At first, I wasn't convinced that I'd really be keen on a cooperative mode. The Metroid games have always been single-player-focused affairs and forcing a multiplayer mode seems unnecessary. The deathmatch option in Echoes wore thin very quickly, as far as I'm concerned. That said, the inevitably new and improved control mechanics made possible with the Revolution controller will make PC-style deathmatches possible -- and they will be undoubtedly be online in Metroid Prime 3. As much as the Metroid purist in me screams that Samus is a loner, I'm definitely looking forward to that option. But that -- and a potential cooperative mode -- would be much better if they were based on some level of Metroid logic. I'd hate to see 30 different versions of Samus running around a level. But maybe some different Space Pirates, Dark Samus, even some Metroids, etc. That might be pretty awesome.

Now here comes the part where you tell me "I don't care I tell it like it is." And the always popular "I'm not a cheerleader." Etc…

Matt responds: Well, first of all, I tell it like it is because I'm not your cheerleader. Standard response executed. Obviously, your e-mail is retarded and I'm not going to waste too much time or effort on it. But I will ask you a question: does Nintendo employ you as one of its grunts or do you choose to act like a douchebag all by yourself?

I had an opinion. It changed -- and for pretty good reason: DS got a batch of great, system-proving games. Appreciating these titles and saying so somehow makes me a "spineless coward" who rides the winds of change?

By the way, when I write that I still think the PSP is a better hardware, do you grind your teeth uncontrollably before pounding your fists on your keyboard?

E-mail me again when you turn twelve and we'll continue this conversation.

Do you think, like I do, that the real reason to hide the console's specs it's not to make fans go mad because of its poor specs??

Please answer this question, I'm sure you don't receive much letters from Spain ;)

Matt responds: Finally! I've been searching all morning for an e-mail from Spain. And at last, here we are. I think your point is probably valid. Comparing specs is not good for Nintendo because it's a contest that the company clearly can't win. Everybody knows Revolution will not have the horsepower of its competitors. This is not something the Big N is going to want to publicly advertise to potential buyers, and so it will probably keep downplaying the role and up-playing the importance of the potentially revolutionary controller. Makes sense, right?

On another, related note, Jim Merrick has always been very cool, but he's recently propelled himself beyond his former Jedi status and taken on a new, more powerful demi-god role at Nintendo. I swear, he's the only one at the Big N who says anything that hasn't already been announced in a press release. And for that, I have put together the following Jim Merrick tribute video. I will have readers know that I spent a good six or seven minutes on this bad boy, and hence the quality shines through from beginning to end. Please enjoy.

Matt responds: The microphone is included with Mario Party 7, yes.

If it turns out to be great, that's a bonus. I'll definitely pick it up. But right now, let's just say that I'm extremely skeptical.

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