Metroid Prime 3: Corruption#Gameplay

{{Infobox video game

| title = Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

| image = Metroid Prime 3 Packaging.jpg

| alt = A person in a big, futuristic-looking powered suit with a helmet, a firearm on the right arm and large, bulky, and rounded shoulders. Behind her stands a duplicate of hers wearing a black suit, and the helmet of a creature with similar armor. In the background is a blue planet surrounded by stars. On the lower part of the box is the game title.

| caption = North American and PAL region box art

| developer = Retro Studios

| publisher = Nintendo

| director = Mark Pacini

| producer = Kensuke Tanabe

| programmer = Frank Lafuente{{cite news |last=Sirani |first=Jordan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/01/26/who-is-now-making-metroid-prime-4-at-retro-studios |title=Who Is Now Making Metroid Prime 4 at Retro Studios? |work=IGN |date=January 25, 2019 |accessdate=June 24, 2024 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108233705/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/01/26/who-is-now-making-metroid-prime-4-at-retro-studios |url-status=live}}

| artist = Todd Keller

| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Kenji Yamamoto|Minako Hamano|Masaru Tajima}}

| series = Metroid

| platforms = Wii

| released = {{Vgrelease|NA|August 27, 2007|EU|October 26, 2007|AUS|November 8, 2007|JP|March 6, 2008}}

| genre = Action-adventure

| modes = Single-player

}}

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a 2007 action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The seventh main game in the Metroid series, it was released in North America and Europe in 2007 and in Japan in 2008.

Corruption is set six months after Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004). It follows the bounty hunter Samus Aran, who becomes infected with Phazon by her doppelgänger Dark Samus. Samus works to prevent the Phazon from spreading to other planets while being corrupted by the Phazon.

The player uses the Wii Nunchuk to move and the Wii Remote to jump, aim and fire. Corruption introduces features such as Hypermode, which allows Samus to use more powerful attacks, and the ability to command her gunship. The new control scheme took a year to develop and delayed the release several times. The game was first shown to the public at the E3 2005 trade show.

Like the previous Prime games, Corruption received acclaim, with reviews praising its gameplay, graphics and music, though some were divided on the controls. More than one million copies were sold in 2007. It was rereleased in 2009 as part of the compilation Metroid Prime: Trilogy. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled for 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay

{{See also|Metroid#Common gameplay elements|l1=Gameplay of the Metroid series}}

File:Metroid Prime 3 screenshot.png. The targeting reticle can be aimed anywhere on the screen using the Wii Remote.|alt=View of a futuristic looking room; two enemies wearing powered armor are approaching the player, and one is being hit by the player's weapon (a large cannon), which is visible in the corner of the screen. The image is a simulation of the heads-up display of a combat suit's helmet, with a crosshair surrounding the enemy and two-dimensional icons relaying game information around the edge of the frame.]]

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a first-person action-adventure game.{{cite news |last=Metts |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14332/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |work=Nintendo World Report |date=September 3, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2024 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625142417/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14332/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii |url-status=live}} The player controls Samus Aran using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk devices. The Nunchuk enables the player to perform actions such as moving Samus and locking on to enemies and targets. The Wii Remote allows the player to execute actions such as jumping, aiming, and firing weapons.{{cite book |date=2007 |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Instruction Booklet |publisher=Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_3_Corruption.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309203623/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_3_Corruption.pdf |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |date=2009 |title=Metroid Prime: Trilogy Instruction Booklet |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_Trilogy.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309203644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_Trilogy.pdf |pages=40–55 |access-date=December 21, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo of America |url-status=live}}

Corruption is a large, open-ended game that takes place across several planets, each with regions connected by elevators, rail systems and bridges. Each region has rooms separated by doors that can be opened when shot with the correct weapon. The gameplay involves solving puzzles to uncover secrets, jumping on platforms, and shooting enemies with the help of a "lock-on" mechanism that allows Samus to move in a circle while staying aimed on an enemy. The "lock-on" mechanism also allows Samus to use the Grapple Beam to attach onto and pull objects, such as enemy shields or certain doors. The game uses a first-person view, except in Morph Ball mode, in which Samus' suit transforms into an armored ball and the game uses a third-person camera. The third person camera is also used in conjunction with the Screw Attack power-up: in this case Samus' suit emits strange energy waves as she performs a continuous jump.

