By Mike Rougeau

Bioshock

Fortunately (or perhaps deliberately) for Boston/Australia-based developer 2K, its recent Xbox 360 first-person shooter “Bioshock” was released at a good time.

In August, countless gamers were desperately searching for a game that could ease the anticipation of waiting for the highly-anticipated “Halo 3.” It was fortunate we received the gift of “Bioshock.”

“Bioshock,” which is heavily derivative of Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged,” is worth the price for the plot alone.

The player assumes the role of an unnamed protagonist who, after what is presumed to be a plane crash, stumbles upon a mysterious underwater quasi-utopia called “Rapture.”

Somewhat predictably, all is not well in Rapture. The haunting melody that bursts from the speakers of an underwater bathysphere, as the towering skyscrapers and waterlogged walkways of Rapture emerge for the first time into view, conveys an overwhelming sense of wonder and apprehension.

Following the spectacular introduction, “Bioshock” delivers in almost every way possible. The combat system allows the player to mix and match various firearms and blunt weapons with the effects of gene-altering, syringe-housed, vending machine-distributed plasmids.

These plasmids, including lightning bolts, telekinesis and even swarms of deadly bees, are sent directly from the fingertips to the faces of plasmid-overdosed foes, called “splicers.” Admittedly, multiplayer would be nice, but if any game can get away with the omission, it’s “Bioshock.”

“Bioshock” absorbs the player into the world of Rapture like a sponge absorbs water. Time and time again, I was astounded by the amount of detail in the game, from the graphics to the ambient sound effects, and by the complexity of the many characters and back stories, unearthed by listening to more than 100 audio diaries scattered throughout the game.

While some gamers were simply looking for relief from the interminable wait before the Sept. 25 “Halo 3” release, what we got was an experience like none other, a game that simply begs for a break from “Halo 3” matchmaking for time to take a trip to an underwater metropolis that will astound and intrigue.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

“Metroid.” This name represents so much of what is good about video games.

The original “Metroid,” released for Nintendo in 1987, continues to draw gamers through its many re-releases, and for good reason.

The story of the mute, powerful protagonist wearing an ability-enhancing suit, exploring unknown planets and eliminating galaxy-threatening creatures is old, though it will probably never lose its appeal. Thanks to Retro Studios, this archetypal sensation has remained consistent throughout the most recent installments in the “Metroid” series: “Metroid Prime.”

“Metroid Prime 3: Corruption,” for Nintendo Wii is the final part of the celebrated trilogy that began on the Gamecube in 2001. While the gameplay is virtually unchanged from the last two versions, the new motion and pointing-based Wii control scheme has replaced the clunky, targeting-based Gamecube controls, multiplying the fun by at least 10.

The series also benefits from the addition of a more accessible story, including plot twists and plenty of spoken dialogue.

The graphics are just about as good as they can be on the Wii. However, like other “Metroids” installments, “Prime 3” shines with outstanding art direction. One lengthy level is made of a network of interconnecting airship-like structures floating high above a planet’s surface, where a cataclysmic storm has been pummeling the terra for thousands of years.

Gamers will enjoy transforming into morph ball form and roll into a cannon, to be shot onto a bronze platform 500 yards away.

The game is not without flaws. Certain sections are plagued by constant backtracking and gamers will occasionally find themselves wondering what to do next.

Multiplayer, which was added (albeit clumsily) to “Metroid Prime 2” on the Gamecube, is curiously absent here. It’s a shame, considering how much the control scheme has improved during the previous iterations, not to mention the online possibilities of the Wii.

Still, the shortcomings are relatively few, and “Metroid Prime 3” is a beautiful game that will be enjoyed by anyone who still holds a soft spot for Nintendo, and even those who don’t.