Publisher: Nintendo
Ages:
ten and up.
Family
Rating:
Parental
Advisory:
Arcade Violence
After a long respite, Samus Aran returns in a first rate adventure for the Game Boy Advance. Nintendo's Metroid Fusion effectively resurrects the foreboding, sci-fi adventure that was so popular on the old Super Nintendo System. Unlike Metroid Prime, the recent GameCube revisit that uses 3D graphics to present a new experience, Metroid Fusion is reminiscent of the original 2D games and offers an entertaining, new adventure.
Metroid Fusion successfully evokes the eerie solitude and claustrophobic exploration that was a signature of the original Metroid games. It seems that on her way to Planet SR388, Samus is attacked by an unidentified life form and loses consciousness. The parasitic life form, known as "X," attacks and gnaws at Samus' body, and player have to find a way to 'fuse' with alien enemies to save her. The compelling story gives players a time limit that drives the gameplay. The only downside is that the game is rather short as a result.
Samus returns with new items and actions and a new appearance. She can still morph into a ball and fire missiles and can now climb onto ledges. Players get to collect classic weapons and find new items and elements that will help them through the game. Players can also uncover mysteries and explore in much the same manner as they could in the original Metroid games. The controls are first rate as are the graphics and audio.
By successfully completing Metroid Prime on the GameCube, Samus can be equipped with the new armored spacesuit in Metroid Fusion. And those who complete the Game Boy Advance adventure can unlock an embedded version of the original Metroid to play on their GameCubes.
Fans of the original Metroid series should find lots to like in Metroid Fusion. And those who have never played the game can enjoy it, as it's one of the finest on the Game Boy Advance.
4/11/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
