Why Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is a work of art (Part 2)

Discussion

Introduction: Looking at Metroid Prime 2 and the series as a whole:

Todd Keller was the lead artist on all 3 Metroid Prime games and his work is nothing short of jaw dropping. Todd along with all of the other graphic designers over at Retro Studios crafted a beautiful alien world that is simply stunning and full of detail. Thier work is like a vibrant painting of alien design and color come to life. Today in part 3 of this Metroid Prime retrospective, I'm going to talk about and show examples of why I think Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is a work of art.

Temple Grounds

Alien Scenery:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg1.png
https://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg2.png

We start with a beautiful long shot of Samus standing overlooking a cliff. This image shows off the detail of the alien landscape as well as the intricate detail of Samus' Dark Suit.

Strange and surreal architecture:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg3.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg4.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg5.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg6.png

The architecture of the Temple grounds is comprised of grey, red and black colors. The design itself sort of resembles the cocoons you'd find out in nature. Being on an alien planet mind you, they are certainly more intricate in their design.

Fascinating Alien Surroundings of the Temple Grounds:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg7.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg8.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg9.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg10.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg11.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg12.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg13.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg14.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg15.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg16.png

Samus standing on an elevator with an elaborate alien design, strange rays of light shinning in an ominous insect cave, trees growing up and out of the wall, strange red orbs growing on the walls like barnacles, honeycomb-webbed hives lit with a gentle light to spore sacs with the outward appearance of shinning scales!

Temple Interior:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg17.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg18.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg19.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg20.png

Inside the Luminoth Temple we see an arrangement of complex circle glyphs, all shinning ruby light into the room. A long shot of the room further shows off the careful placement and arrangement of this otherworldly design. Next, we see our Luminoth friend. His red eyes complement all the scarlet colors surrounding him.

First Foray into Dark Aether:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg21.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tg22.png

Here we see Samus thrust into the world of Dark Aether for the firs time. The portal emits dazzling multicolored particles of light. What awaits is her most feared nemesis; surrounded by the ominous and menacing light of Phazon.

Agon Wastes

A Desert Wonderland:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw1.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw2.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw3.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw4.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw5.png

We first see Samus step out into this barren desert wasteland. Lightning strikes the ground as she's surrounded by strange insect-like structures in the distance. Next, we see what can only be described as transparent bioluminescent trees. Truly unique art design here. And towering high above the desert mountains themselves, we see what looks like a giant 400ft sculpture!

Allure of the Agon Cave System:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw6.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw7.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw8.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw9.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw10.png

The caves of Agon seem to have some artistic flair as well. We see giant sprawling structures resembling geodes. Which have prominent outward spokes and what looks like a shimmering stain glass interior. Next, inside of the temple we see an interconnected green pattern littered across the floor, almost resembling molecular building blocks. In the other parts of the cave system, we see a close up of the morph ball with red line work on the outside and glimmering gemstones surrounding a strange morph ball tunnel.

The Space Pirate Recluse:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw11.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw12.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw13.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw14.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw15.png

Inside the secret Agon Pirate base we see a resplendent display of gold lights shimmering across this backdrop of pirate technology! Dark Samus makes an appearance and the two face off, resulting in a oversaturation of luminous blue Phazon particles.

Into the Dark World of Agon Wastes:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw16.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw17.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw18.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2aw19.png

Within Dark Aether we see the same landscape we first entered into but with an overcast, purple sky, looming overhead. The same insect-like structures exist but all have a dark glow radiating off of them. The transparent trees are replaced with a dark mass of transparent vines reaching into the shadowy sky. Strange worm-like swirling artifacts can be found hanging on the walls as well with strange crimson lights. Samus also gets the Jump Boots as she tries to shine some light into the ghastly sky.

Torvus Bog

A Fusion of Technology and Nature:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb1.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb2.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb3.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb4.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb5.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb6.png

Torvus Bog has a mass of enormous trees reaching up into the heavens! The rain fails to mask the hidden beauty of the area as we see the amber light of the sky shine down for just a moment. Technology is interwoven with the plant life and we can see clusters of lush leaves everywhere. There is also a grey and red symbol or glyph inlaid into one of the surfaces of the bog.

Statues of the Honored Fallen:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb7.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb8.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb9.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb10.png

Around various locations of the bog we also can find insanely detailed statues. These fallen warriors have elaborate line work designs strung throughout their surfaces. The glowing red trim around the head and eyes really make the other details stand out.

