Corruption feels very different from its older brothers. As the first Prime developed for the Wii, it showcases the new controls and pacing (which feels a hair slower than the first two titles). It also introduces more traditional storytelling – there are a host of allied characters who actually speak (a first for the series), and who render assistance to Samus – a detail that many gamers frowned upon. Metroid is supposed to feel a bit oppressive and lonely, and the rowdy cast of Star Wars knock-offs feels a little weird at first.

The new powers (including a very cool nunchuck-flinging grapping hook and “hypermode”) make up for the tonal dissonance. It’s an expertly balanced experience – with the hypermode acting as a strategic power-up perfect for fights and making things go “boom” in a hurry.

There are, of course, a few niggling issues that need to be brought up, particularly with Echoes. I would’ve preferred a “save anywhere” system, since save points just don’t do the trick for me. The existing save points are generally well placed, but I can’t count the instances where I’ve died and lost 30-45 minutes of progress (in one particularly unfortunate occasion, I lost a full 90 minutes in Echoes). Presumably, compared to going back and retrofitting the older games with new controls, adding a quicksave feature would’ve been an easy fix.

There are a few graphical issues (we are speaking of games that are 2-7 years old, however), though the intricate art styles keep the outdated visuals from feeling stale.

Truly, every Wii gamer should take a look at this package. Each game is good enough to stand alone for the asking price – packaging all three together was a rare and wonderful move on Nintendo’s part. I have to admit, I was highly skeptical about the “New Play Control” initiative, thinking it a nickel-and-diming scheme to get more money for old games, but Trilogy proves otherwise. Now, the only truly great Gamecube game missing from the lineup is Zelda: Wind Waker – let’s get on that, shall we, Nintendo?

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