Remembering the NES: Metroid (NES/eShop Review) by Austin D.

Metroid
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES, GBA, Wii, 3DS
Release: August 6, 1986

September 1, 2011, by Austin D. - Metroid originally released back on August 6, 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System as one of the first open world side-scrolling games ever made. Metroid features the main character, space bounty hunter Samus Aran, having to traverse a large area in an attempt to rescue Metroid creatures from being replicated by Space Pirates. How does the first installment in this classic series hold up?

One of the first things you will notice about Metroid is the eerie soundtrack. The tracks provide a good sense of being in a far off land in the depths of space. They are quite memorable and the gamer is sure to enjoy them during the hours of gameplay. The game also has good sound effects.

The graphics are good for the time. They are crisp and clear. The only real downside to them is that whenever a lot of objects are moving on the screen, the frame rate drops noticeably. This is not a major problem but you will encounter it more often than not due to the multitude of enemies in the game.

One main factor that plays to Metroid's grand appeal is the fact that there are numerous weapon and health upgrades, a mechanic that has become a staple of the franchise. These are scattered throughout various parts of the game and are, at times, very difficult to reach and obtain. The game provides a good amount of difficulty to navigate areas and enemies that will keep you coming back time after time. One thing the gamer will notice is that each time you die a password will be displayed on the screen. Write it down because that is how you can save your progress. After inputting the password, you will start at the beginning with everything you had before dying. With the 3DS Virtual Console version, players are able to create a save state to record their progress instead of relying on the password system.

Enemies are something that is a big part of the game. There are several types that will fly up and down the map. Once you receive a good amount of missiles, you can then take many of them out easily. Enemies that travel amongst the floor are numerous in numbers and sometimes can crowd you into a corner.

The Verdict

Sound
12/15 - The soundtrack has a lot of good tunes.

Graphics
12/20 - The graphics are nice compared to other NES games, but at times the frame rate drops due to many objects moving on the screen at one time.

Appeal
20/25 - With this being the first open world side-scrolling game and providing good depth, it provides good appeal.

Gameplay
33/40 - The game has many hours of gameplay and provides good difficulty.

Overall
77/100 - Metroid will provide you with vast amounts of difficulty and is an essential title for the classical enthusiast.