With the recent release of Metroid Dread, it seemed like a natural time to look back on how we got to this point in the series. I realize that most on this site will have played a Metroid game in their lives, but this article may help those who haven't played through all of Samus's 2D adventures. For this, I'm concentrating only on the 2D games, including remakes. Each will have short positives and negatives, as well as a few nostalgic moments.
Metroid
The series got it's start back in the mid 80's, and from it's first screen it was obvious that this was going to be a different experience from most the 2D platformers of the time. This was at a time when most games scrolled left to right, a la Super Mario Bros, so it shouldn't be understated that the first important action you take to go left for an item that would become a series staple, the Morph-Ball. It's world on the planet Zebes felt open-ended and desolate, setting the tone for the emotions the series would strive to encapture. And for those unfamiliar, the titular Metroids are life draining creatures that the Space Pirates, led by Ridley, are attempting to use as bio-weapons, with Samus Aran being called upon to stop them.
Positives-For it's time, this was a new experience in gaming. It's littered with secrets, and it drips with atmosphere. Controls are solid, and it's a first party Nintendo product, and shows their attention to quality control. Also, the music for Kraid's lair is on the short list of best music in the NES's entire catalog.
Negatives-If you want to enjoy this game, don't be afraid to find area maps online or in older game guides. There are so many cryptic puzzles that seem like there's no rhyme or reason to finding the solution, beyond blind luck. The lack of a map system detracts from the experience in the long run, as the game becomes very cumbersome. Deaths compound themselves due to lack of starting resources (30 energy).
Recommendation-It may seem sacreligious to say this, but it's really not worth the time to go through this game, outside of a curiosity in the series roots. It's a decent game that set the stage for later games, but it's gameplay borders on being more of chore to complete than an enjoyable experience.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
Samus went portable with her 2nd adventure, this time traveling to the Metroids home planet of SR388, to eradicate the species due to the growing threat they pose to the universe. On planet SR388, Samus discovers the metroids can evolve into stronger, more dangerous foes. In a way this game is level based, with Samus tasked with destroying all the metroids in a given area before being able to proceed to the next area. The Game Boy did create limitations, but it made possible some features that became staples of the franchise. The look of the Varia suit originated here, as well as the game's use of save points. It's also worth noting that the storylines of all the sequels have a basis from the events of Metroid II.
Positives- The fact that Nintendo was able to get an adventure the size of Metroid II that still captured the feel of the 1st game can't be understated. Overall game design was better for this outing as well, with exploration yielding results in logical areas. The later levels really give a sense of isolation and foreboding, especially when you find a specific statue as you advance toward the final area containing metroids.
Negatives- It's hard to ignore the limitations of the Game Boy when looking at this title. I truly think Nintendo made the best possible Metroid experience on the system, but when looking back on it, it has its issues. Like the first, there is no map, and the environments are less memorable, partly due to Samus's and enemies larger sprite size. The lack of color also takes away from the game's immersion when you look back without a nostalgic lens.
Recommendation- It's worth trying, especially for fans of the original Game Boy. But it's limitations are painfully obvious, and will likely turn off casual gamers, especially those looking for any amount of tutorial. Still, from a story perspective, the events that conclude Metroid II are crucial to the stories of Metroid 3 and 4.
Super Metroid (Metroid 3)
And now we hit the title that sealed the franchise's place in video game history. From a story perspective, Super Metroid very neatly tied in the events from its first two titles, using the events from Metroid II to move the plot. It's set on Zebes, and one of the first places you explore is the same area of Tourian that housed Mother Brain, the final boss of the first game. Storytelling is minimalistic, with the action and exploration being the key elements of its plot. Nearly everywhere has something to discover, as well as several different ways to approach the game once you learn more and more of its plethora of secrets. From here on, Metroid games also had an in game map, rectifying one of the biggest complaints with the earlier titles.
Positives- Super Metroid is one of the most acclaimed games of all time for a reason. The level and game design is superb, with the game's main path teaching you the tools to you'll need to use to complete the game as you progress. The atmosphere is incredible, as each area feels distinct, but yet all feel foreboding in some manner. But it's biggest positive is the sense of discovery. I don't think of Super Metroid as an exploration game, but moreso it's a discovery game. In the first game, much like the original Zelda, there was a lot to explore and figure out where to go. Here, nearly every single room serves a purpose, either to give you practice on how to traverse its action, or to conceal a hidden item, or in several cases, both.
