Metroid: Samus Returns Review! Worth Buying Again? (3DS)

Nintendo is finally bringing back the amazing Metroid series with a full remake of the Gameboy classic Metroid II: Return of Samus! Is Metroid: Samus Returns the 3DS game we always wanted or not worth the money? Find out in my review!

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Metroid: Samus Returns is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed collaboratively by MercurySteam and Nintendo, with the latter also publishing it, for the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console. A part of the science fiction Metroid series, Samus Returns is a reimagining of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus. Long-time Metroid director Yoshio Sakamoto is leading the game's production. The game is scheduled to be released worldwide in September 2017.

Samus Returns is a reimagining of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus; as such, it features a story and structure similar to the original game but with new controls, visuals and gameplay.

This instalment introduces some features that are new to the 2D Metroid games. Samus can perform a melee counterattack to deal critical damage on foes. In Metroid II, her firing direction was limited to specific angles, whereas now she is capable of firing freely at any angle. Samus also has a selection of new powers, called Aeion abilities, that rely on an energy gauge for their usage. One example of an Aeion ability is Scan Pulse, which lets Samus scan the surrounding environment for hidden pathways and items. Several abilities introduced after Metroid II are implemented in Samus Returns, such as the Grapple Beam, Power Bombs and Super Missiles.

The game features Amiibo support, with compatible figurines being based on the Metroid series. When scanned, players can unlock reserve tanks and a Metroid Marker which can be used for finding nearby Metroids. After the player finishes the game at least once, certain Amiibo-exclusive content are unlocked, including Fusion Mode and art galleries. Fusion Mode features Samus's Fusion Suit and offers an increased difficulty. A standard hard mode is also unlocked upon completing the game, but it does not require an Amiibo figurine

[andylewis]

I like the review overall, but keep in mind that the scan pulse (sonar thing that tells you where things are) is completely optional. Keep up the good work!

[elberethgilthoniel]

Great video! Super Metroid made me run home from school with glee and apprehension at the amazing discoveries and many eerie moments. Mercury Steam's return of Metroid to its roots sounds fantastic.

[dewinter]

How can you say your favorite ones are the ones that do not hold your hand but then say that your favorite is Fusion which Hold Your Hand the most

[theonlymr]

I'm a new subscriber and I love your content!! Keep it up!

[SecksyMan]

Thanks for the great review. You're analytical and entertaining. I really like when you talk off script and are more yourself. You ever do a podcast or other types of shows?

[DreamcastGuy]

What's a game you wish would get a full remake like this? :D

[Bangkokian]

HUGE Metroid fan so can't wait for this!

[letsplaydan]

Your an amazing YouTuber with all your reviews being informative and entertaining please never quite

[ActionJaxonH]

Well, the scan pulse is optional. Keep that in mind. And tbh, a lot of people are finding it useful. Not abusing it, but from time to time it does help not having to bomb everything.

[fathersongaming]

I was never able to get to into the original, but this looks like it makes it a lot more accessible

[HyperTriggerEx]

I'm still mad at Nintendo for only making about 10 copies of the Legacy edition in Europe. That game sold out super fast and is going to be a highly collectible in the future being one of the later games for the system. Please Nintendo make some more :)

[senorsnipey]

Super metroid fusion did hold your hand kinda. I mean the Navigation rooms gave you the next objective. I thought Super Metoid was the best in terms of not holding hands but Fusion is prob my favorite out of the 2D games. Loved the review!

[Jpndiazz]

I CANNOT WAIT TO PICK THIS UP FRIDAY ALONG WITH THE 3DS. WOOO. Great review btw. Really enjoyed the video man!

[dakotaavery]

I have been subscribed for awhile now and i absolutely love all of your videos. I may not always agree with your reviews but honestly you are one of the most underrated and underappreciated YouTubers. I can tell you take countless hours a day to put great content into your videos. You are easily one of my favorite youtubers. Keep staying positive and do what you love man. Ignore the negative and embrace the positive. You have a great day man!

[Linkman]

Metroid II was actually my introduction to the series. I was really young and never finished the game, nor did I really understand what I was supposed to do. I killed maybe 1-2 Metroids. Heck I didn't even realize the main character's name was Samus. I thought Samus was actually Metroid. Kind of like thinking Link was Zelda. That was the name on the box right? XD.

At any rate, I played it for a bit, found it interesting but never really understood it. As I got older I played the other games with a greater understanding of the universe, and of course Samus.

Samus Returns is fantastic. A few of my criticisms would be that the minimap can feel too small at times...at least the icons on it can be. In addition I really dislike that content that would just be unlockable in other games is now gated behind amiibo's. When you factor up the cost? $12 for the Smash Samus and another $12 or so for Zero Suit Samus and $30 for the dual pack...it's becoming a bit more scummy. Especially when Nintendo can't make enough of them.

The game itself though is great. I like the new counter. At first I found it hard to adjust too and I was missing the timing alot. But its gotten easier and it feels satisfying. Some feel it slows the pacing, but I kind of like the added tension it provides. It also makes the smaller enemies more relevant by making them dangerous. SR388 is supposed to be a hostile alien planet afterall.

I have mixed feelings about the sonar/scan pulse. While I understand getting lost is often a part of Metroid. For many this may be their introduction to the series, so in that sense I think it's a good optional addition and could help Samus Returns be for Metroid what Awakening was for Fire Emblem. I don't have as much time to play games as I used to, so having it there if I get stuck isn't a detriment imo. It allows the game to keep going. Even if it reveals the map, the map stations would kind of do that in previous games to some extent. You still ultimately have to have some skill to defeat the bosses and get new abilities to progress further. Even with the scan pulse you still have to figure out how to get past environmental obstacles. Oh there is fire in that room, I have to come back later once I have the Varia Suit. So that sense of backtracking and exploration is still there.

[zappandy]

The scan pulse and the plethora of cutscenes are traits of modern gaming that based on what I've heard from reviewers do seem to take away from the design sensibilities of Metroid. I'm still gonna buy it, it's a decent Metroid game after all, but I do wish more players would appreciate the esoteric nature of the series. After reading Gamespot's review where the reviewer praised the scan pulse as players don't wind up wasting time looking for secrets, I felt slightly disappointed.

[pforgottonsoul]

the scan pulse isn't as broken as you make it sound, at best it saves you the time of having to bomb every corner of a room to find what you can break.

[SQGReviewShow]

Good review, dude! I'm looking forward to playing this one. I just hope there's higher difficulty settings.

[daveshadenuff]

Great review as always!!! I will most likely pick this one up eventually.There is just so many games coming out, it is hard to choose from lol.This game does look great though and fun, just saying.

[remykamermans]

Good honest opinion.
But i doubt many newcomers will pick this up, i feel this is a fan pleasing title that only metroid fans will pick up.