Super Metroid

"Best. Metroid. Ever."

Super Metroid was created by Gunpei Yokoi in 1994 and one of my first Metroid games I have played on the SNES. When I first got it back in 1996, I popped it in my SNES and enjoyed the fun. Out of all the Metroids, like Metroid, Metroid II, Metroid Fusion, Prime, and Zero Mission. This is the best Metroid game you will have fun with. Nintendo was beloved for it's popular franchises like Mario and Zelda. But the Metroid franchise is more than you can imagine. This is a real treat wether or not you are a Metroid fan. But let's get on to the review:

Graphics: 10/10 - Even as a SNES title, it has mouth-watering graphics you can imagine. It is sleek with multiple backgrounds and lots of animation. Samus is looking better than ever and Zebes is one of the most detailed planets I have ever seen. The clouds in Crateria looks realistic and the pits in Norfair lools impressive. The water in Maridia looks realistic at least. I'd give it a 10 for the realistic type of thing.

Story: 8/10 - You, Samus Aran, are on a mission to wipe out Space Pirates in Zebes. Samus first saw a egg in SR388 and it hatched as a baby Metroid. Samus gave it to the scientists to exam it. But, suddenly, something happened in the Space Colony and you have to find out what it is. This is a marvelous story and it's interesting to hear from Samus. I'd give it an 8.

Music: 9/10 - Even as a Metroid title, it has wonderful music you will love to hear. The boss music is incredible and it will leave you having for more. The music can get scary when you first enter a boss door and it can leave you hanging. I must say, I love the music in Super Metroid and reccomend it to anyone. I'd give this a 9.

Controls: 10/10 - By far, this game has great controls that are responsive and confortable. However, when you first start the game, you have to change the controls, as the default ones suck. I made mine like when you press the "B" button, you can jump. The "Y" buttons makes Samus shoot or lay a Bomb. The "X" button enables you to dash or see through the X-Ray Visor. The "Start" button enables you to go to the Map or view Samus's inventory. The "Select" buttons allows you to select missles, power bombs, etc. for Samus's arm cannon. I think you should set the controls like the ones as I told you since it's more comfortable, but that's just me. I will give this a 10 right here.

Gameplay: 10/10 - Now this is what I'm talking about! The gameplay acts like a side-scrolling shooter and you can travel anywhere you want! You can pick up items along your adventure to power up. The items include Suits, Beams, Morph Balls, Space Jumps, etc. and it helps in hot or underwater places. Mostly, the beams include Ice, Wave, Plasma, Spazer, and Charge kind of like in the original Metroid. Once you release a different beam, it can have an effect to a certain enemy. Also, when you get the speed booster, you can dash faster than before which is a real treat. The Screw Attack enables you to fly through enemies in an viciously way. But if you don't have the Space Jump equipped, then you can't fly with it. There is also inventory you use like Missles, Super Missles, Power Bombs, Grapple Beam, and the X-Ray Visor witch is also useful against certain doors or areas. If you played the original NES Metroid, you will remember the place in Brinstar where you first got the Morph Ball. :). I give it a 10 right here for lots of item-hunting and great adventures.

Enemies: 10/10 - I especially love the enemies that are included in the game! Most of all, it has all it could offer in this game. Sure, there are classic enemies in the original Metroid with improved graphics, but there are new ones too! The return of Ridley, Kraid, and Mother Brain is back. New bosses are also included in the game. Some enemies have a special effect which can only be destroyed with a different type of bomb/beam., making this game difficult in cases. I will give this a 10 for different types of enemies.

Buy or Rent?: Buy! It is a masterpiece which any Metroid lovers will enjoy. If you enjoyed many of the Nintendo franchises, then

Conclusion: I have to reccomend Super Metroid to anyone. It is a masterpiece where you could still find in Gamestop or EBGames for under $10. Adventure fans will love how this game will work on the Super Nintendo. If your not a Metroid fan, at least give this one a try because you will miss out all the fun. Out of all the Metroids, this is the best Metroid game I can enjoy.

Graphics - 10/10
Story - 8/10
Music - 9/10
Controls - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Enemies - 10/10

Overall - 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/30/04