Metroid Database.com

Yesterday, Japan saw the rerelease of Metroid Prime, as part of the New Play Control! series for the Wii. (See below for more info on this.) While it's still unknown when this will be reaching international shores, one member of the Message Board was able to have a copy imported on launch day.

Yahiko Yagami has taken the time to provide us with some rather detailed first impressions, photos and videos of the imported update. While the most obvious change is the Prime 3 style control scheme, some subtleties have already become apparent. The Wiimote-flick Spring Ball has been brought in from Prime 3, and a medals system appears to be implemented. The main menu has been changed a bit, both in structure and in its background animation. Swapping beams and visors is also similar to Prime 3's system, and is fortunately still quick and intuitive. The scan visor's appearance has been slightly altered, allowing it to play nicely with the Wiimote.

Otherwise, there aren't any other major changes to the gameplay or graphics. Visit the thread (linked above) to get more detail on Yahiko's first impressions. I'll be interested to see whether that voice-over intro makes it to the US release!

See below for a video of the first seven minutes of gameplay.

Thanks for the video and info, Yahiko!

-Jesse D