DS - MPN: 045496735272
Strengths: graphics, multiplayer
Weakness: inability to save whenever you want
This game is a first person shooter for the Nintendo DS. It has you in the role of a female bounty hunter traveling to different planets. You may wonder how a first person shooter works on the DS - you use a combination of the D-pad, the trigger buttons and the stylus. The stylus is used to change turn left/right, up/down (i.e. aiming). The D-pad is used to move forward/backward. The trigger is used to shoot or activate your scanner. It sounds awkward but it works pretty well.
You need to collect 3 artifacts on each planet and fight a boss monster in addition to smaller bad guys. You also find out the locations of additional planets along the way.
In order to save, you have to go back to your ship, which means backtracking or waiting until you find and activate a teleporter which takes you back to your ship. So I don't end up saving as often as I would normally.
Multiplayer is easy to get into and a lot of fun for quick paced deathmatch action.
The games has very nice graphics and is a lot of fun to play. I would recommend this game.
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TopStrengths: Best FPS on a handheld!
Weakness: Controls somewhat difficult and hand-cramping
Metroid Prime Hunters is a showcase game for the DS. Not only does it push the graphical limitations of the DS, it shows that a fully-3D, first person shooter game is not only possible but highly enjoyable on Nintendo's little system.
Like any other Metroid game, you are dropped into an alien landscape (or ship) and need to progress through various levels, picking up upgrades to your suit along the way. These, in turn, open up new areas. The twist here is that there are other bounty hunters who are after the same thing you are, and you will have to fight them off in addition to the usual baddies.
The control works well, but is still a bit frustrating. This is mostly due to the fact that it will cramp up your hands, thus limiting play to an hour or two at a time. You move with the D-pad, and control you aim with the stylus on the touch screen. The game is also difficult to see (too dark) on the older DS, but probably much better on the brighter DS Lite.
The game also has an online (Wi-Fi) multiplayer element but I have not tested that out. The single-player alone makes the game well worth buying.
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TopStrengths: Metroid!
Weakness: Controls!
I love Metroid, but don't particularly like FPS games. So it is a tribute to the designers and the franchise that every Metroid Prime game I've played on the Gamecube or the DS has been great! My one complaint with this game on the DS are the akward controls, but as others have pointed out they can be learned and were most likely necessary to the game's design. It is awesome to play this game with your room mates (assuming they all have a DS like mine).
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TopStrengths: Great graphics, uses the unique features of the DS well, fun game
Weakness: Controls, controls, controls
Metroid Prime Hunters really shows that the Nintendo DS is an incredibly capable system. If you've played the Metroid games on the Gamecube, you will be amazed at just how close the experience comes on the DS-- with the addition of being fully portable! The graphics are great for the DS (no one will confuse it with an Xbox game but I doubt many people thought the DS would be capable of graphics at this level!) and the audio design is very good as well. It makes the game very atmospheric and will suck you in. The game is incredibly polished and really shows off the DS well, in addition to being very fun to play!
Of course, there is a downside, and to bring all of the FPS controls you'd expect in a game like this, the controls are a bit tough to master. However, there comes a moment (maybe an hour into playing?) where everything just "clicks". As has been mentioned before it can get a bit tiring to play as you have to hold your DS with your left (or right) hand in order to use the stylus with the other hand. If you have the original DS, the thumbpad that came with it can be quite useful!
Definitely take breaks while playing! But it will be hard to once it sucks you in. I'm only giving it 4 stars due to the controls; although I doubt there would've been any way for Nintendo to fix it, it CAN cause some frustration while playing. Which is unfortunate as this is a great game.
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TopStrengths: Excellent multiplayer mode & pretty graphics
Weakness: Skimpy single player mode
The Multi-Player mode of Metroid Prime Hunters is without a doubt the highlight of this game. The single player mode should be considered a nice extra, as it is quite short & very basic. In single-card multi-player mode, you can play against up to 4 players using only 1 card. In multi-card mode, you get more options. In the end, I recommend Metroid Prime Hunters if you like multi-player shooters (and definitely, if you have access to a Wi-Fi connection).