The heads-up display simulates the inside of Samus' helmet, and features a radar, map, ammunition gauge and health meter. The player can change visors to enable new abilities such as X-ray vision, collecting information on many items, creatures and enemies, and interfacing with certain mechanisms such as force fields and elevators. Corruption also includes a hint system that periodically displays on-screen instructions and navigation assistance. The game also has the addition of the Hypermode, a feature in which health is drained to give temporary invincibility and more powerful attacks at the cost of one energy tank. Hypermode will end after 25 seconds or when a gauge that indicates the left-over Phazon is depleted, but if it's filled up completely or Samus gets hit by a Phazon Grenade thrown by a Space Pirate, the player will enter Corrupt Hypermode, and if not stopped leads to a non-standard game over due to Samus being overtaken by Phazon.{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/wikis/metroid-prime-3-corruption/Metroid_Prime_Basics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070925052107/http://guides.ign.com/guides/748547/page_2.html|first=Andre|last=Segers|work=IGN|archive-date=September 25, 2007|access-date=June 7, 2020|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Guide {{endash}} Basics}} Another new feature is the Command Visor, which allows Samus to summon remotely her gunship from a suitable landing site to save the game, or travel to another destination quickly. New abilities can be obtained to allow the ship to perform aerial attacks against enemy targets and transport heavy objects. In the achievement system, players can earn special credits by completing objectives. These credits can be exchanged for bonuses such as concept art, music for the sound test, and decorations for Samus' gunship.

Synopsis

= Setting =

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption takes place six months after Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.{{cite web|author=Reed, Kristan |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review |date=October 16, 2007 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review |access-date=March 21, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111204430/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review |archive-date=January 11, 2009}} The protagonist, Samus Aran, is a bounty hunter hired to assist the Galactic Federation during its ongoing conflict with the Space Pirates. After facing initial defeat on the planet Zebes during the events of the first Metroid, the Space Pirates sought to gain power by using a newly discovered mutagen called Phazon,{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=November 17, 2002 |platform=GameCube|quote=Logbook – "Special Forces": As we continue to observe the development of Project Helix's Elite Pirates, it becomes increasingly obvious that these warriors will usher in a new era of Space Pirate dominance.}} but Samus managed to disrupt their operations throughout the Prime trilogy, while the Galactic Federation confiscated and repurposed their Phazon armaments.{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote=Logbook – "Our Mission": Phazon was discovered two stellar years ago, and since that moment, Command has been driven to control it all. Two operations have been established, at tremendous cost. Both have failed, thanks to the accursed Hunter, Samus Aran. Her Federation allies now move to secure what little Phazon remains on the planet Aether.}}{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote=Phazon Enhancement Device - GF DF PX013: The Phazon Enhancement Device is based on captured Space Pirate technology. It is being tested by a GF Marine battalion based in the Norion system. Marines can initiate an energy siphon from the supplied Phazon carried in a backpack into their armorsuits. This allows them to temporarily enhance the exoskeletal and weapon systems of their armorsuits. To date, no Marines have displayed signs of Phazon Sickness, common in subjects who use the Space Pirate's version of the system.}}

The Space Pirates' operation was left in disarray following defeat in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. They inadvertently encounter Dark Samus, Samus' sinister doppelgänger, while trying to harvest Phazon.{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote=Logbook – "First Disciples": Our struggles have ended. She has shown us the error of our ways. The way is now clear. All previous vows of fealty have been forsworn: we now pledge sole allegiance to our liberator, the great one, Dark Samus.}} Dark Samus eliminates a third of their forces while indoctrinating the remaining Space Pirates into servants.{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote=Logbook – "The Leviathan": Our leader provided us with great wisdom on many subjects, including the improvement of our mighty battleship, Colossus. We followed her teachings, and turned our vessel into a ship without peer.}} Their combined forces seek to corrupt the universe with Phazon by first executing a series of methodical attacks on three Federation planets: Norion, Bryyo and Elysia.{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote=Logbook – "Vanguard": Three worlds will be attacked, each important to the Federation. We shall destroy the spy base at Elysia, the fuel production of Bryyo, and the naval station at Norion. Each of those wretched worlds will become as Phaaze…each a foothold into the territory of the hated Federation.}} The game is primarily centered on these planets and three other locations that become accessible after completing certain in-game tasks.

