Finally beat the original Metroid on the way home from work today after picking up the GBA Famicom classics version two weeks ago and it's a phemomenal game that offers something different in what is now a very saturated genre.
I've owned the game on 3DS virtual console for many years but never gave it a proper try. How wrong I was. Having rolled the credits I think what sets the original Metroid apart are two things:
The absence of a clearly defined sequence through the game.
Once you get the bombs it's completely up to you where you go and which order you attempt things. This makes the game more similar to something like Zelda 1 (also debuted for the FDS) where experimentation is key – indeed, the ice beam can be smartly used for survival until you amass enough health or missiles.
A very focused and tight challenge
This is a challenging game, but one where no death feels like wasted time. The map isn't large, but repeated runs through it help solidify its structure in your brain. Meanwhile, repeated encounters through challenging rooms and with enemies help you figure out new strategies – you realise certain enemies drop more health than others, or some enemies are best frozen rather than completely destroyed, or the layout of a specific room is clearly hiding a secret that you hadn't noticed on your first route through it.
I think the combination of both the above attributes is why Metroid is absolutely worth your time if you're looking for something that diverges from the established formula that Super Metroid (itself a remake of Metroid) laid down.
The challenge adds credence to the idea that Zebes is a harsh, unforgiving and alien landscape, while the lack of direction makes what is in modern terms a very small map feel like a huge world that's enjoyable to conquer.
I went in expecting a lo-fi version of Zero Mission but the two games couldn't be more different, Zero Mission has its own qualities but it's really an entirely different game with the theming of Metroid applied to it.
What are your thoughts on the original Metroid?
by LightPad
8 Comments
No way did the original end screen say “the space”… what version is this?
Why is the FDS ending different to the NES version lol. Really bad /r/engrish
Well the big problem with dying in this game is that you start with 30 energy, and it’s extremely time-consuming to farm back to 6 energy tanks late-game. Combined with not being able to shoot diagonally, down, or anything by your feet, it can be a very frustrating game. Metroid 2 fixed a lot of the issues, and Super Metroid fixed the rest.
I just restarted Metroid Zero Mission, had no idea it was the anniversary!
Tough game! Congrats!
The Other Metroid?!
As in the “Other M”?! It was fated.
I forgot that you need to finish the game under a certain time to see Samus take off her helmet and suit
That last boss took me forever
Congrats! That game is impossible.