Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

{{Short description|2007 video game}} {{Featured article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox video game | title = Metroid Prime 3: Corruption | image = Metroid Prime 3 Packaging.jpg | alt = A person in a big, futuristic-looking powered suit with a helmet, a firearm on the right arm and large, bulky, and rounded shoulders. Behind her stands a duplicate of hers wearing a black suit, and the helmet of a creature with similar armor. In the background is a blue planet surrounded by stars. On the lower part of the box is the game title. | caption = North American and PAL region box art | developer = Retro Studios | publisher = Nintendo | director = Mark Pacini | producer = Kensuke Tanabe | programmer = Frank Lafuente<ref>{{cite news |last=Sirani |first=Jordan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/01/26/who-is-now-making-metroid-prime-4-at-retro-studios |title=Who Is Now Making Metroid Prime 4 at Retro Studios? |work=IGN |date=January 25, 2019 |accessdate=June 24, 2024 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108233705/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/01/26/who-is-now-making-metroid-prime-4-at-retro-studios |url-status=live}}</ref> | artist = Todd Keller | composer = {{Unbulleted list|Kenji Yamamoto|Minako Hamano|Masaru Tajima}} | series = ''Metroid'' | platforms = Wii | released = {{Vgrelease|NA|August 27, 2007|EU|October 26, 2007|AUS|November 8, 2007|JP|March 6, 2008}} | genre = Action-adventure  | modes = Single-player }}

'''''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption''''' is a 2007 action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The seventh main installment in the ''Metroid'' franchise, it was released in North America and Europe in 2007 and in Japan in 2008.

''Corruption'' is set six months after ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes'' (2004). The player controls the bounty hunter Samus Aran, who becomes infected with Phazon by her doppelgänger, Dark Samus. Samus works to prevent the Phazon from spreading to other planets while being corrupted by the Phazon.

The player uses the Wii Nunchuk to move and the Wii Remote to jump, aim and fire. ''Corruption'' introduces features such as Hypermode, which allows Samus to use more powerful attacks, and the ability to command her gunship. The new control scheme took a year to develop and delayed the release several times. The game was first shown to the public at the E3 2005 trade show.

Like the previous ''Prime'' games, ''Corruption'' received acclaim for its gameplay, graphics and music, though some were divided on the controls. More than one million copies were sold in 2007. It was rereleased in 2009 as part of the compilation ''Metroid Prime: Trilogy''. ''Metroid Prime 4: Beyond'' was released in 2025 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

== Gameplay == {{See also|Metroid#Common gameplay elements|l1=Gameplay of the Metroid series}} [[File:Metroid Prime 3 screenshot.png|left|thumb|250px|Samus' HUD. The targeting reticle can be aimed anywhere on the screen using the Wii Remote.|alt=View of a futuristic looking room; two enemies wearing powered armor are approaching the player, and one is being hit by the player's weapon (a large cannon), which is visible in the corner of the screen. The image is a simulation of the heads-up display of a combat suit's helmet, with a crosshair surrounding the enemy and two-dimensional icons relaying game information around the edge of the frame.]]

''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' is a first-person action-adventure game.<ref name="IGN"/><ref name="gamespot"/><ref name="Metts-2007">{{cite news |last=Metts |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14332/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |work=Nintendo World Report |date=September 3, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2024 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625142417/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14332/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii |url-status=live}}</ref> The player controls Samus Aran using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk devices. The Nunchuk enables the player to perform actions such as moving Samus and locking on to enemies and targets. The Wii Remote allows the player to execute actions such as jumping, aiming, and firing weapons.<ref name="MP3 manual">{{cite book |date=2007 |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Instruction Booklet |publisher=Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_3_Corruption.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309203623/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_3_Corruption.pdf |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MPT manual">{{cite book |date=2009 |title=Metroid Prime: Trilogy Instruction Booklet |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_Trilogy.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309203644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Metroid_Prime_Trilogy.pdf |pages=40–55 |access-date=December 21, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo of America |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Corruption'' is an open-ended game that takes place across several planets, each with regions connected by elevators, rail systems and bridges. Each region has rooms separated by doors that can be opened when shot with the correct weapon. The gameplay involves solving puzzles to uncover secrets, jumping on platforms, and shooting enemies with the help of a "lock-on" mechanism that allows Samus to move in a circle while staying aimed on an enemy. The "lock-on" mechanism also allows Samus to use the Grapple Beam to attach onto and pull objects, such as enemy shields or certain doors. The game uses a first-person view, except in Morph Ball mode, in which Samus' suit transforms into an armored ball and the game uses a third-person camera.<ref name="MP3 manual" /><ref name="MPT manual" /> The third person camera is also used in conjunction with the Screw Attack power-up: in this case Samus' suit emits strange energy waves as she performs a continuous jump.<ref name="MPT manual" />