= Plot =

Fleet Admiral Castor Dane, the commander of the Galactic Federation flagship GFS Olympus, calls for a meeting with Samus Aran and three other bounty hunters—Rundas, Ghor, and Gandrayda. The bounty hunters receive orders to clear a virus from several organic supercomputers called "Aurora Units", located throughout the galaxy. The meeting ends abruptly when Space Pirates attack the Federation fleet. Samus and the other bounty hunters are deployed to the planet Norion, where the Space Pirates are concentrating an attack on the main Federation base. While suppressing the attack, Samus learns that a Phazon meteoroid, called a Leviathan Seed, will soon collide into Norion. Samus and the other bounty hunters attempt to activate the base's defense systems, when they are suddenly attacked by Dark Samus and knocked out by a Phazon Beam. With the other bounty hunters unconscious, a severely wounded Samus manages to activate the system just in time to destroy the Leviathan Seed before falling into a coma.{{cite book |last=Knight |first=David |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – Premiere Edition |date=August 2007 |publisher=Prima Games |isbn=978-0-7615-5642-8 |pages=20–210 |section=Walkthrough |oclc=154760000}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-walkthrough/1100-6177947 |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Walkthrough |first=Matthew |last=Rorie |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 31, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330043526/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-walkthrough/1100-6177947/ |url-status=live}}

A month later, Samus awakens aboard Olympus, where she learns that Dark Samus' Phazon-based attacks have corrupted her. The Federation equips her suit with a Phazon Enhancement Device (PED) that enables her to harness the Phazon energy within herself. She is informed that her fellow bounty hunters, also corrupted with Phazon and equipped with PEDs, have gone missing during their missions to investigate several planets embedded with Leviathan Seeds. Samus is first sent to the planet Bryyo and later Elysia to determine what happened to her missing comrades. She soon discovers that both planets and their inhabitants are slowly being corrupted by the Leviathan Seeds and that she must destroy the seeds to reverse this. Samus encounters heavy resistance from the Space Pirates, Phazon-corrupted monstrosities, and her fellow bounty hunters who have been corrupted by Dark Samus.

Throughout her mission, which eventually takes her to the Space Pirate homeworld, Samus slowly becomes further corrupted by Phazon. She manages to stop the Space Pirate assault with the assistance of the Federation troops. After stealing a Leviathan battleship, Samus and the Federation fleet use it to create a wormhole that leads to the planet Phaaze, the origin of all Phazon. Samus travels to the planet's core, where she finally defeats Dark Samus and then the corrupted Aurora Unit 313. As a result, Dark Samus is obliterated, and Phaaze explodes, possibly rendering all Phazon in the galaxy inert. The Federation fleet escapes Phaaze's destruction, but loses contact with Samus in the process. Samus eventually appears in her gunship,{{cite book |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – Premiere Edition |first=David |last=Knight |section=Walkthrough: Epilogue |publisher=Prima Games |pages=210–211 |date=August 2007 |isbn=978-0-7615-5642-8}} and reports that the mission is accomplished before flying off into space.{{cite video game |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii |scene=Ending |quote=Fleet Trooper: Sir, we're receiving a transmission from Samus' ship. / Computer screen: Mission Complete.}}

Samus returns to Elysia, where she mourns the loss of her fellow bounty hunters.{{cite video game |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii |scene=Ending (75% items collected)}} If the player completes the game with all of the items obtained, Samus is seen flying into hyperspace, with Sylux's spaceship following her.{{cite news |last=Otero |first=Jose |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/17/e3-2015-what-metroid-primes-producer-wants-in-the-next-sequel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930111435/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/17/e3-2015-what-metroid-primes-producer-wants-in-the-next-sequel |title=E3 2015: What Metroid Prime{{'}}s Producer Wants In the Next Sequel |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=June 16, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-next-proper-metroid-prime-would-likely-now-be-on-nx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144018/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-next-proper-metroid-prime-would-likely-now-be-on-nx |title=Next proper Metroid Prime "would likely now be on NX" |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=June 17, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live}}

Development

File:Retro Studios exterior.jpg, based in Austin, Texas, developed Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, as well as its predecessors, Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.|alt=A building with a sign reading "Retro Studios". Trees and a hedge are seen in front of it.]]

