Metroid Prime Hunters

File:Metroid Prime Hunters Multiplayer.png

{{failed verification span|text=Like the previous titles in the Prime series, Metroid Prime Hunters is generally classified as an action-adventure|date=July 2024}} with navigation and discovery being prominent gameplay elements. The game differs from its predecessors with the removal of assisted aiming, more action-oriented gameplay, and the inclusion of an online multiplayer mode.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-prime-hunters-review/1900-6146423/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725010856/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-prime-hunters-review/1900-6146423/ |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Review |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=GameSpot |first=Bob |last=Colayco |date=March 23, 2006 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live}} The player controls Samus Aran, who is equipped with a Power Suit that allows her to access her gunship from anywhere. She can scan almost any object in the game; the gunship will return relevant information retrieved from its database. An Arm Cannon is attached to the Power Suit, which she uses to attack enemies. To enter small tunnels, Samus can roll into a Morph Ball, an alternative form of the Power Suit that decreases her size substantially. In this form, she is given an unlimited supply of bombs but is only allowed to use three at a time. She can use the bombs to defend herself and destroy small objects.{{cite book|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/DS_Metroid_Prime_Hunters.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211035748/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/DS_Metroid_Prime_Hunters.pdf |title=Metroid Prime Hunters |type=Instruction manual |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=December 11, 2015 |date=March 20, 2006 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-hunters-single-player-hands-on/1100-6139333/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216104422/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-hunters-single-player-hands-on/1100-6139333/ |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Single-Player Hands-On |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=GameSpot |first=Greg |last=Mueller |date=November 7, 2005 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=December 16, 2014 |url-status=live}}

In Metroid Prime Hunters, the Nintendo DS's top screen shows Samus's HUD as seen from her visor, which displays the amount of remaining ammunition for the currently selected weapon along with her health; in multiplayer games, the number of kills and time remaining in the round are also shown. The bottom touchscreen displays the radar. When using the default control scheme, movement is controlled using the D-pad, and aiming is controlled by dragging the stylus along the touchscreen.

Metroid Prime Hunters features a multiplayer mode that supports up to four players and includes voice chat capability. In it, the player is able to control Samus or one of six other bounty hunters featured in the single-player mode. Each bounty hunter has a unique alternative form, such as Samus's Morph Ball, and a special weapon. The game host can set options for point and time limits, and restrict the use of radar. Computer-controlled players of varying skill levels can be added to games if the minimum of four players is not met.

{{Metroid chronology}}

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Metroid Prime Hunters takes place between Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes,{{cite interview|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/11162/nst-discusses-metroid-prime-hunters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125054946/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/11162/nst-discusses-metroid-prime-hunters |title=NST Discusses Metroid Prime: Hunters |work=Nintendo World Report |first1=Masamichi|last1=Abe|subject-link1=Masamichi Abe|first2=Colin|last2=Reed|date=March 2, 2006 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |url-status=live}} and is set within the Alimbic Cluster in the Tetra Galaxy, where it was once ruled by the Alimbic race, who disappeared without notice, leaving artifacts scattered throughout the planetary system. In the present, a telepathic message is sent from the Cluster to bounty hunters and other intelligent species, stating the key to the "ultimate power" resides there. The planetary system consists of two planets (Alinos and Arcterra) and two space stations (the Celestial Archives and the Vesper Defense Outpost).

The protagonist of the single-player "adventure mode" is bounty hunter Samus Aran, who investigates the Alimbic Cluster after the Galactic Federation receives a telepathic message. During the investigation, Samus is confronted by six other bounty hunters: Sylux, a deadly sharpshooter who harbors a strong hatred for the Federation and Samus by association; Weavel, a cybernetic Space Pirate warrior who was injured in a battle with Samus; Trace, a feared member of the Kriken Empire; Kanden, a lab experiment and a supersoldier that was invincible; Noxus, a bounty hunter of the proud and reclusive Vhozon race; and Spire, the last of the silicon-based Diamonts.Official Nintendo Player's Guide 2006. "The Hunters". pp. 4–11.

