"A hard Metroid game?"

My introduction into the Metroid series was when Super Metroid came out, but I didn't know I actually had this game. I was young and never gave it a chance do to how difficult this game is. After beating all the other metroid games, I decided to try this one. I started playing it last month and I beat it a little bit ago. The game is not easy.

Gameplay: 10/10
Following the standard Metroid routine, the game is somewhat freeform and quite long. The game is played the same way you would play any other side scrolling Metroid game. The controls are simple and the game is not mindless or repetitive. It is a fun adventure that all can enjoy.

Graphics: 10/10
Since this is a gameboy game we are talking about here, don't expect the greatest graphics. The game is black and white if you play on a gameboy without color. It is actually much easier to play with color and light, but not required. The game doesn't have too many different kinds of enemies, but you don't really get bored with the ones it does have. The backgrounds in the world seem to be clear and easily seen. The enemies seem to have been detailed quite well for the time too.

Difficulty: 10/10
This game is the most difficult Metroid game I have played to date. It takes forever to beat and the bosses are not easy. I would gladly shake the persons hand who beat this game with ease. I would consider myself to be pretty good at certain games such as this, but this provided me with a challenge that made me feel proud when I beat the game. The ending of the game was very memorable as it sets you up for the next adventure.

Sound: 7/10
Again, don't expect the greatest sound from a Gameboy game. The game seemed to have about 1 song that looped forever. The sound of the weapons seemed to never get old. That familiar zap of the energy beam reminded me of my super metroid days. The title music was decent because it it so memorable. One thing to note about the title music of Metroid games is it's very memorable and hard to get out of your head.

Replay value: 7/10
This game was so difficult. When I beat the game, I didn't really want to play it again. The size of SR388 and the time I put into the game made it not worth it to me. I don't feel like beating this game again after about 20 hours of playing it looking at that tiny screen. I'll spare my eyes.

The world: 10/10
SR388 was a very interesting world. Full of many different creatures, the world seemed to be aliave. The Metroid species is the dominant life force on the planet and they rule it. The Metroid feed on an organism called X parasites, but that is for a different game(Metroid Fusion). The game doesn't seem to really follow the story of the original Metroid, but it stands out on its own well.

Story: 4/10
What story is there to report on? No background information is given, but it sets the player up for another adventure that is even greater. What little there is of the story is somewhat up to the player to decide. I saw the story as Samus trying to rid the planet SR388 of the Metroid species. I never found out why though. That is something I would like to learn.

The controls: 10/10
Can't get any easier than this. The controls for this game are simple. Select to switch weapons, start to pause, a to jump, b to fire. The directional pad is obviously used to move from left to right and point your weapon in different directions.

In conclusion, this is a good game, but I wouldn't really search all over for it unless you feel devoted to the series enough that you have to buy it. If you do manage to find it somewhere for a decent price, it's worth a few bucks. It will keep you busy for quite a while. I would like to see an updated version for the Nintendo DS or Gameboy advance, but this one suits me just fine since it took so long.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/06/06