They've managed to take the genius gameplay, the gorgeous graphics and sumptuous sound of Metroid Prime and super-charge them in such a way that the result leaves other sequels looking like mere wannabes. Anyway, enough gushing, on with the info... [Warning - minor spoilers coming up!]
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes features a gripping plot that takes place on planet Aether - a world torn apart by a violent meteor impact. The cataclysm split Aether into twin worlds of light and dark, leading to a war between two factions - the peaceful Luminoth and evil Ing - for control of the planet's abundant solar energy.
Samus is summoned to Aether in response to a distress call from Federation Marines, who chased a Space Pirate ship to the ravaged planet. Following a bumpy landing, Samus emerges from her Hunter class craft onto the eerily quiet surface.
After blasting her way through a series of locked gates (it's as though someone wants to keep strangers away...) Samus stumbles upon a figure that looks remarkably familiar. The exo-suited stranger disappears through a portal of light, so Samus follows forthwith - and instantly regrets it. On the other side, she is attacked by a swarm of shadowy creatures. While fighting them off, Samus gets a better glimpse of the stranger. It can't be..? It looks like...Samus!
Barely making it back through the portal alive, Samus returns to the relative safety of the light world. She then realises that the creatures somehow robbed her Varia Suit of many of its abilities. Vowing to rebuild her suit, and figure out the identity of her mysterious twin, Samus sets off deeper into the caverns.
Thankfully, Samus's Scan Visor is still intact, which is essential kit in the game's early stages. In Metroid Prime 2, the Scan Visor has been improved so that scan-able objects are highlighted in different colours: red for mission-critical items, blue for regular items and green for objects that have already been added to Samus's Log Book. (This has also had an upgrade: now revealing more detailed info and a three-dimensional image of the scanned object.)
Soon, Samus has her worst fears confirmed, as she discovers the burnt-out wreck of the Federation Marines' ship. A scan of their last log entry reveals they were decimated by hordes of shadowy insectoid creatures that suddenly appeared through dark portals. The finger of blame points firmly at the Ing.
With every Marine dead, Samus's rescue mission has failed - but she is soon given a new objective. Upon meeting one of the last surviving Luminoth, the alien senses Samus's heroism and entrusts her with the survival of the light world. The sage explains how the Ing are siphoning energy from Light Aether, so Samus must journey into Dark Aether and put a stop to the Ing's plans.
Problem is, Dark Aether's atmosphere is poisonous, even to suited-up Samus. However, the Luminoth placed light crystals throughout the dark realm, which create a protective 'bubble'. Entering the dark world for the first time is thrilling stuff. There's a real sense of danger as you run from one light crystal to the next, engaging enemies as you go. Straying from the light for a second saps Samus's energy, so speed is of the essence. Plus, many light crystals require power from Samus's weapon to keep them lit for a limited time.
But what's most impressive is the fact that the game's locations exist on two planes: light and dark. For instance, early on Samus finds a switch. Activating it in the light world is only half the job; she must enter the dark world to finish the process. Plus, the look of each world is distinct. Light Aether levels are made up of natural - yet desolate - textures like stone and sand, while Dark Aether is an alien mix of craggy rocks and vision-blurring mist.
Later in the game, as Samus increases her abilities, she'll be able to enter Dark Aether with more safety. But for the moment, it remains a nightmarish anti-world where you wouldn't want to spend your holidays.
What we've described is just the first hour's play of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes - which goes to show how much Retro Studios have packed into the game. With a massive quest ahead of Samus, this is just the beginning...
Stay tuned for more Metroid Prime 2: Echoes revelations as that November 26 release date edges ever closer.
That's probably what it is.