Metroid: Samus Returns
2017
- platform
- adventure
- action
- science fiction
- single player
The story
Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus. It uses a 3D graphic style with a side view camera that zooms in and changes for cutscenes. It also has new mechanics, items, and abilities. "Brave the hostile terrain of an alien planet teeming with vicious life forms as legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran. Her mission? Terminate the Metroid menace in this masterful reimagining of her 1991 Game Boy adventure. Samus Aran’s arsenal has been enhanced with new moves and abilities that are sure to help her face the deadly surprises that await. This intense, side-scrolling action platformer is a great entry point into the Metroid franchise and perfect for returning fans as well, and it’s available only on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems."
What it’s like
Dark, cavernous rock rendered in moody blues, sickly greens and the hot orange of Samus's visor and beam, with the 3DS's stereoscopic depth making stalactites and chasms feel layered behind the play field. The camera hangs at a side view that swoops in close for combat and pulls back for wide shots of subterranean lakes and ruins, while cutscenes cut to crisp, quiet close-ups of Samus in her suit. The soundtrack is a sparse, ambient mix of low synth drones and brooding percussion that drops out entirely in tense stretches, leaving only the hiss of ventilation, dripping water and the crunch of footsteps on stone. Tone is isolated and tense, a cool solitary dread with a steady sense of progress, and the rhythm is methodical: explore a sprawling, interconnected map, backtrack with newly earned abilities, and hunt for the next upgrade. Intensity is moderate: frequent, stylised action with creature combat and explosive beam fire, plus some grotesque alien designs, but no gore on human figures and no sexual content, and fear comes from ambush and atmosphere more than shock. It suits a late evening alone with headphones, a patient handheld session on a commute, or players who enjoy slow-burn exploration, careful pattern-learning, and the satisfaction of a map opening up piece by piece.
More games like Metroid: Samus Returns
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Metroid: Samus Returnsand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
