored the world(s),you would find along the way,various upgrades,namely new beams for Samus' arm-cannon,grappling hook,as well as upgrades to her suit itself.This was a staple of the games as well as the characteristic music that would play when you found those items.

That's where this game falls apart completely.This game throws away that classic colleciton aspect, in favor of a premise so outrageously stupid and contrived that it completely spoils the game and casts a veil of absurdity over the whole thing.It is This:As you arrive on the spaceship,and meet up with your old gang,it is made apparent through a cut scene that the commander has authority over Samus,who has all her abilities available to her, but she agrees to only use them as he authorizes them,and accordingly they are dispensed every so often as their immediate need arises.This is is just a horrible idea that is executed even worse.Samus is always fighting somehting in this game so why wouldn't she want to be well equipped, and why wouldn't her commander want her to be well equipped?Even more ridiculous yet is you must await authorization of the Varia suit which serves no purpose other than to protect Samus from extreme heat in the lava areas. So she wont turn on a feature to prevent her flesh from melting just because it isn't authorized.Among the game are other examples of that nature. I know it doesn't really effect the gameplay really, but as I said earlier it paints the game in such a ridiculous light that it's very hard for me to get over it.

Onto the controls:In the 3rd person perspective aspects, you hold the Wii remote sideways, which actually works very well, considering you are using a 2 pad to control Samus in 3d.Her movements are very fluid and easy to pull off which is nice.However that is only half the game, the other half is first person.At any given time when you flip the controller and point it at the screen, it shifts into a first person view from Samus' perspective.You can aim up and down and 360 degrees but you can't move around, as if her feet were cememented to the spot.This actually works well alot of the time, allowing for a unique novelty.Unfortunately there are other times where the action is just way too frenzied and there are too many enemies around for this to be practical and I found myself taking damage during the switch because there just wasn't enough time to aim and fire.Also for some ridiculous reason you can only use missles in first person.

There are some very annoying segments that bothered me alot; one of them is when you finish a cutscene, you will sometimes be locked into first person mode, and you can't move until you find a particular object and scan it, sometimes it is so particular it is almost impossible to find.

Another is that occasionally there are some 3rd person segments which do not control like the rest of the game; the camera zooms up behind Samus, and her speed is reduced to a crawl; she may not jump or shoot even.Just walk around.These segments are wholly unnecessary and why the developers included them at all is a mystery to me.

The sad thing is that those problems aside, the game is great. It's very fast paced and the action is excellent, and the graphics, while certainly not the best, can be very vivid and pleasant to look at, with some very pretty areas.The music is somewhat bland I guess but it never becomes annoying.The tragedy is that had the things I complained about been removed, as well as with perhaps scrapping the first person view altogether, this would have been a really great game, but with them, it's basically unplayable.

 Wii's controls ruin another big title. - Sep 02, 2010

First, let me start off by saying that Metroid is my favorite video game
franchise of all time. I own every one of them except for "M.P. Hunters" and
"M.P. Pinball" on the DS and I have high standards when new ones come out. I
took 3 days of military leave when the first "Metroid Prime" was released on
Gamecube. I own a Wii strictly for Metroid, Mario, and Zelda. I am also a big
fan of Team Ninja's "Dead or Alive" franchise (minus DOAX.) I had minor
issues with the difficulty of the most recent Ninja Gaiden games, which I
consider to be some of the hardest newer games out there; so hard that it was
almost comical at times. Overall they were still decent games.

I'm just going to admit right now. My main problem with "Other M" is
something that Team Ninja has nothing to do with. It's the Nintendo Wii
controls. I could go on and on about how I despise the whole idea of the Wii
controller, but that's not what this review is about. I still continue to
deal with it in games like Metroid Prime 3, Twilight Princess, and Mario
Galaxy, but this time it's just too much. To keep it short, I absolutely hate
everything about Nintendo's motion, kinetic, aim-at-the-screen concept. If
you do too, don't even bother buying this. Every time you need to go into FPS
mode by aiming the controller at the screen (which you will during every boss
fight), you're stuck. You can't move, you can't dodge anything, and you have
to figure out where exactly your cursor is on the screen. It's usually off
the screen so that's even more time you're stuck aiming and not moving. Then
you have to hold the cursor over a target circle for a second or two until
you lock-on in order to even use your missiles. If you don't lock on, it just
shoots your normal beam instead of a missile. This appears to be the biggest
challenge of the game; aiming and getting a missile off before you get hit
with the next attack. For something so gimmicky and clumsy to be the ultimate
objective in every boss fight is just unacceptable.

