Enjoyed the hell out of this. Combat is super satisfying to experience. The enemies and bosses are really fun to fight. The whole 360 aiming and parry are a godsend. I wish there were more enemy and boss variety, especially with the Metroids. It feels like there's really only 4 types of Metroids stretched over 30 plus of them and it gets repetitive fast.

Exploration is another huge plus. I loved exploring the map with my increasing super fun abilities. Shout out to the grapple hook. You're also encouraged to explore the map at your own pace. I loved going in an area, finding out how many Metroids needed shooting, and going about finding them in whatever order on my own. It made for a super fun gameplay loop coupled with the great combat.

I'd day my biggest gripe is how this game looks. I'm not a fan of the dull colors. I understand it makes this game feel more grounded than Zero Mission, but it just makes for an unpleasant looking game. Furthermore, there's not enough variety in how these places look. I couldn't tell you what put these areas apart visually. They all look the exact same, dull colors and all. There are some exceptions, but they needed more of them. I will say though, this game is visually impressive. The animations and models look fantastic for a 3DS game of all things.

Anyways, I had a blast with this. I'd say for now, it ranks the same as Zero Mission for me, but for completely different reasons. I still think Zero Misison is the more tight experience (better music too), but this the more fun game combat and exploration wise for me. I'm so excited to see what Mercury Steam has in store for me with Metroid Dread when I get to it. I'm expecting big improvements. But as is, they did a fantastic first job with Samus Returns.

Shadow of the Erdtree is more Elden Ring. That's a good thing mind you, but it is just more of the Elden Ring I loved. More of the same gameplay I loved, more of the wonderful landscapes that are in need of exploring, more items and drip to try on, more visually impressive boss fights, and more of me throwing my controller against the wall. This DLC is HARD.

Sometimes, a little too hard. Nothing ever feels cheap, but there are so many elements about this game's fights and dungeon design that leave me more frustrated at the game's general bullshit than frustrated at my lack of skill. You really have to use everything the game gives you to even stand a chance against enemies that one-shot you for no reason.

At the end of the day though, general jank aside from the design aspect, this DLC is more of Elden RIng. It doesn't really do anything the base game already hasn't. It's like eating a strawberry shortcake for the first time in years. It still tastes the exact same that you remember it, goodness sugariness and all, but you kinda wish you had a glass of milk to go alongside with it.