LogFAQs > #950998071

#15. Metroid: Zero Mission (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
I dont really have a lot to say about this game. Its an extremely well-designed platformer, as most Metroid games are, with all the standard stuff youd expect out of a 2D Metroid game. Of course, its based around , and a remake of the original Metroid, but running on a more Super Metroid-like engine, and featuring a lot more in map, bosses, content, etc. It may be a remake of Metroid, but it spiritually is much more a relative of Super Metroid (by the way, Super Metroid is not on my list, because I havent really played it enough for me to feel fair in ranking it. However, from the bit I have played of it, its similar enough to this game that I cant see myself having it too far off from this game. I am looking forward though to potential others lists discussions of why SM is or isnt preferable to MZM). I love the Metroid style of 2D platformers, if this has not been apparent enough from my list-I can say the same things a million times. Exploring, finding powerups, getting to go to new areas previously closed off, etc. I think I prefer the Metroid style to the Castlevania style because its a little more based on your own prowess. Theres no RPG element like the more recent Castlevania games, which I do really like as well, but with the Metroid style its a more pure experience-you cant get stronger by grinding for stats or equipment. Sure, the major things can make you better-equipped to deal with stuff, but if you are tasked with a difficult section or room, that room probably needs to be progressed past now, and maybe at best you can find an E-Tank or something. Finding all the E-Tanks and Missile slots and such in getting 100% also always an enjoyable aspect. I think the map design is great (its easy to see where hidden stuff you missed was) and getting around between areas feels great also.





Samus progression of getting new abilities feels natural too. While you will wind up going back to old areas, you never feel overpowered- the game has a really great and consistent difficulty curve. The one curveball they throw in here is of course baked into the games namesake-the new Zero Suit part of the game at the end. I think some people didnt really like this part, or losing all your gear or whatever,I found it a fun , tense, and exciting new aspectto the Metroid games. It feels more like a Metal Gear/Lara Croft hybrid game at this point-sneaking around a temple, armed with nothing but a weak stun pistol, avoiding enemies too powerful for you, and avoiding detection that closes off shortcut doors, where pretty much everything kills you in 2 or 3 hits. That music sting when you are spotted is in my nightmares. Still, feels good to get your stuff back in this section. I love blowing up that glass tube with super bombs.



Just an extremely well-designed game that I have nothing bad to say about.
See you next mission!

Next up: A game featuring James Arnold Taylor.

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~Wigs~ 3-Time Consecutive Fantasy B8 Baseball Champion
2015 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPION NEW YORK METS