Super Metroid may seem like an odd title to review being as it was released so many years ago, but I thought it would be interesting to tell people what the K-Tech team thought of this great classic, as well as supplying a good resource for those who might be interested in buying it, as Nintendo® has made this game easily available for purchase on their e-shop for Wii U®.
For those unfamiliar with the game, Super Metroid is a side scrolling shooter with a wealth of platforming in which you explore a subterranean labyrinth in search of the last Metroid larva. You must find and collect upgrades for your power suit as you blast aliens and defeat powerful bosses to progress farther into the Space Pirates' planet base, Zebes.
Super Metroid is a true classic by many peoples standards, and has certainly been talked about by a good many people of greater reputation than us, but all the same, we have played and beat nearly every Metroid title to be released yet, so I feel comfortable that our opinion on the subject is worth something still. As for those who call this game a classic, I could hardly describe a game that deserves such esteem more than Super Metroid. A masterpiece full of detail and challenge that simply begs to be played, then played again.
I'll admit, that as an individual, I am not the biggest fan of some of the most iconic platformers out there, yes, including classic Mario, but I still very much appreciate and respect the art even if it is not my ideal. Super Metroid made me realize however, that there are platforming physics that I really do enjoy, and this was it! The key is in the unrealistically responsive controls. You press the jump button, you go up, you release the button, you immediately go down, no carried upward momentum, or even hang time. I love this. Several other factors also contribute to overall responsiveness that allows you to take on platforming challenges that are far more complicated, yet still beatable due to the precise physics, making it all the more fun.
More known for being a shooter than a platformer however, Super Metroid implements a simple and ingenious method of aiming and shooting that is easy to pick up and very fun to play. Great weapon upgrades help keep things interesting as you build up your impressive arsenal of missiles, beams, and other more unique enhancements. Even though enemy logic is about as simple as it gets, the various baddies essentially just following basic patterns, they still produce a good challenge, but their patterns do allow for practiced players to become incredibly proficient at dealing with them.
The map of Super Metroid consists of six worlds that provide ample area to explore its incredibly rich and varying environments. The environments are portrayed in beautiful, iconic pixel art that takes direct inspiration from the original Metroid, which is a treat for people who liked that game as well. Such a large wealth of secrets are hidden throughout the worlds that even experienced players will find themselves presented with a serious task ahead of them if they wanted to find every one. We have still yet to succeed! Some might be disappointed that they can't seem to get 100% completion, but to us, this was actually awesome, because it means that every time you play the game again, you still have more to find. It gives that feeling that there could always be some exciting secret around any corner.
Metroid is not usually known for storlines of much depth, and Super Metroid is no exception to that pattern. Other than the intro, there is literally nothing said throughout the game, but for choosing to be so sparse, the finale was surprisingly epic, making an impression despite it's simplicity. In general it should be understood that this title's focus is on action packed gameplay, but what exists of a story, we found very satisfactory.
If there were a downfall to this title, it would be high difficulty. Not everybody will be able to beat this game. Super Metroid has incredibly complex labyrinths and perplexing puzzles on one end, then hard core gameplay and ferocious bosses on the other. Nothing is gained easily. But at the same time, this is exactly why beating this game is so rewarding. You lay a certain claim to pride by beating Super Metroid that makes the effort worth the reward. And hey, we hard core gamers need games to play too. So in the end we don't consider this a true flaw, still it is noteworthy that a certain audience will be excluded, but that is just like any game really.
Two of the particular aspects that have gained Super Metroid so much of our respect, are attention to detail, and near perfectness. So much thoughtfulness was put into everything that exists that simply looking around at all the different pieces of the game is inspiring. They paid attention to those little things that seem to always be overlooked, for example, a platforming challenge above lava where the platforms disappear from view when you jump, they put pillars in the background to indicate where to land for you. Other novel details entertained us as well, including undocumented attacks, that while not really useful, are rather fun to discover and speak a little of the developers quirkier side.
I doubt that there has ever been a perfect game, but there is a very small handful of titles that so closely approach perfection that we would probably give them the mythical six star rating if it were possible. Super Metroid is among them. The game is so devoid of flaws that it leaves you with a rather rare sense of satisfaction just to have experienced it. Super Metroid is an inspiring title that we highly suggest to those prepared to take on the challenge! 10/10, of course.