The heads-up display simulates the inside of Samus' helmet, and features a radar, map, ammunition gauge and health meter. The player can change visors to enable new abilities such as X-ray vision, collecting information on many items, creatures and enemies, and interfacing with certain mechanisms such as force fields and elevators.<ref name="MPT manual" /> ''Corruption'' also includes a hint system that periodically displays on-screen instructions and navigation assistance.<ref name="MP3 manual" /> The game also has the addition of the Hypermode, a feature in which health is drained to give temporary invincibility and more powerful attacks at the cost of one energy tank. Hypermode will end after 25 seconds or when a gauge that indicates the left-over Phazon is depleted, but if it's filled up completely or Samus gets hit by a Phazon Grenade thrown by a Space Pirate, the player will enter Corrupt Hypermode. If Corrupt Hypermode is not stopped, it leads to a non-standard game over, due to Samus being overtaken by Phazon.<ref name="MP3 manual" /><ref name="MPT manual" /><ref name="IGN Guide – Basics">{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/wikis/metroid-prime-3-corruption/Metroid_Prime_Basics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070925052107/http://guides.ign.com/guides/748547/page_2.html|first=Andre|last=Segers|work=IGN|archive-date=September 25, 2007|access-date=June 7, 2020|title=''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' Guide {{endash}} Basics}}</ref> Another new feature is the Command Visor, which allows Samus to summon remotely her gunship from a suitable landing site to save the game, or travel to another destination quickly. New abilities can be obtained to allow the ship to perform aerial attacks against enemy targets and transport heavy objects.<ref name="MPT manual" /> In the achievement system, players can earn special credits by completing objectives. These credits can be exchanged for bonuses such as concept art, music for the sound test, and decorations for Samus' gunship.<ref name="IGN"/>

== Synopsis == {{Metroid chronology}} === Setting === ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' takes place six months after ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Reed, Kristan |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review |date=October 16, 2007 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review |access-date=March 21, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111204430/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review |archive-date=January 11, 2009}}</ref> The protagonist, Samus Aran, is a bounty hunter hired to assist the Galactic Federation during its ongoing conflict with the Space Pirates. After facing defeat on the planet Zebes during the events of the first ''Metroid'', the Space Pirates sought to gain power by using a newly discovered mutagen called Phazon,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=November 17, 2002 |platform=GameCube|quote='''Logbook – "Special Forces"''': As we continue to observe the development of Project Helix's Elite Pirates, it becomes increasingly obvious that these warriors will usher in a new era of Space Pirate dominance.}}</ref> but Samus managed to disrupt their operations throughout the ''Prime'' trilogy, while the Galactic Federation confiscated and repurposed their Phazon armaments.<ref name="back">{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote='''Logbook – "Our Mission"''': Phazon was discovered two stellar years ago, and since that moment, Command has been driven to control it all. Two operations have been established, at tremendous cost. Both have failed, thanks to the accursed Hunter, Samus Aran. Her Federation allies now move to secure what little Phazon remains on the planet Aether.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote='''Phazon Enhancement Device - GF DF PX013''': The Phazon Enhancement Device is based on captured Space Pirate technology. It is being tested by a GF Marine battalion based in the Norion system. Marines can initiate an energy siphon from the supplied Phazon carried in a backpack into their armorsuits. This allows them to temporarily enhance the exoskeletal and weapon systems of their armorsuits. To date, no Marines have displayed signs of Phazon Sickness, common in subjects who use the Space Pirate's version of the system.}}</ref>

The Space Pirates' operation was left in disarray following defeat in ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''.<ref name="back"/> They inadvertently encounter Dark Samus, Samus' sinister doppelgänger, while trying to harvest Phazon.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote='''Logbook – "First Disciples"''': Our struggles have ended. She has shown us the error of our ways. The way is now clear. All previous vows of fealty have been forsworn: we now pledge sole allegiance to our liberator, the great one, Dark Samus.}}</ref> Dark Samus eliminates a third of their forces while indoctrinating the remaining Space Pirates into servants.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote='''Logbook – "The Leviathan"''': Our leader provided us with great wisdom on many subjects, including the improvement of our mighty battleship, Colossus. We followed her teachings, and turned our vessel into a ship without peer.}}</ref> Their combined forces seek to corrupt the universe with Phazon by first executing a series of methodical attacks on three Federation planets: Norion, Bryyo and Elysia.<ref name="planets">{{cite video game|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii|quote='''Logbook – "Vanguard"''': Three worlds will be attacked, each important to the Federation. We shall destroy the spy base at Elysia, the fuel production of Bryyo, and the naval station at Norion. Each of those wretched worlds will become as Phaaze…each a foothold into the territory of the hated Federation.}}</ref> The game is primarily centered on these planets and three other locations that become accessible after completing certain in-game tasks.<ref name="planets" />

