Super Metroid (SNES) review "Metroid is one of the most famous series that has ever crossed the earth, and one of nintendo's main claim to fame is this series. However, I do not beleive that the first two Metroids were worthy of that fame. Quite frankly they were very disapointing games to me, and I can tell you many other games I'd rather play. Super Metroid, however, is a game that is actually FUN at times. I did not really expect that, after boring my way into the first two Metroids. This is the only game slightly deserv..."

Metroid is one of the most famous series that has ever crossed the earth, and one of nintendo's main claim to fame is this series. However, I do not beleive that the first two Metroids were worthy of that fame. Quite frankly they were very disapointing games to me, and I can tell you many other games I'd rather play. Super Metroid, however, is a game that is actually FUN at times. I did not really expect that, after boring my way into the first two Metroids. This is the only game slightly deserving of the fame, and although it is very far from perfect, Super Metroid does give a fairly entertaining ride.

STORY (7/10): Super Nintendo was when storyline began to truly became a part of gaming. With RPG's and action games that first began to show a sign of hidden stories, Super Metroid also had one. An interesting lizardlike creature named Ridley stole the last remaining Metroid. Samus then goes out after him, trying to stop Ridley. Along the way you will be forced to fight Ridley, and the Metroid. It has subbosses that all look different, and very interesting. Not too bad of a story really.

GRAPHICS (13/15): Quite frankly, when I first put it in I was dazzled. Compared to many other Super Nintendo games, it was as good and better. It was extremely colorful, and the enemies looked alot better than the past two Metroids. Of course, you must put into account that the Super Nintendo was a much more powerful console then the Gameboy and NES.

SOUND (8/10): The traditional Metroid music returns, and more orchestrated than ever. Personally I am fond of the music in all of the Metroid's as it is nice and fairly good to listen to.

GAMEPLAY (38/50): Super Metroid comes in with the same recipe that made the past Metroids succesful. Search a way through a vast underground lair killing various unearthly specimens with an array of weapons. Also Samus Aran has more equipment then ever, and including the past such as the iceray, the ability to roll into a ball, the spiderball, and of course the bombs. So the past array of equipment is apparent again in Super Metroid, making this game the cult favorite again.

There was alot of weakness in the past Metroids though, and some of them have been fixed. First of all the one add-on that probably jumped this games rating up 15 points, the map. Yes, for once you can actually know where you are going. The map was a huge addition to the Metroid series, and is the biggest strength of Super Metroid compared to the rest of the series. You can try to figure out where to travel next, using your extensive, useful, and easy to use map. Another add on is the idea of original bosses. Instead of facing the same boring Metroids over and over again, instead you get interesting bosses with their own weaknesses to try and outsmart. This actually makes the bosses fun.

The sidescrolling missions are actually fun, as you work the way through with your map. It still has it's irritating times where you are basically stuck and you can't find your new route, or you need that special weapon. All in all though, the gameplay is much improved compared to the past.

REPLAYABILITY (6/10): This a sidescrolling action adventure, based alot on mazes and figuring out where your new skill can best be used. Once you figure it out once, it really is never as fun to do it again. However, in Super Metroid, there are alot of skills you don't need to get, but will have to get if you are going for 100%. Also there are various endings depending on your time taking, so it is really not that bad.

DIFFICULTY (4/5): At times the difficulty is simple. Just head left to right, or vice-versa. Not too much work involved there. However, later on you will get completely stuck, and with no clues possible to move you on. So you will either go on the internet for help, or search out every possible ruote. Thank god for the map this time, the greatest addition to the game series.

OVERALL (76/100): This is the game that showed me the potential the Metroid series really had. I actually enjoyed as I worked through it. I still believe Super Metroid is an extremely overated game, but it is fun. It is worth a pick up, and it is by FAR the best in these series. Not a bad addition to any gaming library however, and I actually would reccomend the pickup. I do not really regret getting this Metroid.

Community review by ratking (November 14, 2002) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.