Metroid Samus Returns Review

Hey there Metroid fans! It's been a while.

I wanted to do a review of Nintendo's 2017 Metroid game release: Samus Returns. This is a remake of the second game, Metroid II: Return of Samus.

Ever since and including the release of Metroid: Other M, Nintendo has been failing to put out a quality Metroid title. Other M has beautiful artwork, but it's significant deviation from Samus' original backstory and personality were a complete deal breaker. And don't even get me started on Federation Force. That's not a Metroid game either.

But I digress.

Needless to say, I was quite anxious when Nintendo first announced their plans for a new Metroid game for 3DS. My gut instinct was that it was going to be trash, so I gave it little attention at first. But when they released a gameplay preview, it piqued my interest. It actually looked like something worth my time. Over the next few months, as more info about the game was released, I was getting more excited, though still skeptical...didn't want my hopes getting up too high...

I didn't plan on buying the game until it had been out for a couple months and I could read some reviews THEN decide if it was worth the investment.

But a week before the release, I broke down and pre-ordered the limited edition. (Glad I did, got this rad keychain that defends my car from space pirates now.)

                                              

 

I thought I should feel some buyer's remorse or unease about the purchase, since I was trying to be cautious, but I was riding that hype train. "NO RAGRATS."

It was worth it.

This official remake wove in the original story of Metroid II, making the game feel more complete. The artwork was absolutely gorgeous and perfect for the 3DS. 

The remake also had a full soundtrack, something the original game lacked. Some areas had just ambient background melodies, while other areas had full Metroid track remixes from previous titles. All of the music was deliciously put together and enhanced the overall gameplay experience well.

--> Gameplay: On point. It felt like a Super Metroid/Metroid Prime mash-up, two of Nintendo's greatest Metroid games. I love side scrollers and it was definitely in keeping with the classic game feel. But there are some definite Prime-inspired elements that give Samus more power and versatility without feeling too gimmicky.

I loved free-aim mode, it was intuitive and practical. The special aeion abilities you gain as well throughout the game all have their purpose and feel necessary at many points throughout the planet. 

Despite being on a small screen, Nintendo did a great job with the "scare factor." As one would expect, battling giant space aliens might be a bit frightening. Nintendo did well to invoke this feeling not only because of their awesome graphics, but their tasteful cinematics and sound effects.

And yet, they did not make the mistake of making Samus look like a helpless emotional little girl (ahem, Other M). The fear is induced in the player and you know Samus will kick ass -- if you can just dodge that one stupid attack, dammit.

--> Challenge.

The game was challenging, but not too much. (I mostly got hung up on the Diggernaut boss...robot bastard.) Nonetheless, it was fun and played to the exploratory and adventurous gamer. It has features and abilities that are new and fun while staying true to Metroid.

Favorites:

--> Favorite power up: The second aeion ability you get, shields. I am not a pro gamer. I am average at best. Having a shield to buy me time before I start dying was one of my best friends for this game. Especially since it is not abound with energy tanks, and dodging is not my strong suit. Yep. Shields for the win.

--> Favorite beam: Still wave. Best beam, hands down. It shoots through walls, who doesn't find that useful?

--> Favorite boss: This is not a boss heavy game. There's really only 3 true bosses and then a bunch of metroids that get stronger and stronger as they evolve, which all feel like mid-bosses. I really did dig the hunt of this game and liked that it didn't have a lot of big baddies. Defeating Ridley, of course, was very satisfying. As it always is.

--> Favorite area: Not sure I want to officially pick a favorite area. But I will say that I enjoyed the waters and vegetation in Area 5. 

--> Favorite Soundtrack Theme: Lower Brinstar. That's the track title. This remix they did from Super Metroid for Samus Returns gave me chills. As soon as I arrived in the part of Area 5 where this theme starts, I literally stopped just to listen for a couple minutes. I also sent an excerpt to my brother right away, who is also a hardcore fan whom I knew would appreciate it just like myself.

Metroid Samus Returns Lower Brinstar Theme

--> Favorite suit: Gravity suit. Always.

--> Least favorite boss: Diggernaut. This dumb robot gave me so much trouble. Once I finally got the hang of avoiding his attacks, I got to a point in the fight where I didn't know what I was supposed to do to progress! When I finally figured it out, though, the ending cinematic to his demise was SO delicious, and made my victory feel even better. In your face, space robot from hell.

