So, I just learnt that my brother picked this game up and he really wants me to play it when I go home next weekend.
I've never played a Metroid game before. (I know, I know. XD) So basically my question is: Do I need to have played the others? :| I mean, is there any important backstory I should know because playing this third one or am I pretty much good to go?
I only ask because I know a lot of people were trying to play/finish the other two Prime games before this one came out, so I'm curious.
I asked the same question on another forum. Everyone said it won't make the experience less fun or anything, you just won't know the story. I haven't played any of the games either. xD I plan on asking for MP3 for Christmas. I just hope I can wait...
EDIT: Oh, yeah, I just remembered this. If you want to know the story, they have it on Wikipedia. But just so you know, it has all the spoilers on it.
Yeah, I'm reluctant to look it up because I have NO idea where to start looking for plot info, nor do I want to run into spoilers.
Plus I don't know if it's even the kind of game where spoilers MATTER. So. Yeah. XD;
Umm...well...I'd recommend you play the other two console ones (the DS one is a spinoff) regardless. XD They're just really good.
Umm...but no. The each part of the series works the way a sequel should. Meaning...they can all stand on their own. Each one is on a different planet or (planets in MP3's case) and has a different story. There is a basic plotline revolving around Space Pirates, Phazon, and Dark Samus. But I can clear that up for you in a few lines if you want. The individual stories for each game have no relation to one another.
Er...well...I guess MP3 connects to MP2 somewhat. Nah. Not really. Heck, I didn't even finish MP2. XD Just MP and MP3. So, you're fine.
But! All the games have a weak plot if you just play it normally. You have a scanner. In each game you use it to scan objects, creatures, find hidden histories of intergalactic species. If you read it all you get a deeper backstory and insight into the goings-on. If you don't well...its fun, and still immersive, but it'll probably be boring.
But, again each story is only really related to its respective game.
You just have to worry about those three basic plot points, which I'll try to explain to you later in the most non-spoilery way. But, even if you don't know those bits, everything still works out.
I mean...I guess its like a more complicated Mario game. You don't need to know that Bowser tried to kidnap Peach 50 billion times, but it might help. Only...its not quite that basic. 
Well, I wouldn't say you'd have needed to play the games, but I believe that just a little bit of basic knowledge on the storyline is essential.
I'm going to try to play Metroid Prime, and Prime 2 (and maybe the Hunters for the DS) before getting deep into Prime 3. The controls for MP3:C is sweet, and I can't wait to play the game. But I do want to get some of the backstory before getting into MP3:C.
Let's do a group chat and I'll explain the basics to both of you. XD
Just go on Wikipedia and have a skimread. There, it's done, and that's all you need to know... XD
But it's better to play the game and find out for yourself. I mean would you like to read all about a show on Wiki just to catch up on the new eps, or would you like to see them eps and wait on watching the new ones?
Actually, I haven't played MP1 or MP2 myself. When both were released, I took me 3 months to realize they were even out.
However, when SSBB does come out and I finally get my 2nd Wii, I will be getting MP3 along with it.