I'm sure you've already read this in other reviews, but it's so ridiculous it
needs to be mentioned. You possess all of your abilites throughout the entire
game, but you can't use them until some guy authorizes it. It's no longer a
physical item that you are searching for. It's really just a bunch of
invisbile checkpoints. Just a couple examples...

1. You're trapped in a room full of enemies with sealed doors. You've died
maybe 2 or 3 times in this room trying to figure out how you're supposed to
defeat these enemies because your weapon takes literally 15-20 fully charged
beams to kill them. After a while you just get swarmed because more and more
keep spawning. Then at some random point in time, you get a call on your
radio saying "Samus, your beam isn't powerful enough to kill these. You're
now authorized to use your Ice Beam."

2. You are running through room after room taking heat damage. If you've
played Metroid in the past, this usually means you're somewhere you shouldn't
be yet. I decided to just go with it because this whole game seems fairly
linear. I just dealt with it off and on for a good half hour, maybe longer.
The only reason I kept going is because the enemies were fairly easy to kill
which is a good sign you're not in an area beyond your capabilities. Finally
at some random point this guy authorizes you to use your Varia Suit. Why
would any friend or boss make you have to run full sprints through numerous
rooms taking damage before he lets you use your heat resistant suit?

The difficulty of this game seems a little over the top. It can get very
frustrating at times. If you have a temper, you may want to stay away from
this one. The difficulty is pretty inconsistent. You'll be travelling along
just fine. Then, out of nowhere you are dying in the next room 10-20 times
until you finally get through it.

Remember how when you killed enemies in past Metroid games you'd get health
orbs, missiles, powerbombs, etc. if you weren't already full? Not anymore.
There is absolutely no benefit in killing normal enemies in this game as far
as I can tell. Unless you're trapped in a locked room with a mini-boss or the
next door is triggered when you kill everything in the room, it's a complete
waste of time.

Remember the feeling of isolation you felt in every other Metroid game
before? I think other than Zero Mission, you rarely got orders or had regular
conversations with outsiders. Well forget all of that. In this game you are
constantly meeting up with other humans and accessing control panels that
trigger dialogue with whomever.

What's with the random over-the-shoulder view it gives you sometimes? When it
does this, it won't let you run or shoot and the controls are completely
different and awkward. All you can do is walk. Imagine walking through long,
Metroid-like corridors for whatever reason, for effect im guessing. It's
annoying to be limited to a walk in any situation. Especially a Metroid game
where you're inspecting every inch of a room to make sure you're not missing
any hidden items.

During all this frustration and disappointment, there's this whole story
going on that I actually what to know about. I think that is the only reason
I played this game for as long as I did before finally calling it quits. I'm
so curious about how this is all going to tie together that it's the only
reason I can see myself ever picking up the controller again. Is it worth the
torture of terrible gameplay and downright disgusting evolution of the
Metroid series? Probably not.

 What a missed opportunity! - Sep 01, 2010

I don't know where to begin... This game is one of the greatest dissapointments (in gaming) that I have seen in a long time. Maybe I hold Metroid too highly but that has been corrected now. Let me make this clear, I am a man and even I feel like they made Samus into a whiney little B**ch. The story is just terrible. The greatest bounty hunter in outer space can't use her powers because her daddy tells her not to. This includes even the defense mechanisms such as her varia suit in heat. What the hell?! I understand not getting use of certain weapons without prior authorization due to the nature of the mission, but not being able to defend yourself is just stupid. They could easily have gone the route of any classic Metroid game and said that Samus's suit shorted out losing all powers after the overload of power the baby granted her. Yes, its still silly but makes a hell of lot more sense. Anyway, the story is just the beginning.