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TopStrengths: Same great gameplay as the gamecube version; Awesome multi-player modes
Weakness: Graphics are not very smooth; controls take some getting used to
You will get just as much enjoyment out of playing this as you did the gamecube games. The hunters really make this gaming experenice unique. The multi-player is where the real fun is. Whether online or off with bots, these modes are incredibly fun. I only wish that Nintendo will continue to make 2D Metroids even with the prime series on the DS.
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TopStrengths: Graphics and depth
Weakness: controls!
Probably the first decent FPS for the DS. Graphics are great with smooth and detailed environments. A good variation on the Metroid franchise.
The only major negative for me is the awkward controls (seems to be a common comment). Initially, I tried using the dpad/button combo, but later switched to the dpad/stylus method. It takes some getting used to because you’re really supporting your DS with your left hand. Sometimes it’s gets unbalanced and on occasion, I accidentally pinch off a round (L shoulder) when I’m re-gripping the DS. This method might be troublesome if you have small hands (which I don’t).
The big buzz is the online play, but I don’t play online. You can probably check other’s reviews for comments on the online element.
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TopStrengths: A top-notch portable FPS with great graphics, presentation and sound
Weakness: Clunky controls that take time to acclimate and a repetitive single player mode.
For a portable game this game sets the bar for all FPS to come on the DS. Good variety of characters, great variety of guns, and some very hectic on line play. While the SP is less than adequate it the MP that shines brightly. Nintendo WiFi makes it easy to set up matches and even talk in the lobbies before matches. Hopefully they can allow talking in matches with later games. A must buy for any DS owner.
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TopStrengths: Great gameplay. Multi. Great graphics.
Weakness: controls take some getting used to.
Metroid Prime Hunters is a great game for the DS. It takes some practice to get used to. But once you get the controls down it's pretty fun. There are a bunch of different bosses and some interesting levels.
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Topif you don't like using the touch pad just go to options and choose the THIRD option. The controles are just like Halo
the arrows to move and the (A),(B),(X),(Y) to look around
OMG..Can It Be, YES! its that simple
...try it its fun!!!
Strengths: Solid graphics, good multiplayer action
Weakness: Steep learning curve with the stylus controls
The DS wasn't the Nintendo system I figured would hit well with first-person shooters; the Wii is much better suited with the control scheme. However, once you give yourself some time to get used to the stylus controls, you'll find it's a really fine fit for the system. A continued problem I encounter is, as a result of my hand placement due to my left-handedness, tapping jump when I want to shoot and vice versa.
Multiplayer is a great experience if you pair up with people of similar skill, otherwise you can find it very frustrating as with every online FPS.
Single player itself is solid with enough exploration to make it worthy of the Metroid Prime name, with additional FPS elements. Worth the price of admission even if you pass on multiplayer.
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TopStrengths: Great sound and graphics
Weakness: May be difficult for 1st Metroid Prime players
This is quite a decent DS game in many aspects. The opening short films tell you how good the graphics are. You will continue to unlock more short movies along the game. It uses the stylus to control the moving, like in Super Monkey Ball and Pac N' Roll. It also requires to press other keys (e.g. L) to act. Great sound effect. Good frame transition. Highly recommend to everybody.
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TopStrengths: exciting gameplay strong multiplayer action
Weakness: using stylus may take some adjustment time
Metroid Prime Hunters is a great Nintendo DS game and I believe it is a must-have for all DS owners, especially DS Lite owners as the brighter screen really make the game's great graphics stand out.
The game is exciting and great, though getting used to the controls may take some time. Once mastered, the precise controls rival even that of traditional PC FPShooters.
The best part of the game is the multiplayer aspect. Battling against friends and strangers keeps the replay value of this game incredibly high!
All around great game and well worth 35 bucks!
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TopStrengths: multiplayer, nice graphics
Weakness: single player is bland, hand cramps up
I played the demo for this game extensively and couldn't wait for the whole game. However, it disappointed me. The single player was sub-par for a metroid game and I found myself taking frequent breaks because my hand would cramp up. Hopefully a 2D metroid is in the works for the DS!
