Tag: Game Boy Advance

Metroid: Zero Mission mini review

The worst part about checking another Metroid game off the list is it leaves you with fewer Metroid games to experience for the first time.

I had a good enough time with Fusion earlier this year, and Prime 4 is a much better experience than some people want to admit, but neither game reminded me of that fact in the same way Zero Mission did. I was sad to see it end.

The game’s shorter length probably contributed to that — it had no chance to overstay its welcome.

But beyond never getting bored with it, I enjoyed Zero Mission’s pace of unlocking, the way it innovates on the original Metroid while staying true to it, and the storytelling it does.

Among 2D Metroids, this one is currently No. 3 for me behind Dread and Super. It’s a damn fine game.

Dave’s Score: 8/10

Metroid Fusion mini review

“Metroid Fusion” might have the best story in any Metroid game.

Full stop.

This is the most important thing to know going in, that this game is worth your while on that basis. If you’re a “Metroid Dread” fan for example and you’re at all curious about some of the events that happened prior to that masterpiece, this game will scratch that itch in a major way. Or let’s say you’re like me and you came away disappointed with the story in “Metroid Prime 4,” well, Fusion will again provide an assist.

It’s the best sort of connective tissue game. It complements the other games in the series.

I position it that way because it does have its weaknesses.

I was annoyed early and often with the way the game funnels you to particular areas, even going so far as to simply deny you the luxury of a working door once you’ve gained an ability that should unveil new secrets and areas.

“Nope, dumbass, denied!”

I give it a lot of leeway as a portable release that came out nearly 25 years ago (you will feel old … NOW!), so I won’t harp on graphics and sound. And the controls get the job done.

Ultimately, that’s the story for Fusion as a whole. If you want a Metroid fix, it gets the job done. I have it in a virtual tie with Prime 4, and I’d say the same thing about that one.

God, I love Metroid.

Dave’s Score: 8/10