{{Cite check|section|reason=Several failed verifications|date=June 2020}}

The governing body of the galaxy, the Galactic Federation, receives a strange telepathic message. The Federation broadcasts a message to bounty hunter Samus Aran, asking her to investigate and retrieve the "ultimate power", and should it prove irretrievable, to keep it secret or destroy it outright. Six other bounty hunters intercept the transmission and proceed to the Alimbic solar system to claim the power for themselves.Official Nintendo Player's Guide 2006. "Adventure Mode". pp. 20–67.

Through investigation of the planets and space stations that orbit the Alimbic sun, Samus gradually pieces together the history of the Alimbic race. She discovers that they were a peaceful, spiritual, highly evolved society.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: History 05. Area: Vesper Defense Outpost {{endash}} Compression Chamber. "We were a peaceful people, but we defended our homeworld with a fierce determination". The Alimbic utopia was shattered when a comet struck the planet (Alinos), and out of it emerged a monstrous creature named Gorea.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Gorea 03. Area: Arcterra {{endash}} Sanctorus. "At first we thought GOREA was a comet. It crashed upon our planet and emerged as a vapor". The creature copied the cellular structure of the Alimbics, physically mimicking them and their weapons,Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Gorea 04. Area: Arcterra {{endash}} Sanctorus. "GOREA mimicked our cellular structure and replicated itself in solid form". and destroyed their civilization.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Gorea 07. Area: Celestial Archives {{endash}} New Arrival Registration. "Our defenses were useless against GOREA as it swept through our empire in an orgy of annihilation". Unable to stop Gorea's rampage, the last of their race transformed themselves into focused telepathic energy,Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Alimbic War 11. Area: Arcterra {{endash}} Subterranean. "To contain GOREA, our people reduced themselves to pure telepathic energy through the process of ESSENCE TRANSFERENCE". then confined Gorea into a "Seal Sphere",Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Oubliette 01. Area: Arcterra {{endash}} Fault Line. "The monster cannot be defeated. As a last resort, we created the SEAL SPHERE to cage the horror for all eternity". which they placed in a starship called the Oubliette.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Oubliette 03. Area: Vesper Defense Outpost {{endash}} Stasis Bunker. "The ALIMBIC CANNON creates a fissure between this dimension and the INFINITY VOID that houses GOREA's prison, known as the OUBLIETTE". The ship was launched into a dimensional rift called the Infinity Void,Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Oubliette 05. Area: Vesper Defense Outpost {{endash}} Stasis Bunker. "We have sent the OUBLIETTE beyond this dimension to ensure that the galaxy will never again suffer the horror that is GOREA".Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Alimbic Cannon 01. Area: Alinos {{endash}} Alimbic Cannon Control Room. "The ALIMBIC CANNON issues bursts of polarized antimatter beyond light speed at specified coordinates and frequency to open a dimensional rift known as the INFINITY VOID". to be released only when eight keys called "Octoliths" were assembled.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Alimbic Order 05. Area: Vesper Defense Outpost {{endash}} Fuel Stack. "Reunite all EIGHT OCTOLITHS in the CANNON CONTROL ROOM to open the doorway to GOREA".

After warding off the other bounty hunters, Samus retrieves the eight Octoliths and opens the Infinity Void.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Alimbic Cannon opens the Infinity Void. Area: Alinos {{endash}} Alimbic Cannon Control Room. Here, she and the other six hunters confront Gorea, who originated the telepathic message in an attempt to free itself. After the beast absorbs the powers of Samus' rivals,Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Gorea boss intro. Area: Oubliette. Samus engaged in a proacted battle with it. If she did not heed the words of the Alimbic prophecy by shooting seven colored panels in the arena with their representative sub-weapon in a particular sequence, Gorea's demise would quickly destroy the Oubliette before any of the hunters could evacuate to safety.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Bad ending. Area: Oubliette. Otherwise, the panels would transport her and Gorea to another realm for a more definitive final battle where Gorea becomes invincible to all weapons, save for the new Alimbic weapon, the "Omega Cannon", which Samus finds and uses to destroy Gorea once and for all. As Samus and the other hunters evacuate the exploding Oubliette on their respective ships, three Alimbic spirits appear before an armorless Samus, and honor her with a salute.Nintendo Software Technology 2006. Scene: Good ending. Area: Oubliette.

