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Metroid: Samus Returns Review

Beware Space Pirates. Beware Metroids. Samus Aran is back and she is locked & loaded.

There are also gigantic statues on each level which must be filled with Metroid DNA before you can move on to the next section and also to gain helpful hints. There is nothing to explain any of this though and that is part of the fun with ‘Returns’  it doesn’t spell out everything for you. It allows you to organically learn things on your own.

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In ‘Return’ Samus does have some new abilities in her arsenal. Firstly, because of the analog stick, she can fire in any direction which adds a whole new dimension of strategy to the platformer.

Secondly, Samus has a new defensive move which allows her to block an incoming attack and in the same motion stun the foe making them easy pickings for some swift damage. It takes some patience to get the timing right but once you do, some of those alien baddies won’t seem so bad anymore.

Thirdly, Samus can use a rechargeable energy pulse which can light up the map around her and reveal hidden passageways or pathways, hidden doors and hidden bricks or blocks which can be destroyed. The pulse doesn’t always solve the various directional puzzles but it does come in handy time and time again.

Release Date: September 15th, 2017
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
Genre: Action-adventure
ESRB Rating: E10
MSRP: $ 49.99

Some other enhancements include the ability to slow time and absorb damage.

Despite all of these upgrades to the gameplay, you cannot just charge ahead hoping to just mow down your extra-terrestrial enemies. If you do, you will be a distant memory in seconds. Prowling around the inside of the planet, you must move carefully to precisely target the Metroids.

Although it is no Metroid Prime Hunters, which still ranks as one of the very best Nintendo DS games ever made, ‘Metroid: Samus Returns’ is the prime example of how to reintroduce a game by not just giving it a new coat of paint but actually altering the gameplay and introducing new elements that advance and enhance the original game. ‘Metroid: Samus Returns’ is a must-have for any Samus fan and anyone who owns a 3DS.

Summary

A reboot that successfully brings the series back to its roots. Samus has never looked or played so good.

Overall
80%
80%

Pros

  • New Game-Changing Abilities
  • Great Atmospheric
  • Music Takes full advantage of 3D mode
  • Keeps what is best about the core Metroid experience

Cons

  • The story is as weak as Bruce Banner
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