Metroid II: The Return of Samus is the sequel to the first Metroid game, simply titled, "Metroid".
While this game may not be the cream of the crop in the Metroid franchise, it surely added on to the first game. In this sequel, Samus can (along with her old abilities) aim downward, as well as up, left, and right.

The graphics on this game are nowhere near the most beautiful, and indeed may cause confusion when traversing the map since all the areas are the same looking. Otherwise, the game is very addictive and enjoyable. The graphics are in black and white because this is the first Metroid game released on gameboy, yet there are rom hacks that allow the game to be played in color (found elsewhere on the site, for example Metroid 2, Metroid II DX, etc.). 

The sounds are decent for a game of its time. while some of the soundtracks and noises are piercingly high frequency, they only add to the atmosphere. The beginning of the game opens up with a pretty melodic theme song. I honestly don't understand why it wasn't praised along with the other Metroid soundtracks.

The game is very addictive in terms of not wanting to put the thing down. As you run through the caverns of a metroid infested planet, committing mass genocide on an alien race has never been so much fun. On the down side, after a few hours of gameplay, you might get lost. This causes a ton of stress in finding your way around. Otherwise, this game has a lot of fun to be had.

The story begins directly after the events of the first game chronologically, while it actually follows the prime games in the cannon story line. Samus is sent to planet SR388, home of the metroid species, to eradicate them permanently. As it turns out, the metroids have now evolved. Your mission is to destroy the constantly evolving metroids as they grow bigger and more powerful. This game is actually the first metroid game to end with a setup to the next game, along with a fully developed story. Metroid 1 had a story, but it wasn't until the internet that people really began to notice the connection between the games.

Metroid II has a fan made remake in the works, and can be played free online. The project has been on and off for years but is currently in progress again. The idea was to replicate the remake of the first Metroid game onto the second. Although it is fun, this game will always be a classic. It is still fun to this current day and age and I have beaten it more than plenty times. I highly recommend this game to any nostalgia gamer. Yet another great installment into the Metroid series despite its flaws. I give Metroid II: Return of Samus a 7.5 rating. Overall a very enjoyable game.

cylonbait : While a little short (for my taste), you nevertheless gave your review clear structuring (even without titles). You showed the game's strengths and weaknesses and that was good. However, I always (personally) prefer making comparisons to other games to know what we're in for.

This is a pretty good review. You did a good job explaining why you feel the way you do about the game, though like Janus said, it could've been longer, but overall I think you did a good job.

Just like the other 2 people in this thread said, I think this is a pretty good review. One of the main problems I have with it though is that it isn't in any order or in categories like most reviews I read or type. Just do that and it will be a great review. Keep going!