I am impressed with how well done this game was and I felt SO satisfied to have finally played a decent Metroid title for the first time in years. (A Nintendo game, mind you, I have enjoyed other well-done fan-made Metroid games).

My only disappointments were these: The sound track that came with the limited edition, only featured 4 songs from the game and rest were from other Metroid games. I'm glad to see some music from previous titles, but it's just a teaser. And I would've loved a more complete compilation of music from Samus Returns, though they did get the big ones. And at least my favorite was on there.

Secondly, Europe got a wwwaaayyyy cooler LEGACY Edition!! Along with the game, it includes the soundtrack (same songs thankfully, but different art), a morph ball Samus keychain, AND an artbook. I bought it, too. I know the game is region locked. But. I'm a collector. Especially with Metroid. NO RAGRATS.

If anyone was on the fence about this game, I hope this review helped convince you it's worth your money and time. I have no regrets. I enjoyed every juicy moment of exploring SR 388 and beating up metroids. I look forward to my next playthrough.

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: This post is purely opinion. Therefore your rude comments implying I am wrong, are not welcome and invalid, because it is opinion and therefore not factional. Please keep them to yourself. If you didn't like this, leave the page. :]

All Copyrights to respective artists and Nintendo for the artwork and music. 

Metroid Junkie 2018

Metroid Fusion Review

Metroid Fusion: by far the hardest of the three I have reviewed. Such a great game though, VERY well done story, awesome soundtrack and artwork. I personally feel this game was almost as good as Super Metroid. It is quite a bit more linear than other Metroid titles, and there's no room for sequence breaking. XD But that doesn't bother me because the linear part of the game is vital for the way the story unfolds.

--> Gameplay: Since this game came out soon after Metroid Zero Mission, it basically plays the same. An additional upside: you start out with power grip!!

--> Something else, we are able to get inside Samus' head a little bit during elevator rides. She expresses her thoughts and how the computer issuing her orders reminds her of an officer she used to know.

--> Challenge. ...

...

Man alive. This game is so fantastically awesome but so FRUSTRATING. Lots more things hurt a lot more and the bosses are much much more irritating. And they are much more abundant. And that freakin' security robot - so much harder than it should it be. Also, the environments are much more dangerous. Enemies lurk everywhere and are pretty much impossible to avoid. And sometimes health is scarce. . . or maybe I get hurt too much. . . XP Save stations are also not always ideally placed (for me XP).

Favorites:

--> Favorite power up: I'll say ice missiles simply because that one's new and unique. It kinda sucks that you need to use missiles in order to freeze a target, but I rarely was afraid of running out of them so I guess I don't mind. I do like the convenience of being able to freeze without charging AND  get off a powerful attack at the same time. Otherwise I'd still go with power grip. It's my best friend.

--> Favorite beam: wave/plasma. Nothing new. I will add that plasma beam really seams to pack a punch in this game. It makes me so freakin' excited every time I fire. :D

--> Favorite boss: Nightmare. Man. This fight was a nightmare. So iconic and well done. It was interesting and difficult, but not in the plate-throwing-sweating-and-swearing IRRITATING way that some other bosses were in this game. I always get all nervous/excited when I'm heading to Nightmare, and even though it always takes me a few tries, I'm never mad when I'm defeated. XD

I have to also give some credit to the ending fight with the SA-X. Hardest boss fight I've ever fought in any video game ever. But also that much more satisfying. BD

--> Favorite area: Sector 6 (NOC) for sure. I am partial to anything nocturnal being a night owl myself. But also this was such a nice change from the normal fire/water or ice/jungle norms of Metroid. It was something new and I thought the environments were very enjoyable and pleasing to the eye, even though you don't get to spend much time here. 

--> Favorite Soundtrack Theme: Nightmare's theme! ^^ It sounds just like something you might hear in a nightmare. It haunts you and brings the deepest, darkest parts of your mind to the front and enhances your fears. Mmm. So fitting.

I feel Brian Kennedy does a good rendition of the tune:

Nightmare Remix

--> Favorite Suit: The only thing better than gravity suit is FUSION gravity suit. Everything it was in Super Metroid and more. SO want to make that cosplay...

