Metroid Zero Mission, the expanded remake of original metroid from NES, released in 1986. While easily being better than the original, to no one surprise, it's not without it's fair share of flaws.
Pros:-
>gameplay being up to the modern standards of 2D Metroid games of that time & fast-paced & level design

>visuals, while may not be superior to Metroid Fusion's extremely varied landscape, it's still pretty great, which is ironic considering it's made on a modified engine of Fusion

>the "expanded" part of this remake, which is the new maps Chozodia, Chozo Ruins & Space Pirates' Mothership, which begins with Samus in her most vulnerable state, blue Zero Suit, where she has no choice but to avoid any confrontation with enemies & sneak her way through the areas to look for her Power Suit & escape, also adding more of her backstory lifted from the Metroid manga, which I found exceptionally cool.

the mixed:-
~the music, either hit or didn't. Most notable ones are Brinstar, Norfair, Kraid's Lair, Ridley Boss theme, Escape from Tourian & Mecha Ridley boss theme. Rest all are lacking either the creepiness & omnious vibe of Fusion or straight up trash

the bad:-
>the mini-bosses, all but one (Imago the giant bee stinger one) sucked balls, only added to increase the playtime just for the sake of it, which is baffling considering Metroid Fusion literally had more boss variety & are still memorable

>disappointed with new final boss mechanically (no pun intended), Mecha Ridley. While I understand it was supposed to be an unfinished prototype, it still should've put more fight. Rather, it was as easy as the first mini-boss of the game, Mua the One-Eyed Centipede, which is insane.

Final rating: 7.5/10

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024


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