=== Plot ===  Fleet Admiral Castor Dane (Timothy Patrick Miller), the commander of the Galactic Federation flagship GFS ''Olympus'', calls for a meeting with Samus Aran and three other bounty hunters—Rundas (Christopher Sabat), Ghor (Edwin Neal), and Gandrayda (Claire Hamilton). The bounty hunters receive orders to clear a virus from several organic supercomputers called "Aurora Units" (Lainie Frasier), located throughout the galaxy. The meeting ends abruptly when Space Pirates attack the Federation fleet. Samus and the other bounty hunters are deployed to the planet Norion, where a Space Pirate force led by Ridley is concentrating an attack on the main Federation base. While suppressing the attack, Samus learns that a Phazon meteoroid, called a Leviathan Seed, will soon collide into Norion. Samus and the other bounty hunters attempt to activate the base's defense systems, when they are suddenly attacked by Dark Samus and knocked out by a Phazon Beam. With the other bounty hunters unconscious, a severely wounded Samus manages to activate the system just in time to destroy the Leviathan Seed before falling into a coma.<ref name="MP3 Premiere Walkthrough">{{cite book |last=Knight |first=David |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – Premiere Edition |date=August 2007 |publisher=Prima Games |isbn=978-0-7615-5642-8 |pages=20–210 |section=Walkthrough |oclc=154760000}}</ref><ref name="game guide">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-walkthrough/1100-6177947 |title=''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' Walkthrough |first=Matthew |last=Rorie |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 31, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330043526/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-3-corruption-walkthrough/1100-6177947/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

A month later, Samus awakens aboard ''Olympus'', where she learns that Dark Samus' Phazon-based attacks have corrupted her. The Federation equips her suit with a Phazon Enhancement Device (PED) that enables her to harness the Phazon energy within herself. She is informed that her fellow bounty hunters, also corrupted with Phazon and equipped with PEDs, have gone missing during their missions to investigate several planets embedded with Leviathan Seeds. Samus is first sent to the planet Bryyo and later Elysia to determine what happened to her missing comrades. She soon discovers that both planets and their inhabitants are slowly being corrupted by the Leviathan Seeds and that she must destroy the seeds to reverse this. Samus encounters heavy resistance from the Space Pirates, Phazon-corrupted monstrosities, and her fellow bounty hunters who have been corrupted by Dark Samus.<ref name="MP3 Premiere Walkthrough" /><ref name="game guide" />

Throughout her mission, which eventually takes her to the Space Pirate homeworld, Samus slowly becomes further corrupted by Phazon. She stops the Space Pirate assault with the assistance of the Federation troops. After defeating a Phazon-empowered Ridley, Samus and the Federation fleet use a stolen Leviathan battleship to create a wormhole that leads to the planet Phaaze, the origin of Phazon. Samus travels to the planet's core, where she finally defeats Dark Samus and then the corrupted Aurora Unit 313.<ref name="MP3 Premiere Walkthrough" /><ref name="game guide" /> Dark Samus is obliterated, and Phaaze explodes, possibly rendering all Phazon in the galaxy inert. The Federation fleet escapes Phaaze's destruction, but loses contact with Samus in the process. Samus eventually appears in her gunship,<ref name="MP3 Premiere Epilogue">{{cite book |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – Premiere Edition |first=David |last=Knight |section=Walkthrough: Epilogue |publisher=Prima Games |pages=210–211 |date=August 2007 |isbn=978-0-7615-5642-8}}</ref> and reports that the mission is accomplished before flying into space.<ref name="Mission Complete">{{cite video game |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii |scene=Ending |quote='''Fleet Trooper:''' Sir, we're receiving a transmission from Samus' ship. / '''Computer screen:''' Mission Complete.}}</ref>

Samus returns to Elysia, where she mourns the loss of her fellow bounty hunters.<ref name="Ending – 75 percent items">{{cite video game |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |developer=Retro Studios |publisher=Nintendo |date=August 27, 2007 |platform=Wii |scene=Ending (75% items collected)}}</ref> If the player completes the game with all of the items obtained, Samus flies into hyperspace<ref name="MP3 Premiere Epilogue" /> with Sylux's spaceship following her.<ref name="E3-2015-producer">{{cite news |last=Otero |first=Jose |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/17/e3-2015-what-metroid-primes-producer-wants-in-the-next-sequel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930111435/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/17/e3-2015-what-metroid-primes-producer-wants-in-the-next-sequel |title=E3 2015: What ''Metroid Prime''{{'}}s Producer Wants In the Next Sequel |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=June 16, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EG-ProperPrime">{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-next-proper-metroid-prime-would-likely-now-be-on-nx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144018/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-next-proper-metroid-prime-would-likely-now-be-on-nx |title=Next proper ''Metroid Prime'' "would likely now be on NX" |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=June 17, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Development == [[File:Retro Studios exterior.jpg|right|thumb|Retro Studios, based in Austin, Texas, developed the ''Metroid Prime'' games.|alt=A building with a sign reading "Retro Studios". Trees and a hedge are seen in front of it.]]