--> Least favorite boss: Yakuza. With Nettori being a close second. But I think that's only because you face her so soon after Yakuza. And after SA-X hunts you down and beats you up before you've fully mentally recovered from the giant spider. 

And she is pretty freaking annoying. 

Anyway, Yakuza. Giant spider. There's problem one. Spits fire. Problem two. Tricky vulnerable spot and very elusive. And GOD HELP YOU if he picks you up and slams you down. Goodbye energy tanks, I didn't need you anyway right? And what's worse? You have to be a crafty-ass ninja to get away from him after that attack because chances are he's going to pick you up and do that all over again! ...and again. and AGAIN. Oh no wait you're already dead. To make things worse, once you make it to phase two of the fight, he stops spiting fire but throws something else at you instead (fangs? o.O) and he constantly flips around making himself invulnerable. While his weak spot is constantly exposed at this point, it's really hard to dodge and get hits in. I hate when I finally make it through all that only to end up getting touched by that stupid x parasite and eat it with one hit left. >.> Never look forward to this guy and it ALWAYS takes me multiple attempts. In fact the fight makes me so miserable I usually get hung up on it and stop playing for a while until I'm feeling courageous and stupid.

--> Least favorite area: None of the areas themselves really bothered me, but I'll say Sector 3 (PYR) because that's where you first encounter that damn Security Robot B.O.X. (can't believe you fight him twice). I hate fighting this guy. He's not TOO BAD. But kinda annoying and I have more trouble than I feel most people do probably... >.<

Overall score: 9.5 out of 10! Deducting .5 points simply because it is not Super Metroid and therefore cannot be ranked as awesomely. :P Plus sometimes it CAN be more difficult than fun sometimes... But a great game nonetheless and still one of my favorites. It can also be REALLY fun and when I do get past really hard parts it's really gratifying and kinda makes me feel like a royal badass not gonna lie.

Thanks for reading! =3

Disclaimer: This post is purely opinion. Therefore your rude comments implying I am wrong, are not welcome and invalid, because it is opinion and therefore not factional. Please keep them to yourself. If you didn't like this, leave the page. :]

All Copyrights to respective artists and Nintendo for the artwork and music. 

Metroid Junkie 2015

Metroid: Zero Mission Review

Metroid: Zero Mission. A WONDERFULLY done remake of the original Metroid game. For me, this game was significantly harder than Super Metroid. I got stuck at Kraid for a lot longer, and actually had a little trouble in Tourian and Mother Brain! XD But after playing through Super Metroid a few hundred times, I was ready for the new challenge!

We'll start with gameplay again:

--> All the usual things apply here as they did in Super Metroid, sidescroller, great controls (minus the dash button ;P), and beautiful artwork. In addition, this game was short and sweet. Almost too short. But I actually kind of like that I can beat it in a shorter period of time, though, since some parts can really get under my skin.

--> Physics. Tight, and work pretty much the same. Which made the transition very smooth. However, I loved the addition of the Power Grip, allowing Samus to grab the edge of ledges. Pretty much my favorite feature. Very useful.

--> Cutscenes. I LOVED the way they introduced each boss with a short clip displaying the boss and just how formidable they are!! Once again, great artwork. They truly made the planet come to life.

--> Challenge. Oh boy did this game have it's challenges. Kraid gave me even more trouble in this game then he did in Super Metroid. I was stuck at him forever. I even looked up videos and guides to see if there was some sort of trick I was missing. Eventually, after bashing my head against the wall enough times I got through him.

Then, Tourian. I made the mistake of getting myself trapped in a corner with about 4 Metroids on me. Not to mention, in this game when you bomb them it only knocks them away, it does not kill them as it does in Super Metroid. O.O Later I bombed the floor in just the right spot that I fell all the way to the bottom and collected every Metroid in the room on me, getting me in the same position I was in before. I don't know how I lived, but it took forever to farm those stupid laser rings to replenish my health and weapons...

And then there was Mother Brain. The boss itself was not difficult. I can dodge the occasional energy shot. But when there's that plus onion rings and lasers knocking me into the lava depleting my health making it impossible to get a shot in? Yeah it took me a little bit...

Chozodia! I loved this aspect of the game, so original and also hard. But not nearly as hard as the previous areas. XD However, having a useless weapon is a bit annoying, especially when there are times when staying out of sight is unavoidable. But the thrill made for a lot of fun!