Retro Studios intended to give Metroid Prime 3: Corruption larger environments than Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, including open world features, and enable the game to run at 60 frames per second. There were also plans to have more interactive sequences involving Samus' ship, but when Retro learned of the Wii's technical specifications, they found the system was less powerful then they had anticipated and had to scale back on these plans.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/metroid-prime-producer-reveals-axed-open-world-game-plans/ | title = Metroid Prime producer reveals axed open-world game plans | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = October 3, 2021 | access-date = October 4, 2021 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-date = October 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211004031837/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/metroid-prime-producer-reveals-axed-open-world-game-plans/ | url-status = live}} The developers were also interested in using the WiiConnect24 feature to provide additional content accessible from the internet.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/16/interview-metroid-prime-3-corruption|title=Interview: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |publisher=IGN |last=Casamassina|first=Matt |date=May 16, 2006 |access-date=June 7, 2020|author-link=Matt Casamassina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625172202/http://wii.ign.com/articles/708/708948p1.html |archive-date=June 25, 2007}} Retro announced that Corruption would be the final chapter of the Prime series and would have a plot "about closure, told against the backdrop of an epic struggle".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/devs-talk-metroid-prime-3/1100-6130348/ |publisher=GameSpot |title=Devs talk Metroid Prime 3 |author=Surette, Tim |date=August 4, 2005 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411140707/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/devs-talk-metroid-prime-3/1100-6130348/ |archive-date=April 11, 2016}} After the Wii Remote was revealed, Nintendo demonstrated how Metroid Prime 3 would take advantage of the controller's special abilities with a version of Echoes modified for the Wii and shown at the Tokyo Game Show in 2005.{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/revolution-controller-revealed |title=Revolution Controller Revealed |publisher=1UP.com |date=September 15, 2005 |access-date=April 10, 2008 |author=MacDonald, Mark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430143114/http://www.1up.com/news/revolution-controller-revealed |archive-date=April 30, 2015 |url-status=dead}} At the Media Summit held by Nintendo in May 2007, the Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aimé, said that Metroid games "never played this way before", and that Nintendo employees said it would "reinvent the control scheme for a first-person shooter".{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/23/nintendo-summit-reggie-talks-wii-and-ds|title=Nintendo Summit: Reggie Talks Wii and DS |last=Casamassina|first=Matt |publisher=IGN |date=May 22, 2007 |access-date=June 7, 2020|author-link=Matt Casamassina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703043554/http://ds.ign.com/articles/790/790923p1.html |archive-date=July 3, 2007}}

Game director Mark Pacini stated that the biggest concern Retro had during production was the controls, which had "too many functions for the amount of buttons".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-retro-studios|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426181922/http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-retro-studios|archive-date=April 26, 2012|title=Interview: Retro Studios|magazine=Edge|date=December 26, 2007|access-date=January 13, 2008}} Pacini also said the Wii Zapper, a gun shell peripheral, was never considered because it was unveiled when the development was almost done.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1570214/20070920/index.jhtml |title='Metroid Prime' Developers On Pushing The Wii |publisher=MTV |date=September 27, 2007 |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |access-date=October 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225181406/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1570214/20070920/index.jhtml |archive-date=December 25, 2008}} Retro president Michael Kelbaugh said that the delays gave them more time to tune the controller, which took a year. He also stated that while Retro did "a great job on the multiplayer in Metroid Prime 2", focus was centered on the single player portion of the game, which was considered to be "the core strength of the franchise".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16389 |title=MIGS 2007: Retro Studios On The Journey Of Metroid Prime |publisher=Gamasutra |date=November 27, 2007 |access-date=December 3, 2007 |author=Kumar, Mathew |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071129191427/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16389 |archive-date=November 29, 2007}} Art director Todd Keller declared the graphics to be focused in both texture detail and variety, with every single texture being hand-made and trying to "make every room its own custom stage". During development, the Nintendo EAD team involved with Corruption suggested Retro to turn Hypermode into the core of the game, saying it would enhance the tension as it made players powerful but if used excessively would lead to a game over. Retro initially disagreed, saying it would be difficult to implement the feature without dampening the entertainment value, but after discussion decided to turn Hyper Mode into a regular functionality{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/wii/metroid_prime_trilogy_14112.html|title=Interview with Kensuke Tanabe|publisher=Metroid Prime Trilogy official website (UK)|work=Nintendo of Europe|access-date=June 11, 2010}}

