Review: Metroid (NES)

This was the type of game that would not only keep you occupied whilst playing, but would also have you totally enthralled whilst observing. Although essentially a 2D scrolling platformer, it was one of the first games to introduce a system of backtracking to areas previously visited. It had many elements that were characteristic to role playing games, in such that you would have to find and locate certain items that were necessary to gain access to areas later on in the game, and upgrading your character was essential for survival. The game itself could be completed without discovering all the areas. You could finish the game even though you had only discovered 40% of the entire map. There were also alternate endings depending on the time taken to make your way through Metroid. Although these properties of the game are not astounding by today's standards, this was quite an achievement at the time.

You play surgically enhanced cyborg, Samus Aran, space hunter and Galactic Federation Police's greatest one at that, who is sent to the planet Zebes after a capsule containing the unknown life-form known as the Metroid, is seized by space pirates. The Metroid is currently in a state of suspended animation, but when re-activated and exposed to beta rays will multiply. If used as a weapon, it could potentially destroy the whole galactic civilisation, and you are the only person who can stop the Mother Brain from succeeding in doing so. But not all is as easy as it seems, the planet itself is a natural fortress with complicated mazes, and the space pirates will use everything they got to prevent you from destroying the Metroid. Time is short, and the fate of the whole galaxy rests on your cybernetic shoulders.

There are many items to collect along the way to help make destroying the Mother Brain and her space pirates a little easier. They include offensive upgrades as well as defensive ones. At the start of the game you will have 1 energy tank, with 99 units of life, but as you progress further into the game you can obtain a further 5 tanks. One of the first upgrades you will find Samus is the ability to roll up into a ball, this is a much needed asset as you will need to roll your way through small corridors to reach other areas, and later on you will discover a power up that will allow you to lay mines whilst curled up. There are also power ups to make your laser beam extend across the whole screen, boots to increase the height of your jumps, and a suit to absorb more damage as well as allowing you to walk through lava. Then there are the offensive upgrades. These include missiles, an ice beam, and the all powerful wave beam. And one of the more entertaining attacks is the screw attack, which allows you to jump in the air and destroy space pirates by simply jumping and spinning.

Although the graphics aren't quite up to today's standards, they are very good for an early NES game. The locations give a great amount of atmosphere to the game. There are different styles to the various areas on the map. There's the metallic fortress, volcanic rocks along with molten lava, and the gloomy dark area which looks like something straight off the film set of Ridley Scotts Aliens. The enemies although not very menacing, are fairly original, especially the large bosses. Quite pleasing for a game that's old enough to do its GCSE's. But the main character could have done with looking a bit more cybernetic, rather than trapeze artisty. It has an unmistakable soundtrack and you will find yourself humming the title track whilst on public transportation. And each area on the map has its own signature song which also add to the atmosphere, and fit well with the surrounding landscape.

The sound effects of Samus and the enemies are well done, from the explosions that erupt as mines and missiles connect with an enemy's face, to Samus' footsteps. You can perform all the necessary tasks despite the simplicity of the NES controller. Select traverses through the various weapons available. Pressing down causes Samus to roll into a ball, and the A and B buttons are reserved for jumping and firing your lasers. The only thing that you may be irritated at not being able to do is shooting down, but you will soon find various methods of disposing of those enemies below eye level that are just as effective.

The gameplay is beautiful and its one of those games you can instantly pick up and play. Although Gamestyle played this game in our youth, the game is more entertaining and engrossing than a lot of the games you get nowadays. Due to the absence of memory on the NES, saving is not an option. But because this is a game that you can't simply run through in one sitting, you are presented with a password when you do eventually decide to call it a day, which you then input at the continue screen to pick up from where you left off. There is literally tons to explore, you will come back determined to find the items that eluded you first time round, and to view the various endings.

Whilst there are some who may disagree, Gamestyle believes that this is one of the greatest games of all time. We're glad of the opportunity to play this game again because Gamestyle had truly forgotten what a magnificent game this was. We feel sorry for those who have not experienced any of the Metroid games as yet, because they are truly classics, and Gamestyle strongly recommends them to this day. They sure don't make them like they used to, but hopefully they will.

Rating: 9 / 10

Words by Retro Team