Retro Studios intended to give ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' larger environments than ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes'', including open world features, and to have it run at 60 frames per second. Retro canceled plans for more interactive sequences involving Samus' ship when they found the Wii was less powerful than they had expected.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/metroid-prime-producer-reveals-axed-open-world-game-plans/ | title = Metroid Prime producer reveals axed open-world game plans | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = October 3, 2021 | access-date = October 4, 2021 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-date = October 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211004031837/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/metroid-prime-producer-reveals-axed-open-world-game-plans/ | url-status = live}}</ref> They were also interested in using the WiiConnect24 feature to provide additional content accessible from the internet.<ref name="IGN Retro Studios Interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/16/interview-metroid-prime-3-corruption|title=Interview: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |publisher=IGN |last=Casamassina|first=Matt |date=May 16, 2006 |access-date=June 7, 2020|author-link=Matt Casamassina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625172202/http://wii.ign.com/articles/708/708948p1.html |archive-date=June 25, 2007}}</ref>

As Samus is a bounty hunter, Retro initially planned to have Samus embark on missions to collect bounties. Nintendo opposed this, saying she was driven by altruism rather than profit. Eventually, Retro discovered that the Japanese Nintendo staff imagined a bounty hunter as a selfless hero rather than someone who captures fugitives for money.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=2022-04-18 |title=Random: Nintendo Didn't Know What A Bounty Hunter Was Before Metroid Prime |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/04/random-nintendo-didnt-know-what-a-bounty-hunter-was-before-metroid-prime |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Casamassina-2009">{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=2009-08-29 |title=A Space Bounty Hunter in Texas |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/08/29/a-space-bounty-hunter-in-texas |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

Retro announced that ''Corruption'' would be the final chapter of the ''Prime'' series and would have a plot "about closure, told against the backdrop of an epic struggle".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/devs-talk-metroid-prime-3/1100-6130348/ |publisher=GameSpot |title=Devs talk Metroid Prime 3 |author=Surette, Tim |date=August 4, 2005 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411140707/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/devs-talk-metroid-prime-3/1100-6130348/ |archive-date=April 11, 2016}}</ref> After the Wii Remote was revealed, Nintendo demonstrated how ''Metroid Prime 3'' would take advantage of it with a version of ''Echoes'' modified for the Wii and shown at the Tokyo Game Show in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/revolution-controller-revealed |title=Revolution Controller Revealed |publisher=1UP.com |date=September 15, 2005 |access-date=April 10, 2008 |author=MacDonald, Mark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430143114/http://www.1up.com/news/revolution-controller-revealed |archive-date=April 30, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> At the Media Summit held by Nintendo in May 2007, the Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aimé, said that ''Metroid'' games "never played this way before", and that Nintendo employees said it would "reinvent the control scheme for a first-person shooter".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/23/nintendo-summit-reggie-talks-wii-and-ds|title=Nintendo Summit: Reggie Talks Wii and DS |last=Casamassina|first=Matt |publisher=IGN |date=May 22, 2007 |access-date=June 7, 2020|author-link=Matt Casamassina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703043554/http://ds.ign.com/articles/790/790923p1.html |archive-date=July 3, 2007}}</ref>

The director, Mark Pacini, said that Retro's biggest concern was the controls, which had "too many functions for the amount of buttons".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-retro-studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426181922/http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-retro-studios |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |title=Interview: Retro Studios |magazine=Edge |date=December 26, 2007 |access-date=January 13, 2008}}</ref> Pacini also said the Wii Zapper, a gun shell peripheral, was never considered because it was unveiled when the development was almost done.<ref name="MTV">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1570214/20070920/index.jhtml |title='Metroid Prime' Developers On Pushing The Wii |publisher=MTV |date=September 27, 2007 |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |access-date=October 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225181406/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1570214/20070920/index.jhtml |archive-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref> The Retro president, Michael Kelbaugh, said the delays gave them more time to tune the controller, which took a year. He also said that while he felt Retro did "a great job" on the ''Echoes'' multiplayer, they focused on the single-player for ''Corruption'', which they considered the franchise's core strength.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16389 |title=MIGS 2007: Retro Studios On The Journey Of Metroid Prime |publisher=Gamasutra |date=November 27, 2007 |access-date=December 3, 2007 |author=Kumar, Mathew |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071129191427/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16389 |archive-date=November 29, 2007}}</ref> The art director, Todd Keller, said the graphics team focused on texture detail and variety, making every room unique.<ref name="MTV" /> Nintendo EAD suggested Retro turn Hypermode into the core of the game, saying it would enhance the tension as it made players powerful but leads to a game over if used excessively. Retro initially felt it would be too difficult to implement the feature without dampening the entertainment value, but after discussion turned Hypermode into a regular functionality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/wii/metroid_prime_trilogy_14112.html|title=Interview with Kensuke Tanabe|publisher=Metroid Prime Trilogy official website (UK)|work=Nintendo of Europe|access-date=June 11, 2010}}</ref> Engineer Paul Tozour cited the ''Halo'' series as an influence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/06/random-retro-studios-clashed-with-metroid-producer-on-halo-influences |title=Random: Retro Studios Clashed With Metroid Producer On Halo Influences |website=Nintendo Life |date=June 27, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2025 |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218101742/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/06/random-retro-studios-clashed-with-metroid-producer-on-halo-influences |archive-date=December 18, 2025}}</ref>