Next are controls. You will die... alot. And its not due to challenge. Its due to the horrible controls. Example: Monster is on the screen. He is too strong for regular beam shots so I need to use missles. To use missles I have to flip the controller to face the screen. The monster is moving while my controller is being recognized by the screen. Suddenly I don't know where I am looking at in first person. I try to look around... and bam enemy nails me. Why can I just hit an alt fire button like in any other game and shoot some missles??? I can't even move in first person mode, I can only look around. This is easily fixed by using the nunchuck controller or getting rid of first person all together. Its just infuriating.

There just aren't enough good points in this game to warrant a sale even with the name Metroid in the title. There is still some classic metroid mixed in but it is ruined by such poor design choices that this game cannot be recommended to anyone outside of a rental or price drop. Nintendo and Team Ninja really dropped the ball on this one. Go on virtual console and play the Super Metroid instead. Its far superior in every way.

 New Take on Metroid Works for Me! - Sep 01, 2010

Let me start off by saying that, while I enjoy the Prime series for what they are (FPS games), I have always loved the 2D side scrollers, Super Metroid being my absolute favorite (next to GBA's Metroid Zero). I have been so excited by what I have seen in the videos-immediate switches from 3rd to 1st person, the odd melee moves Samus has been armed with (thank you much, Team Ninja), and of course, the side-scrolling!

I am 3 hours into the actual game, and wanted to list for you potential buyers (or those on the fence) what has been working for me and what hasn't so far:

Pros

Great Graphics. Very polished and well handled. Few instances of slow down or graphical glitches. Continues graphical quality established in Prime series with the added power of the Wii's processor. No complaints at all. Cut scenes look fairly crisp, and, via my HDTV/component cable combo, looks great!

Varied Area Design. Some areas you will be fairly side-scrolling the whole way, with a little bit of room for up and down movement-hallways and the like. Other areas are fairly sprawling, with multi-direction controls really giving you the sense of Samus moving whereever the heck she wants to. Also, some areas have you use the First Person mode to search, others to target. I find it best to get some distance from hard enemies and lock on in 1st person to missile them to death.

Speed. Samus moves so fast, very reminiscent of Super Metroid Samus. You can literally outrun all your enemies, wall jump to another area, and drop back in to finish off the baddies in approximately 3-7 seconds. Very fast Samus this go round-in Prime she seemed to glide around like some kind of weird ghost.

Moves. Thanks again to Team Ninja for giving Samus some cool dodge moves, takedowns, and alternate attack modes. Just a neat feature overall. All of these moves involve charging up the arm cannon and jumping or maneuvering in certain ways around the baddies. It is so satisfying to jump on a badguy's head and blast them in the face with a charged arm cannon. Too bad you can't do it to all the enemies-certain attacks only work with certain kinds of enemies.

Cons

Controls. I am still adjusting to how to control Samus, switching between 1st and 3rd person causes me some trouble when things get chaotic-boss fights, etc. As I keep at it, it seems to be getting easier to handle, but it is still a bit jarring at times.

Story. I am bored by what another reviewer called Samus' "daddy issues." Really, I want to like her backstory, and her work with the Federation, but I honestly don't care. I think this may be the only part of the game I just roll my eyes at. Truly, Samus is a bounty hunter, and she is taking orders about when to use her missiles?! Really? I have to kind of pretend I am not really seeing that. I feel like they are reducing her to Kara "Starbuck" Thrace from Battlestar Galactica. It really makes the icon of Samus Aran just a bit less glossy. Oh well, what can you do? Some people really like this story-it's just not for me. The games other merits really lessens the impact of this glaring negative. I can forgive.

Overall, I very much enjoy this game. There are a couple of issues-the controls, the story-but the overall experience is great fun. If you want to play Metroid and maybe didn't like Prime, this would be for you. If you liked Prime and just miss the old days of Metroid, this is also for you. If you just bought a Wii and are wondering what to get, this is for you, too. Good stuff. Thanks for your time, I am going back to my game!

