# Metroid Prime: Hunters - A Pioneering DS First-Person Shooter *Metroid Prime: Hunters*, released in March 2006 by Nintendo Software Technology (NST) for the Nintendo DS, is a first-person shooter and action-adventure set between *Metroid Prime* and *Metroid Prime 2: Echoes*. Unlike the main *Metroid Prime* trilogy’s exploration focus, it emphasizes fast-paced combat and multiplayer. Samus Aran, Galactic Federation bounty hunter, investigates a telepathic message about “ultimate power” in the Alimbic Cluster, facing six rival hunters: Kanden, Spire, Noxus, Trace, Sylux, and Weavel. Players explore four areas (Celestial Archives, Alinos, Vesper Defense Outpost, Arcterra) to collect eight Octoliths, confronting the entity Gorea. Featuring 3D visuals, a cinematic soundtrack by Lawrence Schwedler, and DS touchscreen controls, it sold over 410,000 copies in North America in its first month and was praised (*IGN*: 9/10, *Nintendo Power*: Best DS Shooter) for graphics and multiplayer but criticized for controls and repetitive single-player. A demo, *First Hunt*, was a DS launch pack-in. Re-released on Wii U Virtual Console. ## Why Play Metroid Prime: Hunters? *Hunters* blends *Metroid*’s exploration with first-person shooter mechanics, using the DS stylus for aiming and D-pad for movement. Samus’ Power Suit includes the Arm Cannon, Morph Ball (with bombs), and scanning, while rival hunters offer unique weapons (e.g., Magmaul, Imperialist) and alt-forms (e.g., Spire’s Dialanche). The single-player Adventure Mode (6-10 hours, 12-15 for completion) involves collecting Octoliths across linear planets, with Morph Ball puzzles and boss fights against hunters and Gorea (two endings based on puzzle-solving). The multiplayer mode, supporting up to four players via local or Wi-Fi (servers offline since 2014), offers seven modes (e.g., Deathmatch, Prime Hunter) and 26 maps, with voice chat. Its technical achievements shine, but cramped controls and repetitive level revisits may deter some. Ideal for retro ROM and FPS fans, with Sylux’s relevance to *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*. ## Game Features - Play as Samus Aran or six bounty hunters (multiplayer) across 4 areas - Use Arm Cannon, Morph Ball, and sub-weapons; hunters have unique weapons/alt-forms - Collect 8 Octoliths in Adventure Mode; two endings (good/bad) based on Gorea fight - Multiplayer: 7 modes (Deathmatch, Survival), 26 maps, local Wi-Fi (online discontinued) - Touchscreen aiming, D-pad movement; supports Rumble Pak - Experience authentic DS gameplay on our retro ROM platform or Wii U Virtual Console ## Play Metroid Prime: Hunters Online Hunt today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Metroid Prime: Hunters* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using DS emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Wii U Virtual Console or sites like RetroGames.cz or EmulatorGames.net (try MelonDS with mouse/keyboard mods for better controls). Physical copies are available on eBay/Amazon ($20-$70). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and handheld FPS! Note: For emulation, use DeSmuME or MelonDS; avoid “%n” in usernames to prevent save-crashing glitches. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Metroid Prime: Hunters* on Classic Joy Games. Start your hunt now and secure the Alimbic power to uphold Samus Aran’s legacy!