The soundtrack was composed by Kenji Yamamoto, Minako Hamano and Masaru Tajima.<ref name="mp3credits">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=49633&tab=credits|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114214128/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=49633&tab=credits|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Credits|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=October 4, 2015|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The increase in the Wii's increased RAM allowed for higher-quality audio samples. Yamamoto used Hirokazu Tanaka's musical design of the original ''Metroid'' (1986), keeping the music and themes dark and scary until the uplifting music of the credits.<ref name="music4games">{{cite web |author=Napolitano |first=Jayson |date=October 5, 2007 |title=Interview with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Sound Team at Retro Studios and Composer Kenji Yamamoto |url=http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315081014/http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=174 |archive-date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |website=Music 4 Games |publisher=music4games}}</ref> ''Corruption'' is the first ''Metroid'' game to feature a significant amount of voice acting; previously, Samus "[acted] alone [... and] always came across as a lone wolf".<ref>{{cite magazine|access-date=November 4, 2008|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/131388/metroid-prime-3-corruption/|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |magazine=GamePro|date=August 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203222941/http://gamepro.com/article/reviews/131388/metroid-prime-3-corruption/|archive-date=December 3, 2008}}</ref> The producers included voices to create a stronger connection between players and the characters.<ref name="MTV" /> The voices were performed by Timothy Patrick Miller, Lainie Frasier, Christopher Sabat, Edwin Neal, Claire Hamilton, Brian Jepson, Gray Haddock, Clayton Kjas and Ken Webster.<ref name="mp3credits" />

== Release == ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' was first shown to the public at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2005 in a short pre-rendered trailer.<ref name="IGN E3 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-nintendos-e3-2005-press-conference |title=E3 2005: Nintendo's E3 2005 Press Conference |author=IGN staff |work=IGN |date=May 17, 2005 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |quote=9:24 am: {{bracket|...}} Short (pre-rendered) ''Metroid Prime 3'' clip showing Samus standing in front of her redesigned spaceship. |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728090316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-nintendos-e3-2005-press-conference |url-status=live}}</ref> It was later announced during Nintendo's press conference at E3 2006.<ref name="IGN E3 History">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2006 |first=Lucas M. |last=Thomas |work=IGN |date=May 16, 2011 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330041659/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |url-status=live}}</ref> Nintendo revealed in May that ''Corruption'' would be released as a launch game for the Wii console,<ref name="EG MP3 to launch">{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |title=Metroid 3 to launch with Wii |first=Paul |last=Loughrey |work=Eurogamer |date=May 11, 2006 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523191931/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |url-status=live}}</ref> but a few months later it was delayed to 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/hands-on-metroid-prime-3-corruption-2|title=Hands-on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |publisher=IGN |last=Casamassina|first=Matt |date=September 26, 2006 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |author-link=Matt Casamassina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017152255/http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732737p1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2007}}</ref> That year in April, Fils-Aimé said in an interview that ''Corruption'' was "not going to ship by June"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/metroid-prime-3-released-june |title=Metroid Prime 3 to be Released After June |author=Klepek, Patrick |publisher=1UP.com |date=April 3, 2007 |access-date=June 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513183445/http://www.1up.com/news/metroid-prime-3-released-june |archive-date=May 13, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and set it at a summer release date at the earliest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552624/20070215/index.jhtml |title=Where Are All The Wiis, DS Lites? Nintendo Exec Has The Answer |author=Totilo, Stephen |publisher=MTV |date=February 16, 2007 |access-date=June 21, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317061056/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552624/20070215/index.jhtml |archive-date=March 17, 2007}}</ref> In late April, ''IGN'' editor Matt Casamassina revealed it would be released on August 20 in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/21/metroid-prime-3-dated|title=Metroid Prime 3 Dated |last=Bozon|first=Mark |publisher=IGN |date=May 21, 2007 |access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611152942/http://wii.ign.com/articles/790/790231p1.html |archive-date=June 11, 2007}}</ref> Nintendo of America moved the release date to August 27,<ref name="Chan">{{cite news |last=Lindemann|first=Jon |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Preview On Wii Shop Channel |date=August 10, 2007 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/14207 |access-date=August 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707011317/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/14207/metroid-prime-3-corruption-preview-on-wii-shop-channel |archive-date=July 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/mePD8Co1IPtVVF0gBjk_X5ZOHVFC9d_u |title=Like Sands Through the Hourglass, Zelda's Debut on Nintendo DS Approaches |publisher=Nintendo |date=July 2, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214083647/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/mePD8Co1IPtVVF0gBjk_X5ZOHVFC9d_u |archive-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> but Nintendo finally revealed an "in stores" date of August 28.<ref name="PreviewAnnouncement">{{cite magazine|access-date=April 23, 2008|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/what-augusts-numbers-mean-software?page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606151602/http://www.edge-online.com/features/what-augusts-numbers-mean-software?page=2|archive-date=June 6, 2012|date=September 18, 2007|author=Matthews, Matt|title=What August's Numbers Mean for Software|magazine=Edge}}</ref> The game was released in Europe on October 26,<ref name="EuropeRelease">{{cite web|url=http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/e32007/enGB/pr_releaselist.html|title=Partial list of upcoming Nintendo DS and Wii titles across Europe|publisher=Nintendo|date=July 11, 2007|access-date=July 12, 2007|archive-url = https://archive.today/20071211121421/http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/e32007/enGB/pr_releaselist.html |archive-date = December 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in Japan on March 6, 2008.<ref name="Famitsu">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10253 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318193758/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10253 |url-status=live |access-date=May 8, 2016 |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |script-title=ja:メトロイドプライム3 コラプションまとめ [Wii] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Kadokawa Corporation}}</ref> In the Japanese version, the difficulty level is decided by answering to "a questionnaire from the Galactic Federation", in contrast to the North American version where the difficulty level is chosen directly by the player. ''Metroid Prime'' series producer Kensuke Tanabe said that an idea for a questionnaire came from Retro Studios.<ref name="iwataasks">{{cite interview |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/rm3j/vol1/index5.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628180320/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/rm3j/vol1/index5.html |first1=Kensuke |last1=Tanabe |subject-link1=Kensuke Tanabe |first2=Risa |last2=Tabata |interviewer=Satoru Iwata |script-title=ja:メトロイドプライム3 コラプション |type=Transcript |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=Nintendo |location=Kyoto, Japan |access-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |language=ja |url-status=live |page=5 |quote='''田邊:''' それで思い出したんですが難易度の選択というのもありますよね。アメリカ版では、時間の関係もあって、基本的に自分で選べるようにしたのですが、日本版では、任天堂らしい味付けをしようと、銀河連邦からのアンケートに答えるような仕組みにしました。連邦のアンケートに答えるって言うのは、レトロスタジオのアイディアなんですが・・・その質問に答えると、「あなたのオススメの難易度はこれです」と教えてくれるようになっています。}}</ref>