Negatives- Not much. But players used to quick, crisp controls may need some time to get used to how the game handles. The Space Jump, a late game upgrade necessary to complete the game, is frustratingly clunky, enough that it would detract from a lesser game.
Recommendation- There are a few games throughout history that everyone should try at least once, and this is one of those titles. Between having one of the most satisfying endings of any game, and a continuous sense of accomplishment as you discover its secrets, it likely will range from being a solid experience to one of your favorite games ever. (Count me in the latter).
Metroid Fusion (Metroid 4)
Fusion marked a bit of a turning point, as the game relied heavily on completing missions and less on self-exploration. After the accolades Super Metroid garnered, some looked upon Fusion as a bit of step backwards for the series. But as years passed, it seemed to get judged less on comparisons to its predecessor and more on its own gameplay and story.
With the metroids now extinct, Samus is called to help explore disturbances on SR388, and finds something deadlier than metroids, the X parasite. This parasite kills, then mimics its host. Its sole predator were metroids, and with them gone, nothing is there to stop the parasites from multiplying into a catastrophic threat. Samus too is infected, nearly dying and having to undergo surgeries to remove her power suit, before a vaccine is created using metroid DNA. No sooner does she leave the research station where she had recooped her strength, but she is called back to investigate a distress signal. Not only have the scientists aboard the station succumbed to the X, but the X infected parts of Samus's suit have mimicked Samus at full strength.
This story sets the stage for what is definitely the darkest adventure in the series...
Positives- If Super Metroid is dripping with atmosphere, this game oozes it. Unlike Super Metroid, it is very story driven, and its story is well told, with several memorable moments and surprises along the way. Fusion gives off a wonderful horror vibe, as not only do you feel isolated, but now you feel like death could always be behind the next door. Controls and gameplay are solid, and while there aren't as many discoveries as in Super Metroid, advancing its narrative makes up for it.
Negatives- While it's really good, it's not Super Metroid good, there are plenty of times where rooms feel like they're there to get in your way rather than encourage discovery. It is linear, and unfortunately in many cases once you unlock the next door, there is no longer access to previous areas.
Recommendation- The story, while told in much different manner than its predecessors, is exciting and intriguing, and there is a constant sense of fear as you play through this game. Understand that you're not getting Super Metroid when you play it, but you're still getting an immersive experience worthy of the franchise. Without using spoilers, some of the memorable story moments and boss fights from series happen within Fusion, and its sense of fear and isolation would be the foundation for the newest game in the series, Metroid Dread. If you have any interest in Metroid games, Fusion is definitely worth your time.
Before getting to Dread, both the first and second games of the series got full remakes and are discussed below.
Metroid: Zero Mission
Metroid Zero Mission was made as a reimagining of the original title. Overhauled graphics, a map feature, quick cinematics and an epilogue were all added to introduce the series roots in a more palatable manner.
Positives- Zero fixes nearly all the major complaints surrounding the first game. There is an in-game map, and many of the cryptic puzzles have been made much more intuitive. The bosses have gotten upgraded, along with an upgrade set based on improvements that Return of Samus and Super Metroid made.
Negatives- Somewhere along the way, some of the improvements also caused it to lose a little of the charm the original had. There are times when it feels like it strays too far from its source, but these are minor complaints considering all the improvements
Recommendation- If you want to get a sense of how the series got its start, this is the game to play. It takes the things that the original game got right, improves upon the major issues, and gives it a graphical facelift. While I personally gravitate more towards Fusion, there are plenty that consider Zero Mission the better of the two Metroids released for the GBA.
Metroid: Samus Returns
For years, Metroid fans wanted a remake of Metroid II, because while the effort made on the Game Boy was admirable, it's issues were magnified over time. And yet, much of the Metroid lore had its basis in the second game. Developer Mercury Steam was ultimately handed the project, and delivered an overhauled game while still keeping to the feel of what Return of Samus was about.