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TopStrengths: Best control possible on current portables, stellar production values, internet play, it's METROID. Nintendo Seal of Quality!
Weakness: Repetitive corridors, repetitive bosses, stylus play is imperfect, stylus play will give you arthritis and possible carpal tunnel syndrome.
First person shooter fans are split into two groups, the keyboard/mouse users and the Halo-style of dual analog stick use. In my opinion, both are very comfortable and fun to play with. Unfortunately, no such portable system exists that uses either scheme. PSP FPS games try to mimic the dual analog style by mapping the face buttons as the right analog stick, but aiming requires much more precision than digital control can afford. Previous attempts at using the stylus to aim on DS and the D-Pad to move weren't implemented very well.
Until now. Metroid Prime Hunters does the stylus control scheme very well, and offers digital control for those of us whose hands have gnarled into an arthritic form. The control is precise, and good, but because you now only have access to one button (the left shoulder) you also have to use the stylus to jump and switch weapons which can be awkward during platforming and especially during battle. Sometimes while simply doing big turns you might even accidentally switch weapons, jump, or simply morph into a ball. That being said, the control system is as good as it gets for portables, and the gripes in this regard are minor. The only problem I have is that you now have to support and balance the game system in one hand while doing vigorous movements with the other. Basically, the hands are pushing against each other and making constant adjustments to maintain balance. This causes my hands to cramp severely, but I'm hoping this will get better in time. Some people seem to be experiencing better luck with this, though.
The production values are the best I've ever seen for a portable game, which is good since this game was in development for about half a century. Texture work is excellent, particularly for the DS which is not known for textures whatsoever. Art design and the menu system are also top notch. Sound is good, music is atmospheric, and tons of CG movie clips pepper the game. The only really lacking part of the design is the lack of variety with bosses and plain fun in boss fights (compared to 2D Metroid boss fights at least).
One downside of the design is that a lot of the corridors look exactly the same, to the point where you exit a corridor into a room, leave the room at the other end and step into a corridor and think, "Didn't I just come from there?" The rooms themselves also have that trait, and often after a battle I'll look around the room and forget which is the entrance and which is the exit. However, this is a very common problem in first person shooters in general.
Internet play is available, but I don't have wifi so I haven't tested it.
Overall, the best first person game on any portable to date. It's also Metroid. What else could you ask for?
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TopStrengths: good graphics and storyline.
Weakness: Too much sytlus use required.
This is another good addition to the metroid series. The controls are a little awkward for an old time gamer. You need to drag the stylus on the bottom of the touch screen to aim your weapon and the up and down arrows on the D-pad to move foward and backward. It gets pretty fun once you get the hang of it!
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TopStrengths: The graphics were unbelievable for a handheld game. Sounds have a realistic tone to them...like you are really there. Great multi-player option.
Weakness: Controls were a little difficult to get used to. Not much replay for single player mode.
When I played the demo that was included with the Nintendo DS system, I was excited about Metroid Prime: Hunters....and I was not disappointed.
The multi-player gameplay was a huge plus because of its low single-player replay value.
The realistic sounds during gamplay drowned out the background music...too bad.
Overall, the multi-player option along with the sounds and graphics of Metroid Prime: Hunters make it a must own game for the DS system.
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TopStrengths: Great use of the DS touch screen gives you unprecidented control for a handheld FPS. The staple of the Metroid series has always been good level design and this entry to the series has great ones.
