The amount of emotion this game can create out of the player from it just being on a Game Boy Advance is astonishing. Although it is more streamlined than other Metroid titles, I don't see that as a negative as long as you go in aware of that. The story gives reason for more streamlined sections and exploration never felt neutered from that decision.

This story may be the best one in the series, with many horror beats and creating an antagonist that is there to simply torment you throughout. The sequences with the SA-X are extremely hard to predict when they will come which adds tremendously to the tension. I understand how some can say the pacing at the start feels slow but it never bothered me, the tension and environment of the world always captivated me enough that it never dragged, and when it gets going, it never slows down.

I can't say many more amazing things besides this is my favorite game of all time. I could give more technical details, the sprite work is amazing, bosses and upgrades are a blast, music is phenomenal, it feels amazing to play on the GBA, which I do think is the best way to play it. But at the end of the day, I like it just because it gives me such a unique experience and resonates so deeply with me in a way I can't really describe. Hoping for a remake one day for the music alone.

Reviewed on May 31, 2023


3 Comments


9 months ago

@DevinKooley

How'd you feel about Dread? I thought the ties to Fusion were fantastic. Also, people can say what they want about Other M, but I thought it was structurally similar as well with the different sections and artificial biomes

9 months ago

@Zark
Dread was great! Gameplay wise, it is a natural evolution from Zero Mission/Fusion and where I think the 2D series should continue to go. Certain plot points that continued from Fusion were great, but I do wish the story more directly continued from Fusion. Samus deliberately went against the federation in that game and there aren't any consequences in Dread.

I do own Other M but have yet to play it. Excited to see how it pays homage to Fusion, but that's about it. I've only heard mediocre things.

9 months ago

That's a good point. I would have liked to see the result of betraying the Federation as well. But on the flipside, the federation is usually the most boring part of the franchise. Definitely was in Prime 3. You'll see that with Other M too. Which is mediocre for sure. There's no Fusion plot points on display, just a general feel here and there. I will say Other M has some of the most beautiful cutscenes in the series.

I am happy to FINALLY see Samus encounter a living Chozo in a game. Tragic and short-lived as it was.

Appreciate you letting me geek out. Idk how many of these Metroid glossary words I've actually said to another person 😆😆