E3 2002: Matt's GameCube Picks Special @ Gaming Target

Written by Matt Swider on May 31, 2002

Special: Downloading everything I can about my gaming picks, and doing the same for the E3 chicks.

Metroid Prime
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Retro Studios
Intended Release: 2002
A determined Retro Studios has reversed the critical minds of the gaming press in presenting its latest progress of Nintendo's Metroid series on GameCube. Last year, the media seriously doubted the company's ability to capture Samus in her new role as a first-person shooter. With Retro's constant shifting of employees and cancellation of projects, the new studio has endured a slightly bad rap resulting from its rough start. Still, the developer remained firm and Nintendo felt confident enough to buy out the studio making it a full subsidiary. While we were only able to observe early video footage of Metroid Prime during past shows, E3 2002 has brought us the next step by presenting a single level demo. Being hailed as one of Nintendo's finest at E3 2002, the playable segment of Metroid Prime gave us a brief chance to experience Samus meeting her slogan of УShe's Back.Ф The gameplay resembles nothing but the best qualities of a first-person shooter, and at the same time applies the legacy of Metroid.

For the first time, gamers are able to play through the eyes of Samus, taking in a full 3D environment that spares no attention to detail among every turn. Players not only take on the task of shooting all enemies in sight, but are also required to perform platform jumping, access locked doors, use level elevators, and of course morphing through passages. Metroid Prime travels at a rate of 60 frames per second, so players must be fast to blast before enemies are given a chance to advance. As anyone could expect, the analog sticks controls the movement while the primary fire weapon resides with the A trigger button. Holding down the A button allows the shot to charge and upon releasing, lights up the surrounding area with a blurring special effect.

One of the key elements of each Metroid game in the past was her capability of morphing into a ball. How Retro would achieve this while already set in first person shooting perspective had everyone stumped. The demo finally revealed the accomplishment with a simple change of perspective shifting from the visor a third person perspective viewpoint, causing Samus to become transparent during the changeover. The transition is just about seamless and shouldn't cause any confusion when the final product arrives. Due out this Holiday season, barring any unfortunate delays, every first-person shooting enthusiast and loyal Metroid fan, as well as basically every other average owner of a GameCube, should receive some pleasure from herЕgaming pleasure that is.

Wario World
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Intended Release: 2002
Mario's alter ego has stolen the spotlight long enough to finally star in his very first 3D adventure. After Luigi took on the duty of launching alongside GameCube and with Mario's upcoming vacation extravagation, Wario deserved a title as the sole, and leading role. During E3, observers were treated a clip from Wario World and on the showfloor the next day, the demo readily available. While this was the first glimpse of Wario on GameCube, the demo was far from premature in containing three plus size levels. The settings gave players a variety in ranging from a mansion, circus, and a pyramid area. A huge difference from Mario and Luigi is that Wario isЕwell, just that, huge. In being heaver than either of the two brothers, making him more powerful and causing his walk to seem almost comical. The evil smirk on his face is viewable from onscreen along with a number of other expressions that go along with his pompous attitude as he walks.

His power comes into play through the number of attacks he can perform. Wario is able to clobber a group of enemies at once with his fist and butt stomp them with great clout. An interesting notion comes into play as Wario was given the ability to pick an enemy up to throw at any remaining foe. Not subduing each enemy that Wario encounters will result in a mass amount surrounding you in the end. While the game's frame rate isn't up to speed for this task just yet, it'll be interesting to see this take place. While Wario World isn't set to release until later this year, the early development stages show that it should be able to match the quality found within the many Game Boy titles.

The Legends of Zelda
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Intended Release: 2002
Though Mario and Samus may have been present at E3, the show wasn't complete until everyone saw and experienced the latest Zelda Adventure. In addition to classic Zelda: Tale of Four Swords being on display for Game Boy Advance, the GameCube had it's own working title available on the floor, reviving its old school roots. In 2000, video footage of Link and Gannon making an appearance with visually stunning 3D models, however the next year brought great change to the game. A unique look transforming the title into a Cel-shaded platformer stunned audiences and fans of the series making many opposed to the radical change. However, the select few that felt its alteration was for the better were proven correct last week when the game hit the floor for its first press test.

With the five playable levels, players experienced stages such as the Magical Beast, Dragon Mountain, Island of Beginning, Battle with the Boss, and Vast Ocean. Among these places, a number of gameplay elements are used. In one area, Link must avoid guards and searchlights, climb through a series of caves, complete a series of side-story tasks for townspeople, sail the high seas, and take on a huge boss. Much of what is seen in the demo can be related back to both previous Zelda console games from Nintendo 64. Even the lock-on target returns along with button configurations that are dependant on the situation.

While many argued that the new look for the Zelda series was a step back, the demo at E3 featured some of the most impressive visuals to say the least. Though most can't seem to grasp the concept that a game that appears to be nothing more than a 3D cartoon can be appealing in the graphics department, it's special effects, animation, and real time movement can't compare to any other game out there. Also, considering the fact that this is Zelda, and is indeed going to be a gripping tale to add to the series that the gameplay stay true to, it should stun many just as it did at E3 this year.

Final Thoughts
Look for a full preview of these games and the other profiles soon enough, because it's going to be an amazing couple of months for the gaming industry. The gaming madness that E3 2002 has brought us, is just the beginning of what is to come.