Metroid Fusion
"Samus Aran returns!"
Metroid Fusion, also known as Metroid IV, is the sequel to the hit SNES title, Super Metroid. In Fusion, Samus encounters a strange organism known as the X Parasite on planet SR388 that infects her body. She is brought back to the research station, where she is injected vaccine made from DNA of the last known Metroid, which was the same Metroid that saved Samus's life in SM and is also the only known predator of the X. Samus, injected with the Metroid DNA, reawakens with a new appearance. She is determined to eliminate the X Parasite. However, the SA-X, an X Parasite that is mimicking Samus, is determined to take out Samus first...
Visuals:
Metroid Fusion has some pretty good graphics. They look about as good as Super Metroid, more or less. The environments look cool, and Samus's animations are good.
Sounds:
Like the past Metroid games, the soundtrack of Metroid Fusion fits the game extremely well; it has that mysterious vibe. The sound effects also are good.
Gameplay:
hen you start out the game, Samus is armed only with her blaster. Eventually, she will gain back her other weapons and moves, such as Missiles, the Morph Ball, and Wave Beam, via absorption of X Parasites that have those weapons/moves. You will also collect Missile upgrades, energy tanks, and new suits as well.
Along your adventure, a computer, codenamed "Adam", will brief you on your next objective. You HAVE to be briefed in order to continue, which makes the game extremely linear.
Another complaint I have is that it is really easy to get lost. In some parts in the game, you are required to blow up a wall in order to continue, however, for the most part, there is no indication on what part of a wall can be blown up, which leads to confusion. Also, Samus dies awfully easily. You'll definitely notice when fighting bosses.
Replayability:
Fusion happens to be awfully short; it'll take about 5-6 hours to beat, even less if you're good. When you beat Fusion, you can link it up to Metroid Prime on the GameCube and unlock the original Metroid game in Prime. Oh yeah, you can also link Fusion up to Zero Mission, also on the GBA, to unlock some new art for viewing in MZM. But that's about it.
Bottom Line:
Metroid Fusion is a fun Metroid adventure, but it is awfully short and feels too linear. But if you're a Metroid fan or if you're looking for a good GBA game, you should consider picking up Fusion.
Final Score: C+
Also recommended...
Super Metroid (SNES)
Metroid II: Return of Samus (GB)
Metroid (NES)
Any questions, comments, submissions, or anything related to the site should be e-mailed to me: shadowdragonxx [at] hotmail [dot] com. Don't take anything from the site without permission.
> Reviews
>> Game Reviews
>>> Gameboy Advance games
>>>> Metroid Fusion
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action
Year released: 2002
Number of Players: 1
ESRB: Rated E (Violence)
Save: Cartridge save
Misc: Links to Metroid Prime (GCN), Links to Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA)
Last Updated ::
5/27/2005