This review was originally launched in 2014, and we’re updating and republishing it to mark the game’s arrival in the GBA library on Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
Released a full eight years after its phenomenal Super Nintendo predecessor Super Metroid, 2002’s Metroid Fusion is an atmospheric, tense, well-paced game and often-overlooked GBA classic that, while not as substantial and expansive as the other 2D games in the series. , it is very suitable for portable games.
Naturally, you play as Samus Aran, the legendary bounty hunter tasked with undoing the Space Pirates’ sinister plans and destroying their organic weapon, the Metroids. Samus accompanies a group of scientists to SR388, the Metroid homeworld, intending to study the planet, but is unwittingly accosted by a virulent organism known as Parasite X. The reality of this infection is once explained that she loses consciousness and crashes her ship on the return trip, though she escapes the impact unscathed, her body and equipment riddled with X-ray parasites and her chances of survival slim. Her signature insignia, the Power Suit, is surgically removed and cells from the latest Metroid are injected into her, saving her from a grim death but drastically altering her appearance. Weakened, she has little time to recover when an explosion rocks the laboratory containing both the creatures collected during the exploratory mission and her Power Suit, placing her in charge of investigating this mysterious space station.
It’s a powerful opening sequence, especially for those who’ve played Super Metroid. Samus believes the Metroid shot given to her was derived (spoilers!) from the Baby Metroid in the SNES title, and as such owes her life twice. Metroids were apparently designed to be X’s sole predator, and through cell infusion he can now absorb X parasites into his body. Previous experience with the series isn’t necessarily required to enjoy this entry, but knowing that Samus’ own actions in taking down the Metroids in Metroid II: Return of Samus indirectly caused the events of Metroid Fusion adds great flavor. We recommend playing at least Super Metroid before this one (but recommend it to anyone who wants to listen, regardless).
The game itself has been refined from previous versions. Samus is sharper than ever and still uses her spinning jump and 8-way aiming abilities from previous games, but now she can also grab onto ledges and scale certain surfaces. Unsurprisingly, Samus has removed the bonuses from the previous game through the removal of her Power Suit, and these are gradually unlocked as you progress through the game.
So far, so Metroid. Metroid Fusion’s progression, however, is surprisingly linear. Samus receives instructions from the computer aboard her ship, which she names “Adam” in honor of her late commander, and there’s very little room to stray from the main path for most of the game. Metroid Fusion has a story, a story it insists on telling and points you in one direction. Metroid games have always been linear experiences, of course. Sure, you go back and innovate once you gain a new ability, but there’s usually only one thread to follow, no matter how cleverly stitched into the map it is.
second opinion
It can certainly be said that Metroid Fusion is much more linear and, therefore, easier than its ancestors and descendants. Admittedly, compared to Metroid Prime Remastered, Fusion will likely feel like a walk in the park thanks to frequent advice from Samus’ “ADAM” AI support. You’ll never be short of where to go or what to do, but make no mistake, it’s still Metroid through and through. You’ll find new upgrades, extra energy tanks, missiles, and a host of grotesque boss characters that you’ll need to dispatch quickly. It’s one of the most unique entries in the long-running Metroid franchise, and we’re excited to experience it again on Switch.
ollie reynolds
personal writer
So it’s perhaps a little disappointing that Metroid Fusion often seals certain roads with locked doors, especially towards the start of the game. It’s this lack of ingenuity and originality that keeps Metroid Fusion from surpassing its 2D predecessor. , Super Metroid, in quality, but it doesn’t spoil gameplay and is arguably suitable for the shorter gaming sessions typically associated with handheld gaming. For fans of the series who know the story, Metroid Fusion’s narrative is also worth checking out. It’s a gripping story of suspense and intrigue, perfectly matched to Samus’ hostile environment and unfamiliar sense of helplessness.
The research station Samus is exploring is home to a number of biological specimens now infected with the evil X-parasites. The variety of enemies on display is impressive, and the boss fights in particular are fun and inventive. Samus’ biggest enemies are X Parasites who have one of her previous buffs and use that ability against her. The opponent holding the Morph Ball, for example, is an alien armadillo that coils into a sphere and rolls towards Samus, while the boss holding the high jump, and you’d never guess it, leaps into the air. .
It’s a nice little touch, revisited again in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and used in both games to great effect to make Samus look suitably vulnerable without her gear and properly fueled once she’s down. cured. Again, it’s Metroid 101, but Fusion does it very effectively.
A definite highlight in terms of enemies is the SA-X, a Samus look-alike created by infecting her Power Suit. This ruthless clone tracks down the bounty hunter and is in full possession of his full arsenal of weaponry, including the Ice Beam, which he is now extremely susceptible to thanks to his Metroid DNA. The game frequently reminds you that the SA-X is too powerful to fight in its current state, and escaping the creature while trying to reach the next objective is tense and exhilarating.
Graphically, Metroid Fusion is a joy to behold, with detailed sprites and moody atmospheric environments. It’s awash in color (partly to help players see the action better on stock GBA hardware without backlighting), which is refreshing for a title with a sci-fi setting where a dark, muted palette would have been the obvious choice. The environments are different and varied, showing an excellent fusion of organic and mechanical design.
Metroid Fusion is far from the longest game in the series. Going through the story itself should take maybe six hours for most players, but there are plenty of bonuses and hidden items for finishers. Collectibles are often devilishly hidden away, betrayed by subtle visual clues that only the most discerning players will notice. There are fewer puzzle moments than in Super Metroid, for the most part, but it’s rewarding to uncover hidden treasure with wit and attention to detail. Fusion is not too difficult; Save points are scattered around environments quite often, while enemies drop X Parasite which restores health for Samus to recover. Some bosses can be tricky, but finding a good supply of energy reservoirs can see Samus through most encounters.
conclusion
Metroid Fusion is engaging, taut and polished. It’s not quite as good as the excellent Super Metroid, but judged on its own merits, it’s a pretty easy recommendation. Its relative linearity makes it a great starting point for newcomers to the series, while longtime fans will appreciate the narrative approach and subtle references and nods thrown at it. It’s ‘Metroid 4’: essential for fans, but also an exciting, compact delight for newcomers.