File:Nintendo Software Technology.png.|alt=A gray, nondescript building with "Nintendo" written on the top floor, and with trees in the foreground.]]

The development team for Metroid Prime Hunters at Nintendo Software Technology (NST) was led by the game's director, Masamichi Abe and the lead technical engineer, Colin Reed, who had both previously worked together on several games, including the Nintendo games Pikmin and 1080° Snowboarding. The team for Hunters was composed of thirty people, which Abe noted was larger than the development team of most other Nintendo DS games. Kensuke Tanabe of Nintendo came up with the original idea for the game. Retro Studios, which developed previous Metroid Prime games, was unable to develop Metroid Prime Hunters because it was already working on a game. Therefore, Tanabe contacted NST with the idea, and let them develop it instead. NST developed the game instead of Nintendo themselves because Nintendo wanted the division to influence Metroid Prime Hunters with western ideals, styles, and presentation.

While developing the game, most of NST's efforts were focused on its multiplayer aspect because of its first-person shooter gameplay, and to take advantage of the Wi-Fi and voice chat capabilities of the Nintendo DS. One of the game's designers, Richard Vorodi, noted that "the hardware kinda dictated their focus onto the game's multiplayer mode".{{cite video|url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/metroid-prime-hunters-developer-interview/2300-6139380/ |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Developer Interview |format=Flash video |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=GameSpot |date=November 7, 2005 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105140405/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/metroid-prime-hunters-developer-interview/2300-6139380/ |archive-date=January 5, 2016}} Wanting to introduce a new element to the Metroid series, Abe created several new bounty hunters after he realized that the game's multiplayer mode and the new bounty hunters could both be implemented seamlessly into the game: "We had this idea early on and thought that would be a good way to introduce Metroid Prime Hunters and the new bounty hunters to the gameplay and take advantage of that in the multiplayer". Metroid Prime Hunters includes several references to previous games in the Metroid Prime series. Samus' ship is from the original Metroid Prime, and her suit is the same one that appears in Echoes. The developers decided to add them because they wanted to show that the technology has evolved, and they also wanted to include something that was instantly recognizable to those who had played previous games in the series.{{cite interview|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/19/e3-2005-metroid-prime-hunters-creator-interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629111621/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/19/e3-2005-metroid-prime-hunters-creator-interview |last1=Tanabe |first1=Kensuke |subject-link1=Kensuke Tanabe |subject2=Richard Vorodi |title=E3 2005: Metroid Prime Hunters Creator Interview |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |date=May 18, 2005 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=June 29, 2015 |url-status=live}} On level design, Abe said that as the game's controls shifted from an analog stick method to touchscreen aiming, the developers wanted to avoid making the gameplay and the control scheme more difficult.

