Customer Ratings & Reviews

I am a long-time fan of Nintendo Games, and of Metroid in particular. Metroid has always been a series I've regarded with a great fondness. Super Metroid was one of the first games I was truly enamored with, even before Mario and Zelda. This title is a remake of the second entry in the series, Metroid II: Return of Samus, which appeared on the original Gameboy. I have only played a little of the original myself, and therefore cannot go in-depth into the updates in the Remake, aside from improvements that have become standard since the time of the original release. The gameplay shares the style of side-scrolling Metroid titles like Super Metroid and Fusion. Abilities such as the Spider-ball make their re-debut, and abilities like Wall-jump and Edge grab are present as well. Four new abilities, called Aeion abilites, reveal a portion of the map, offer damage protection, rapid-fire, and slow-down time. They are powered by an Aeion meter, and are unlocked a certain points in the game. The premise of the story, which I'll get to, is that Samus is hunting-down and exterminating the Metroid population. As such there is a certain amount of repetition. The development team did a good job of making the level design varied, and the gradual progression into more challenging Metroids satisfying. Still, most Metroid fights aren't all that unique. Also many of the standard enemies in later levels are upgraded versions of those present in earlier levels. Even so, I personally found there to be enough variety to avoid making the game a slog to the end. Difficulty-wise, this game isn't punishing, but it isn't easy either. Newer players will likely struggle, even with helpful abilities enabled. When the next level of Metroid is introduced, fighting it can be a pretty decent challenge. By the time you're pretty used to that kind of Metroid, a more powerful one is introduced. The Omega Metroid was epic to fight, and a joy to defeat. There are also a few boss fights that are pleasing, if occasionally frustrating, challenges. I also greatly enjoyed the final boss, and found it to be quite difficult. A gaming savant might find it easy or moderately challenging. An unskilled gamer would likely find it impossible. Overall, I found the challenge to be slightly more than what I would find in most other games. Story-wise, there isn't much there explicitly. Lore exists outside the game, such as the origin of Metroids, or the Chozo, but it isn't delved into. Veterans of the series will definitely notice nods to other titles, and easily see where this game falls between the original Metroid, and Super Metroid. Newcomers may be lost entirely to the narrative, or the significance of certain events or enemies. What this game accomplishes is a sense of solitude. A lone huntress charging in headfirst into a danger-filled world. The story, in that sense, is more experienced than told. Much can be, and has been, extrapolated from the series as a whole, for those who are interested. For average gamers, I encourage you to simply play the game, and enjoy it for what it is upfront. Overall, I think this game appeals more to experienced gamers than newcomers. While the difficulty curve isn't extreme for newcomers, this wouldn't be the first game I'd give them to play. As a game, it is mechanically solid, and is a blast to play. It is more centered around an experience than a narrative, which may be a turn-off for some. However, I think most gamers will enjoy it, and especially fans of the Metroid series.

Finally a new, real metroid game returns to Nintendo. Great graphics and controls. Looks nice in 3d as well. Tons of fun, and not overly challenging.

I have been a fan of the Metroid series since the original game on the NES. And, like many a long suffering Metroid fan, I've seriously missed Nintendo's intergalactic bounty hunter. Finally, after 7 years, we have something to rejoice - Samus has returned. It feels great to be running around in her power armor again. This is a remake of Metroid 2 on the original Gameboy. Since the original game was remade with Zero Mission on the GBA, that left Metroid 2 out in the cold as the game that had aged the least gracefully, and the hardest one to get into due to outdated game design. This game does an excellent job of bring Samus' second outing into the modern era. The control is spot on. Combat is challenging, but fair. And the exploration/backtracking never feels tiresome. In terms of combat, there is an addition to Samus' arsenal, and that is a melee counter move. Using this move is essential to your survival, especially early on in the game. Some people may think that it breaks the flow of the game - I disagree. I feel it makes encounters slightly more strategic instead of just jump/dodge/shoot repeat. Fans of the series in particular and "Metroidvania" genre in general will not be disappointed. And if you like your games to have rewarding exploration with challenging combat, you won't be disappointed either. Go get this game!

To start off, I love the 2.5d art style of this. The 3D backgrounds really breath life into all of the areas, especially when those backgrounds hold life lying in wait for their turn to go after Samus. As for gameplay, it's pretty standard 2D Metroid. I think if you enjoyed the the others like Fusion, Super, or Zero Mission, you will enjoy this. The whole game is essentially a long collect-a-thon. You need to collect the DNA from 40 Metroids on SR-388. The game would be really exciting if all the metroids were different, but unfortunately you will fight a lot of recurring bosses as well as normal enemies in this game. While that gets samey, it is still a joy to explore the different areas, even if it is a bit more linear. Also, there are few elements in games that are more satisfying then the counter attack in this game.