Favorites:

--> Favorite power up: Power grip! Really could've used this in Super Metroid. And every game. Ever.

--> Favorite Beam: Well since the beam upgrades are pretty much the same as in Super Metroid, I will go with the long beam haha!! I find it funny and silly that you have to get a beam that travels farther, which doesn't quite make sense that it never would in the first place. XD

--> Favorite Boss: Hmm. Can't really say I had one. While I enjoyed the overall game, there was no boss I found particularly fun, unfortunately. I just kind of beat them in order to play the rest of the game. I guess Ridley was fun, but so unrealistically easy...

--> Favorite Area: Chozodia. I loved the ancient feel of this area, and of course the adventurousness and all the secrets. Lots of hidden passages and opportunity to be sneaky.

--> Favorite Soundtrack theme: Surprisingly? Kraid's theme. I actually really loved the score for his battle in this game even though the fight itself was torture for me.

Metroid Metal - Kraid (NES)

--> Favorite Suit: The Zero suit. Getting to see Samus in a whole new light as well as testing just how strong she is without her super enhanced, fully powered suit and beam gun. This also brought about new challenges with having to avoid combat almost completely!

--> Least favorite boss: You guessed it. Kraid. I think I've already elaborated enough on my feelings about him.

--> Least favorite area: Tourian. But yet I don't hate it. It just causes a high amount of stress in me since I find it so difficult. Fortunately, I don't make the same mistakes I did my first time through the game anymore, but Mother Brain still hangs me up sometimes. And you have to admit, it is dark and creepy. XD

Overall score: Mmmm. 8 out of 10. Not because there's anything wrong with the game, but simply because it's not quite as fun for me as Super Metroid and I can get SUPER frustrated with it at times. But still, Nintendo did a wonderful job incorporating the story into the game and adding a whole new section to the story as well! Great game, still top of the list.

Once again, thank you all for reading!!

Disclaimer: This post is purely opinion. Therefore your rude comments implying I am wrong, are not welcome and invalid, because it is opinion and therefore not factional. Please keep them to yourself. If you didn't like this, leave the page. :]

All Copyrights to respective artists and Nintendo for the artwork and music. 

Metroid Junkie 2015

Super Metroid Review

As anyone who knows me is aware, Super Metroid is my FAVORITE Metroid series game. It is, also, my favorite video game of all time. This is the game that actually turned me into an official gamer. Although Sonic the Hedgehog was the first game I ever played when I was very young, once I got my hands on Super Metroid and my entire being enveloped in the intergalactic world, my nerd side grew.

In my opinion, this is the game of games. This review is purely based on my personal preferences and what I enjoy in video games. And that's why this is my favorite game, because it is EVERYTHING I love in a game.

So without further ado, let's dive into the good stuff.

First off, let's start with the aspects of gameplay:


--> It's a sidescroller. Sidescrollers are my favorite style of gameplay. I love being able to see a large portion of the room/environment I am in as well as what is ahead and behind me. Super Metroid does, of course, have its areas of vertical movement, but they are done so in a good way without leaving me feeling claustrophobic.

--> Controls. Very basic. Simplicity is the essence of life as I always say. Why complicate what already functions well, right? Enough said. The only thing I'd like to add is that I really loved that there was a dash button for this game. In Zero Mission and in Fusion, even though you get the Speed Booster upgrade, there is no dash, you just hold left or right for long enough and eventually Speed Booster kicks in. Sure, that makes it easy, but I loved the control and the actual difference in feel when you push the dash button. Plus your jumps go much further if you're dashing.

--> Physics. The physics in this game are so tight and natural that the game is smoother than whipped butter on warm bread. Some games get me messed up because the physics just don't make sense or are inconsistent. One problem I never had here.

--> Cutscenes. By that I mean the lack thereof. Other than the opening sequence and the end where Zebes is blown into magnificent smithereens leaving behind a new galaxy-sized star, the game doesn't have any cutscenes. And while I am usually a fan of cutscene story, the lack of cutscenes in this game do make for a flawless and smooth gameplay, I do admit.

--> Artwork. This game is BEAUTIFUL. It fully unlocked the graphical potential of the Super Nintendo and blew my mind. Still does actually. Even though it's no Metroid Prime (also gorgeous), I am still taken by the artwork in this every time I play.