Into the Dark Withered Bog:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb11.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb12.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb13.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2tb14.png

Some highlights of Dark Torvus are its twisted plant life. We see a gnarled version of the alien trees. The sliced section, instead of having just rings has a radiating group of unique circles, spreading outward. We also see some phosphorescent spore-like creatures littering a hallway; accentuated by the swaying purple grass beneath them. Samus also arrives into what looks like a forked colosseum with the dark foreboding sky hanging above.

Sanctuary Fortress

The Techno Fortress in the Sky:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf1.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf2.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf3.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf4.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf5.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf6.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf7.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf8.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf9.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf10.png

Samus arrives to a marvel of technology, a floating fortress in the sky! The green and red lights blend into one another against the darkened, thunderous sky. Once inside, we see variations of different lights, littered on every inch of every surface. A wonder to behold. The art direction really shines here in the fortress! A testament to the talented artists at Retro Studios. The giant robots within or Ingsmashers as they're called, are another standout. Looking at them close up they are a combination of neon lights and careful linework running down their armor. The armor and orbs they hold are also bone-like in appearance. And if you ever thought to look up above one of the elevators you'd be treated to an elaborate design with red and green lights all around.

Exterior Architecture:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf11.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf12.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf13.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf14.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf15.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf16.png

Just as important as the inside of the Fortress there is a lot of exterior architecture to behold as well. The structures certainly feel alien in their design with: angular windows, protruding walls, Foreboding Luminoth Statues, giant rock-like obelisks, a giant outside fan system and a strange prong-like structure reaching downward.

Interior Architecture:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf17.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf18.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf19.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf20.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf21.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf22.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf23.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf24.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf25.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf26.png

The interior architecture is also a wonder to behold. A string of circular decorations can be seen hanging on one wall. Lights move through their surrounding circuits. Also, One room has green light moving up pillars and into the floor. A doorway also lights up with light moving across various lines and pathways extending outward. Another image gives us a closeup look at the Spider Ball with a scaly sort of marbled center.

In another location we see red lights running across the wall contrasting with the red circular lights of the nearby pilar device, which is also a prominent theme. Inside the temple we see the blue Luminoth projection contrasting with the red blocks overhanging on the entryway. And lastly, the room with Dark Samus is a blending of all the mentioned, greens, reds, and blues that contrast so well with each other. The design of the room and its pillars draw your eye directly to its center, where Phazon hangs down the wall.

The Sinister Light Show of the Dark Fortress:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf27.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf28.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf29.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf30.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf31.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf32.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf33.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2sf34.png

The dark world of the Sanctuary Fortress has a sinister beauty that can't be denied. Amidst all the technology, the light and dark purples of Aether's sky serve as a backdrop that makes everything else pop. From Spindles of bent metal, giant buildings and statues hanging in the skies backdrop, to the purple glow coming from a single window shining into a long hallway. The bright sky surrounds everything. Another prominent theme is the red lights circulating everywhere, up and down many surfaces.

The Little Details

What Samus sees through her Visor:

There are plenty of environmental details and hazards that Samus experiences during her adventure. We see moths flying through gates and drawn to the light of her morph ball, spores spilling forth into the air, bugs running across the ground, Sand, rain drops, mist and bug fluid, obstructing the visor, various types of fish swimming in the water, fire spewing from the floor, to giant nanomachines scurrying across the wall. These are just some of the many little details contained throughout the world.

The Dazzling Light Suit

The Armor that Shines in the Darkness:

http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2light1.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2light2.png
http://pdsoasis.github.io/mp2light3.png

Samus' Light Suit shown above radiates light in all directions. A spectacle to see, it shines through the darkness with beams of light emitting outward! An essential tool to keep the darkness of Aether at bay!

Conclusion:

As I mentioned in my first 2 parts, the Metroid Prime series to me is a work of art as well as a finely crafted Metroid game. As shown in the various examples above, a series that has an art direction that creates such atmosphere with its design. Todd Keller and the many other designers at Retro Studios brought this alien world to life. A cosmic painting turned digital for all of us to experience. One can only hope Metroid Prime 4 also follows the tradition of having a phenomenal art style!

Posted Oct 9, 2023, 11:07 PM UTC