Weakness: Powerups are limited to new weapons, more ammo and more energy. The boss characters are fun to challenge but for the most part there are only 2 and they are repeated several times
The Metroid Prime series has always offered up cool atmosphere, puzzling levels, upgraded abilities and challenging boss fights. Metroid Prime: Hunters (DS) continues this proud tradition on the DS. The most note-worthy addition here is the ability to use the DS touchscreen to rotate your view and aim your arm cannon. This simple and intuitive method of control brings a new level of gameplay to the series. After you adjust to using the stylus and touchscreen while moving your character with the direction pad things fall nicely into place and you realize what a great showcase this game is of the DS's abilities. The 3D graphics and animation are also very smooth and it is amazing how the Prime series that started on the Gamecube is translated so well to lesser powered hardware. The game has a lengthy and satisfying single player story as well as wireless multiplayer. I was mostly interested in the single player experience so that is what I will focus on for this review. Basically, the story mode has you flying between several planets looking for many kinds of artifacts. Your main goal is to destroy two Guardians on each planet and recover the crystal that they are guarding. The Guardians come in two varieties and are cool and vary in difficulty each time you face them, however, it is disappointing that the same two Guardians are reused throughout the game with minor variance in attacks. You will also run into more powerful characters in the form of rival bounty hunters and security droids, which also adds to the experience. Overall, though, the bosses provide a good challenge which is heightened by the self-distruct timer that is armed once you destroy the guardian. This is also where the game may be too challenging for some. Basically, you are required to beat the boss and then escape the planet in time (by retracing your steps all the way back to your ship) before you can save again. If you beat the boss but don't make the timed run you can restart from a checkpoint, however, that checkpoint is not a save point - you can't turn off your DS until you've also escaped or you loose your progress (destroying the boss). Some of these timed escapes can be really challenging, however, they are ultimately rewarding once you manage to beat them. Personally, I like a game that ramps up the difficulty from time to time (I don't like to breeze through a game and I don't like to struggle for every inch of progress, either) and the balance between challenge and frustration seems to be pretty well worked out here. One thing that will also take some getting used to is that you have to be conscious of the outer edges of the touchscreen that are not use for aiming but are instead reserved for weapon selection, etc. Before you get used the the amount of touchscreen space you have for aiming, you may find yourself accidentally switching weapons when you did not intend to. Overall, I believe this to be the best DS game out there right now and a great showpiece of the DS systems features.
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TopStrengths: Graphics and controls
Weakness: Frame rate
This game proves just how good the Nintendo DS is. The controls are the best that any console could get with only Halo on the xbox coming close. I found the graphics to be stunning and the on-line options wonderful and easy to use. The biggest weakness would be the occasional frame rate drop when there are too many effects on screen but that is very uncommon. This is a game that every DS owner should buy.
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TopStrengths: Great graphics and sound, online multiplayer, good singleplayer
Weakness: Akward controls, same boss fights over and over
I was looking forward to this game and it was about what I expected. The controls for the DS are about as good as they could be, but it's still a little weird to control with the stylus. The singleplayer is fun and long, but the bosses are just the same two recycled over and over with something a little different and more difficult. The online multiplayer is fun, but sometimes annoying because of the controls and cheap tactics. Overall it's a pretty good game and if you liked the GC Metroid Primes you should enjoy this game as well.
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Testseek.com has collected 15 expert reviews for Metroid Prime: Hunters and the average expert rating is 87 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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Metroid Prime: Hunters receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS rating of 3.37 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #946 game of all time, #3 game of 2006 for the Nintendo DS and #22 Nintendo DS game of all time. The rating and ranking is based on an average of 83 critic scores, awards and other criteria. To see a breakdown of the game ranking, read individual critic reviews, or see how other games ranked,...
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One of the very first displays of the DS’s power was a demo that was sent out with initial shipments of the system at its launch. The demo, for Metroid Prime: Hunters, showcased the system’s graphical prowess and its potential as a viable platform for the First-Person Shooter genre. Now, after several delays, Metroid Prime: Hunters is now available for the DS. The game features innovative...
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The latest installment in the Metroid series is the first killer app for the Nintendo DS. For those who played the First Hunt demo, the game has gone through major changes, most of which you'll spot immediately.
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A ferocious race, now extinct, has left behind relics of their once powerful warrior culture. Now bounty hunters from across the galaxy are racing against each other in order to lay claim to these relics hoping to harness thier power for themselves.
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metriod rox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Strengths: good gameplay, sounds, awesome multiplayer, and fun singleplayer
Weakness: boss battles
Metriod prime hunters is pretty much halo for DS. It has great gameplay and graphics. The surround system on the game is great. Single player is fun and exiting, except the bosses are repeated over and over again.
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