Metroid Prime Hunters was first revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2004,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/12/e3-2004-hands-on-metroid-prime-hunters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140905/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/12/e3-2004-hands-on-metroid-prime-hunters |title=E3 2004: Hands-on: Metroid Prime: Hunters |first=Craig |last=Harris |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=May 11, 2004 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live}} with IGN giving the game their Best Nintendo DS Game of E3 award.{{cite web|access-date=December 30, 2012 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/22/nintendo-ds-best-of-e3-2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141256/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/22/nintendo-ds-best-of-e3-2004 |title=Nintendo DS Best of E3 2004 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=May 22, 2004 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |author=IGN Staff |url-status=live}} When Nintendo received negative feedback at E3 2005 about the game's lack of an online feature, the company announced in August that the game's release was delayed to give the developers time to implement Nintendo WFC support.{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Craig |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/26/metroid-goes-wi-fi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145227/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/26/metroid-goes-wi-fi |title=IGN: Metroid Goes Wi-Fi |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |date=August 26, 2005 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live}} After the game's release was delayed to give NST time to implement the multiplayer feature, the developers took the time to make more changes. They worked on the game's framerate to make the graphics move more smoothly. The game's visuals were improved; a developer added reflections to the Morph Ball. The other developers admired the effect, and added it to other parts of the game. NST collaborated with Retro Studios, the company behind several Metroid games, to design the game's art and characters to make sure that they fit into the overall Metroid series. When asked why Metroid Prime Hunters was placed between Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes chronologically, Reed noted that the game was not influenced by the story of either game, so there were no continuity issues. He described Hunters as a side story to the Metroid Prime series.

File:La consola del pequeñajo.jpg at launch.]]

A preview of Metroid Prime Hunters was featured at E3 2004, which players control different colored variations of Samus in a deathmatch. A demo version, titled Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt, was included as a pack-in game with the Nintendo DS when it launched in North America on November 21.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news220904metroidprimehunters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208043928/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news220904metroidprimehunters |title= Metroid Prime: Hunters demo bundled with DS |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=September 22, 2004 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} As a single-player game, it consists of training scenarios with no specific plot, while the multiplayer portion allows up to four players to compete via the Nintendo DS' local wireless communications.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/21/metroid-a-ds-pack-in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810231850/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/21/metroid-a-ds-pack-in |title=Metroid a DS Pack-in |first=Craig |last=Harris |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=September 21, 2004 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=August 10, 2015 |url-status=live}} GamesRadar wrote a positive review for the demo, citing it as "a fine showcase for demonstrating what the Nintendo DS hardware is capable of".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-prime-hunters-first-hunt-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208194709/http://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-prime-hunters-first-hunt-review/ |title=Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt review |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc |date=February 15, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} In early 2006, a preview video for Hunters was made available for download through the DS Download Station.{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/ds_download_stations_across_the_us.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208075922/http://www.videogamer.com/news/ds_download_stations_across_the_us.html |title=DS download stations across the US |first=James |last=Orry |work=VideoGamer.com |publisher=Candy Banana |date=February 10, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-uk-and-bt-openzone-roll-out-nintendo-wi-fi-connection-hotspots-to-retailers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208123831/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-uk-and-bt-openzone-roll-out-nintendo-wi-fi-connection-hotspots-to-retailers |title=Nintendo UK and BT Openzone roll out Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots to retailers |publisher=Nintendo of Europe |date=March 22, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live |quote=Other Nintendo goodies downloadable to your DS will include special items for Animal Crossing: Wild World and a very special Metroid Prime: Hunters movie.}} A playable demo was also available from the Download Station in North America.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/04/03/kiosk-hunting-here-and-there-but-mostly-there/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154028/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/03/kiosk-hunting-here-and-there-but-mostly-there/ |title=Kiosk Hunting: Here and there, but mostly there |first=Ludwig |last=Kietzmann |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=April 3, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live |quote=Columbus, OH: Best Buy (store #295) got a station featuring demos of Tetris DS, Metroid Prime Hunters, Meteos, Mario Kart DS and Brain Age.}}

