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Hand in Hand with Metroid Fusion

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

THE GOOD: Classic 2D platformer Metroid; crips controls and gameplay; sweet graphics and awesome remixed music; challenging

THE BAD: Non-priority storyline; too many power-ups without equal payoff; almost equivelant to Metroid Fusion; short

DIFFICULTY: Medium

Zero Mission is basically a re-telling, or re-imagining of the original Metroid that came out for the NES back in the late 80's. Now, don't go expecting the EXACT same level design with simply gussied up graphics. While some areas look familiar, there is a lot of new stuff in this one, a more reasonable challenge, more responsive controls, and greatly improved graphics and sound. Additionally, the vertical portions that were notorious for their length in the original Metroid are now reasonably smaller, mostly because the platforms are way bigger as well as is Samus Aran.
While Metroid Fusion was a lot more of a story-driven game, this one has a basic storyline the same as the original Metroid - go off and investigate an alien race brewing no good in some far off planet of Zebes. This gives way to further exploration, thankfully unlike the more force-ahead storyline of Fusion, which left much less time to go and explore areas that were not yet attainable. The fundementals still lie within: start off weak, explore the areas, gain new abilities to open up new paths, and also be given both a map AND icons for which to follow throughout the game, this way you always know where to go next. Sure as hell beats the no-map-for-you approach of the original, near impossible to defeat, Metroid. Now, while fans of Fusion definitely will notice a small step behind graphically, as more pixels are present and backgrounds aren't as polished, they'll most definitely appreciate the gameplay, which remains just as iron tight as all 2D Metroids. The music is a remixed bunch from the original NES Metroid, and quite nostalgic and enjoyable to listen to (albeit more repetitive). So because of all this new stuff, the game is A LOT easier to go through and beat than the original NES version... not to mention shorter, on first try, it took me just under 4 hours to beat the game.
So, what does this game in fact give to you that Fusion didn't? Not much. If you've played Fusion, you've played this game. And if you've played the original NES version to death, don't bother with this one. The cut-scenes aren't as pretty or dramatic, and Samus herself lacks personality as a result. BUT if you're thinking of buying the "classic NES series" of Metroid for the GBA, don't bother, just get this one. With its new lower price and unlockable original Metroid within, there's no point in getting a different copy for a few dollars less. Still, once you beat this game though, playing through the original Metroid will be so unappealing you probably won't make it past the first room.
One final complaint to make about Zero Mission is the power-ups. Now, while it's great that Samus eventually gets all her powers back, it's annoying that once they're all back, you don't really get to exploit them as much as you'd like to. There just aren't all that many enemies at a time to kill or tough obstacles to overcome.
My complaints are pretty minor though, and I have to admit to having a lot more fun at some points playing this game that I did with Fusion. There's simply a bigger sense of freedom with this one because of the non-prioritized storyline.

BOTTOM LINE: If you've played through Fusion or the classic NES Metroid, this is a waste. If you haven't and would love some good, challenging Metroid, buy this. It's not long, but handhelds aren't really meant to be.

It is an overall improvement

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 19, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Overall, I like Metroid: Zero Mission better than the original Metroid.Here are the improvements of one game to the next:
1--The use of power bombs
2--The ability to recharge and save your game, as well as using your map.
3--The screw attack
4--The high-jump ability
5--an extended story
6--An optional boss that gives you charge beam
7--Another boss not included in the original.
8--Enhanced graphics, music, and sound.

I found that these changes greatly enhanced gameplay. However, the game is just far tyoo short. I beat it in 4 hours and 15 minutes on the hardest difficulty. Sure, they extended the game...but they didn't extend it enough in my opinion.

The original Metroid was a bit more challenging, but I like this one better because it took the original Metroid and improved on it. It gave the game a better feel by enhancing graphics, sound, and music. It increased Samus' arsenal by giving her all those extra abilities. It even included an optional boss that pops out from time to time. You earn the charge beam from it.
There is also a new boss that you must fight later on that was not in the original Metroid. In fact there are two other extra bosses. And many new enemies as well.
But there is one thing I do not like about this game. In the original Metroid, you beat the game after killing the Mother Brain. In this game, after you kill it, you get sent to an excavation site, but you CANNOT revisit the earlier parts of the game! This was a let-down to me, mainly because I like to explore a lot in games so I can collect stuff. That having been said, I recommend this: in one file, get to the Mother Brain and save. Now copy that file, but in the second copied file, beat the Mother Brain and then the whole game. Explore and collect stuff in the first file, and beat the game in the second file.

I shall conclude my review with this statement: overall, I think Metroid Zero Mission is better because of all the useful improvements and the extension to the game. However, it would have been nice to explore more, and if it was more challenging. Regardless, this game is still fun, and you should buy it, but not for the replay value.