 Keeping Metroid Fresh - Sep 01, 2010

Objective Part of review:

A. Controls

Controlled by holding the Wii mote sideways (same as New Super Mario Bros). Using the D-Pad you control Samus' movement in a 3D realm. Although ideally a control stick would have worked more smoothly, surprisingly movement is not rough or game breaking. The game uses an auto lock on feature: If Samus is pointing at an enemy, she will automatically target that enemy when firing. However, if the enemy is behind you, and Smaus is looking the other way, the only thing you will be shooting is the wall. 3rd person combat is roughly worked around a dodge/shoot mechanic. A player taps the control pad before an enemy attacks, Samus dodges, which leaves the player in a prime opportunity to follow up with a beam attack (dodging is very forgiving). Samus' also has the ability to use melee attacks. With a charge beam, Samus can finish off enemies by either jumping on them, or quickly approaching them.

To execute some of Samus' abilities it is required to point the Wii remote at the screen. When you point at the screen you will be in the perspective of Samus' visor: first person mode. Whichever direction Samus is pointing is where you will be looking upon entering the mode. The transition can be seamless, but sometimes their will be a jump in cursor movements depending on how vigorously you are playing. In first person mode you are able to target enemies with a missile or beam shot, which is usually required to take down bosses or solve puzzles. However, in first person mode you are not able to move around. Don't expect to gun down all enemies in first person mode, you would only be making the game harder than it needs to be. A play style of combining 3rd person combat, and first person mode would be ideal, and beneficial for the player.

Note: The controls won't come natural, but the more you play the more fluid they can become. There is also a tutorial in the beginning of the game to help players understand the play mechanics.

*Dodging also can be done in first person mode, just flick the cursor off the screen before an enemy attack hits you.

B. Gameplay

The classic Metroid formula is still intact. Work your way through various environments by using Samus' abilities: Morph ball, and Grapple Beam to name a few. Defeat bosses and solve often times simple, but sometimes difficult, platform puzzles.

Note: It is important to listen when abilities are granted to Samus. This will help you understand new abilities effects, and make solving puzzles and defeating enemies easier. Some players have noted that this Metroid game is very linear.

Subjective Part of Review:

A. Graphics

Very beautiful and moody atmosphere. The color palette is saturated, which harkens back to side-scrolling Metroid games. Sometimes textures can be plain, but everything else looks high production. Enemy design varies wonderfully, and fans will get a kick out of seeing old baddies again. Samus' and enemy movements are fluid during battle. Sometimes character movements, during cutscenes, look a little awkward, but supposedly real actors were used for motion capture.

Note: This is of course a Wii game. Compared to games on other systems, Other M may appear lack luster.

B. Sound

Music is vacant for the less climatic parts of the game, but the scores pick up when tensions rise. This helps with the mood of the game, and can be compared to a hollywood movie. Fans will enjoy a classic Metroid soundtrack.

The voice acting is not half bad. This might not be a pixar movie filled with experienced voice actors, but the cast does a good job with conveying emotion and character. Some fans may complain about Samus' actor, but she does a good job voicing the often times stoic Samus.

Beam explosions, enemies roaring, and metal echoing. Not ground breaking, but it helps with the atmosphere.

C. Story

Nintendo's first go at modern cinematic story telling, and a good game for someone who hasn't played a Metroid game. The story can occasionally get confusing, even for some Metroid fans, but the basic plot is fun and engaging. Is it recommended that you are familiar with the series? No, but for those who are, have a nice treat awaiting them.

Some fans may complain about the direction of Other M, especially how Samus' is portrayed. Western audiences in particular might be put off by typical Japanese story/character elements. Some of the lines can be a little cheesy, like most video game scripts.

Metroid Fan:

I'm a full on Metroid fan. I've played all the games, I've read the Metroid manga (fan translated, if interested, google it), and I complete speed runs just for fun. If you are like me, then this game will not disappoint.

