Metroid

Review

by Benjamin F. Norris IV

Metroid is without a doubt a classic, one of the 'killer apps' for the NES, followed by two sequels, one on Game Boy and one on Super Nintendo, but none so flawless as the original.

As Samus Aran, you must hunt space pirates on the planet Zebes, take out two key pirates, Ridley and Kraid, and eventually their leader, the hideous Mother Brain. But Metroid is one labyrinth from which even a minotaur might not escape. Every room is connected. Some rooms are sealed -- you'll need more powerful missiles to get into those. You collect over a dozen new weapons and power-ups, but only if you're good enough. It's one giant action-adventure film, the likes of which the NES had never, and would never, see again.

Its 8-bit pixels and music pushed the NES, adding to the experience that is Metroid. And, in the tradition of Kid Icarus, Metroid scrolls not just left and right, but up and down -- veterans will perfect their death cry from falling down 10 and 20 screen vertical corridors over and over again trying to reach that one missile tank.

Yes, Metroid is exceedingly difficult, and even frustrating, but that's not a bad thing. The best players can beat it in under three hours, but the number of years it took them to reach that level of proficiency is probably higher. Metroid's not just a classic because of its astounding graphics, cinematic sound effects, accurate control and fresh gameplay, but also because of its staying power.