"Flawless port. Almost flawless game."

Introduction

It goes without saying that Metroid II: Return of Samus was a great game. You find out that the Metroids are not just Life Suckers, but they evolve and molt like...let's say an insect. I first played this game online, as a flash. I didn't know about emulators back then. In September, I received a 3DS. I played it to death. When I finally discovered that this game was ported into the 3DS Virtual Console, I begged my parents for one of those Redeemable Prepaid Cards. On my birthday a couple weeks ago, I got 30 dollars from my grandmother and a 20 dollar Target Gift Card from a friend. Then, just a few days ago, I finally got a chance to go to GameStop. I got the Prepaid Card and as soon as I got home, I bought and downloaded Metroid 2 as well as one of those keyboard apps. I played Metroid 2 almost constantly. I watched as the Metroids evolved. I fought them. And now it is time to get on with this review.

Story (9/10)

The story is pretty simple. The Galactic Federation sent research teams to SR388 to research the life there, and got killed by Metroids. Because of this, they call on Samus to defeat the Metroids there because she alone has the most experience of them, and she has the right kind of Suit to defeat them. As you go on, you discover that they aren't just one type. There's many types, becoming more and more resistant and more difficult to defeat as they evolve. That's the only story, but then again most Metroid games don't really have much story.

Gameplay (9.5/10)

The controls and gameplay both are better than the original Metroid. There's not much for me to say, really. There isn't an in-game map, but then again, the tunnels tend to overlap, unlike the original Metroid. You can crouch now, plus you get more abilities like the Space Jump, Plasma Beam, and Spider Ball.

Graphics and Sound (9/10)

As a direct port to the 3DS, none of it has been modified. They are excellent for the GameBoy's limitations, and it did do a lot for the series. Have you ever wondered why the Varia Suit has larger shoulders than the Power Suit? This game is the reason. Nintendo could not just change the color of the Suit like they did in the original, because it was all in black and white, or rather green and black. (If you hold L and R, and press Y, you'll see what I mean.) The sound is also good for the system.

Replayability

It's replayable. You can always see if you can beat your previous times. It takes a couple hours, 2 to 3, with a map. Without one, it takes at least 4 hours for people used to having a map.

Rent or Buy?

Buy it if you must have the whole series. It's only $3.99.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/12/11

Game Release: Metroid II: Return of Samus (US, 11/24/11)