Metroid Fusion

Samus starts the game without most of her abilities, but regains most of them and several new tricks throughout the game. Some are simple but well though out, like the ability to automatically grab ledges and pull yourself up. Other abilities are newer and cooler, like charging freeze missiles that freeze a room at a time.

The difficulty of the game is pretty much spot on. Early in the game things will flow smoothly, not too tough and not too easy. As the game progresses though, the challenges get harder and harder until things really heat up. By the end of the game, you'll be fighting for your life. Unlike previous Metroid adventures, you won't be running around aimlessly this time. You'll almost always have a near complete map, and an idea where to go thanks to your new AI commander.

The downside to this however is it severely shortens the game's length. I finished the game my first time through in about 4:33 play time. That translates to a few days counting replaying saves, breaks, and such. It's not a very long game. A casual player would probably take a week or maybe two at the most to finish the game. A hardcore player could do it in a day if they really wanted to.

• Rirath_com

Metroid Fusion is often overlooked when compared with Super Metroid or the Prime Trilogy, but it's a phenomenal game in it's own right. The continuing storyline is quite good here, and the gameplay and artstyle, while obviously designed for more primitive hardware, hold up quite well today. Highly recommended, especially in light of the release of the sequel, Metroid Dread.

I'm not really that familiar with the Metroid series. The only other one I have ever played so far is Metroid Pinball, so I'm totally not clued-up on the original that appeared on the NES back in 1986. But I did go for this one because I heard that the original Turrican game was based partly on Metroid.

And while the similarities are plentiful this is still a great game in it's own right. Old-fashioned 2D platformers are always brilliant and it's one of my fave genres. Fusion involves lots of running around in a huge, abandoned space-station, visiting my departments and sub-departments, blasting away at alien scum and trying to figure out what happened to everyone. The level designs are awesome, with loads of hidden extras and secret passageways. You'll still be able to memorise your way around though.

The graphics and sound effects are dead cool but the generic music is a bit of a let-down. Some of the bosses are unbelievably hard and you'll end up having to stop yourself from smashing your Nintendo against the wall. Fight the urge, there is always a way, always a pattern to follow to kill them. But it's finding the courage to face it for the 86th time that really matters.

Definitely one of the best games on the GBA, but perhaps a bit too short. I would have liked to have kept going and gaining more and more and MORE power-ups. But hey, it's still worth the money.

Graphics A Sound B Gameplay A- Lasting Appeal B+

I have followed the Metroid Series for a long time. Every single one of them is a work of art. Music, graphics, sound, and story are all top notch. I have two favorites out of the side scrolling Metroid's though. One is Metroid Zero Mission, who's game play is simply amazing. But personally, out of all the stories. Metroid Fusion is my favorite.

The beginning is amazing, plot twists spread throughout. The ending simply surprises you. What you thought would happen, doesn't, something totally better and different happens.

This is well worth the buy. You can certainly find it used for cheap somewhere. The replay value is great since you can open new pictures of Samus for getting good item collection, and for speed.

Great game, get it, you won't regret it.

The story and gameplay are really good The atmosphere and the bosses are great but the map Design and the flow of gameplay I find it ok.

But is a good experience and got me hyped for Dread.