"The best game ever on the best system"

Metroid is one of those must play classic games. But with Metroid, not only are you playing the game; you're experiencing it. It takes you to a whole new world. The awesome music and fitting graphics (sci-fi) draw you in, while the gameplay hooks you forever.

Graphics: 10

The graphics are, in a word, great. Circa 1986, the plain black background and alien enemy's are very good for an early NES game. It has this whole sci-fi theme that fits in with the storyline and graphics well.

Music: 10

Great, pulsing well written stuff. Each different area has it's own songs, and all are equally great. You might even want to download the songs, they're great to listen to while surfing the net.

Gameplay: 10

Gunpei Yokio was the main designer of Metroid, and he sure didn't scimp in the gameplay arena. Samus (the main character, hero) moves swiftly right and left, up and down. Samus can jump standing or spinning, roll into a ball and drop bombs, and even power up with High Jump boots.

Challenge: 10

Planet Zebes, which Samus has to explore, is absolutly huge. If you don't have a map you're gonna get stuck. I've heard that even after beating the entire game, 60% of the planet has still been unexplored. Thats because the many hidden areas, found by a door trick. After beating the Mother Brain you can still have fun restarting the game and finding new areas. And even if you get stuck, just jot down the (rather long) password so you can restart just where you left off.

Overall: 10

If you don't own Metroid yet, go buy it! It's worth it no matter what the price. I bought my copy for $5 at Funcoland, but easily would have spent $50 on it. Yes, Metroid is that good. Don't think because of it's age that it's unworthy of your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/03/00, Updated 03/03/00