Casamassina initially criticized Nintendo for its minimal marketing campaign for ''Corruption'' and compared it to the larger campaign for the original ''Metroid Prime'', which included a live-action advertisement. He concluded that the campaign was the result of Nintendo's new focus on casual games for their console. When questioned, Nintendo of America responded: "Nintendo fans will be surprised by the quantity and quality of ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' information that becomes available before the game launches on Aug. 27. Your patience will be rewarded (or Corrupted)".<ref>{{cite web|last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |date=August 8, 2007 |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/metroid-prime-3-the-anti-hype|title=Metroid Prime 3: The Anti-Hype |publisher=IGN |access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813144303/http://wii.ign.com/articles/811/811682p1.html |archive-date=August 13, 2007}}</ref> Following this promise, Nintendo released the "''Metroid Prime 3'' Preview" channel on August 10 in North America and on October 15 in Europe.<ref name="EuropeWiiChannel">{{cite web|access-date=May 9, 2008 |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15075 |title=WiiWare Launches With Metroid Prime 3 Preview Channel |publisher=Gamasutra |date=August 13, 2007 |author=Jenkins, David |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122112749/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15075 |archive-date=January 22, 2009}}</ref> The channel, available as a free download via the Wii Shop Channel, allowed Wii owners to view preview videos that included a battle sequence and previously unannounced details on new characters. The Preview channel was the first in a series of new downloadable content including videos made available in North America. The "month of ''Metroid''", as named by Nintendo, included Virtual Console versions of ''Metroid'', available on August 13, and ''Super Metroid'', available on August 20.<ref name="Chan" />

=== Re-release === ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' was rereleased on August 24, 2009 in North America and Europe, alongside ''Metroid Prime'' and ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes'', as the compilation ''Metroid Prime: Trilogy''. ''Prime'' and ''Echoes'' feature the motion controls and achievement systems introduced in ''Corruption''.<ref name="mptrilogy">{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/22/metroid-prime-trilogy-hands-on |title=Metroid Prime Trilogy Hands-on |publisher=IGN |first=Craig |last=Harris |date=May 22, 2009 |access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525233744/http://wii.ign.com/articles/985/985793p1.html |archive-date=May 25, 2009}}</ref> The compilation was rereleased on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop on January 29, 2015.<ref name="WiiU-eShop-EG">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-14-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-headed-to-wii-u-eshop |title=Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid Prime Trilogy headed to Wii U eShop |first=Tom |last=Phillips |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=January 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120234559/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-14-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-headed-to-wii-u-eshop |archive-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref><ref name="WiiU-eShop-IGN">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-coming-to-wii-u|title=Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid Prime Trilogy Coming to Wii U|first=Jose|last=Otero|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 14, 2015|archive-date=January 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114214329/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-prime-trilogy-coming-to-wii-u|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception == {{Video game reviews | title = Reviews | MC = 90/100 {{small|(62 reviews)}}<ref name="Metacritic" /> | 1UP = A<ref name="1up"/> | EGM = 26/30<ref name="EGM"/> | Fam = 31/40 | GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gamespot"/> | GT = 9.6/10<ref name="gt"/> | GI = 9.5/10 | GameRev = B+ | IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN"/> | NWR = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14420/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 18, 2007|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817143515/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14420/metroid-prime-3-corruption-wii|url-status=live}}</ref> | NP = 10/10<ref name="np">{{cite magazine|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption review|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Nintendo|issue=220|date=October 2007|page=86}}</ref> | XPlay = 4/5<ref name="xplay" /> | ONM = 94% }}

