Last time we previewed this, it was basically 2 pages of pure speculation. You see, all we have had on this game for nearly 9 months was a trailer which brought up so many questions that it was hard to know where to begin. Well now, finally, we have answers. So let’s get started!
The first thing, is the plot. While still a bit murky, we have seen the picture clear somewhat. Set directly after Super Metroid, even featuring the closing sequence of the game in full CGI, Other M will explore Samus’ past much more thoroughly than any other game in the series, even giving the heroine her first speaking role. From what we’ve seen so far, it seems that a crisis has occurred on the “Bottle Ship”, a stricken space station of some sort that the Galactic Federation are investigating. Upon waking up from her battle with Mother Brain from Super Metroid, Samus is immediately thrown into this scenario. However, he old commanding officer from her time in the Galactic Federation, Adam Malkovich, is in charge of the operation, and has a deep distrust of Samus for some reason, despite their historical friendship. After defeating a dangerous enemy, Malkovich seems to warm up to Samus again, and briefs her on the mission at hand.
It seems that the game will feature a lot of dialogue between Samus and Malkovich, possibly cumulating in his untimely death, as hinted at in the game following this, Metroid Fusion. It really is going to be great seeing the Metroid series fleshed out a bit in this game, and will no doubt be one of the things heavily praised, and no doubt criticized, by the Metroid community.
But a game isn’t a game without a solid gameplay mechanic, and Other M has got that in the form of one of the most inventive of the Wii to date. The game is primarily played in a 2D plane, but one which can be explored into a third-dimension. It’s a 2.5D style game, meaning you need to move away and towards the camera rather than being behind Samus the whole time. It’s an interesting concept, and one which really takes the series back to it’s roots, which is always a great touch.
