Metroid: Zero Mission

The Good
Every METROID game goes better and better over the time (Let's not count the 3D METROID games on this topic). METROID on the NES was an unique game, with an unique system, and unique playability, that has been conserved and improved over the years, it has detoured once or twice, but then it returns to its roots, like it should. This is the case with MZM.

  MZM is, basically, a full-fledge Remake of the Original NES METROID. It is almost identical in EVERYTHING - Layout, sequence (Although in METROID you can beat Ridley first than you do beat Kraid), Items, map. Even going thru certain key areas give you a reminiscence to METROID, and Nostalgia comes out. It even resembles the way Samus walked in NES METROID. METROID ZERO MISSION is basically what NES METROID could never be.

As for the playability, the game feels like NES Metroid, but much faster, dynamic, less frustrating than the NES game. The inclussion of minibosses, secret rooms (The game even respects almost faithfully the Item Location from the NES Metroid), and the consequential mission upon beating Motherbrain adds the game a lot of replay value.

Graphically, the game is a joy. It feels as if you were playing a Manga. The backgrounds, level design, the way some tiles go transparent to reveal you there's something behind is very interesting. Seeing old enemies "A la Advance" is an unexplainable joy. The intro scenes, the cinemas give it a more Anime look.

As for the music, listening to the faithfully represented NES melodies in MIDI is another joy that almost brought tears to my eyes, and at the same time, gave me that feeling that makes your hair stand to the end. Yamamoto and Hamano have done a GOOD JOB remixing the old NES melodies.

The Bad
There was a beacon Kraid in the NES Metroid, just like in Super Metroid. They didn't include it in this one. That's the ONLY thing that I didn't like about the game. The rest is about perfect.

Short? It's short like any METROID game. I can beat Metroid Fusion with 100% Items in 1:30.

I could beat Super Metroid in 1:35 (100%). It's the fastest I can do.

MZM needs 1:40 with 100%. Short my @$$.

The Bottom Line
It's unavoidable to compare this game to Metroid Fusion. And it's easy to do, since both games are for Game Boy Advance. Honestly, Metroid Zero Mission is waaaaaaaaaaay better than Metroid Fusion, because MZM IS A METROID GAME, as they should be.

Lots of replay value, connection bonuses, and item-restriction ndings makes MSM a very rewarding game. As a METROID geek, this game is simply perfect.

The Good
This game is basically another remake of an old NES classic: Metroid. Though this is a remake it has got so many new things that you won't really mind even if you played the original. The story is therefore not as great as in recent Metroid titles but it does the job: Space pirates want to use the life sucking abilities of a newly discovered life-form called Metroids to create a very powerful weapon to control the galaxy. Interstellar bounty hunter Samus Aran must now destroy the Metroids and the Pirate leading Mother Brain. The gameplay, as in all Metroid games is smooth and easy. It's just plain brilliant. Lots of power-ups to Samus's power suit force you to look everywhere for new ones to proceed to new area's or reach new rooms in area's visited before. This makes Metroid such a good series. The graphics are also brilliant. Though the backgrounds of the caves in which this game is set do not allow as much detail as 2002's Metroid Fusion's space station, but they are beautiful in a different way and make use of a great comic-book style. All other sprites including Samus and her enemies are of the same style and quality as Fusion. The music is simply one off the best on the GBA if not the best. It's very atmospheric and beautiful and really gives you the feel that fits with being alone on a planet full of suspense and monsters.

The Bad
The game is much too short and easy. The difference in difficulty between easy and normal is difficult to notice. However if you complete the normal mode you will unlock a hard mode which is significantly harder. Also unlockable is the original NES game and the usual gallery of pictures. Each picture can be unlocked if you play through the game with certain criteria such as reaching the end with a certain amount of items. You can also link with Fusion to obtain the gallery of that game. These unlockables make up pretty good for the short length of the game, which is nice after all, but it's still not as good as Fusion. The longevity is the main reason for that. You wish there was just more to the game because it's such a great game.

The Bottom Line
Brilliant but because it's a remake and not a sequel you will be better of with Fusion which is longer and harder and gives you more for the same price. But this is definitely not a bad game, don't get me wrong but try Fusion first. If you like this game you'll simply love Fusion.

The Good
A metroid with a lot of upgrades and items to improve the abilities of the character (in this case, Samus) with which to advance and with a lot of action, a balance that I loved. I haven't completed it 100%, but I'm satisfied with what I've achieved.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the game was longer than I had understood, as I thought the story ended with the original main boss, but this remake added additional story that I imagine connects to future instalments.

The Bad
As a negative point I would only mention the length of the game. Not because it's not long enough, not because it didn't expand enough the original game, it just left me wanting to enjoy more discoveries. I feel that the Samus Zero part is short and the exploration of the area is a bit lacking after what was seen previously during the adventure.

The Bottom Line
A highly recommended game, an amazing gem, and probably, at the risk of being wrong, one of the best 2D games of the series.