''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' received acclaim.<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-3-corruption/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |website=Metacritic |date=November 21, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227084414/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/metroid-prime-3-corruption |archive-date=December 27, 2012}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' praised the visuals and the immersive gameplay, and called it one of the best Wii games.<ref name=np /> ''IGN'' awarded it the Editor's Choice Award, and wrote that it was beautifully designed and the best-looking game for the Wii. They also praised the voice acting, in contrast to the lack of any voice acting in most other Nintendo games. Despite stating that ''Metroid Prime 3'' was too similar to its predecessors, the review concluded that it was the best game in the ''Prime'' trilogy. ''IGN'' also said that it could be worthy of the same score as the original ''Metroid Prime'' (9.8), had it not been for the aforementioned reason.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|first=Matt |last=Casamassina |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review |date=August 27, 2007 |publisher=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/27/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review|access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011050854/http://wii.ign.com/articles/815/815424p4.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> ''X-Play'' found it enjoyable, but it had a few awkward control mechanics and was a little difficult to control on the Wii. They also said that although it was fun, there were problems that lead to odd lock-on mechanics and painful wrists from continuous motions.<ref name="xplay">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/wii/31354/metroid-prime-3-corruption/review/|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption review|publisher=X-Play|date=November 30, 2007|access-date=April 12, 2008|author=Sessler, Adam|archive-date=July 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708014555/http://www.g4tv.com/games/wii/31354/metroid-prime-3-corruption/review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Shane Satterfield from ''GameTrailers'' praised the more user-friendly and action-packed nature of the game compared to ''Metroid Prime'' and ''Echoes''. Satterfield also praised the superior motion-sensitive controls and further added that those elements make ''Corruption'' "far superior to the original ''Metroid Prime''".<ref name="gt">{{cite web | first=Shane | last=Satterfield | title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Review | date=August 27, 2007 | publisher=GameTrailers | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN-cMeUBaoc | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/mN-cMeUBaoc | archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live | access-date=June 17, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''1UP.com'' was enthusiastic about the new control system and said the graphics were "some of the best visuals in gaming, period".<ref name="1up">{{cite web |first=Mark |last=MacDonald |title=Reviews: Metroid Prime 3 – Back to the Future |date=August 26, 2007 |publisher=1UP.com |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3 |access-date=August 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513183507/http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3 |archive-date=May 13, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' gave ''Corruption'' a Silver award and named it one of the Games of the Month.<ref name="EGM">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue= 221|pages=98, 107, 114}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' stated the game had enjoyable puzzles, boss battles, atmospheric levels, and smooth gameplay. It also explained that the game was more like a traditional shooter video game than an adventure shooter, and stated that the motion activated actions were too unresponsive.<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|first=Kevin |last=VanOrd |publisher=GameSpot |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption review |date=August 27, 2007 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review/1900-6177714/ |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320215717/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review/1900-6177714/ |archive-date=March 20, 2016}}</ref>