In 2006, Nintendo promoted the release of Metroid Prime Hunters in the United States with a television commercial, featuring a gravedigger burying dead bounty hunters in a futuristic setting. The commercial was directed by Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld series, and was produced by the Leo Burnett Worldwide, while the special effects were handled by Ntropic.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/10/wiseman-directs-samus |title=Wiseman Directs Samus |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |first=Craig |last=Harris |access-date=August 23, 2012 |date=March 10, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150701/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/10/wiseman-directs-samus |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live}} According to Wiseman, the commercial intends to "give the players a sense of how high the body count is going to be in this game, the amount of mayhem, and just how vicious Samus can be".{{cite interview |title=Behind the Scenes: On the Hunt |first=Len |last=Wiseman |subject-link=Len Wiseman |interviewer=Matt Burke |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |date=May 2006 |page=98 |issue=203}} In May, Nintendo of Europe and HMV held the "Hunt Is On Tournament" competition in several locations throughout the United Kingdom, with BT Openzone providing a video link.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hmv-launches-metroid-prime-hunters-competition/1100-6151475/ |title=HMV launches Metroid Prime: Hunters competition |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc |work=GameSpot |first=Phil |last=Elliot |access-date=August 23, 2012 |date=May 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033129/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hmv-launches-metroid-prime-hunters-competition/1100-6151475/ |archive-date=February 20, 2018 |url-status=live}}

Metroid Prime Hunters was released on March 20, 2006 in North America,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/dsmetroidprimehunters/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212133801/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/dsmetroidprimehunters/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Release Summary |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-date=February 12, 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/11147/hunters-stat-tracking-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208055218/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/11147/hunters-stat-tracking-revealed |title=Hunters Stat-Tracking Revealed |publisher=Nintendo of America |date=February 28, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/98384/Nintendo_Updates_On_WiFi_Success_Animal_Crossing_Debut.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141703/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/98384/Nintendo_Updates_On_WiFi_Success_Animal_Crossing_Debut.php |title=Nintendo Updates On Wi-Fi Success, Animal Crossing Debut |first=Simon |last=Carless |work=Gamasutra |publisher=UBM plc |date=December 7, 2005 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} followed by the release in Europe on May 5,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news030306metroidds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080158/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news030306metroidds |title=New Metroid DS details |first=Ellie |last=Gibson |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=March 3, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} in Australia on May 23, in Japan on June 1,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10254 |access-date=August 21, 2015 |script-title=ja:メトロイドプライムハンターズ まとめ [DS] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923015644/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10254 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=live}} and in South Korea on December 6, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.kr/DS/soft/metroid/main.php |script-title=ko:메트로이드 프라임 헌터즈 |trans-title=Metroid Prime Hunters |language=ko |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054025/http://www.nintendo.co.kr/DS/soft/metroid/main.php |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}} The game was later re-released on the Wii U's Virtual Console service, in Japan on September 30, 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/software/vc/dapj/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918122307/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/software/vc/dapj/index.html |script-title=ja:Wii U バーチャルコンソール - メトロイドプライム ハンターズ |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-date=September 18, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/metroid_prime_hunters_arrives_on_wii_u_virtual_console_in_japan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001055033/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/metroid_prime_hunters_arrives_on_wii_u_virtual_console_in_japan |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Arrives on Wii U Virtual Console in Japan |first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |work=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |url-status=live}} in North America on June 2, 2016,{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/nintendo_download_2nd_june_north_america|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602141346/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/nintendo_download_2nd_june_north_america|title=Nintendo Download: 2nd June (North America)|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|date=June 2, 2016|access-date=June 2, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/metroid-prime-hunters-comes-to-wii-u-virtual-console-10-years-after-its-original-release-3437767|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602140404/http://www.gamezone.com/news/metroid-prime-hunters-comes-to-wii-u-virtual-console-10-years-after-its-original-release-3437767|title=Metroid Prime Hunters comes to Wii U Virtual Console 10 years after its original release|first=Jose|last=Cardoso|work=GameZone|publisher=GameZone Next|date=June 2, 2016|access-date=June 2, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live}} and in Europe on September 15.{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/nintendo_download_15th_september_europe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913163702/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/nintendo_download_15th_september_europe|title=Nintendo Download: 15th September (Europe)|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|date=September 12, 2016|archive-date=September 13, 2016|access-date=December 25, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| 1UP = B+

| EGM = B

| EuroG = 8/10{{cite web|access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_metroidprimehunters_ds |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Review |website=Eurogamer |date=March 23, 2006 |author=Kumar, Mathew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112195103/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_metroidprimehunters_ds |archive-date=January 12, 2009}}

| GRadar = 9/10

| GSpot = 8.6/10

| GSpy = 4.5/5

| GameZone = 9/10

| GamePro = 4.5/5

| GameRev = B+

| GI = 8.5/10

| IGN = 9/10

| NP = 85%

| TG = 4/5

| XPlay = 3/5

| rev1 = The Australian

| rev1Score = 9/10

| rev2 = The Independent

| rev2Score = 4/5

| rev3 = The Press

| rev3Score = 90%

| rev4 = The Sunday Times

| rev4Score = 5/5

| rev5 = The Times

| rev5Score = 5/5

| rev6 = The Toronto Sun

| rev6Score = 4.5/5

| rev7 = The Washington Times

| rev7Score = 3/5

| MC = 85/100

}}

Metroid Prime Hunters was given "generally favorable" reviews, according to Metacritic.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-hunters/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters (ds: 2006): Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=December 30, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817191246/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/metroid-prime-hunters |archive-date=August 17, 2010}} Several reviews praised the amount of value that Metroid Prime Hunters offered on the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. GameZone considered the game phenomenal, and believed that it used the DS to its maximum potential regarding graphical ability and innovation.{{cite web |access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r24082.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930035635/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r24082.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2008 |title=Metroid Prime Hunters Review |publisher=GameZone |date=June 12, 2006 |author=Hopper, Steven}} The Toronto Sun remarked that the graphics were big enough selling points on their own for the game,{{cite news |title=Our Prime Has Come |work=The Toronto Sun |date=April 9, 2006 |author=Tilley, Steve |page=S13}} and The Press called Metroid Prime Hunters the best-looking game for the Nintendo DS.{{cite news |title=Bounty hunter hits DS |work=The Press |date=June 6, 2006 |author=Gerard, Campbell |page=7}} The Australian agreed that the graphics are "outstanding" and push the Nintendo DS to its limits,{{cite news |title=Slick shooter for console |work=The Australian |date=May 30, 2006 |author=Kennedy, Stuart |page=11}} and The Independent asserted that Metroid Prime Hunters was perhaps the best first-person shooter ever for a handheld console.{{cite news |title=Computer games; Reviewed |work=The Independent |date=April 29, 2006 |author=Armstrong, Rebecca |page=66}} GamePro was surprised how Nintendo squeezed Hunters into a small DS cartridge. Despite a few "small quirks", the magazine noted that Hunters "is a very polished game".{{cite magazine |access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/52709/metroid-prime-hunters/ |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters |magazine=GamePro |date=March 27, 2006 |author=Moses, Tenacious |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003003302/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/52709/metroid-prime-hunters/|archive-date=October 3, 2008}} The Times concurred with these claims, noting that the touchscreen capability worked very vell on the system.{{cite news |title=Metroid Prime Hunters |work=The Times |date=May 20, 2006 |author=Kendall, Nigel |page=14}}

GameRevolution admired the "high-quality work" found in the game's production design and smooth online play.{{cite web|access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/metroid-prime-hunters |title=Metroid Prime Hunters |website=Metacritic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203031643/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/metroid-prime-hunters |archive-date=December 3, 2013}} 1UP.com asserted that fans of the Metroid series should recognize the technical achievements that the game showcases.{{cite web|access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-hunters_4 |title=Metroid Prime Hunters (Nintendo DS) |publisher=1UP |date=March 22, 2006 |first=Andrew |last=Pfister |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125043635/http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-hunters_4 |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |url-status=dead}} GamesRadar lauded Metroid Prime Hunters{{'}} gameplay, and believed that the game was strictly for hardcore gamers "who live for fragfests". Convinced that making a Metroid game different from its slow-paced adventure predecessors into a "nail-biting wrecking ball" was a "risky trick", they appreciated the results.{{cite web |access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-prime-hunters-12/ |title=Metroid Prime Hunters |first=Brett |last=Elston |publisher=GamesRadar |date=December 6, 2006 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817143423/https://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-prime-hunters-review/ |url-status=live}} Both GameSpot and Game Informer enjoyed the game's "worthwhile" and "electrifying" multiplayer mode.{{cite magazine|last=Miller |first=Matt |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters review |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |date=May 2006 |issue=157 |page=111}} Nintendo Power praised the game as a "new-school, action-packed" game that makes a "great addition to the growing collection of Wi-Fi titles",{{cite magazine |title=Metroid Prime Hunters |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |date=May 2006 |page=86 |issue=203}} and The Guardian claimed the game's multiplayer aspect as their favorite feature.{{cite news |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters |work=The Guardian |date=May 18, 2006 |author=Boxer, Steve |page=2}} The Sunday Times wrote that Metroid Prime Hunters does a "staggering job" of replicating the style of previous Metroid Prime games.{{cite news |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters |work=The Sunday Times |date=May 7, 2006 |author=Andrews, Stuart |page=30}}

Complaints about the game stemmed primarily from its control scheme. IGN found that the high learning curve and "cramp-inducing" control scheme made it difficult to play.{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Craig |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/697/697307p1.html |title=IGN: Metroid Prime: Hunters Review |website=IGN |date=March 21, 2006 |access-date=November 18, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206184549/http://ds.ign.com/articles/697/697307p1.html |archive-date=December 6, 2008}} This sentiment was shared by Electronic Gaming Monthly, which claimed that placing the interface used to switch visors and weapons on the touchscreen made the process unnecessarily complex. The magazine was also disappointed with the game's single-player mode, claiming that it does not live up to the experience offered in previous games in the Metroid Prime series. They criticized the levels as "contrived and predictable", and noted that the designs felt too formulaic "after a few worlds of hunting for keys, fighting repeat bosses, and escaping before the bomb blows".{{cite magazine|access-date=January 30, 2009 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-hunters_3 |title=Metroid Prime Hunters (Nintendo DS) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |date=April 14, 2006 |last=Bettenhausen |first=Shane |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125044815/http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-hunters_3 |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |url-status=dead}} The Washington Times agreed that the game's repetitiveness eventually grew tiring, and that "manipulating the DS controls will be a painfully cramped endeavor".{{cite news |title=Bounty hunters battle over relics |work=The Washington Times |date=May 18, 2006 |author=Szadkowski, Joseph |page=B04}}

Concurring with this sentiment, GameSpy noted that using the stylus to play the game felt a bit strange.{{cite web|access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/metroid-prime-hunters/698045p1.html |title=Metroid Prime Hunters (DS) |publisher=GameSpy |date=March 23, 2006 |author=McGarvey, Sterling |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160702/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/metroid-prime-hunters/698045p1.html |archive-date=December 31, 2008}} Eurogamer also expressed their disapproval of the control scheme, predicting it would lead to "the coming years of physiotherapy on [their] arms". They were also unhappy with the game's "flimsy" multiplayer experience, noting that it is best used when played locally with friends who also have the game. X-Play had particularly negative sentiments about the game, feeling that it was poorly implemented into the hardware.{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/11066/Metroid-Prime-Hunters-DS-Review/ |title=Metroid Prime Hunters DS Review Videos |work=X-Play |access-date=December 29, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309232447/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/11066/metroid-prime-hunters-ds-review/ |archive-date=March 9, 2013}}

