I see that you haven't played Halo from your post.  Halo is in space.  Aliens.  Plasma Grenades.  Aliens.  Colorful world.  Aliens.  Energy Weapons.  Aliens.  Plasma Cannons.  Aliens.  Energy Sword.  Aliens.  Plasma Pistol. and so on.  Yep, there are machine guns, pistols, and shotguns, but they are just part of the arsenal.  Many times I was dual weilding only energy weapons.

Thanks, El Dude.  That's *precisely* what I was looking for.  Apparently there are *some* people who can read instructions, lol.

thanks again.... 

Sorry for three posts in a row -- too many to respond to at once, lol.  Why do graphics matter so much to me?  Well, they just do.  I have been playing games since black and white pong.  I've had damn near every single console since then with the PS3 being the only exception.  I have always looked to gameplay over graphics -- always.  BUT I don't like poor graphics and for me, poor graphics -- RELATIVE TO WHAT IS CONSIDERED FAIRLY CUTTING EDGE -- disappoint me greatly.  This, for me, is my only disappointment in the Wii.  Just $25-50 bucks more on the console's hardware would have netted quite a bit more graphical horsepower.  I've played enough GREAT GAMEPLAY games on my 360 now that last gen's graphics are not so impressive any more.  I really, really want to use the Wii controller on some graphically great games and MP3 looks to be one of the first...  Before you come back at me and jump down my throat with the tired "gameplay over graphics debate", it's like arguing over who gets the aisle or window seat on the hindenburg.  Pointless.

@ kn
there is backtracking but u can use ur gunship to fly to different points on a planet and their are loads of back track shortcuts(like there are in resi 4)

Ok, Imma gonna pick it up this week when I get a chance to make it out to Gamestop... I still have Godfather sitting there calling my name that I need to finish, though.

^^ The Godfather´s calling will be nothing but the memory of a whisper when you are tearing alien after alien to shreads

If you don't like to explore this game IS NOT FOR YOU.  While the shooting elements I think were upped, the back bone is still exploring.  But there are a lot of moments where you're going to be wearing the A button on the wii mote out (especially in hyper mode!).  I'm on the 3rd part of the first world and I just fought a boss to get something that I needed that let's me access some other areas (sorry so vague but I'm trying to keep it spoiler free).

 But let me tell you from the pacing of the introduction/tutorial/getting a feel for the new controls. Into the first official boss fight (the one I just mentioned), this game has me. Hook line and sinker.  And I'm one of those rare breeds that enjoyed Prime 2 and all it's elements VERY much.  This one however...whew. The boss I just fought was one of my favorite boss battles in the WHOLE series and I got more to go?!?!?!?  GOTY on the Wii so far for me, hands down.  Smash Bros. & Galaxy is going to have a run for their money (although I expect SMG to run away with the honors)

Well first, I have been playing the game for about 3 hours now and I can tell you one thing for sure: Exploration is barely toned down at all. It's simply been streamlined to make it easier. The only time you don't explore much is on the first planet when you are surrounded by a bunch of marines. So if you don't like exploration, do NOT buy this game.

Graphically, the game is quite a bit better looking than Halo 2 in every way. The environments are significantly more detailed, the planets and scenery is diverse and gorgeous, and the enemies are unique and interesting. The boss fights especially are epic. From both a technical and artistic standpoint, Metroid Prime 3 surpasses Halo 2 in every aspect.

As far as controls, there is no denying that these completely blow dual analog away. I am just stunned by how much I like them. I actually enjoy the controls more than mouse and keyboard. That's not to say they are quite as good for shooters as mouse and keyboard, but they are a complete blast.

With these new controls, there is certainly more combat than in past titles, but believe me: It has in no way overwritten the adventure aspects of the game. Nor has it destroyed the feeling of desolation and solitude (and wonder) you get from being on these amazing alien planets with no help. As I said, the first hour or so of the game is different, but after that you'll find yourself thrown into the same Prime formula as past games. However, that formula has been tweaked and perfected to really balance it out better. There are still thousands of things to scan per level, and you are still going to need to backtrack a lot, but the ship makes that much faster and easier. If I agree with any review entirely, it's the Gametrailers one.

Conclusion: If you really just couldn't get into the other Prime games at all due to the amount of exploration, you probably still won't like this one. If you thought the games could be great if they just made it a little easier to get around and upped the amount of combat, then you should love this one. However, it is a Metroid Prime game in every way, so don't expect Halo.

Whoa.  Are you sure aren't playing twilight princess?  J/k, of course.  Damn, I was going to stop by EB this evening and pick this up... I think I'll rent first or go used in case I want to return it.  I don't know why, but the whole 3d exploration has just never appealed to me.  It actually grinds on my nerves to a great degree.  I really, really want to like the game, but Zelda TP is a great example of a game that certainly is well made, graphics are great and all, but just drives me nuts.  My wife and daughter LOVE the game.  The whole tedious nature of everything that has to be done in the game to move onto the next thing irritates me so much I don't even want to watch them play.  Maybe I'm ADHD or obsessive compulsive, lol...  Apparently the very things that make TP fun for many make it intolerble for me to play.