Metroid Fusion is probably one of the best games in the series (though, let's be honest, they're all good). But it's also undeniably the scariest. The game has a great soundtrack, an amazing story, and incredible new powers. Released in the same year, Metroid Prime was either going to make or break the Metroid series, so Metroid Fusion was probably a backup plan in case Prime failed. Although it's labeled "Metroid 4", Metroid Fusion is actually the last game in the series, chronologically. So, are you ready to delve into Samus Aran's scariest adventure yet?
But first, let me give you a little backstory about myself. It all started several years ago when I watched a video review for a game I admittedly had never heard of before then. I wasn't a hardcore gamer back then like I am now, so I didn't know much about games. But now, after a few years of watching people play games on YouTube, I've found out so much about games. Like this one. I had heard so much about how awesome Metroid Fusion is, but I didn't own a GBA. So I got myself a GBA emulator just to play the games Metroid Zero Mission and Metroid Fusion. Though, shortly afterwards, I found out I could have played them on my DS. *facepalm* Alright, enough rambling about my life before this game. Let's start it up!
Story
In chronological order, Metroid Fusion takes place shortly after the events of Super Metroid and Metroid Other M. Samus Aran is sent on a mission to the planet SR388, home of the Metroids, once again. During the mission, she is attacked by a new parasitic creature that she had never seen before. This parasite, known as X, invades Samus's nervous system and causes her to drift into an asteroid field. She is rescued, but the X within her had multiplied and corrupted her power suit. However, while she is unconscious, the power suit is impossible to remove without killing her. But the Federation had data from the last Metroids and was able to create a vaccine. The vaccine completely destroyed the X, also granting Samus immunity to their effects. She is immediately given a new ship (I miss the old one) and is sent to the BSL Research Station to investigate an explosion, and to exterminate the X Parasites.
Graphics and Sound
The developers really looked like they put in a lot of thought into the game, right down to the graphics. The enemies are all ones you have seen before, but they had been severely mutated by the X. Some of the new designs were creative, others had better designs to begin with. The soundtrack was also extremely well composed. Though, I had to lower the quality, because this game puts a huge strain on the GBA. This is by far, the laggiest game on the GBA that I have played. Or maybe it's just me? I don't know. The graphics and sound are still good.
Addictiveness
As I said before, I got my emulator long before I discovered this site just so I could play this game. I would sit down at my computer and play this game for hours on end. I watched this one LP of this game at least five times. That is what did it for me: I had to play this game. And it did not disappoint.
Depth
The Metroid series is well known for one thing: Massive amounts of exploration. Fusion on the other hand, doesn't have as much exploration as Metroid Prime or Super Metroid, requiring you to follow a somewhat linear style, taking orders. But in what Fusion lacks for open ends, it makes up for with being the most boss-heavy of the 2D Metroid games. You'll have to run from the SA-X occasionally, and travel through various environments to get powered so you can take on the SA-X at the end of the game. All of the environments are unique. Sector 3 is an ultra-heated environment bearing a strange resemblance to Norfair. Sector 5 is similar, except it's a sub-zero environment. This is a really unique game, even for a Metroid game.
Difficulty
Not exactly one of the more difficult games on the GBA. But I can definitely see where everyone is coming from. This game is FULL of hard bosses like Yakuza and the Nightmare. This is one of those games where if you're sloppy and careless, it gets really hard. On the other hand, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast -- if you take it slow and be careful, it's not too bad.
Conclusion
Overall, Metroid Fusion is a great game. It's balanced. It's addictive. The soundtrack is good. It has a great story. The graphics are amazing. It's even a little scary at points. I would like to see a game that occurs after this one, like maybe some X escaped and Samus has to go back to Zebes to exterminate them, teaming up with the Hunters in Metroid Prime Hunters. Hypothetically, speaking, of course. If you have 30 extra Viz to spend, I'd check it out. Even if you aren't a huge Metroid fan, this game is a must-play. |
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