--> Challenge. This game had it's personal challenges, but they were fun. They didn't go overboard like other Metroid titles. They offered the chance to feel accomplished without getting annoyed or straight up frustrated to tears. Also, you can add your own challenges by speed running, doing 100% or minimal % runs, or testing new moves in order to sequence break the game.

--> Adventure and exploration: This is my favorite thing about the game. The more you explore, the more amazing things you find, even if there's no missile pack or energy tank behind the hidden walls, just the fact that you found a hidden area through your own curiosity is just so satisfying. And 9 times out of 10, there is a special reward waiting for you!

Now I'll just share my other favorite general aspects of the game:


--> Favorite power up: Screw attack. I know, cliche. Everyone's favorite. But there's a reason. It kicks ass, looks awesome, and is fun to use. That's three reasons.

--> Favorite beam: I love all the beam upgrades in this game, as well as the ability it gives to mix and match them as desired. I will say plasma is my favorite, with wave being a close second. Plasma is just so powerful it makes your bones quiver. So powerful they won't let you equip both that and Spazer at the same time! And wave is just fun, going through walls and stuff. XD

--> Favorite boss: Ridley. He is a theme foe throughout the whole series, plus he is truly intimidating looking. Not to mention he's a dragon. Who doesn't love to see dragons?! He is also significantly harder than the last boss of the game: Motherbrain. That fight is practically scripted and part of the thrill of the Ridley battle is the fear of death. Have to mention Crocomire too. He's technically not a boss, but I would say he is as difficult as Kraid, and I always love this fight. Mostly because he is so cute. Seriously. Wish I had a miniaturization beam so I could just keep him in one of my shoulder pads. =3

--> Favorite area: Maridia. This one may come as more of a shocker, because generally the water area of games are everyone's least favorite. However, being a fan of the Water and Lakebed temples in Zelda Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess, it shouldn't be so shocking now to know that the underwater part of Zebes was my favorite. Don't ask me why. The sinking sand is a pain in the ass and Draygon is a nightmare incarnate, but for some reason I always look forward to this area. I've always said I was a mermaid or dolphin in another life.

--> Favorite Soundtrack theme: Maridia, the theme you hear upon entering via the door at the top of the short shaft containing the glass tunnel you can blast up in Brinstar. No surprise, my favorite theme comes from my favorite area. I would like to add, though, that I am a huge fan of the Super Metroid soundtrack as a whole and enjoy listening to the originals as well as remixes on a regular basis. Well done. And with a proper sound system, you will realize all the depth and bass that each song possesses making them all well rounded masterpieces. Please indulge in the great remix of said area of all time and submit to an eargasm:

Super Metroid Maridia Remix

--> Favorite Suit: GRAVITY SUIT. The Varia suit is the all-famed suit of the series, and I'll give it what it deserves. But the gravity suit has always been a sweet spot for me. It is cosmetically pleasing, a fantastic upgrade, making all areas of the game easily accessible and navigable. 

--> Least favorite boss: Even though I will be listing just a couple least favorite items, that is not to say they made the game unenjoyable or that I feel the game would've been better off without them. In every game, even the ones you love, there's always those things you just play through because you have to, but it doesn't deplete your love for the game at all. My least favorite boss was Kraid. Seriously? First boss of the game, more challenging than most others. He's actually a real bully and I remember being stuck here for a while when I first played through the game. AND HE'S EVEN MORE OF A PAIN IN ZERO MISSION HE MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM. But we love you Kraid. :P

--> Least favorite area: The Wrecked Ship. The only mercies it holds: It's short and to the point, there's no backtracking, and it's loaded with goodies. The soundtrack is fitting, but not something I'd play for entertainment while I do my chores.

Overall score: Do I really need to say it? :] Best game ever. Always makes me excited. And I wouldn't call myself the most talented gamer, but this game does make me feel like a rockstar. Love this game, and if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it. 

Thank you all for reading! 

Disclaimer: This post is purely opinion. Therefore your rude comments implying I am wrong, are not welcome and invalid, because it is opinion and therefore not factional. Please keep them to yourself. If you didn't like this, leave the page. :]

All Copyrights to respective artists and Nintendo for the artwork and music. 

Metroid Junkie 2015