History VideoGame / MetroidSamusReturns

''Metroid: Samus Returns'' is a 2017 TwoAndAHalfD action-platforming game for the UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 3DS}}, co-developed by Creator/MercurySteam and [[Creator/{{Nintendo}} Nintendo EPD]]. It is the first 2D platformer in the ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' series since ''VideoGame/MetroidZeroMission'', which was released thirteen years prior.

Much like what ''Zero Mission'' is to the first ''[[VideoGame/{{Metroid 1}} Metroid]]'', ''Samus Returns'' is a [[VideoGameRemake complete re-imagining]] of the UsefulNotes/GameBoy title ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus''. The premise remains the same as the original: the Galactic Federation, deciding that the Metroids are too dangerous to be left alive, hires Samus to go to Planet [=SR388=] and exterminate them. Compared to the original title, ''Samus Returns'' has received a massive overhaul in the visuals department, moving forward to a vast, 3D landscape while updating the look and feel of the game into one consistent with the ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeTrilogy''. Gameplay has also received major updates; in addition to the introduction of gameplay mechanics and abilities first introduced in later games in the series, ''Samus Returns'' features a duo of new core gameplay mechanics: the melee counter, a CounterAttack that allows Samus to parry and dispatch her foes, and the Aeion abilities, a set of four never-before-seen abilities that grant Samus incredible powers.

* AdaptationExpansion: This game is described as a reimagination of the original, rather than a remake. The original game implied a lot, but ultimately was a cipher due to the memory limitations of the UsefulNotes/GameBoy. ''Samus Returns'' fills in those cracks with expanded environments and new explanations for old mechanics. For example, in the original, killing the Metroids was what prompted the acidic substance to retreat, whereas in ''Samus Returns'', Samus must collect Metroid DNA for special Chozo statues, which then drain the acid and allow forward progress.

* InternalHomage: The box art is a CGI recreation of the original game's box art. The special edition even comes with a reversible cover that has an identical copy of it. However, the bar code on the backside is designed not to be scanned at all. The original title screen (with the palette applied by default when the game is played on a UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor or UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance) can be seen through the scan lines and the code is [[MythologyGag 00SR38800]] (real bar codes never have letters in them).