The soundtrack for Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was composed by Kenji Yamamoto, Minako Hamano and Masaru Tajima.{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=49633&tab=credits|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114214128/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=49633&tab=credits|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Credits|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=October 4, 2015|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead}} The game took advantage of the increase in the amount of RAM that took place when the series switched from the GameCube to the Wii; this allowed for higher quality audio samples to be used and thus allowing a better overall audio quality. Yamamoto used Hirokazu Tanaka's musical design of the original Metroid in Corruption, by keeping the music and themes dark and scary until the very end, when uplifting music is played during the credits.{{cite web |author=Napolitano |first=Jayson |date=October 5, 2007 |title=Interview with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Sound Team at Retro Studios and Composer Kenji Yamamoto |url=http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315081014/http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=174 |archive-date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |website=Music 4 Games |publisher=music4games}} Corruption is the first Metroid game to feature a significant amount of voice acting, compared to previous games in the series in which Samus "[acted] alone [... and] always came across as a lone wolf".{{cite magazine|access-date=November 4, 2008|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/131388/metroid-prime-3-corruption/|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |magazine=GamePro|date=August 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203222941/http://gamepro.com/article/reviews/131388/metroid-prime-3-corruption/|archive-date=December 3, 2008}} The producers decided to include voices to create a stronger connection between players and the characters. The characters' voices were performed by Timothy Patrick Miller, Lainie Frasier, Christopher Sabat, Edwin Neal, Claire Hamilton, Brian Jepson, Gray Haddock, Clayton Kjas and Ken Webster.

Release

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was first shown to the public at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2005 in a short pre-rendered trailer.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-nintendos-e3-2005-press-conference |title=E3 2005: Nintendo's E3 2005 Press Conference |author=IGN staff |work=IGN |date=May 17, 2005 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |quote=9:24 am: {{bracket|...}} Short (pre-rendered) Metroid Prime 3 clip showing Samus standing in front of her redesigned spaceship. |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728090316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-nintendos-e3-2005-press-conference |url-status=live}} It was later announced during Nintendo's press conference at E3 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2006 |first=Lucas M. |last=Thomas |work=IGN |date=May 16, 2011 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330041659/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |url-status=live}} Nintendo revealed in May that Corruption would be released as a launch game for the Wii console,{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |title=Metroid 3 to launch with Wii |first=Paul |last=Loughrey |work=Eurogamer |date=May 11, 2006 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523191931/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |url-status=live}} but a few months later it was delayed to 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/hands-on-metroid-prime-3-corruption-2|title=Hands-on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |publisher=IGN |last=Casamassina|first=Matt |date=September 26, 2006 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |author-link=Matt Casamassina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017152255/http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732737p1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2007}} That year in April, Fils-Aimé said in an interview that Corruption was "not going to ship by June"{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/metroid-prime-3-released-june |title=Metroid Prime 3 to be Released After June |author=Klepek, Patrick |publisher=1UP.com |date=April 3, 2007 |access-date=June 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513183445/http://www.1up.com/news/metroid-prime-3-released-june |archive-date=May 13, 2015 |url-status=dead}} and set it at a summer release date at the earliest.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552624/20070215/index.jhtml |title=Where Are All The Wiis, DS Lites? Nintendo Exec Has The Answer |author=Totilo, Stephen |publisher=MTV |date=February 16, 2007 |access-date=June 21, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317061056/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552624/20070215/index.jhtml |archive-date=March 17, 2007}} In late April, IGN editor Matt Casamassina revealed it would be released on August 20 in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/21/metroid-prime-3-dated|title=Metroid Prime 3 Dated |last=Bozon|first=Mark |publisher=IGN |date=May 21, 2007 |access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611152942/http://wii.ign.com/articles/790/790231p1.html |archive-date=June 11, 2007}} Nintendo of America moved the release date to August 27,{{cite news |last=Lindemann|first=Jon |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Preview On Wii Shop Channel |date=August 10, 2007 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/14207 |access-date=August 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707011317/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/14207/metroid-prime-3-corruption-preview-on-wii-shop-channel |archive-date=July 7, 2015}}{{Cite press release|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/mePD8Co1IPtVVF0gBjk_X5ZOHVFC9d_u |title=Like Sands Through the Hourglass, Zelda's Debut on Nintendo DS Approaches |publisher=Nintendo |date=July 2, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214083647/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/mePD8Co1IPtVVF0gBjk_X5ZOHVFC9d_u |archive-date=December 14, 2007}} but Nintendo finally revealed an "in stores" date of August 28.{{cite magazine|access-date=April 23, 2008|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/what-augusts-numbers-mean-software?page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606151602/http://www.edge-online.com/features/what-augusts-numbers-mean-software?page=2|archive-date=June 6, 2012|date=September 18, 2007|author=Matthews, Matt|title=What August's Numbers Mean for Software|magazine=Edge}} The game was released in Europe on October 26,{{cite web|url=http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/e32007/enGB/pr_releaselist.html|title=Partial list of upcoming Nintendo DS and Wii titles across Europe|publisher=Nintendo|date=July 11, 2007|access-date=July 12, 2007|archive-url = https://archive.today/20071211121421/http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/e32007/enGB/pr_releaselist.html |archive-date = December 11, 2007|url-status=dead}} and in Japan on March 6, 2008.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10253 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318193758/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10253 |url-status=live |access-date=May 8, 2016 |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |script-title=ja:メトロイドプライム3 コラプションまとめ [Wii] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Kadokawa Corporation}} In the Japanese version, the difficulty level is decided by answering to "a questionnaire from the Galactic Federation", in contrast to the North American version where the difficulty level is chosen directly by the player. Metroid Prime series producer Kensuke Tanabe said that an idea for a questionnaire came from Retro Studios.{{cite interview |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/rm3j/vol1/index5.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628180320/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/rm3j/vol1/index5.html |first1=Kensuke |last1=Tanabe |subject-link1=Kensuke Tanabe |first2=Risa |last2=Tabata |interviewer=Satoru Iwata |script-title=ja:メトロイドプライム3 コラプション |type=Transcript |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=Nintendo |location=Kyoto, Japan |access-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |language=ja |url-status=live |page=5 |quote=田邊: それで思い出したんですが難易度の選択というのもありますよね。アメリカ版では、時間の関係もあって、基本的に自分で選べるようにしたのですが、日本版では、任天堂らしい味付けをしようと、銀河連邦からのアンケートに答えるような仕組みにしました。連邦のアンケートに答えるって言うのは、レトロスタジオのアイディアなんですが・・・その質問に答えると、「あなたのオススメの難易度はこれです」と教えてくれるようになっています。}}

