Metroid Prime 3: Corruption [Wii]

Samus' latest guns and missiles are a one-size-fits-all variety. Without different weapon types (which will doubtless vex some die-hard Metroid fans), everything you need to use is always right at your fingertips. The new Phazon overload system lets you burn your health to do extra damage, which raises the stakes and gives you more freedom from fussing with matching weapon types to enemy types. The new grapple mechanic during combat can be tricky, as can holding a target lock, but it keeps battles exciting and interactive.

As you play, you'll earn different types of medals, mostly for using your scanner to fill up your log book with entries about the mythos of the Metroid universe. You can use these medals to unlock concept art, and if you exchange friend codes with other players, you can earn special credits to unlock some clever easter eggs. It's a poor substitute for actual multiplayer support, but it's at least an interesting way to take advantage of the Wii's online capabilities.

The visuals are pushed to the limit, offering some really breathtaking vistas of the alien worlds, which do a mostly good job of avoiding traditional tropes like ice and lava (although both are present). With the finely detailed graphics and character animation, there are more distinct characters this time around, consisting mostly of a rogue's gallery of renegade bounty hunters for you to fight, including some nods to old friends and enemies.

If you consider the competition games like BioShock and Gears of War, Metroid is going to feel stilted and oddly paced. But if you're a fan of the long-running series, you'll probably be pleased how well this game fits into the canon, both in terms of gameplay and story. This is a classic Metroid game, made easy enough that it's also an ideal introduction for new players. Plus, you'll get a good look at Samus unmasked! In that regard, at least, Halo 3 has nothing on Metroid 3.