Summary

An exploration-driven adventure that blends metroidvania elements with first-person shooting, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes delivers a rich, atmospheric experience as players navigate the dual worlds of Aether to uncover its secrets and confront its dangers.

• Release Year: 2004
• Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle, Shooter
• Platforms: Nintendo GameCube
• Developers: Retro Studios
• Publishers: Nintendo

Introduction

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is a landmark title in the Metroid series, further pushing the boundaries of the metroidvania and first-person shooter genres with its dual-world exploration and intricate puzzle-solving.

Synopsis

“Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” is an action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the sequel to Metroid Prime (2002) and the first Metroid game with a multiplayer feature.

The game’s protagonist is the bounty hunter Samus Aran. The story begins when Samus is sent to rescue Galactic Federation Marines from a ship near Aether, a planet inhabited by a race known as the Luminoth. Upon her arrival, she discovers that the troops were slaughtered by the Ing, a hostile race that came from an alternate dimension of Aether.

As Samus explores the abandoned base of operations of the Galactic Federation troopers, she encounters a strange black-blue doppelgänger. Following this being through a portal, she finds herself in Dark Aether, an alternate dimension of the planet. Here, she witnesses the doppelgänger absorbing Phazon, a highly radioactive substance.

In Dark Aether, Samus is attacked by the Ing Horde, creatures borne of darkness. They steal a number of her Power Suit’s abilities, leaving her for dead. Despite the damage done to her suit, Samus proceeds to the GF trooper base, eventually finding their landing site where their damaged and burning ship, the G.F.S. Tyr, is located.

Samus learns that she must travel to four temples to ensure the destruction of the evil Ing. Along the way, she battles the Ing, wild creatures, Space Pirates, and her mysterious doppelgänger, now known as Dark Samus.

The gameplay of “Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” involves solving puzzles to uncover secrets, platform jumping, and shooting enemies. It takes place in an open-ended world with interconnected regions. Progress requires both dimensions to be explored, using power-ups that Samus acquires over time.

One of the unique features of the game is the Light and Dark concept. Samus must navigate both the light and dark dimensions of Aether, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The game also introduces new beam weapons that have limited ammunition.

“Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” was acclaimed for its graphics, atmosphere, and music. However, its steep difficulty and multiplayer mode were met less positively. Despite these criticisms, the game received several video game industry awards and spots on “top games” lists by Nintendo Power and IGN.

“Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” is a game that offers a rich narrative, challenging gameplay, and a unique dual-dimension mechanic. It stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of Retro Studios and continues to be enjoyed by fans of the Metroid series.

Characters

Samus Aran, the protagonist; the Luminoth, the native race of Aether; the Ing, invaders from the dark dimension; and various space pirates.

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with a unique mechanic of switching between light and dark worlds. Samus gains new abilities and weapons that allow her to access previously unreachable areas, combat enemies, and overcome environmental hazards.

Conclusion

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and innovation of the Metroid series, delivering an unforgettable adventure that challenges and rewards players in equal measure.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern