Basics

Basics

Before you toss yourself into the highly immersive worlds of Metroid Prime, there are a few things you should familiarize yourself with; controls, using the HUD, navigating the map, examining downloaded Log Book data, awareness of 3D space and using the Hint system are aspects you must have a solid understanding of.

Controls

The adventure takes place from a first-person perspective, but because the focus is not on shooting, the controls of the original GameCube version did not adhere to your standard first-person shooter controls -- traditionally dual analog. Instead, the developers had implemented a system closer to what was introduced in Zelda: The Ocarina of Time.

• Control Stick - Move/Turn
• L-trigger - Lock/Scan/Strafe
• R-trigger - Manual Aim
• A-button - Shoot/Bomb/Charge/Scroll Text
• B-button - Jump/Boost Ball (Hold)
• Y-button - Missiles/Power Bomb
• X-button - Morph Ball
• Z-button - Map
• D-pad - Visor Modes (Unless alternated)
• C-stick - Switch Weapon Type (Unless alternated)

With the later ports to Nintendo Wii and the Switch remaster, Retro Studios also implemented alternative control systems. Wii introduced IR/motion aiming through the use of the Wii remote/nunchuk combo, while the Nintendo Switch release features not only features a modern dual-stick control scheme, but also alternative gyro-based motion-aiming and a Wii-style setup, in addition to the classic GameCube style controls.

There's a Morph Ball Jump

No, you're not misremembering. The GameCube original only featured bomb-jumping to propel yourself upwards -- but not dedicated jump feature when in Morph Ball form. The Wii Trilogy release added a quick jump function where you flick up the Remote to jump, while the Nintendo Switch edition maps the Morph Ball jump to the Y button. This jump feature is available as soon as you get the Morph Ball bombs.

Lock-on/Scanning

You can lock onto enemies and all important objects by holding down the L-trigger. Meanwhile, the controls allow you to circle strafe around a enemy or object and position yourself. It's the same for scanning. You can strafe and move around while you scan objects, which is imperative to avoiding damage during this process. This lock-on remains a crucial gameplay element in the Wii and Switch versions, even though you can also strafe without locking on. While locked on, you can quickly sidestep and jump without disconnecting from your target.

Sidestep

When you are locked on to something, you can tap B and move left or right on the control stick and perform a sideward leap. It's an advanced technique used to avoid projectiles and more quickly position yourself. Once Space Jump Boots are obtained do this twice to perform two.

Strafe

When you don't lock on to an object and hold down the L-trigger, it alters the control scheme slightly. By using it in conjunction with the control stick, you can strafe left to right, in addition to walking backwards without turning around. In both cases it's a very important function to accustom yourself with, but especially the latter can prove useful if you want to back off an enemy or object without turning your back to it.

Manual Aiming

With the GameCube control setup, hold down the R-trigger to activate this free look mode. Because you cannot perform this while you're in motion, you should make it a habit to examine every room in detail once it is clear of enemies. There are many secrets that hide along the walls and the floors. Look and ye shall receive. In the later releases, freelook is available at all times, resulting in more fluid and fast gameplay.

Jumping

This is a painless process, and extremely forgiving. Don't be shy about charging across a chasm or larger gap. Chances are it's closer than you think, and you should have little trouble reaching it. Of course, there are many areas that are too high or too far away, but you'll be able to access them in time. Just have patience and search for those power-ups.

Due to the GameCube's single-stick setup, the camera slightly looks down when platforming. This makes jumping much easier. This feature was removed from later versions, but is faithfully replicated in the Switch edition's GameCube-style control setup.

Morph Ball

Once your Morph Ball is functioning, you can change into it at anytime. Simply use the control stick to maneuver yourself around, and be sure to take advantage of the L-trigger, which will position the camera for you if you want. Additionally, you can jump by dropping a bomb (and get quite some height if you time it correctly) once you've got them. Also, the Wii and Switch versions feature a dedicated jump feature that doesn't require dropping a bomb -- but no double-jump, of course.

Visor HUD

In Metroid Prime you have to see through lead character Samus Aran's eyes. Because of this first-person perspective, you must learn to use the Heads Up Display (HUD) on her combat visor.

1.) Visor Modes

Use D-pad to switch. (Unless alternated)

2.) Weapon Type

Use C-stick to switch. (Unless alternated)

3.) Caution Level

A height meter used to indicate how close your feet are to dangerous material such as lava.

4.) Missile Supply

Your current available missiles. Not total.

5.) Radar

Monitors hostile activity (orange dots) around you.

6.) Map

This is the basic onscreen map. It's there to give you basic ideas, but press Z for the more detailed version.

7.) Energy Supply

Your power suit needs energy to function. It's basically your health. The highest amount of energy you can have is 99. However, the small squares above are energy tanks. Fill them up for backup reserves.

Visor Switching

The D-pad is used to swap from visor to visor. You begin with only the Scan Visor, but it can and must be used frequently. It is key to unraveling the complicated story, locating secrets, and learning how to defeat enemies. Once activated, you can easily turn it off by tapping the A-button. Be sure to use the manual aiming to look around rooms frequently with this.

Choose Your Weapon

With the flick of the C-stick (unless alternated), you can switch between your various weapons. Eventually you'll earn a total of four, but you only begin with one. As soon as you do earn a weapon, memorize the direction you must flick the C-stick to access it. Eventually, you will need to manage your arsenal in clutch moments. With a non-GameCube-style control setup, you have to hold down an additional face button to switch weapons.

Map Interface

With its huge leap from 2D to 3D, Metroid's map system has had to undergo a major transformation. Tap the Z-button to access the map, and then the everything else you need to know is right there on the screen. You can zoom and rotate with no problem. Our biggest suggestion is that you take note that each room has a name. This will become very important throughout the guide, as we'll give you two coordinates to match up. For example, the above screenshot could be read as the following: Tallon Overworld, Landing Site. Familiarize yourself with all the functions of your map. It's your best friend.

Tools and Data Tracking

By pressing the Start button you can access a sort of internal computer that logs all the information you've scanned in addition to a great many other things. Surf through the various options by scrolling pages with the L and R triggers; Inventory, Log Book, and Options will be available. You can change the opacity of the visor, stretch the screen, check out your Power Suit upgrades, and read through what will become a novel of important data in your Log Book. You can even flip on and off the Hint system.

Hint System

Metroid Prime defaults with the "Hint" system activated. Don't freak out and assume that it will ruin the game for you. If anything, it's the perfect strategy guide. It merely highlights the next area you need to go to. It does not tell you how or what you need to get there. Essentially, it's a device to overcome the frustration that could ensue from exploring such a vast 3D world.

However, if you think you're good enough with the map and are hardcore about figuring things out for yourself, simply flip it off. You can turn it on again at any time. It won't bite, honest.

Hard Mode and New Game+

Remember to make a copy of your save game file BEFORE you head to the final boss battle (after completing all the artifact quests). After you beat the final boss, you can see your completion time and completion percentage. The game will ask you if you want to save -- this will effectively overwrite your last save with the New Game+ mode option that retains all your scans (but nothing else and starts you over at the beginning of the adventure).

So either skip saving or make a copy if you still want to find the last missing pick-ups and 100% the game.