 Metroid is finally back! - Sep 01, 2010

I just finished playing "Metroid Prime 3" a few days ago to prepare myself for "Other M". I know some fans are disappointed about the D-pad only controls. But for me it work out really well. I like the old school feel of the game. Also some fans are not to keen about the first person bit. Remember "Zelda: Ocarina Of Time" when Link uses his bow and arrow. He can't move either. People are just used to the Metroid Prime games.

When I first played Metroid Prime I was really disappointed because it doesn't feel like a Metroid game for me. Other M to me is closer to the real Metroid formula. The reason being is that Yoshio Sakamoto is involved with this project. He is the co-creator of the series.

The game reminds me of "Resident Evil" it's very dark. The story is very interesting and different from the past series. Also we finally find out WHO Samus really is. Some people are also upset about her acting like a spoiled brat. But she did say she acted like a child before. People have to remember that the flashbacks are in the past. And following Adams orders made some fans upset too. But this episode she volunteered to join the Galactic Federation and agreed to follow Adams orders. I think it's part of the story.

Overall the control is very simple but the game is challenging. The cinematic part is like you never seen before in Wii. The action is non stop. There is a lot of exploration and item pick-ups just like any other Metroid game. Some old bosses are back not just Ridley. The best part of the game is the ending. And you'll get a special treat after the credits. It's a must buy for people who likes a full on action pack game. I can't wait what they come out next. Thumbs Up for Metroid Other M!!!

 Great Game - Sep 01, 2010

Personally, this is one of the best if not the best Wii game I have played. You can switch between both third-person mode and first person mod, which feels a lot like the Metroid Prime series except you only aim and not move around. Even though it is 3D the third-person feels a lot like classic Metroid. The game-play graphics are good, the atmosphere and layout is great, and the cut scenes are beautiful. I find the controls are simple and easy to use. If you like Metroid you should probably try it out. I think you will like it!

 SAMUS RETURNS TO HER ROOTS - AND IT'S AN OVERBLAST! - Sep 01, 2010

The METROID franchise was slowly going astray, falling "victim" to innovations that mostly worked yet, at the same time, were turning METROID games into a typical space shooter. Don't get me wrong, I greatly enjoyed the Metroid Trilogy - it just did not give off the sense of a classic METROID game. Well, NINTENDO made sure to take care of that.

THE OTHER M is an old-school platform shooter, only equipped with the latest innovations that enhance rather than hinder the true character of the game. Samus Aran can now move in 3D (and not only in a sidescrolling manner), yet this is and feels like a classic platform game. There is some puzzle-solving and expect to spend quite some time in the form of a morphing ball, zipping through pipes, bypassing obstacles, unlocking security doors and finding powerups; and the FirstPerson perspective is still available to deliver devastating missile shots (while keeping Samus stationary and vulnerable to enemy attacks, one cannot play the game as an FPS). Nevertheless, this is an pure action-shooter game that is greatly enjoyable.

Visually this must be the best game I ever played on Wii, with beautiful and distinct environments than never get boring and never interfere with the gameplay. And, following the tradition of the classic Metroid games, the THE OTHER M experience is enhanced by great orchestral music. Nothing epic, but it sure fits the mood of the scene it accompanies.

THE OTHER M is a tad story-heavier than I would have liked and the cinematic sequences are unskipable(?) whereas, annoyingly, the story at times throws Samus in the midst of her enemies with minimal firepower and often without her Varia suit. Other than those minor complains (and it being a bit short), this is one of the best games I have ever played on a console.
I dare say, this is a title that is comparable to the monumental Super Metroid.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 Horrid Controls make for a Lackluster game - Sep 01, 2010

I have played for about 2.5 hours and the controls are HORRIBLE!!!! Whoever decided to use the Wiimote only, needs to be taken out back and severely beaten. Using the puny D Pad to move around is unacceptable. Some of us gamers don't have tiny little girly hands. Using the Nunchuck would have been perfect for this game. Trying to go from 3rd to 1st is a pain the behind. Not being able to while in FPS mode is another bad idea. Samus is NOT the super badass, butt kicking Bounty Hunter we have come to love BUT some chick with Daddy Issues who now takes Orders (Yeah Right). Where is the Metroid music we have come to expect when we find Tanks or Missiles. There is no Metroid atmosphere at all. Very disappointed so far. Thank God I rented from Gamefly. I have greatly enjoyed every Metroid game ever made BUT this game is a big letdown so far. I will give it some more time but the controls stink.