Casamassina initially criticized Nintendo for its minimal marketing campaign for Corruption and compared it to the larger campaign for the original Metroid Prime, which included its own live action advertisement. He concluded that the campaign was the result of Nintendo's new focus on casual games for their console. When questioned on the company's actions, Nintendo of America responded: "Nintendo fans will be surprised by the quantity and quality of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption information that becomes available before the game launches on Aug. 27. Your patience will be rewarded (or Corrupted)".{{cite web|last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |date=August 8, 2007 |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/metroid-prime-3-the-anti-hype|title=Metroid Prime 3: The Anti-Hype |publisher=IGN |access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813144303/http://wii.ign.com/articles/811/811682p1.html |archive-date=August 13, 2007}} Following this promise, Nintendo released the "Metroid Prime 3 Preview" channel on August 10 in North America and on October 15 in Europe.{{cite web|access-date=May 9, 2008 |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15075 |title=WiiWare Launches With Metroid Prime 3 Preview Channel |publisher=Gamasutra |date=August 13, 2007 |author=Jenkins, David |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122112749/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15075 |archive-date=January 22, 2009}} The channel, available as a free download via the Wii Shop Channel, allowed Wii owners to view preview videos that included a battle sequence and previously unannounced details on new characters. The Preview channel was the first in a series of new downloadable content including videos made available in North America. The "month of Metroid", as named by Nintendo, included Virtual Console versions of Metroid, available on August 13, and Super Metroid, available on August 20.

= Re-release =

Metroid Prime 3 was rereleased on August 24, 2009 in North America and Europe, alongside Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, as a single-disc compilation, Metroid Prime: Trilogy. Prime and Echoes feature the motion controls and achievement systems introduced in Corruption.{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/22/metroid-prime-trilogy-hands-on |title=Metroid Prime Trilogy Hands-on |publisher=IGN |first=Craig |last=Harris |date=May 22, 2009 |access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525233744/http://wii.ign.com/articles/985/985793p1.html |archive-date=May 25, 2009}} The compilation was rereleased on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop on January 29, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-14-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-headed-to-wii-u-eshop |title=Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid Prime Trilogy headed to Wii U eShop |first=Tom |last=Phillips |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=January 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120234559/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-14-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-headed-to-wii-u-eshop |archive-date=January 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-coming-to-wii-u|title=Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid Prime Trilogy Coming to Wii U|first=Jose|last=Otero|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 14, 2015|archive-date=January 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114214329/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-coming-to-wii-u|url-status=live}}

