I'm a massive fan of Metroid Prime. In my opinion it has one of the most engrossing and fascinating sci-fi environments in gaming history. I loved the exploration. I loved the music. I loved the fact that the game felt both retro and fresh at the same time. Hell I even loved the boss battles. I'll state with certainty that it was one of my top 5 gaming experiences.

Shooty

So I was rather chuffed with myself when I bagged Metroid Prime 2 free (from Nintendo stars catalogue). It certainly has all the winning ingredients that I admired in its predecessor. The music, environments and attention to detail are simply sublime. But something odd has happened. In the interim I have changed as a gamer.

Perhaps having 2 kids (and hence increased non-gaming chorage! ) has made me value my gaming time more. Perhaps it’s the fact that I've been playing more pick-up-and-play games. I love the idea that I can have 5 or 6 quick goes at Ouendan on the train. Or a quick blast on Zookeeper time-attack when I'm supposed to be feeding the baby. If I have a couple of hours to spare I'd now rather play a multitude of MAME titles than invest the time slowly progressing a game that I know will not be completed for a few months. Quick and instant gratification is now key for me.

Recently I have given up on Zelda, Resident Evil 4, Halo 2, Half Life 2 and the GTA series. I know they are all wonderful games but I no longer want the burden of it all.

As an example I own Meteos. I think it is a pretty good game and I have a lot left to play. I have not played it in the last 4 months and I don’t feel guilty. I know that I can start again tomorrow - no story to relearn and no steps to retrace. Similarly if I never pick it up again then nothing really lost apart from £30. I do, however, feel bad about not playing Zelda or RE4 - I have invested time and effort into a story and will not continue.

So I'm going to nip Metroid Prime 2 in the bud. Sorry Samus - it’s not you luv, it’s me. Now, when's that new Tetris released?

May 2006

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