I have already done a playthrough of the other GBA Metroid game named Metroid Fusion so it made sense to do this one next. It is a re-make of the original NES version of Metroid with much improved graphics and added gameplay improvements from its sequels. The developers didn't stop at that. They even extended the game and approximately doubled the size by adding a new segment on a space pirate mother ship.

As in the original, Samus simply appears on brinstar right next to her first upgrade, the morph ball. then you are off to explore the caverns of planet Zebes, pimp your power suit and defeat mother brain. the game continues at that point, but I don't want to spoil more than I already mentioned above.

In my opinion the original metroid is still a great game, but the series has progressed so far that the NES game looks ancient by now. it's a great idea to re-release it with all kinds of enhancements and see what it could have been with better technology. by the way, the original metroid game from the NES is playable in the GBA version as well so that's a pretty good deal.

One of the first things that becomes apparent, aside from technical improvements, is that this version is really easy. bomb jumps are extremely easy, even diagonally, the jumps feel more accurate, weapons feel more powerful, you can refill energy and weapons at save points and chozo statues, she can grab onto ledges with the power grip... this time, however, there is a hard mode after you beat normal mode. it existed in metroid fusion as well, but only in the japanese version. hard mode and 100% completion will keep you busy for a while, but i found it easier to stay under 2 hours in this game than in fusion. that was probably because fusion required a lot more complex shinesparks and i hated those.

The game has a really good feeling. Samus' controls are responsive, the graphics are great, the sound is ok as well, though not particularly amazing, and the expanded storyline is a great addition to the lore and fits in the game nicely.

I think this is the complete package of the original metroid. without my nostalgia goggles, I would say the GBA re-make is clearly the superior version. you even get the original game as well so you can fall back to that one any time. the only complaints i have are that the cutscenes add little to the understanding of what is going on and that the power bombs have no real purpose other than breaking a glass corridor like in super metroid and getting more power bombs for the completion score. the cutscenes look like pages ripped out of a comic book and handed over to you with the remark "here, this is the story". speaking of cutscenes: Samus looks incredibly ugly. her face looks almost deformed. whoever was the artist that drew her and whoever approved that to be added into the game is evil beyond redemption.

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