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| title = Reviews

| MC = 90/100 {{small|(62 reviews)}}

| 1UP = A

| EGM = 26/30

| Fam = 31/40

| GSpot = 8.5/10

| GT = 9.6/10

| GI = 9.5/10

| GameRev = B+

| IGN = 9.5/10

| NWR = 9.5/10{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14420/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 18, 2007|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817143515/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14420/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii|url-status=live}}

| NP = 10/10{{cite magazine|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption review|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Nintendo|issue=220|date=October 2007|page=86}}

| XPlay = {{Rating|4|5}}

| ONM = 94%

}}

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption received acclaim.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-3-corruption/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |website=Metacritic |date=November 21, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227084414/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/metroid-prime-3-corruption |archive-date=December 27, 2012}} Nintendo Power praised the visuals and the immersive gameplay, and called it one of the best Wii games. IGN awarded it the Editor's Choice Award, and wrote that it was beautifully designed and the best-looking game for the Wii. They also praised the voice acting, in contrast to the lack of any voice acting in most other Nintendo games. Despite stating that Metroid Prime 3 was too similar to its predecessors, the review concluded that it was the best game in the Prime trilogy. IGN also said that it could be worthy of the same score as the original Metroid Prime (9.8), had it not been for the aforementioned reason.{{cite web|first=Matt |last=Casamassina |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review |date=August 27, 2007 |publisher=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/27/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review|access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011050854/http://wii.ign.com/articles/815/815424p4.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} X-Play found it enjoyable, but it had a few awkward control mechanics and was a little difficult to control on the Wii. They also said that although it was fun, there were problems that lead to odd lock-on mechanics and painful wrists from continuous motions.{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/wii/31354/metroid-prime-3-corruption/review/|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption review|publisher=X-Play|date=November 30, 2007|access-date=April 12, 2008|author=Sessler, Adam|archive-date=July 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708014555/http://www.g4tv.com/games/wii/31354/metroid-prime-3-corruption/review/|url-status=live}}

Shane Satterfield from GameTrailers praised the more user-friendly and action-packed nature of the game compared to Metroid Prime and Echoes. Satterfield also praised the superior motion-sensitive controls and further added that those elements make Corruption "far superior to the original Metroid Prime".{{cite web | first=Shane | last=Satterfield | title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Review | date=August 27, 2007 | publisher=GameTrailers | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN-cMeUBaoc | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/mN-cMeUBaoc | archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live | access-date=June 17, 2017}}{{cbignore}} 1UP.com was enthusiastic about the new control system and said the graphics were "some of the best visuals in gaming, period".{{cite web |first=Mark |last=MacDonald |title=Reviews: Metroid Prime 3 – Back to the Future |date=August 26, 2007 |publisher=1UP.com |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3 |access-date=August 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513183507/http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3 |archive-date=May 13, 2015 |url-status=dead}} Electronic Gaming Monthly gave Corruption a Silver award and named it one of the Games of the Month.{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue= 221|pages=98, 107, 114}} GameSpot stated the game had enjoyable puzzles, boss battles, atmospheric levels, and smooth gameplay. It also explained that the game was more like a traditional shooter video game than an adventure shooter, and stated that the motion activated actions were too unresponsive.{{cite web|first=Kevin |last=VanOrd |publisher=GameSpot |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption review |date=August 27, 2007 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review/1900-6177714/ |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320215717/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review/1900-6177714/ |archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

