Before I check out this game, my favorite 2D Metroid was Fusion. I have seen many people consider this title as the best of the whole franchise, so I braced myself for some hype backslash. Then I realize that the hype isn't unfound; the environment is inviting and atmospheric, the control is spot on, and the minimalist story is handled quite well, even without my beloved lore in Prime series. Boss fights are tense and epic, and Samus' animation is incredibly fluid (though her jumping animation is as goofy as always).
This is easily one of my favorite sidescroller ever, but it is not without issues. The game also suffers a bit of a Guide Dang It. The infamous glass tube could be destroyed by a Power Bomb, but it would be easier for players if the tube glows yellow or have a Power Bomb icon as an indication. I also wish the game allow you to mark locations where you cannot proceed so that you can go back after acquiring a new ability, that way players will not get stuck and have to visit everything again; it also makes walkthroughs easier to follow. Wall jumping isn't that bad, but by this time I was spoiled by New Super Mario Bros., the one that does not require you to face the opposite direction before you jump.
My complaints might come off as nitpicking, but I am doing it out of desire that this superb game can improve. As of this writing Nintendo has announced both a 2D and a 3D Metroid. I hope one day they will remake this game and iron out its flaws. Why can't Metroid crawl? Because this is not Metroid 2. Why can't Samus crawl? Because this is not Zero Mission.
Deserving its status
Before I check out this game, my favorite 2D Metroid was Fusion. I have seen many people consider this title as the best of the whole franchise, so I braced myself for some hype backslash. Then I realize that the hype isn't unfound; the environment is inviting and atmospheric, the control is spot on, and the minimalist story is handled quite well, even without my beloved lore in Prime series. Boss fights are tense and epic, and Samus' animation is incredibly fluid (though her jumping animation is as goofy as always). This is easily one of my favorite sidescroller ever, but it is not without issues. The game also suffers a bit of a Guide Dang It. The infamous glass tube could be destroyed by a Power Bomb, but it would be easier for players if the tube glows yellow or have a Power Bomb icon as an indication. I also wish the game allow you to mark locations where you cannot proceed so that you can go back after acquiring a new ability, that way players will not get stuck and have to visit everything again; it also makes walkthroughs easier to follow. Wall jumping isn't that bad, but by this time I was spoiled by New Super Mario Bros., the one that does not require you to face the opposite direction before you jump. My complaints might come off as nitpicking, but I am doing it out of desire that this superb game can improve. As of this writing Nintendo has announced both a 2D and a 3D Metroid. I hope one day they will remake this game and iron out its flaws. Why can't Metroid crawl? Because this is not Metroid 2. Why can't Samus crawl? Because this is not Zero Mission.