Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion, another great installment in the Metroid series. With the release of Metroid Fusion, Samus was brought back to her old school days of gaming, instead of the direction Metroid Prime took. Taking a lot of its gameplay elements from Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion throws into the mix a few new ideas along with a new suit for Ms. Aran to wear. Metroid Fusion has its up and it downs, but it is no doubt a wonderful game for any Metroid fan to play.

Graphics:

The graphics are definitely a high point in the game. Taking the same look as Super Metroid for the SNES, Fusion brings back a lot of nostalgic memories. Another high point in the graphics department is the very beautiful cutscenes that help introduce you to the storyline of the game. It's truly sad that the only cutscenes using these graphics take place during the intro and ending to the game. In the end however, if you enjoyed the days where the SNES reigned supreme, then there is no doubt in my mind that you'll love the way Fusion looks.

Sound and Music:

The music in the game isn't anything that you would expect to be in a Metroid game. It is a mix of the usual science-fiction style with a little bit of the eerie "I'm in here with a bunch of monsters." music. The sound is extremely well done as well. Fusion has high quality sound effects, such as laser guns shooting, doors opening, and bad guys going kaplooie. Fusion takes a majority of its sound effect and music from previous Metroid games, Super Metroid in particular. With a blend of high tech and creepy music, along with wonderful sound, Fusion pleases the ears in every way possible.

Storyline:

Metroid games aren't known for their outstanding storylines. However, they don't have bad storyline's either. The basic premise of the game is that while lending mission support on planet SR388, Samus is attacked by an X parasite, an organism with the ability to mimic any creature it infects. Near death, Samus is saved by a vaccine made from the DNA of the last Metroid, who happens to be the X parasite's only natural predator. When the X spread to a research station orbiting around SR388, it is up to a weakened Samus to exterminate them all. As stated above, the storyline isn't going to win any awards anytime soon, but at least it's interesting. Unlike Metroid Prime, which takes place between two previous Metroid games, Fusion is chronologically last in the series. The storyline in the game is progressed by Samus, who narrates the story in a first person account of what happens. Seeing as how I don't plan on ruining any of the storyline, I'll just move onto the gameplay.

Gameplay:

Metroid Fusion is old school style Metroid. It is presented in the form of a side-scrolling shooter with the elements of a platformer thrown in. Throughout the game, you will move from room to room shooting up the bad guys, collecting weapon and armor upgrades, and jumping from platform to platform as you make your way through the infected research station. You will run into the occasional boss, who is determined to stop you from making it any further through the station. Metroid Fusion tries something new as well. It is more like a mission-based game. In Fusion, a computer system will pinpoint on your map where you are to go next and what you will be doing, as where the old Metroid games had you figure it out on your own. For added fun, you can search out missile upgrades, bomb upgrades, and health upgrades that allow you to hold more of that certain item. Unlike Super Metroid however, you are giving new abilities, such as the ability to climb certain walls and hang from the ceiling. Other than that, Metroid Fusion doesn't present anything that Super Metroid didn't already have.

Controls:

The controls in Fusion are fairly simple. One button shoot, another button jumps. The L and R buttons are used to aim your weapon up or down, while another button is used to switch between what type of weapon you are going to use, whether it be your normal weapon, upgraded weapon, or a missile. If you have trouble adjusting to the control scheme, then you should be slapped upside the head.

Replayability:

Metroid Fusion offers a somewhat small array of extra things to do. You can collect all the weapon upgrades and health upgrade, or try your had at beating the game under a certain time limit to catch the ending where Samus is shown in a bikini. You can also link your beaten file of Metroid Fusion up to your copy of Metroid Prime (if you have one) and gain the ability to wear the Fusion suit in Metroid Prime. If you have both Fusion and Prime beaten, then you'll be able to play the original Metroid off of your copy of Prime. Other than this, the game offers no other replay unless you want to play through it over and over and over again. Among that, the game only took me around four hours to beat, not getting all of the upgrades of course.

In the end, Metroid Fusion seems like the "little brother" of the Metroid series. It tries so hard to be like its "big brother" Super Metroid, but is unable to accomplish what it set out to do. While Metroid Fusion adds new weapons and abilities to already good gameplay, it leaves gamers and Metroid fans alike wanting more.
Graphics: 9.2/10
Sound and Music: 9.0/10
Storyline: 9.0/10
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Controls: 10/10
Replayability: 5.0/10
8.5
Out of 10