She's back and better than... ever? Well, if you're comparing it to the Game Boy's infamous Metroid 2 that certainly is the case. This is a full blown remake with sparkling stereoscopic 3D, brand new mechanics and abilities and a smart sense of modernization. A ton of indie games try replicating what the Metroid franchise did so right years ago but now that Samus is back, she's looking to set the bar for the genre she created all over again.

Such a great game...highly recommended for people that still enjoy (or prefer) the old school side scrolling Metroid style games. Some of the bosses can be brutally difficult if you're more of a casual gamer but most can be defeated after some trial and error. As usual the game mechanics are very solid with lots of upgrades and added features along the way to help you progress. Hopefully they make more of these style games for the Switch!

Yes, it's a retelling of Metroid II for the original Gameboy. Yes it's 2.5D instead of a 3D game on the 3DS. But, that doesn't matter once you start to play. It's been wonderfully executed, overall. The controls are tight, the graphics are sharp, and there is absolutely no slowdown in the game. It plays like the best of the Metroid games, and is a wonderful distraction until Metroid Prime comes out for the Switch.

Classic metroid updated for the 3ds. This is a remake of metroid 2 but looks and plays like a brand new metroid game. It's a lot easier than the original since you have a sonar that reveals hidden areas and blocks you can destroy so you aren't spending hours trying to figure out what you missed. Fun game, must buy if you love classic metroid.

This game far exceeded my expectations. I was about to trade in my 3ds unit I started playing this game. It is not the samus the previous junk that was released on this system. The game has great graphics, controls, and is full of action. Can't wait for the new Metroid on Switch.

I love metroid style games and this game is no exception. I never played the original on GameBoy so this was a great chance for me to play it in all of its updated glory. From the very beginning of I could tell that it is one of the best looking games for 3DS. The gameplay is solid and what you'd expect from a Metroid game. As with any Metroidvania game, sometimes you can get lost. There is a feature built into the game to give you a nudge in the right direction by placing an icon in the area you need to go. This helped me a bit when I wasn't sure where to go next and I didn't have to resort to checking online to complete any parts. I'm currently playing through the Fusion mode which is a pretty big step up in difficulty and it's great. I can see myself playing through this at least a few more times before I'm done with it. I can't recommend this title enough.

It's been a while since a 2D Metroid has been released and this re-imagining of the Gameboy game is great way to bring Samus back and introduce people to the Metroid series. Great gameplay. Great boss battles. Great music. Best 3DS game this year.

The game feels like Metroid II only in the first few minutes... after that, it feels like a completely different game. If you are looking for a solid Metroid game... this is the one for you. Samus is back it is a beautiful thing. The new melee attack mechanic is fun, it makes the whole game feel more action-packed... but it feels slower when there are fewer enemies on screen. waiting for the attack with just one enemy so you don't get bum rushed. The "bosses" are not as varied as other Metroids mostly just the same Metroid over and over (with a few bosses here and there) but I believe that is because this is a Metroid 2 remake. These are the two problems I see with the game... but it does not stop it from being an awesome game... if you like Metroid type games this is a must play.

I had never layed a Metroid game before this one, and have really enjoyed this one as an introduction to the franchise, I also love stereoscopic 3D a lot and this game looks its best in this way, it is the way to play it.

I loved Metroid Zero Mission and Metroid Fusion, the classic 2D scrollers and I have been begging nintendo for another for a long time. Samus Returns was worth the wait. Great graphics, atmosphere, combat and exploration

This game is exactly what I was hoping it would be. It is fun and challenging. THe controls are easy and make sense. Overall it is a great purchase that I would highly recommend to friends.

A must for Metroid fans. MercurySteam did a fantastic job with this remake. The only downside is that in order to play the hardest mode in the game you must purchase a compatible amiibo.

This is, quite possibly, the greatest 2D Metroid ever forged. It's not as varied as 3, but the controls are tight, the music is wonderful, and the atmosphere is fantastically eerie.

It's been a while since we had a new Metroid game and it's a welcome return for the heroine. The controls and gameplay are tight. The power ups make for a great improvement.

This modern take on the Metroid series and classic Gameboy title has been a pleasant surprise. Although I'm not far into the game, the gameplay has been great, albeit it took a little getting used to, the visuals have been great, and the 3D effect is up there with the best of them. Although the game is a sidescroller like the original, the controls are a bit different with the shooting mechanic and the introduction of the counter mechanic is surprising breath of fresh air. Any fan of the 2D Metroid games should without-a-doubt pick this game up, and any fan of sidescroller action games should give this game a look.

Please, get this game. it isnt as boring as the original M2, this game has better graphics, a better underlying story, nd even a couple of extra secrets. totally worth it