In the distant reaches of space, beyond the territories controlled by the Galactic Federation, is the Tetra Galaxy, once home to a mighty race known as the Alimbics. An advanced civilisation - peaceful, powerful and prosperous - the Alimbics maintained stability, forcefully but judiciously, over the region. They reigned over a vast region known as the Alimbic Cluster.

One day, the Alimbics simply disappeared, leaving behind artefacts scattered across the Alimbic Cluster, all protected by ... more >>

In the distant reaches of space, beyond the territories controlled by the Galactic Federation, is the Tetra Galaxy, once home to a mighty race known as the Alimbics. An advanced civilisation - peaceful, powerful and prosperous - the Alimbics maintained stability, forcefully but judiciously, over the region. They reigned over a vast region known as the Alimbic Cluster.

One day, the Alimbics simply disappeared, leaving behind artefacts scattered across the Alimbic Cluster, all protected by a lethal arsenal of the Alimbics' most lethal weaponry. For the first time in centuries, the long-dormant Alimbic Cluster has begun to stir, delivering strange tidings. A telepathic communication, originating from within the Cluster, has been transmitted into the brains of some of the most exceptional beings in the galaxy: "The secret to ultimate power lies in the Alimbic Cluster"

Intruiged by this message, many differently-motivated bounty hunters make the long journey to the Cluster. Some want the power for themselves, their planet or their people: some just want to hunt and kill, to simply prove they're the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. The Galactic Federation has heeded the message and enlisted the help of Samus Aran, to negate any potential threat and keep the mighty power of the Alimbics from falling into the wrong hands.

Metroid Prime Hunters features touchscreen controls, Wi-Fi game play, a fully-fledged single player 3D first-person shooter mode as well as an extensive online multiplayer FPS mode. It also includes wireless voice chat technology, which allows players to talk with other players before and after battle using Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection and microphone, wherever they are in the world.

The single-player mode in MPH is the best we've seen on a handheld console to date. The fast-paced levels are displayed on the top screen, while a map and radar showing enemy locations is visible on the bottom. Players use the d-pad to move around, while the stylus is used to look around the area and aim weapons. The stylus control allows players to turn quickly and accurately target the enemy. Icons visible on the touchscreen allow players to switch between weapons and convert Samus into her Morph Ball form without too much faffing about.

When you're done with the solo experience, the multiplayer modes have much to offer. Players without access to Nintendo's Wi-Fi service can use single-card play to enter battle in a selection of arenas with three friends with just one cartridge. If all players have a copy of the game, they can engage in one of the game's seven multiplayer modes in Multi-Card Play with a selection of seven characters and ten arenas to choose from. Playing MPH using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allows gamers to take their skills to a global level and show them off to players around the world, using a home broadband connection or one of Nintendo's public Wi-Fi hotspots. << less