Positives- It's well made, with an abudance of features found in the later titles, while still staying true to its source material. The metroid evolutions are given more characteristics than in the original, and the game finds solid ways to explain some of the "because it's a video game" questions when looking at Metroid II from a logical perspective.
Negatives- Samus has a new move for this game, the Melee counter, which was partly included to attract modern gamers to the series. While it is a fun move, the relies on this feature to a fault, and in many cases, killing an enemy or boss is dependent on this feature, rather than augmenting the experience. Graphically, the game feels slightly dated, even though it's only four years old.
Recommendation- While it has some imperfections, it's definitely the way to approach Metroid II. And for those who enjoy the later games of the series, you should try it due to how much it will fill in the backstory of Metroid 3, 4, and 5.
Metroid Dread (Metroid 5)-
Which brings us to the recently released Metroid Dread. Admittedly, I am far from completing this game, so far as I know, and the point of this article wasn't a Dread review, but looking at the previous entries and how we got to this point. So all the comments from here are just initial impressions based on gameplay for what I assume is the first third to half of the game. I also should say that I purposely went dark on viewing any trailers in the last month and a half, due to hearing there were potential spoilers contained in them.
Much in the vein of Fusion, Dread takes place in an environment inhabited by E.M.M.I. robots, who are on a constant hunt for Samus, similar to the SA-X, mimicked Samus, in the previous game. These robots mean instant death upon contact, and as you progress, you find that each is more of a threat than the last. They are confined to certain areas of the map.
This game looks amazing, which you'd hope for, considering it's on the switch, and it plays extremely smooth. While the Melee counter is still a predominant feature, its use doesn't feel forced, and comes off as much more organic and natural in how it is incorporated to the gameplay.
But get ready to die, a lot. The game thankfully uses a checkpoint system upon death, so you can return to a spot close to where the death happened and try again, while quitting will take you back to a previous save point.
It may change as the story unfolds, but Dread is a linear experience in its early levels. It feels much more organic in delivery than Fusion, but I constantly found myself going through one way corridors, and was keenly aware that everything I was finding seemed to be exactly what the intended me to eventually find before I could progress.
That said, it's been a great addition to the series so far, and I'm excited to see how this final chapter of the Metroid saga unfolds.
Back with another list, and this time we're looking at fighting games. There wasn't as much participation this month, participants for this list were myself, Whynotzoidberg, and Crabmaster2000. There were still some games that came across as consensus favorites, with two series conspicuously absent.
What makes a good fighter? Quick action, interesting move sets and combos, a variety of characters, among other criteria. With the lower participation, there were 10 games that stood out as the top of the genre.
Continue reading RFGen's Top Fighting Games
Over the last year and a half, we've looked at the best games from a variety of systems, and in that time more than 1000 games at least got some attention. The lists focused on retrogaming, and with nearly all the lists specific to a particular system, it meant that there wasn't many opportunities to compare games between systems.
For this list, though, we've looked at the best 2D platforming games, regardless of console. Mario vs Mega Man vs Samus vs Sonic and others in a match outside the Smash Bros Universe. One of the challenges in a list like this is to decide what it includes, so the question was left open-ended. Because of this, there were some interesting choices, including what to do with games that cross genres but include heavy doses of platforming.
Continue reading Top 20 2D platformers
I love racing games.
[Pause for readers to double-check the avatar and realize the obvious]
Being a collector, you always want those special titles. I tend to gravitate to the harder-to-find games that usually come with at least a good recommendation. Part of the thinking behind the Top 20 lists was to get others talking about games that would be highly rated, even if some of them were obvious.
The other side is that for many games, especially the harder-to-find titles, it's become a harder and harder decision as to whether to try and pick up a physical copy or just find another way to play the title. For example, as of this writing, authentic copies of Final Fantasy III are selling on eBay in the $85-$95 range. I bring this title in particular up because not only is it a very highly rated game, it's available on a multitude of platforms.
Continue reading Everyone has a price
Long known as one of the top companies in the PC world, Microsoft began its foray into console gaming in late 2001 with the release of the XBox. The system would directly compete with Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube, even though its third-party support saw several crossover titles with the PS2.
Continue reading RFGen's Top XBox Games
We went a little different route with the Top 20 list this month. In the past, we've looked at the top games for specific systems or time periods, most recently looking at Sony's PS2, and Nintendo's GameCube.
