November 18^th, 2002 (12:00am) - Get "Primed" for the Holidays-Metroid is Back!

For eight years, her disciples around the globe have waited. Samus Aran returns: leaping forward to explore a foreboding, sci-fi future...tilting backwards in tribute to past days of pure video game adventure. With not one, but two brand new games—Metroid Prime for NINTENDO GAMECUBE and Metroid Fusion for Game Boy Advance—this intergalactic bounty hunter expands her exploits from the comfort of your couch to anywhere a portable Game Boy Advance can be carried. Both games land on Nov. 18.

"There are few fans in the world of video games more zealous than Metroid fans," says Peter MacDougall, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "But despite their enthusiasm, we know some feared Metroid wouldn’t be the same in 3-D as it was in 2-D. They were right—it’s better. And some thought the Game Boy Advance version could never match its Super NES predecessor. Well, it’s surpassed it."

Both games feature the eerie solitude and claustrophobic exploration that the original Metroid games demonstrated in the ‘80s. NINTENDO GAMECUBE owners will confront the varied landscapes of the planet Tallon IV through a novel, first-person visor perspective. Metroid Fusion players must ‘fuse’ with alien enemies in order to save Samus from a parasite destroying her from within.

Owing to the unique connectivity between the two systems, players can receive two outstanding bonuses by linking their hardware. By successfully completing the NINTENDO GAMECUBE version, Samus can be equipped with the new armored spacesuit featured in Metroid Fusion. Plus, those who successfully complete the Game Boy Advance adventure can unlock an embedded version of the original Nintendo Entertainment System Metroid for play on their NINTENDO GAMECUBE systems.

Developed by Retro Studios and Nintendo, Metroid Prime is an intense exercise in strategy, exploration and survival. "In terms of game play, I found myself in awe," says Fran Mirabella, editor at IGN.com. "The art direction is stunning, jaw-dropping, fantastic. I can’t stress enough how rewarding Metroid Prime is to play."

Metroid Prime is rated T and will be available at a suggested retail price of $49.95. Metroid Fusion is rated E and carries a suggested retail price of $34.95.

My Thoughts:

I’ve been waiting for eight years for the sequel to the greatest game of all time (a.k.a Super Metroid) and it’s finally here! Most stores do not have in stock yet since in truth, today (November 18th) is the ship date and most retailers won’t put upp for sale until tommorow morning. I suggest you bombard all your local retailers with phone calls because it is NOT unusual for a few stores to get them early.

PRIME GET!