Nintendo of America held a press summit at its Redmond, WA, headquarters in order to show off the latest completed Wi-Fi Connection compatible title. As you've probably guessed, that game is Metroid Prime Hunters and is scheduled to hit the Nintendo DS on March 20. Hunters was developed by Nintendo Software Technology Corp. Some familiar faces we've seen on the development team include director Masamichi Abe and game designer Richard Vorodi. Several members from the gaming press were invited to NOA's headquarters. Although N-Sider wasn't there, we've taken the liberty of compiling all the relevant info from various attendees in one concise update.

    Single Player
  • NST claims it took them around the same time to play through single player Hunters as the original Metroid Prime for Nintendo GameCube.
  • The game's story occurs between Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime: Echoes.
  • Each boss battle is introduced with an FMV clip using both screens.
  • IGN noticed slight slowdown during a boss battle with "Spire".
  • Samus has all her powers available to her from the beginning of the game, a departure from other titles in the series.
  • Like Metroid Prime for GameCube, players can scan items through the scan visor mode.
  • First level feels like a training level to acquaint players with the control system.
  • A 3D map allows players to orientate themselves in each level.

    Control
  • Several controls available for left or right handed players. Touch screen or standard digital pad can be used.
  • Touch screen can be used to control player's view - up, down, left or right.
  • Radar of immediate enemies is located on the bottom screen.
  • Touch screen buttons allow you to toggle between your morph ball or scanning visor or between blasters or missiles.
  • Touch screen sensitivity can be adjusted based on player's preference.

    Multi-Player
  • Each player receives a "Hunters License" which keeps track of your Wi-Fi wins and losses and lets others know how many times you've dropped from a game. You start with 100 percent and it decreases if you intentionally turn the power off (the number is not affected if it's an accidental loss of connection).
  • Samus or six other unique bounty hunters can be used in battle.
  • The "Rival Radar" allows a player to grab hold of someone else's profile and track that individual's progress over the Nintendo Wi-Fi network.
  • Modes include Survival, Bounty, Defender, Capture, Prime Hunter, and Nodes.
  • There are 19 different battle arenas to choose from.
  • Options are customizable and include turning on or off radar and friendly fire, adjusting level of damage from shots, and choosing the type of weapons.
  • A single cartridge can be used for local wireless play. However, you'll need everyone to have a copy of the game to take advantage of the real multiplayer meat.
  • In addition to battling with those on your friend's list, random encounter play is also available.

    Prime Hunter Mode
  • The first person to kill another becomes the Prime Hunter. Their health continually depletes and will only replenish if they attain another kill.
  • The player who remains the "Prime Hunter" the longest wins.

    Lobby Chat
  • Chatting occurs in the lobby before multiplayer. No in game chat is available.
  • Chatting is done in a walkie-talkie fashion. One player at a time holds the A button to talk and send a message.
  • An on-screen keyboard is also available to send messages while in the lobby.

    Nintendo Wi-Fi.com
  • Nintendo's website will track information relating to winning streaks, kill streaks, headshots, who the player's favorite hunter is, who their rivals are, and how long they've spent playing the game online.
  • Leaderboards will compare your stats with people on your friends list.
  • The game's official website is located at metroidhunters.com.

    Misc.
  • Metroid Prime Hunters will come on a 1 gigabit cartridge.
  • Retro Studios receives a "Special Thanks" at the game's boot-up.
  • IGN.com has posted a video interview with Richard Vorodi as well as several gameplay segments.
  • Nintendo raffled off a special edition 3D plastic sculpture at the event. The boys at Penny-Arcade were lucky enough to go home with it.
  • Excited? Keep an eye on the Metroid Prime Hunters countdown. Only 18 days to go.

Metroid Prime Hunters for Nintendo DS