Metroid: Zero Mission Review

Remember on the NES, a game called Metroid? For the many that missed out on this classic, now is the time when you can finally play the remake. You play as Samus, a space babe, and have to defeat your nemesis, Mother Brain. The storyline is pretty much easy to figure out, if you played any other Metroid game before, including Metroid Prime.

The objective of MZM was to teach newcomers to the series the basics of Metroid gameplay. You get all of Samus’ moves that were from the original game and nothing more. It is a very faithful remake when compared to the rudimental version. That is the thing I loved about this game. Unlike Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes, you can keep all the same strategies used in the original version. This is proof that remakes can be just as fun (or even better) than the original. I just said that newcomers to the series will probably enjoy this game, but does it hold enough water to please veterans? My answer: without a doubt.

The only problem most gamers will find in this game is how short it really is. It is very possible to beat this game in under 10 hours (my top score: 3:45:56). However, there is a hard mode to keep fans of the series busy for a while. Also, note that I beat this game three times on easy mode to get my top score.

The game’s graphics are great. It looks like if it was originally made on the SNES. The game’s audio is also top of the line. The background music is always a pleasure to hear, and the sound effects (i.e. when you blast stuff) really stretch the limit of the GBA.

Some veterans of the series are saying that Nintendo is repeating the series too much (i.e. nearly exactly the same gameplay with better graphics and different enemy models). I liked this game because it really brings back good memories. However, if Nintendo decides to create another “repeat,� I will be the first one to boycott buying the game. The first time is great, the second time (if released a while later) is a charm, and the third time is down right annoying.

I really was never a fan of the Metroid series, but I did like the original Metroid a lot. Who would have guessed I was one of the only ones on the planet to dislike Metroid Prime (too long, boring, hard, etc.) and Super Metroid was well…not that super. I finally can say that I like another Metroid game.