08-20-2007, 01:44 PM
Vital Info:
*Developer: Nintendo Research and Development 1
*Publisher: Nintendo
*North America Release: July 28, 1994
*Platform - SNES
It's no secret that I love Super Metroid. And what better time to spread the love than now? Super Metroid was just released on Virtual Console, getting Wii owners in the Metroid mood for Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.
Three years after Metroid II: Return of Samus was released on the gameboy, Nintendo released the third game in their popular franchise. Super Metroid took the SNES to a whole new level, introducing the never-before-seen 24-megabit cartridge. This larger cartridge meant that the game would be able to pack in more areas, more enemies, more action, and more badass.
Like other Metroid games, Super Metroid revolves around gathering powerups in order to get to the next area. Don't be fooled though, it isn't as linear as it sounds. This game requires a lot of exploration. The objectives are never right in front of you. It takes a bit of roaming around to figure out what to do next. Thankfully, due to Metroid's unprecedented level design, art direction, and sound track, exploring all of planet Zebes's nooks and crannies never gets boring.
Planet Zebes is a gigantic, open ended world that is just waiting for Samus Aran to land her ship and conquer all evil that lurks there. This was one of the largest games anyone had ever seen back in '94. This game took a long time to beat, and it wasn't easy. In the later hours of Super Metroid, there are some tough fights. With these tough fights, however, comes more satisfaction from defeating the baddies.
Super Metroid is arguably the best looking game on the SNES. There are a countless number of sprites everywhere you look. The attention to detail in this game is something that you don't see in a lot of video games today. Every sprite is animated flawlessly, creating a VERY polished finished product. Everything from seeing Samus breathing, to blasting away mother brain with your super missiles looks astounding. The environments in Super Metroid are all completely different. From the watery depths of Maridia to the fiery hell of Norfair, every new area brings new things.
The soundtrack in Super Metroid is still today some of the best video game music of all time. Every single song from the game is a memorable one. A great soundtrack such as this one will make you feel like a part of the game, completely immersing you in everything around you. Each new area has a perfectly fitting sound, creating an incredible nostalgic sensation.
This game appears on nearly every "Best Games of All Time" list, and it darn well deserves it. The music, graphics, and overall surreal atmosphere sync absolutely perfectly with each other, making Super Metroid the greatest game ever created.
Graphics: 3/3
Gameplay: 4/4
Soundtrack: 3/3
OVERALL: 10/10