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Gaming's Greatest Remakes #4: Metroid Zero Mission


On 02/06/2017 at 11:05 AM by The Last Ninja

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Original Game: Metroid (1986, Fam/NES)

Developer: Nintendo R&D1

Remake: Metroid Zero Mission (2004, GBA)

Developer: Nintendo R&D1

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The original Metroid is a great game, but let's be honest, it hasn't aged well, and it's certainly difficult to play after all these years. This is why Nintendo decided to remake the classic in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, calling it Metroid Zero Mission. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best remakes EVER!!! The graphics and sound are beautifully updated, but the game also has a map (yes!) and a save feature. Everything is spot-on in the vein of the legendary Super Metroid, which is quite a feat. But that's not all! They also added a special stealth section at the end of the game where you have to play as Zero Suit Samus (the zero suit would become Samus' standard out-of-suit costume after this game). So the entire package is just unbelievable. 

On a sidenote, I think Nintendo should let WayFoward (who make the Shantae games) develop the next 2D Metroid game. They know how to make Metroidvanias, so I'm confident that they could make a great Metroid adventure. What do you think? 


 

Comments

Machocruz

02/06/2017 at 12:08 PM

Yes, I'd say ZM is one of the best remakes there has been. It's different enough from the original that I can also say it's the best, and really the only successor to Super Metroid we've had. The original Metroid is kind of its own thing. It's hardcore, you are meant to keep track of your own progress, figure things out on your own. That is still a valid approach, just not accessible to the masses that big developers want to appeal to today.

I would select the La Mulana developers to make a new Metroid. Where every similar game after Super has failed is in the level design. It had tons of shortcuts and secret passageways that no other action adventure game, including other Metroids, Igavanias, and their imitators, have delivered. La Mulana sits next to SM and the best NES games in terms of labyrinthine layouts.

The Last Ninja

02/06/2017 at 04:34 PM

Great suggestion. I (sadly) have not played La Mulana, but if it's as good as you say, I'll have to try it out. Axiom Verge is also supposed to be a great Metroidvania game. 

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/06/2017 at 12:17 PM

My only problem with this game was how short it was. 

The original Metroid felt bigger. Then again, that's probably because you couldn't see the map and it was way harder to get everywhere, especially with enemies that can pass through doors with you. 

The Last Ninja

02/06/2017 at 04:36 PM

Games in 1986 usually weren't very long. The fact that Zero Mission gave you the map certainly helped it to move along faster. I'm sure that the shortness of the game was the factor which caused them to add the zero suit part at the end. 

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/06/2017 at 04:49 PM

I know. I may have been born in 1990, but thanks to an older brother I played NES and SNES. In those cases though, the games felt longer because of the difficulty, even though they had less content. I don't like how hard Metroid is, but I would have liked more content in Zero Mission still. It's an awesome game as it is though, I'm just being difficult. Pun intended?

KnightDriver

02/27/2017 at 05:03 PM

Was that the answer to your question put to Captain N, Metroid?

daftman

02/06/2017 at 01:33 PM

This game is so good. I can't believe this is the last 2D Metroid me got Frown

The Last Ninja

02/06/2017 at 04:37 PM

Holy cow, I guess it is! 3D Metroid games are great, but I'm hoping the next one we get is a 2D game. What I don't want is another spin-off game!

Cary Woodham

02/06/2017 at 03:58 PM

Zero Mission was a great game.  I should play it again sometime.  I didn't like the stealth sections as much, but that was the game that introduced us to Zero Suit Samus, so I guess it wasn't all bad (ha ha, I'm being immature).

WayForward should make the next 2-D Metroid game for Nintendo and the next Mega Man game for Capcom!

The Last Ninja

02/06/2017 at 04:39 PM

Whoa, that would be awesome! WayForward could pull off both. They've proven that they know how to make great 2D action games. 

jgusw

02/06/2017 at 06:12 PM

I really want this game.  I just assumed it was a spin-off or something when it came out.  I didn't know much about it until years after it's release.  

The Last Ninja

02/07/2017 at 04:18 PM

It looked like another game in the series, but it was indeed a remake. And why would anyone play the original when you could just play this instead?

Matt Snee Staff Writer

02/06/2017 at 09:17 PM

I really need to play this. I think I got it as part of the Ambassador's program, but just kind of fiddled with it and didnt really play it. 

The Last Ninja

02/07/2017 at 04:19 PM

Matt, go play it! And you should never "fiddle" with Metroid! lol

KnightDriver

02/27/2017 at 05:05 PM

I have this game. I played the original on Virtual Console not too long ago and didn't get very far. Sounds like the remake would be more my thing.

The Last Ninja

02/27/2017 at 05:52 PM

If you have this game, you need to play it! You will love it!

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