GamesRadar named Metroid Prime 3: Corruption the 10th-best Wii game, highlighting the shooting system and called it "the ultimate achievement" for the series.{{cite web|access-date=January 31, 2013 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-wii-games-all-time/ |title=Best Wii games of all time |publisher=GamesRadar |author=GamesRadar staff |date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408055819/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-wii-games-all-time/ |archive-date=April 8, 2016}} In IGN{{'}}s Best of 2007 Awards, Corruption received the awards for Best Wii Adventure Game,{{cite web|year=2007| url=http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225191549/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/2.html|archive-date=December 25, 2007|title=IGN Best of 2007: Best Adventure Game (Wii)|publisher=IGN|url-status=dead|access-date=January 13, 2008}} Best Artistic Design,{{cite web|year=2007|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/12.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225191514/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/12.html|archive-date=December 25, 2007|title=IGN Best of 2007: Best Artistic Design (Wii)|publisher=IGN|url-status=dead|access-date=January 13, 2008}} and Best Overall Adventure Game.{{cite web|url= http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/2.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115122445/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/2.html|archive-date= January 15, 2008|title=IGN Best of 2007: Best Adventure Game|publisher=IGN|date=January 11, 2008|url-status= dead|access-date=January 13, 2008}} GameSpy ranked it as the second best Wii game of the year, behind Super Mario Galaxy,{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/wii/10.html |title=Wii Top 10 of 2007: 2- Metroid Prime 3 Corruption |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=January 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115195921/http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/wii/10.html |archive-date=January 15, 2008}} and honored it as the Best Innovation on the Wii.{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/special/23.html |title=Special Awards: Best Innovation on the Wii |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=January 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108123917/http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/special/23.html |archive-date=January 8, 2008}} Australian website MyWii named Prime 3 as the second best Wii game currently available, behind Super Mario Galaxy.{{cite web |title=MyWii – Top 20 Wii Games |date=April 24, 2009 |url=http://wii.mmgn.com/Articles/Top-20-Wii-Games |access-date=April 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714104418/http://wii.mmgn.com/Articles/Top-20-Wii-Games |archive-date=July 14, 2011}} In 2009, Official Nintendo Magazine called the game a "fantastic finale", placing it 35th on a list of greatest Nintendo games.{{cite web | author=East, Tom | date=February 24, 2009 | title=100 Best Nintendo Games: Part 4 | url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | work=Official Nintendo Magazine | publisher=Future plc | access-date=September 9, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226213643/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | archive-date=February 26, 2009 | url-status=dead}} Despite being released on August 27, Corruption was the fifth best-selling game of the month, with 218,100 copies sold.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/us-august-game-industry-haul-nearly-1b/1100-6178770/ |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |title=US August game-industry haul nearly $1B |publisher=GameSpot |date=September 13, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519064720/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/us-august-game-industry-haul-nearly-1b/1100-6178770/ |archive-date=May 19, 2014}} It also debuted at the fifth spot of the Japanese charts, with 34,000 units in the first week of release.{{cite magazine|date=March 3–9, 2008|title=Famitsu weekly game sales ranking|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Enterbrain}} More than one million copies of the game were sold in 2007,{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080125e.pdf#page=6 |title=Financial Results Briefing for the Nine-Month Period Ending December 2007 |publisher=Nintendo |date=January 25, 2008 |access-date=January 25, 2008 |page=6 |format=PDF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216091258/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080125e.pdf |archive-date=February 16, 2008}} and as of March 2008, 1.31 million copies had been sold worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080425e.pdf#page=6 |title=Financial Results Briefing for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2008: Supplementary Information |publisher=Nintendo |date=April 25, 2008 |format=PDF |page=6 |access-date=August 3, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910032513/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080425e.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008}}

Sequels

A spin-off, Metroid Prime: Federation Force, was developed by Next Level Games and released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016. In 2017, Nintendo announced Metroid Prime 4 for Nintendo Switch.{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=June 13, 2017 |title=Metroid Prime 4 Confirmed For Nintendo Switch, But Retro Studios Isn't Involved |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/metroid_prime_4_confirmed_for_nintendo_switch_but_retro_studios_isnt_involved |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615052437/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/metroid_prime_4_confirmed_for_nintendo_switch_but_retro_studios_isnt_involved |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |work=Nintendo Life |publisher=Nlife Media}} Eurogamer reported that Prime 4 was being developed by Bandai Namco Studios.{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=February 9, 2018 |title=Yes, Bandai Namco is working on Metroid Prime 4 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-08-yes-namco-bandai-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119082756/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-08-yes-namco-bandai-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4 |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} Unsatisfied with the progress, in 2019 Nintendo announced it had restarted development under Retro Studios.{{cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |date=January 25, 2019 |title=Nintendo Restarting The Development Of Metroid Prime 4 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-restarting-the-development-of-metroid-prime-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218002520/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-restarting-the-development-of-metroid-prime-4 |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |magazine=Game Informer |df=mdy-all}} In 2024, Nintendo revealed a trailer and the title Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, with a release year of 2025.{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2024-06-18 |title=Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gameplay Finally Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-4-gameplay-revealed |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817142711/https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-4-gameplay-revealed |url-status=live}}

References

External links

[http://www.metroid.com/ Official Metroid series website]
[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/xsLZ8sftLAR_GunWLmDZeH72LA_Xxp1C Metroid Prime 3: Corruption profile at Nintendo.com]
[http://www.retrostudios.com/ Official Retro Studios website]

Category:2007 video games

Category:Experimental medical treatments in fiction

Category:First-person shooters

Category:First-person adventure games

Category:Metroid Prime

Category:Fiction about mind control

Category:Retro Studios games

Category:Single-player video games

Category:Video game interquels

Category:Video game sequels

Category:Video games developed in the United States

Category:Video games featuring female protagonists