''GamesRadar'' named ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' the 10th-best Wii game, highlighting the shooting system and called it "the ultimate achievement" for the series.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=January 31, 2013 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-wii-games-all-time/ |title=Best Wii games of all time |publisher=GamesRadar |author=GamesRadar staff |date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408055819/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-wii-games-all-time/ |archive-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref> In ''IGN''{{'}}s Best of 2007 Awards, ''Corruption'' received the awards for Best Wii Adventure Game,<ref>{{cite web|year=2007| url=http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225191549/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/2.html|archive-date=December 25, 2007|title=IGN Best of 2007: Best Adventure Game (Wii)|publisher=IGN|url-status=dead|access-date=January 13, 2008}}</ref> Best Artistic Design,<ref>{{cite web|year=2007|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/12.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225191514/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/wii/12.html|archive-date=December 25, 2007|title=IGN Best of 2007: Best Artistic Design (Wii)|publisher=IGN|url-status=dead|access-date=January 13, 2008}}</ref> and Best Overall Adventure Game.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/2.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115122445/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/2.html|archive-date= January 15, 2008|title=IGN Best of 2007: Best Adventure Game|publisher=IGN|date=January 11, 2008|url-status= dead|access-date=January 13, 2008}}</ref> ''GameSpy'' ranked it as the second best Wii game of the year, behind ''Super Mario Galaxy'',<ref>{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/wii/10.html |title=Wii Top 10 of 2007: 2- Metroid Prime 3 Corruption |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=January 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115195921/http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/wii/10.html |archive-date=January 15, 2008}}</ref> and honored it as the Best Innovation on the Wii.<ref>{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/special/23.html |title=Special Awards: Best Innovation on the Wii |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=January 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108123917/http://goty.gamespy.com/2007/special/23.html |archive-date=January 8, 2008}}</ref> The Australian website MyWii named ''Prime 3'' as the second-best Wii game, behind ''Super Mario Galaxy''.<ref>{{cite web |title=MyWii – Top 20 Wii Games |date=April 24, 2009 |url=http://wii.mmgn.com/Articles/Top-20-Wii-Games |access-date=April 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714104418/http://wii.mmgn.com/Articles/Top-20-Wii-Games |archive-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> In 2009, ''Official Nintendo Magazine'' called the game a "fantastic finale", placing it 35th on a list of greatest Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web | author=East, Tom | date=February 24, 2009 | title=100 Best Nintendo Games: Part 4 | url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | work=Official Nintendo Magazine | publisher=Future plc | access-date=September 9, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226213643/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | archive-date=February 26, 2009 | url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Corruption'' was the fifth best-selling-game of August 2007, with 218,100 copies sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/us-august-game-industry-haul-nearly-1b/1100-6178770/ |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |title=US August game-industry haul nearly $1B |publisher=GameSpot |date=September 13, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519064720/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/us-august-game-industry-haul-nearly-1b/1100-6178770/ |archive-date=May 19, 2014}}</ref> It also debuted at number five on the Japanese charts, with 34,000 units in the first week of release.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=March 3–9, 2008|title=Famitsu weekly game sales ranking|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Enterbrain}}</ref> Nintendo reported that 1.14 million copies had been sold in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080125e.pdf#page=6 |title=Financial Results Briefing for the Nine-Month Period Ending December 2007 |publisher=Nintendo |date=January 25, 2008 |access-date=January 25, 2008 |page=6 |format=PDF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216091258/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080125e.pdf |archive-date=February 16, 2008}}</ref> Further updates from Nintendo confirmed that 1.31 million copies had been sold worldwide as of March 2008,<ref name="sales">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080425e.pdf#page=6 |title=Financial Results Briefing for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2008: Supplementary Information |publisher=Nintendo |date=April 25, 2008 |format=PDF |page=6 |access-date=August 3, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910032513/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080425e.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008}}</ref> and 1.41 million copies as of December 2014.<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper">{{Cite book |title=2014 CESAゲーム白書 |publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association |year=2014 |isbn=978-4-902346-30-5 |location=Japan |publication-date=July 2014 |language=ja |trans-title=2014 CESA Games White Paper}}</ref>

== Sequels == A spin-off, ''Metroid Prime: Federation Force'', was developed by Next Level Games and released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016.<ref name="E3-2015-producer" /> In 2017, Nintendo announced ''Metroid Prime 4'' for Nintendo Switch.<ref>{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=June 13, 2017 |title=Metroid Prime 4 Confirmed For Nintendo Switch, But Retro Studios Isn't Involved |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/metroid_prime_4_confirmed_for_nintendo_switch_but_retro_studios_isnt_involved |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615052437/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/metroid_prime_4_confirmed_for_nintendo_switch_but_retro_studios_isnt_involved |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |work=Nintendo Life |publisher=Nlife Media}}</ref> ''Eurogamer'' reported that ''Prime 4'' was being developed by Bandai Namco Studios.<ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=February 9, 2018 |title=Yes, Bandai Namco is working on Metroid Prime 4 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-08-yes-namco-bandai-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119082756/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-08-yes-namco-bandai-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4 |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref> Unsatisfied with the progress, in 2019 Nintendo announced it had restarted development under Retro Studios.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |date=January 25, 2019 |title=Nintendo Restarting The Development Of Metroid Prime 4 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-restarting-the-development-of-metroid-prime-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218002520/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-restarting-the-development-of-metroid-prime-4 |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |magazine=Game Informer |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2024, Nintendo revealed a trailer and the title ''Metroid Prime 4: Beyond''. It was released on December 4, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2024-06-18 |title=''Metroid Prime 4: Beyond'' Gameplay Finally Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-4-gameplay-revealed |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817142711/https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-4-gameplay-revealed |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EuroG">{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=2 December 2025 |title=Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review - the series takes a Zelda-like spin, to mixed success |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/metroid-prime-4-beyond-review |accessdate=2 December 2025 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [http://www.metroid.com/ Official ''Metroid'' series website] * [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/xsLZ8sftLAR_GunWLmDZeH72LA_Xxp1C ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' profile at Nintendo.com] * [http://www.retrostudios.com/ Official Retro Studios website]

Category:2007 video games Category:Fiction about experimental medical treatments Category:First-person shooters Category:Metroid Prime Category:Fiction about mind control Category:Single-player video games Category:Sequel video games Category:Video games scored by Kenji Yamamoto (composer, born 1964) Category:Wii games Category:Wii-only games Category:Video games produced by Kensuke Tanabe