Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is looking as though it will be as big, if not bigger, than its predecessors. In the final part of the Metroid Prime sub-series, the mysterious substance known as Phazon begins to infect several planets. Samus must go from planet-to-planet destroying these "Phazon seeds," while trying to survive her own corruption from the Phazon. Retro had a lengthy demo on display at E3, and it looks mighty delicious.

Corruption takes the 3D Metroid series to a whole new level using the Wii controller. The control controller uses A to shoot and lay morph ball bombs, B trigger for jumping and double-jumping, D-pad for other weapons, Z on the nunchuck to scan, and C to become the morph ball. Samus moves around with the nunchuck analog stick, aims with the pointer, and uses her grapple beam by flicking the nunchuck forward (then pulling back on the analog stick if the grapple is being used to pull something off of something else).

One thing I particularly noticed in my time with Corruption is the pointing mechanic. The demo had two modes, Normal and Expert. I played on Normal, when Expert is probably what I should have been playing. In Normal, there's an "invisible box" (the term that's going around the internets) in the middle of the screen that allows for pixel perfect aiming. If the reticule goes outside of that box, Samus starts to slowly turn. I've been told this is much akin to the mouse setup of PC shooters. In Expert Mode, it is to my understanding that changes somewhat for a much better experience. The other controls all handle and work well. I occasionally had a problem getting the grapple to come out when I flicked the nunchuck, but that more seems to be because of the high placement of the sensor bar and where I may have been standing.

Retro has spent a lot of time on Corruption already, and it shows. Initially, it may not look any different from previous games, but after spending some time with it, it becomes more apparent. Everything is now sharper and more detailed. Lighting effects are also much, much better. The game runs fluidly at 60 frames per second, despite much bigger environments and sometimes tons of space pirates attacking all at once. The changes are subtle, but quite good. I have no doubt the game will continue to look fantastic when it is finished.

In various interviews, Retro has enlightened us about a few other things in Prime 3. When playing the demo, I initially did not realize there was nowhere to change the different beams that Samus acquires. Retro, instead, will have stackable upgrades this go-around-much like the 2D Metroid titles. Missiles, beams, grapples, etc. will be stackable and eliminate the need for switching. In relation with the Phazon corruption plaguing our heroine, Samus can also go into Hyper Mode at times. There will be a meter showing the progression of corruption, and occasionally she will need to go into Hyper Mode to relieve some of it. The catch is that she may die if she overuses it, so a balance must be achieved. This was not showcased at E3, but from the sounds of things Retro will not make it into something that can be used all the time. In terms of visors, Retro has stated that the X-ray visor will make a big return, as well as a new visor that allows for directing Samus' ship. Sorry fans, no ship controlling, but it can be called upon to be used as a platform or to blow the bloody hell out of things. The ship, which has had a big makeover for the game, will allow for travel between planets as well, most likely through cut scenes.

The E3 demo, which was some twenty minutes long, ended with battle between Samus and long-time foe, Ridley. The two were falling down a long elevator shaft with the timer being the number of meters until the two hit the bottom. Nearing the bottom of the shaft, Samus defeats Ridley and jumps onto his head, blasting a power shot down his throat. This was very cool indeed.

Retro gave Metroid fans something to salivate over at E3, and I, for one, am definitely wanting more. Most of the control kinks should be out of the game by the time the game releases. Hang on tight, because Metroid Prime 3: Corruption launches with the Nintendo Wii this October or November.