Good remake to the original version

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: July 06, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This game is a big improvement to the original 1986 version of Metroid. Although the storyline was the same, there were many enhancements to the overall gameplay.

Prepare to work those thumbs!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: July 23, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Reviewed for Big Boss Games by: TRC

I sum up this game as "Thumb Exercise 101".

In Metroid Zero Mission for the GBA you play as Samus going on a mission to destroy Mother Brain and all the Metroids.

Metroid Zero Mission is a great remake of the original Metroid from the NES.

This game has lots of cool stuff added, like a whole other level after you defeat Mother Brain.

This game is very addictive. My poor thumbs hurt and I still kept on playing till the very end. (6+ hours later)

The sound for this game was good, 8/10.

Graphics were greatly enhanced from the original game, 8/10.

Gameplay was fun and enjoyable. I only wish it was longer, 7/10.

Overall, this game gets a ?my poor thumbs? 8/10.

Metroid ReDux

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: July 18, 2007
Author: Amazon User

One of the biggest trends in video games right now it's re-vamping old games for a new generation. "Metroid: Zero Mission" with other games like "Tomb Raider: Anniversary", and to some extend "New Super Mario Bros." all claim to not be a remake but a update of the original concept. "MetroidL Zero Mission" retells (as the box art puts it, the "real" story) of Samus Aran's very first adventure. Taking it's cue from the mid 80's NES classic "Metroid", "Zero Mission" is a throughly enjoyable and classic 2-D gaming experience for the GBA or Nintendo DS.

As the adventure begins anyone familiar with the original game will notice that the enviroments look similar to the original with different layouts and gaming textures. New areas, weapons, and enemies have all been added to create the redux of a classic (and oft released) video game.

These updates for the most part succeed. The graphics are crisp, clear, and detailed. Especially when playing on the high res DS. The control is what you expect from Nintendo--right on and intuitive. The music is also a well produced effort, with many familiar tracks being remixed for this version.

But what is missing is the sense of adventure and sci-fi from the orginial. Maybe it's because the series is so well known and Samus' true identity is readily accessible by many fans. Also many of the updates, for example the new grip ability take away some of the challenge that made completing all those old games so rewarding.

In the end, "Zero Mission" is a great, solid, and engaging game. It's fun to see a different side of the Metroid mythos and the added graphical powers and newly introduced areas of Zebes (hauntingly familiar to those fans of "Super Metroid") help add depth the story. A definate treat for those fans of old school side-scrolling action/adventure gaming!

Another Classic Update From Nintendo!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 22
Date: December 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Metroid, the first game in one of Nintendo's biggest franchise, is getting the same kind of treatment given to MGS and Resident Evil on GameCube: take the story and basic gameplay of the original, update graphics, change the environments, and lots else, and bring it to the new system.

Even though I haven't beaten Fusion to this date (due to that horrible menace of the Nightmare) I plan to grab this one. Let's just hope the Super Nintendo game in the series, Super Metroid, is coming next :)

Metroid Zero Mission... the Hero's first is always the best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: February 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

The Hunter is born... Code name Samus Aran... As war begins at her home planet Zebes she must ward off evil Pirates who infiltrated the planet in search for Metroids... A spieces who drain the life of anyone that annoys them... As Samus lurks through the corridors of her home, she gains new abilities and stregnthens her gear to make the Pirates fear her...
Explore with her her first ever mission, originally on NES as the Graphics are enhanced to remarkable GBA colors and fear the eerie Music... With actual places from the NES version and places from SNES Super Metroid. and Explore new areas in hunt for Riddley, Kraid, and The Mother Brain. Develope new gear such as "Lock-On" and Power Grips, and get some gear from previous Metroid Games, the Wave and Long Beams, Super Missiles, Power Bombs, even the Spider Ball (Metroid II- Samus' Return GBx). In the end of it are you the Hunter or the Hunted!!!

Fun but Short

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: September 05, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I got Metroid Zero Mission the first day it was avaliable in stores and I didn't stop playing for 4 days. It was a fun game. It was based on the first Metroid game. Samaus went around getting ice beams, missles, and beating up Ridley, Kraid, and Metroids. And the graphics were execelent. The only problem was that it was too short. Kinda easy too. But like I said, it was fun.

Perfect for the old school fan!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: May 18, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I am an old school game fan and Metroid was my second favorite growing up, this version is sweet! It has the same format and object with some nice graphics and world updates! And of course if you beat it you can play the original!! Nice!

the best metroid game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: May 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

this game is realy fun! speaking as a metroid fan. this game is cool how you can use weopons you dicover in later games. i'm saying that because it's samus telling the tale of her 1st mission in 1985. plus in the options you can choose to play the origanal metroid! this game is cool GET IT!!

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