Metroid Fusion

Released alongside Metroid Prime, it was expected that more people would prefer this game over the 3D FPS style instalment, but for the most part, more people preferred that while the more linear gameplay of this attracted disapproval. While I love Metroid Prime and its my favorite of the series, Fusion just might be my favorite of the 2D Metroid titles. Metroid Fusion was the fourth game released but currently the most recent game in the series timeline. The story goes that Space bounty hunter Samus Aran contracted an infection from a parasite while exploring the home planet of the metroids, SR388. Pushed to the brink of death, the only way scientists could save her was through metroid tissue recovered from her previous adventures. The procedure worked, although she lost most of her abilities and several pieces of her suit had to be removed. Later on, Samus is dispatched to investigate a disturbance at a space station were the parasite, now known as “X”, is being studied. Upon arriving at the outpost, Samus sees that the parasite has infected and taken control of many of the creatures aboard the station. Her previous exposure to ‘X’ not only allows her to take on the creatures, but absorb the remnants of ‘X’ into her own suit and now she must work to contain the threat.

Despite being eight years since a Metroid game was made and using the aforementioned linear gameplay, I feel that this captures the essence of the older games pretty well. Besides the linearity, obviously. The fact you're told where to go bonds better with me, as although being stuck for days and then finding the solution without anyone's help feels like a great triumph, having no idea what to do or where to even go for weeks or months is just a little too much, so having a computer tell you your objective at least gives you a hint as to what you should do, even if it doesn't tell you that you can roll through some walls that look solid. Everything that makes the other games a joy to work through are on display here: endless power-ups, great boss fights, and great controls. Sure, the linearity doesn't make the game quite as satisfying as completing Super Metroid as it didn't quite bring as much joy as having that "Oh so that's where I was meant to go" feeling. Still an awesome game, though!