Retro Studios had their work cut out for them. Nintendo had handed the company the rights to develop a new “Metroid” game for the Gamecube and bring bounty hunter Samus Aran back from an eight-year slumber. When Retro announced their title would

be a first-person adventure, the entire gaming community was aghast; “Metroid” remains one of the finest 2-D franchises to this date, so why the odd upgrade?

Suffice to say, Retro Studios did in one game what most companies strive to achieve their entire existence. “Metroid Prime” is one the finest games ever crafted by human hands. All Nintendo naysayers will quickly be put in their place when they see the world of Tallon IV brought to life through amazing graphics and insane detail.

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Every facet of this adventure is incredible. From the real time lighting effects to the impressive textures, “Prime” oozes style and quality in ways that must be seen to be believed. Just don’t jump in expecting to blow everything away, for “Metroid” has always been about exploration and powering up; the first person perspective doesn’t mean it has to be a shooter.

If you’ve never played the previous three entries, “Prime” is the perfect time to jump in. You get all the classic goods (huge maps, endless power-ups and cool bosses) but with a 21st century presentation. “Metroid Fusion,” the Game Boy Advance counterpart to “Prime,” plays just like the Super Nintendo installment from 1994.

I leave you with this sage advice:Buy this game. If you don’t have a Gamecube, buy one and a copy of “Metroid Prime” and you’ll be entertained for hours. Oh, and if the headline gives anything away, you’ve just found out the worst-kept secret from Nintendo folklore.