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Metroid Prime Winners!

3rd May 2003, 3:00am
It must be said, the response to the Metroid Prime competition was fantastic! We had many reviews sent in, though unfortunately some potentially winning efforts went over the word limit. Next time please pay attention to the rules!

The following people win a spankin’ new copy of Metroid Prime, courtesy of Nintendo and GameBiz:

Anthony Longordo
Cian Malone
Roslyn Bramwell
Benjamin Murphy
Grace Lee

Congratulations to all of the above! Expect a confirmation email shortly.

As promised, here is a winning review from the overall top entry, written by that of Anthony Longordo!

Publisher: Rage software
Rating: 80%

When one of the biggest movie sagas gets the "video game treatment", it stirs up interest in fans of the movie and curious gamers; Can Rocky deliver just like the "legend" it's based on?

Gameplay:

Watch Rocky progress mentally and physically in the most in depth single player boxing game mode ever. "Movie mode" plays just like the movies, following Rocky advance in the ranks, and making a name for himself in the scene. The game stays true to the movies' story line; the downside to this is winning a match that Rocky actually lost. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable parts of this game is the training: Training requires the working of a specific field in physical and mental fitness. Rocky's Speed, strength, stamina, determination and movement develops during his career. Performing well in training further improves your statistics. This adds an RPG element to Rocky, which is a nice touch. The skill to be improved on depends on the exercise you choose. Heavy bag, skipping, speed bag, sit-ups and punch mitts are the available training techniques, each developing their specified field. Before each bout, Rocky is given two training workouts. If you cannot be bothered, an "auto train" option is available, which instantly increases your stats. Also featured is the unlockable tournament mode, which follows the standard tournament format.

Rocky multiplayer is fairly enjoyable, with fun and fast gameplay. Characters and arenas unlocked in "Movie mode" add more strategy and customization.

Graphics:

Graphics are above average, with detailed models, a smooth frame rate, nice backgrounds and even animated crowds. You will notice Rocky's progression in the boxing scene, as fighting locations range from Cathedrals to boxing arenas seating hundreds. The FMV is great, and the intro is sure to give any gamer the "eye of the tiger". Unfortunately, no 60hz mode is present.

Sound:

Suprisingly, the audio department fails to deliver. There is little to no Music featured in Rocky, with the actual gameplay's audio section held up by cheering crowds, and the sweet sound of rib crunching. Rocky's soundtrack content features its fair share of "inspirational" guitar riffs; which set the mood perfectly whilst training. The track "Getting stronger" (featured in the main menu) will ring a bell for the fans. Rocky does not support Pro logic II.

Verdict:

If you're a huge fan of the Rocky movies, this game is essential. The license alone could sell this game, but Steel Monkeys went that bit further to deliver something special. Of course -as with every game- it's not for everyone, but this game can be whatever you make it; a serious training session, or just an arcade button bash. I suggest you hire this game; a great title, and quite possibly an essential in any GCN owner's collection.

Thumbs up

  • Great license

  • Excellent single player mode

  • Decent multiplayer

  • Heaps of replay value

  • It's Rocky!
Thumbs down

  • Big learning curve

  • Easily completed

  • voice acting is a little stale

  • Terrible loading times
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by Greg Laspatzis