Super Metroid is an 2D, side-scrolling action-adventure game, which primarily takes place on the fictional planet Zebes—a large, open-ended world with areas connected by doors and elevators. The player controls Samus Aran as she searches the planet for a Metroid that was stolen by Ridley, the leader of the Space Pirates. Samus can run, jump, crouch, and fire a weapon in eight directions; she can also perform other actions, such as wall jumping—jumping from one wall to another in rapid succession to reach higher areas. The “Moon Walk” ability, named after the popular dance move of the same name, allows Samus to walk backwards while firing or charging her weapon. The heads-up display shows Samus’ health, the supply mode for reserve tanks, icons that represent weapons, and an automap that shows her location and its surroundings.
Length- with the ability to beat it in a very short amount of time or conversely scour every inch of the game for upgrades, no time feels wasted due to all the other parts of the game feeling meaningful.
Sound FX- for the SNES the amount of sound design involved here was astounding, fully engrossing you into the alien planet with every step Samus takes.
This game is still amazing, I’ve probably beaten it dozens of times at this point and it’s still good. Great EVERYTHING- pretty short though- always leaves me wanting more!
Score Breakdown
“The Tale”
Story- 7
Pacing- 9
Characters- 8
Originality- 8
Linearity- 9
Length- 10
Epicness- 8
“The Presentation”
Visuals- 8
Display- 9
Music- 9
Sound FX- 10
“The Mechanics”
Ease of Use- 7
Innovation- 9
Replayability- 9
Each of Super Metroid’s elements come together to create one of the most lonely and oppressive gaming experiences ever, and that alone is worth all the respect in the world. What’s more, while it’s not my absolute favourite game, this is definitely THE best game design I’ve ever borne witness to. This game has some of the most clever design tricks I’ve ever seen, and I’d never have noticed them if I wasn’t really looking. The controls are just right but very hard to master, the level design is among the greatest ever, and the minor story parts and setpieces are just unbelievably effective. A masterpiece if there ever was one.