Metroid Prime Hunters was the fourth best-selling game in its debut month in Japan, selling 32,467 units,{{cite web|access-date=December 29, 2008 |url=http://www.1up.com/news/mario-lite-top-japanese-charts |title=Mario, DS Lite Top Japanese Charts |website=1UP.com |date=June 14, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125054038/http://www.1up.com/news/mario-lite-top-japanese-charts |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |url-status=dead}} and has since sold over 90,000 units there.{{cite magazine |title=Nintendo DS Japanese Ranking |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain, Inc. |date=May 2008}} Over 410,000 units of the game were sold in North America in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/games-people-buy-2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703163733/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/games-people-buy-2007 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2012 |title=The Games People Buy 2007 |work=Edge |access-date=November 18, 2008}} Hunters received several awards and honors. IGN gave it an "Editors' Choice" award,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/metroid-prime-hunters/nds-682835 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122092414/http://www.ign.com/games/metroid-prime-hunters/nds-682835 |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters Game Highlights |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=November 2, 2015 |archive-date=November 22, 2015 |url-status=live}} and named it the "Best DS Action Game" of 2006.{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ds/1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101208/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ds/1.html |title=DS Best Action Game 2006 |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |access-date=November 2, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2007 |url-status=dead}} The game also received the awards for "Best Graphics", "Best Shooter/Action Game", and "Best Wi-Fi Functionality" from Nintendo Power for 2006.{{cite magazine |title=Nintendo Power Awards 2006, results |issue=215 |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |date=May 2007}}

The bounty hunters in Metroid Prime Hunters are featured in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as unlockable character trophies.{{cite video game |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl |developer=Sora Ltd.|developer2=Game Arts, others |publisher=Nintendo |date=March 9, 2008 |platform=Wii |level=Trophy Gallery, trophies #241-246}} Sylux also makes a minor appearance in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, where he follows Samus in the game's ending.{{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/20150908013503/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 8, 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/20150905011320/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 5, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/metroid_prime_producer_wants_to_make_another_sequel_with_samus_not_involved_in_2d_titles_by_yoshio_sakamoto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906040745/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/metroid_prime_producer_wants_to_make_another_sequel_with_samus_not_involved_in_2d_titles_by_yoshio_sakamoto |first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |title=Metroid Prime Producer Wants to Make Another Sequel With Samus, "Not Involved" in 2D Titles By Yoshio Sakamoto |work=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network |date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live}} Tanabe said in E3 2015 that he wanted to create a story that centers around Samus and Sylux, noting that "there's something going on between them. I want to make a game that touches upon it". With a Nintendo 3DS game, Metroid Prime: Federation Force, Tanabe hoped that Federation Force{{'s}} plot would lead to future Metroid Prime games based on the relationship between Samus and Sylux, with additional involvement from the Galactic Federation marines.{{cite interview|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/kensuke-tanabe-on-metroid-prime-federation-force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905113344/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/kensuke-tanabe-on-metroid-prime-federation-force |title="I was quite surprised by the backlash": Kensuke Tanabe on Metroid Prime Federation Force |type=Interview: transcript |first=Kensuke |last=Tanabe |subject-link=Kensuke Tanabe |interviewer=Jeremy Parish |work=USGamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=August 5, 2015 |access-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live}} Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is marketed to have Sylux as a major antagonist, following up on the tease shown in Metroid Prime 3.

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{cite video game | title=Metroid Prime Hunters | developer=Nintendo Software Technology | publisher=Nintendo | date=March 20, 2006 | platform=Nintendo DS | ref=ref-game}}
• {{cite book | title=Metroid Prime Hunters Official Nintendo Player's Guide | publisher=Nintendo of America | date=March 2006 | isbn=978-1-598-12001-1 | ref=ref-guide}}

• {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20081217015534/http://metroidhunters.com/launch/index.jsp}}
• [http://metroid.jp/metroid_version4/ Official Japanese website]
• {{moby game|id=/metroid-prime-hunters}}

{{Metroid series|state=expanded}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2006 video games

Category:First-person shooters

Category:First-person adventure games

Category:Metroid Prime

Category:Multiplayer online games

Category:Nintendo DS games

Category:Nintendo Software Technology games

Category:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games

Category:Video game interquels

Category:Video games about bounty hunters

Category:Video games developed in the United States

Category:Video games featuring female protagonists

Category:Video games set on fictional planets

Category:Virtual Console games for Wii U

Category:Metroid games

Category:Video games scored by James Phillipsen

Category:Video games produced by Kensuke Tanabe

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games