6/10

Not to call anybody out here--because maybe I'm wrong and I know that ratings are subjective--but when I see the two 1 star ratings this has, I wonder if it's because this isn't the Metroid we wanted. It's a fair sentiment because it really isn't, but as a side story it's actually not a terrible game. It doesn't do anything exceptionally well but it's fun with friends.

Sure, the graphics are pretty bad, with uninspired environments that look poor even for a 3DS, and the style doesn't fit the series. Sure, the music is so bland that it's almost as if it isn't there. Sure, you can't scan anything and the plot isn't especially interesting. Sure, the controls are bad: not Star Fox Zero bad, but still something straight out of the N64 days if the N64 had motion controls. Hell, it doesn't even seem that balanced once you put more players into the fold. I can understand why people wouldn't recommend or even like it, and yet, I've had fun with it.

This is mostly because of the variety of missions. Each mission has you doing something different which is actually a little more exciting than other shooters. I'm not saying this is top-tier gaming by any means, but they did nail the mission structure. You could be doing one thing and then something truly unexpected happens that makes you stress a little. On top of that, I do enjoy the co-op nature of it, where you have to truly work together and you share equipment.

The negatives may outweigh the positives for a lot of people, and I completely get that, but ultimately Federation Force comes through with a game that deserves a mild recommendation if you have someone to play with. By yourself would be terrible. So sue me, I got some enjoyment out of it.