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This sequel to the great Super Metroid delivers an exciting adventure

After eight long years, the Metroid series returned in 2002 with two wonderful games. Metroid Prime was the big 3D game, and also received more attention, but on the handheld front, fans received Metroid Fusion for GBA. This 2D space adventure game was actually developed by the same team that gave us Super Metroid, so fans were very excited to be able to experience something on that level of awesomeness again. 

The story has Samus coming in contact with a deadly parasite (called X). Luckily, they find a cure by using a metroid's DNA. This completely changes Samus' appearance, but she is also immune to X parasites. She can actually absorb them for health. Shortly after this, Samus receives a distress call from the B.S.L. (Biologic Science Labs), so she flies there to investigate. The entire game takes place throughout BSL using six different areas. As usual, these areas have different themes, such as jungle, snowy, aqua, dark, etc. 

Fusion's biggest fault is the fact that the game is so linear, unlike Super Metroid, which threw you in and did not tell you anything. Here you have to constantly be going to navigation rooms in order to be told exactly where to go and what to do. Of course, there are areas to explore and hidden rooms to find, but the game is just so chatty. Also, upgrades like missile expansions and energy tanks are shown on the map, which also detracts from the exploration. 

The computer that talks to Samus reminds her of her old commander, Adam Malkovich. She reminisces a few times about him, which is later used in the game Metroid: Other M (although we all know how awful the story is in that game). Fusion is apparently the last game in the Metroid timeline, occuring just after Super Metroid and Other M. 

One of the best features of Fusion is its antagonist, a doppleganger of Samus' regular suit which is referred to as SA-X. Samus is warned that SA-X has all of her powers, so it's best to avoid it until she's strong enough to face it. A few times SA-X will show up in the same room, and it's best to wait for it to walk by. You can (foolishly) encounter it, but you'll be dead in no time. When it enters the room, the music drops out and all you can hear are its ominous footsteps. It's perfectly creepy. 

The controls are simple and tight. Samus can shoot her blaster and jump. Along the way you'll get the usual upgrades--the morph ball, missiles, power bombs, spin jump, sprint boots, etc. This game also introduced a few new things: Samus can grab onto ledges and climb ladders. Her wall-jumping ability from Super Metroid is also available from the start if you know how to do it. The areas and rooms are expertly crafted. If you get stuck in a room, all you need to do is bomb around and you'll eventually find an opening. There's no way to get permanently stuck anywhere. You're free to explore, but again, your freedom is not nearly as open as in Super Metroid because the game is always directing you to specific locations. Certain points in the game will also keep you from exploring, such as when the elevators and doors become off-line. 

The graphics are colorful and detailed, making the adventure more enjoyable. There are also some nice details. In one room a giant shadow hovers by, which is a foreshadowing of a big boss battle coming up. Also, when you finally gain access to the low-temperature room, you discover a frozen Ridley. These details really enhance the game, especially for long-time Metroid fans. 

At first, the game is quite by-the-numbers as you simply do what the computer tells you to do. Luckily, they throw in some tense moments to keep you on your toes. After a few missions, you have to reach a computer under a time limit as the background flashes red and that tense countdown music plays. There are also some nerve-wracking moments where SA-X chases you and you have to get away and hide behind a wall. Whoo! 

Enemies are varied and very Metroid-like. However, most enemies will take huge chunks of your life and will not give you sufficient health afterwards. I was surprised how quickly I died at times, even when I had five or six energy tanks. Bosses are either too easy or too hard. The spider boss and plant boss in particular were very frustrating as you could get trapped and have your life sucked away very quickly. However, some of the bosses (such as the Nightmare boss) are quite exciting. 

The sound and music are excellent as well. The music is classic Metroid stuff, similar to Super Metroid's ost. The alien sounds and voices also go a long way in establishing the right feel for the game. 

Final Verdict--4 Stars: Recommended

Overall, Metroid Fusion is an excellent successor to the great Super Metroid. Although it's more linear and much more chatty, it still has the spirit of Metroid. Tight controls, colorful graphics, and good details make the game fun and exciting. The ominous antagonist, who is similar to Dark Samus while remaining different, is also a great addition. The game is currently available on the Wii U virtual console, along with another excellent 2D Metroid--Zero Mission.