Metroid is a series that spans multiple games for over 30 years across multiple Nintendo platforms. It is a series that is highly revered by fans, old and new alike. I am definitely one of those fans for I have playing these games since the original Metroid was released in North America on the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1987. Metroid has been primarily a 2D side scrolling action adventure game when it was first introduced. All subsequent sequels have followed suit in keeping with this tradition. That is, until about 2002 when Nintendo introduced Metroid Prime, the first 3D first-person adventure title in the series for the Nintendo GameCube. But that’s one of the many things what makes this series so amazing. Nintendo has always tried to find ways to push their games to new heights with find new ways to play. This is no different than with the Metroid series. With each Metroid title, there’s always been something new thrown into the mix to shake things up.
Nintendo took Metroid to new heights with its sequel, Metroid II Return of Samus. Released in North America in 1991 for the Nintendo Gameboy, Metroid II Return of Samus was the first portable entry in the series. The Gameboy, although lacking in the vibrant colors that its NES counterpart was capable of, utilized its overall design to the best of its abilities to flesh out extremely detailed environments and enemies. For Metroid II Return of Samus, environments were more textured, creatures had more of a distinct look, Samus Aran had more of a prominent design in her space suit compared to the original, and everything that was revered about the original game for the NES, all was present on this small handheld device.
The planet was yours to explore and at your own pace. There was a new arsenal of items to discover and use at your disposal, the mystical Chozo statues were featured and there were Metroids. Lots of them...It was an amazing game, to say the least. Personally, I have fond memories of it. I remember being a kid, traveling across country with my parents. We drove from the east coast to the west. What kept me entertained was the countless hours I spent exploring Planet SR-388 on my Gameboy.
Now let’s travel forward in time.
After Metroid II, Nintendo took leaps and bounds within the series. They took what they’ve learned developing Metroid 1 and 2 and elevated it beyond expectations with Super Metroid for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993. Nine years later, they debuted two Metroid titles on the same day. On November 17, 2002 they released Metroid Fusion for the Gameboy Advance, and Metroid Prime for the Gamecube.
Within the last 15 years alone, the Metroid series has seen multiple sequels and spin-offs. From Metroid Prime 2 on the Gamecube, Metroid Prime Hunters on the Nintendo DS, Metroid Prime 3 and Metroid: Other M on the Wii, and Metroid Prime Federation Force on the Nintendo 3DS. The series has indeed expanded and tested out many new ways to explore the universe in which our favorite bounty hunter, Samus Aran, inhabits.
However, not all these Metroid games were found with high praise. Traditional Metroid gameplay aside, the controversial decision to give Samus an actual spoken voice in Metroid: Other M didn’t sit well with many fans. Not to mention, there was a HUGE outcry from fans back is 2015 surrounding Metroid Prime Federation Force for the Nintendo 3DS.
Before, during, and after its release, it was widely, negatively, criticized. Mainly for lacking in all the elements that make up a traditional Metroid game. It was mission based and briefly featured Samus. You were not able to play as the heroine. However, with the new customization of armor, you could color your power suit to resemble the intergalactic bounty hunter. But it wasn’t the same and fans were outraged.
Fast forward to today, two years later, we find Nintendo taking the series back to its roots in Metroid: Samus Returns.
It seems that Nintendo has listened to fan feedback, giving them a more traditional Metroid experience. However, I can tell you that Nintendo not only gave the fans what they wanted, but they found a way to push the envelope and take this Metroid experience to even further heights. Metroid: Samus Returns is a tour de force. From its immersive 3D environments and explorative 2D gameplay, to its atmospheric and beautifully crafted soundtrack, Nintendo found a way to take a gaming classic and put a modern spin on the franchise.
The best way I could describe this game would be to take Metroid II: Return of Samus, mix it with Super Metroid’s level of different environments and enemies, and then add Metroid Prime’s unique visual art style, and then wrap all of that up around the game’s soundtrack. A soundtrack I might add, that has a variety of songs, sound effects, and ambiance, all found throughout the entire series, yet, still has the ability to stand out on its own.
Combine all that, and you’ve got yourself a beautifully crafted Metroid experience. Check out the video below. Here’s a new take on a classic Metroid music track found in the new game:
Seriously, this game is hands down, one of the best Metroid games I’ve played in years. It’s familiar, yet, so brand new. And even if you’ve never even played a Metroid game before, seriously, play this one. It’s an amazing experience on its own.
It took me over 11 hours to complete this game. And even after you beat it, you can unlock “Fusion Mode” which will allow you to play the game on its most difficult setting. It also allows you to play the game with Samus wearing her Fusion Suit from Metroid Fusion on the GBA. There is also bonuses you can unlock such as a Metroid II: Return of Samus Artwork Gallery. If you have a *new* Nintendo 3DS, you have the ability to use Amiibos that can get you in-game perks. Perks that include reserve tanks and Metroid locations on your map. It’s a fun add-on to the game but not a requirement to play.
As I have stated before, I’ve been playing Metroid since it was first released on the Nintendo Entertainment System and have been playing every single entry since. Going into this game, the experience was both refreshing and surprisingly breathtaking. And I say surprisingly because I didn’t know what to expect after the release of Metroid Federation Force. All trailers for this game looked promising and, in the end, the game did not disappoint! I seriously hope we get more Metroid experiences like this in the future.
And I am overwhelmed with Joy that Nintendo announced last E3 2017 that Metroid Prime 4 is now in development for the Nintendo Switch!
Metroid: Samus Returns: I give this game a rating of: “Stop what you’re doing and play this game!”
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
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