"No matter what anyone says or tells you, don't believe it, because this is one of the best Video Games ever made!"

The Defender of the Universe, Samus Aran, returns is what is arguably the best Game Boy game of all time, and one of the top overall Video Games of all time.

First, Samus destroyed the Zebestian Space Pirates' lair of Tourain on the planet Zebes, in 1986's amazing NES game; Metroid. Then, she stopped the Space Pirates from using an experimental mutagen on Tallon IV in 2002's awesome Metroid Prime, (Yes, Metroid Prime is a prequel to Metroid II, so this game is now Metroid III.) Then, Samus was called back into action to destroy all other Metroids on their home planet; SR388.

Story: 10/10
The nice thing about every Metroid game is that each one is dependant on the previous installment for understanding the current game. Every Metroid game picks up no less then a month after the other. In the first game, Samus defeated intergalactic Space Pirates from taking over the universe with Metroids, then, she stopped the Pirates from using Mutagen on Metroids.

Next, the Galactic Federation, (The head honchos in the future) decided to kill any other Metroids that might still be alive, on their home planet of SR388, so the Zebes incident would not happen again. They sent Scientists there, to see if there were any left. The Federation got a message back, one week later. It was a distress message! They sent a rescue convoy to SR388, but they were never heard from again! There was only one thing to do: Send Samus Aran to exterminate the Metroids herself!

--Classic. It's got a well-written, movie-worthy storyline. I love it. I just wish the game had story screens.

Graphics: 10/10

The graphics are amazing. Especially on the Game Boy Color, with it's specialized color setting for Metroid II. The game's graphics are crisp, clear, and amazing. Samus looks very beefed-up since the first game.

Music: 9/10

While it's very, very good and atmospheric, it doesn't match the excellence of the music for the first game, by Hip Tanaka. The music in Metroid was actually scary. The kind of scary that would make you wet your pants, if you were playing the game in your room, alone, at night.....

Here, it's only barely scary. while a few can make you shiver, that's as far as it goes. When compared to Hip's music, it's only sub-par, but on it's own, it's excellent.

Gameplay: 10/10

Smooth. 8-way firing, jump button, fire button,it can't be screwed up. The controls are easy to master, and that's a good thing, 'cause you'll need to muster all of your courage and skills to make it through the geography of SR388. Like the first game, it's one map, separated by barriers. Getting new items and abilities give you access to new areas. You can return to multiple areas as many times as necessary to get the job done. It's an experience that can't be fully described, because it's so excellent.

Overall: 10/10

With different endings, great music, a spooky atmosphere, and the coolest Bounty Hunter around, this game is one of, if not the, best Game Boy game around. Not counting Metroid Fusion, because that's on Game Boy Advance. Different system.

Anyway, if you see it, and you are one of us giant Metroid fans, check-it-out. You will not at all be disappointed. That's a guarantee.

''See you next mission.''

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/16/02, Updated 11/16/02