This month, however, I thought it would be fun to have it be about some of the games that were the biggest disappointments. After all, the submission forum dropped on April 1st, tradtionally a day devoted to pranks and fools. And let's face it, everyone's been let down a time or two by a gaming experience. And while this type of list doesn't lend itself crossovers and rankings, it does make for some great conversation about game expectations, and a fun place to share some interesting stories.
Continue reading RFGen's Fool Me Once Games
Up until October of 2000, video game consoles were just that, systems used almost exclusively for playing video games. However, that month Sony released a system that would change consoles from video game players to home entertainment systems, as well as progressing the world of online console gaming, the Playstation 2. Those features, in addition to backwards compatibility with its predecessor, helped make the PS2, as it is commonly referred, the highest selling video game console ever in terms of units sold worldwide.
With that success came a plethora of games, with nearly all genres represented. NA markets saw the release of more than 1300 games, and there are estimates of more than 3800 games released worldwide.
Continue reading RFGen Top 20 Games- Playstation 2 Edition
The GameCube was Nintendo's first foray into a completely disc based technology, using mini discs. The system itself derives its name from its box like shape.
One area it stood out from its 6th generation counterparts was in its compatibility. Gameboy Advance's could be used on the system for enhanced features in some games, and the Gameboy player periphial allowed fans to play any type of Gameboy title on the console.
But with any console, it comes down to the games, and for this list six RFGen members voted on their favorites-
Crabmaster2000
shaggy
Disposed Hero
Fokakis79
SpriteCell
Wempster
Continue reading RFGen Top 20 Games Nintendo GameCube Edition
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Posted on Feb 13th 2021 at 01:00:00 PM by ( EZ Racer) Posted under top 20, nes, snes, genesis, pc, n64, playstation, nintendo, ps1, mario, zelda |
So after taking much of 2020 to look at some of the best games for several different home console systems of the 70's, 80's, and 90's, it only seemed natural to kick off 2021 with a list of the best of the best.
The results are based off of 5 participants:
Crabmaster2000
EZ Racer
DisposedHero
Fokakis79
Wempster
Voters were encouraged to list all their best games if they couldn't get it cut to 20, and a few lists took advantage of that. Games from all systems released as 5th generation consoles (N64, Playstation 1, Sega Saturn) and prior were eligible. Japan exclusives were also eligible, along with PC titles released in 1999 or earlier.
In all, there were 89 games that were considered among the best of the early video game generations, and rather than list the also-rans separately, I thought it woulld be fun to list every game in order. My thought is that all these games are considered exceptional by at least one person, so if your looking for ideas for something to try, it might be for you as well.
Before getting to it, thanks to those who participated this month, and all who made lists in 2020. It's been a lot of fun, and look forward to a lot more in '21! If you're a GameCube fan, check out the link for the next list coming up- http://www.rfgeneration.c...m/index.php?topic=19495.0
So here are your Top 20...er top 89 games as voted on by RFGen members!
Continue reading RFGen Top 20 plus? Games of the Early Years
Let me be up front to start- I know I'm the Top 20 guy, but admittedly the Christmas season got away from me, as well as a hectic start to the new year. If you're looking for a new top 20, then take a look at the newest thread for more info, should be a lot of fun. You can find that link here- http://www.rfgeneration.c...topic=19486.msg276303#new
But with not having a top 20 to post for January, I thought it would be fun to talk about my recent experience with Planet Coaster: Console Edition, released in November by Frontier Games.
Continue reading Planet Coaster: Worth the Wait
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Posted on Dec 13th 2020 at 01:00:00 PM by ( EZ Racer) Posted under Top 20, snes, nes, ps1, mario, zelda, metroid, sega, nintendo, tg16, saturn, atari, gameboy, gba |
As 2020 comes to a close, it's been an interesting and trying year for a lot of us. For me personally, I relocated in July and started a new job in August, and while the change afforded me the space to have a proper game room, since the new job started I rarely get to use it.
On top of that, COVID has turned the world upside down, and for most of us, our gaming hobby can be a welcome reprieve from all the stress the world finds itself in at the moment. When I started the top 20 lists at the beginning of the year, I couldn't have imagined all that would happen. January seems more like several years ago than several months ago. As the year inches closer to its end, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my own thoughts from compiling the lists.
