Super Metroid

"Game.... so.... overrated...."

Some games are so simple that they are fun. The most obvious example off the top of my head is the Mario games. Run, jump, repeat. Well, Super Metroid is also a very simple game. Run, shoot, get in the form of a ball, repeat. But regardless of this, and of all the rave reviews this game gets, it's a pretty boring game.

Graphics
No one is disputing that this game, for its time, was a piece of eye candy. The graphics are simply beautiful. Considering that this was made near the end of the SNES's life, the programmers obviously knew all the tricks to make this game graphically outstanding. The attention to detail is extraordinary, and the colors look simply outstanding. And the game has a dark tone, which adds to the element of suspense and overall spookiness of the game. Once again, no one is complaining about the graphics. Graphics: 10/10

Sound
Much like the graphics, the sound is simply amazing. Very dark and spooky music which really helps set the mood for this game. The sound effects are very good as well. I do believe that their is a soundtrack for this game floating around. You may have to go on eBay or your local anime store to pick it up, and I suggest you do so. I don't listen to game soundtracks, but you really should pick the soundtrack up. Overall, excellent sound. Sound: 10/10

Controls
With all the tens this game is getting, it's hard to think I'm giving this game an overall rating of a four! The controls are great. Quick, responsive, and easy to use. Shoot, shoot missile, move, and that's about the extent of the controls of this game. Simple enough. Controls: 10/10

Gameplay
This is one of the most boring games I have ever played. I honestly can't understand why this game gets all the praise it gets. Basically, you run around shooting creatures while going down a hallway. Then you shoot a door down and go through it. Then wait about 5 seconds for it to load (loading times on a cartridge-based game is what I call a no-no) and repeat. Sure, you may have to go and find some other object, but what I just described is pretty much the entire game. If you played the original Metroid for the NES, or Metroid II for the Game Boy, you pretty much know what to expect. If you find running and shooting things fun instead of boring and tedious, then pick up this game. Gameplay: 4/10

Replay Value
I played through most of this game then tossed it aside. It is seriously one of the most boring games I ever played. While it is quite difficult and in some places fun enough to play, in general, this game will put you to sleep. This is why I give the replay value a low score. Replay: 2/10

Overall
The most overrated game ever? No, probably not. The most overrated game on the SNES? Probably. This game is just simply not fun. While some games can pull off a really fun game with a basic formula, like Mario or Pac-Man, this game fails to deliver in my book. Overall: 4/10

Notice
OK, I just want to point out that I am not one of those people who feel it's funny to give a bad review to a popular game. I am simply conveying how I felt about this game. I feel that it is boring. I am not trying to be cute or clever or anything like that :)

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 11/03/01, Updated 11/03/01