Metroid Fusion is the next instalment in the 2D Metroid series. This series has been regarded as one of the greatest series of all time. One of the games in the series (Super Metroid), is regarded by some as the best game of all time. Metroid Fusion has a lot to live up to, making its way on the portable GBA. I personally was never a big fan of the series but thought I would check out this addition, due to the high acclaim. I was not disappointed in any aspect except replay value.
Plot: The opening cut scene of Metroid Fusion is awesome. You get the feeling of being that lone bounty hunter, destined to destroy all evil. This game is a must to wear headphones as it adds an atmospheric touch. It makes you feel like you there, and makes the plot ever more realistic.
The plot is simple, a lone heroine named Samus must save the day once again. She was attacked by an unkown species called the X parasites. These X parasites mimic there host and are potentially fatal. Luckily these small creatures called Metroids can save Samus. Samus is saved and sent to investigate an abandoned research facility. I won't tell more as the plot has its own share of twists and turns, but it is very engrossing. I will give a hint though and say that there is some sort of love connection involved in this.
Gameplay (37/40): The Gameplay is simple but effective for Metroid Fusion. The D-Pad is to move (that was hard to figure out), the A button is to jump, the B button is to fire your beam (if you hold down R and then hit B, you fire a missile), and L aims your cannon at a 45 degree angle. The thing I immediately noticed about Metroid Fusion is how easy the button lay out is to learn. In a matter of 5 minutes you will be extremely comfortable with moving around and such.
Metroid Fusion has a bunch of bad guys, which you must kill. They are very diversified, there are at least 50 different enemies. Each enemy has their own special way to be killed. The enemies in general aren't too hard, but are abundant enough to not get bored of previously explored passages. Boss battles are jaw-dropping, as the bosses look extremely realistic.
Graphics (19/20): Besides Golden Sun, these are some of the best graphics that I have ever seen. Your GBA screen will be filled with vibrant colours, that aren't usually used in the real world (like teal). Samus herself is detailed quite nicely and looks more updated then the previous adventures. Bosses are extremely detailed and prove what potential the GBA has.
Music/Sound (19/20): The music is best experienced with headphones on. It makes it sound real creepy when the big antagonist is walking around and you aren't strong enough to take it on. I like the jumping/running effects and they are very important as they are the most common sounds you will hear. The soundtrack to Metroid Fusion isn't bad at all, it is kind of space techno.
Replay (14/20): The big downfall of Metroid Fusion is that it is extremely short. It took me 4 hours to beat on the first try. This game however is probably worth a second experience, but I haven't had the time to play through it again. Nintendo was nice however and included some link up features with Metroid Prime. If you link the two up, you can play the original Metroid (which is ok). Other than that however, I felt I was ripped of my money. 4 hours=$35 is not worth it to me.
Time to complete: 4 hours
Hours of fun: 8 hours
Learning Curve: 5 minutes
Major Pros: -New addition to the series
-great graphics
-awesome sound
-excellent boss battles
Major Cons:-short game
-some what too easy
Rent or Buy or Forget About It: Buy
Closing Comments: While this game is amazingly fun, it is rather short. If you want 4 hours of extreme fun, I suggest that you buy this game. However if you feel you can beat it in a rent, by all means do so. I personally enjoyed it and thought it was in the Top Ten GBA games.
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