In putting together the lists, I always wanted it to be more about everyone else's thoughts on the games and systems above my own. But I also thought it would be fun to share some thoughts about what I found surprising (and in other cases, expected) results as we head toward the new year.
Continue reading 20 thoughts on Top 20 in 2020
In October, we looked at the top games for the Game Boy Advance
The successor to the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, the Game Boy Advance, or GBA, could reasonably be described as a portable Super NES. In fact, several games originally released for the Super NES made their way to the GBA as portable re-releases. With several hundred games to choose from, it may be a slight surprise that out of six participants, only 59 different games received a rank.
The participants for this list:
EZ Racer
blcklblskt
MetalFro
Crabmaster2000
Disposed Hero
Normatron
But while several games were on multiple lists, there was a lot more variety on exactly where they should fall. This also caused several logjams in the ranks. As you'll see below, there were several spots in which 1 or 2 points made the difference, especially in the mid-teens, where there was only a 4 point gap between 13th and 18th place. That's equivalent to the difference between a single 11th place vote versus a 9th place vote.
It's also apparent that strategy games and metroidvania games were prevalent on the system, as they took up 9 of the 20 spots. And for how many games received multiple votes, only two were on all six lists, not coincidentally falling into the #1 and #2 spots on the final list.
There were plenty of great games that fell just short of making the top 20, and you can find more about those games on the submissions page- http://www.rfgeneration.c...19437.msg274464#msg274464
Continue reading RFGen Top 20 Games Game Boy Advance Edition
As we inch closer to the end of 2020, it's time to take a look at one of the earliest mainstream home consoles.
Released in 1977, the Atari 2600 library featured hundreds of titles, both 1st party and 3rd party. But it was also notorius for it's lack of quality control, which contributed to the video game market crashing in the early 80's. That doesn't tell the whole story, as there were many fun and memorable experiences to be had on the system, with several games inspiring whole genres in future game generations.
So what were some of the best the system had to offer? We had six participants weigh in, with some very interesting results.
Participants:
shaggy
MetalFro
Crabmaster2000
Fokakis79
Normatron
singlebanana
Continue reading RFGen Top 20 Games Atari 2600 Edition
So it's time for September's list after a short hiatus in August, but instead of looking at just one system, we looked two systems that didn't quite reach the mainstream sales of their competitors, but had some excellent titles nonetheless.
The TurboGrafx 16 was ahead of its time with some of the innovations it brought to the gaming world, and several titles have become "cult classics" at the very least. Produced by NEC alongside Hudson Soft, it was marketed as a 16-bit console (though it was more of a hybrid between 8-bit and 16-bit technology) to compete with Sega's Genesis, and later Nintendo's Super NES.
The Saturn was Sega's fifth generation console, set to compete Sony's debut console, the Playstation, and eventually the Nintendo 64.
Continue reading RFGen's Top 20 Sega Saturn and Turbo Grafx 16 games
Usually, this spot is a list of the best games on a particular system as voted on by the members of RFGen. It was a project I had hoped would get members of the site talking about their favorite games, and the support it has received has been everything I hoped for.
This month, because of some major personal changes in my life, I knew I wouldn't be able to put the proper time into compiling a list. So I thought it would be fun to reflect on the experience for me, as well as share the surprises that I encountered through making it so far.
The lists will continue next month as we look at Sega Saturn and TurboGrafx 16. Join us here: http://www.rfgeneration.c...m/index.php?topic=19360.0
Participation has really influenced certain lists, causing major swings at the last moment. That became apparent with the first list, the NES, when the last member to submit a list put TMNT II at #1. Before that vote, the game was looking to destined for an honorable mention, but with the #1 vote it climbed all the way to #11. But that's been one of the awesome parts of doing these lists for me. With a few lists submitted, it seems like things are starting to fall into place, and a few times they have, but other times it seems like the list flips on itself. A fun example of this is Blast Corps place on the N64 list. After the first three lists were in, that was sitting at #1 overall. Obviously it didn't hold, but it did make it fascinating to watch its movement for the rest of that month. It also shows how important the votes are.
Continue reading Top 20 Takeaways
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