 My First Metroid Game - Sep 01, 2010

Well to start I must say for years I've ignored Metroid games. But after seeing all the awesome advertisements I gave in and bought it. This game is very fun, action packed and puzzling. This is a very good game I can't compare it to other Metroids, Because I never played them. This game handles well for the most part, it's graphics are quite nice, the story is ok even for a first-timer. I like how simple the gameplay is(just Wii Remote sideways and normal way for 1st person view), I like the puzzling and designs of the levels and the boss battles are great too. I definitely recommend this game for anyone who owns a Wii it's well worth your money. Now for my review GAMEPLAY 4Stars, GRAPHICS 5Stars, STORYLINE 4Stars and METROID: OTHER M 4Stars

 Great Title. - Sep 01, 2010

I felt that this game was exactly as it was portrayed to be. It was a new direction for the metroid series and it was just that. I felt that Nintendo and Team Ninja did an amazing job with the title and the cut scenes are absolutely beautiful, they are the best there is on the wii. I would reccomend this title to anyone looking for a great title.

 Great Game...but - Aug 31, 2010

Metroid: Other M is a little bit less then what i hoped it was going to be. One of the down sides of this game is the lack of the first-person shooter.Sure nintendo going back to its super metroid roots is nice, but you don't feel like you are in the game. Although you are able to switch to the first-person you can not move around making battles much more difficult then they should be. The story in this game is great. You really get a great sense of the personality of samus and how she became what she was. The graphics in this game are top-notch and stylized it really feels like a polished game. I recommend this to all nintendo wii gamers.

 In love with Samus - Aug 31, 2010

Wow. That pretty much describes my Metroid: Other M experience. I came into it knowing it would be a great experience, but with no preconceived notion. I didnt expect a return to Samus' 2D roots because I knew that isn't what this was, and you shouldn't, either. I'm sure Nintendo has that one cooking. However, Nintendo's collaboration with Team Ninja has made a heart-pounding 3rd person action/adventure that fleshes out Samus' story and character, all the while reminding you that yes, she kicks ass lol. The graphical presentation here is great, to be expected since this is one of the company's pride-and-joy properties. It's complete with a typical "metroid" score which is fast-paced when the action gets heavy and mellow for those moody moments of solitary exploration. Maybe there have been complaints about the use of Samus' weaponry and gear haviing to be authorized before use, but is this any less believable than Samus landing on foreign planets and JUST HAPPENING to stumple on weapons and gear that are conveniently and completely compatible with her suit? :-) Don't listen to those who have a problem with this different kind of Metroid and try it for yourself. People have been skeptical at the new direction of this franchise, but if these companies don't take chances we will keep seeing rehashes of the same old games. No, this type of game isn't new, but it brings with it enough depth and Nintendo charm to warrant a purchase especially from Ninty-faithfuls.

 This is beast......BUY - Aug 31, 2010

Of all the Metroid games, this in my opinion is the best...It is perfectly portrayed action laced with classic exploration. The best addition to the Metroid series is in this game: the ability for Samus to actually do semi-ninja moves, execution blows, and other awesome cinematics. I highly recommend this.

 very nice - Aug 31, 2010

Tecmo and the big N have teamed up for a great ride! I highly recommend this foray!

Now get to bustin Metroid bubbles!

5 stars, highly recommended from a hardcore player!

 Such great fun on the Wii console - Aug 31, 2010

Metroid : Other M is one of the best games I've ever played on my Wii console, like, ever. I love the androgynous Samus Iran, he's my favorite Nintendo character. I love the Dreamcast-quality graphics that lack anti-alias. I love this game's nonsensical, dull, boring storyline with terrible voice-acting. I love Nintendo and I love the Wii console.

Also, I recommend the great Wii Fit to every Metroid fan out there. It should help you with things.