Metroid Fusion (2002)

This title is one of the Game Boy Advance’s finest achievements, a fast-paced, atmospheric reinvention of the Metroid formula that successfully merges action, exploration, and narrative tension. Serving as a direct sequel to Super Metroid, MC is yet again Samus after she becomes infected by the mysterious X Parasite, forcing her to rely on a new, biologically altered Power Suit. The result is a more vulnerable version of the iconic bounty hunter, which adds a fresh layer of tension to the gameplay.

The game’s structure is notably more linear than its predecessors, guiding you through specific objectives across the labyrinthine corridors of the Biologic Space Laboratories station. While this design sacrifices some of the freeform exploration that defined earlier Metroid games, it replaces it with a stronger sense of narrative momentum and purpose. Despite it being more linear when compared to other entries in the series, it is as satisfying as any other, so I wouldn't get myself turned down by this in any way.

Each sector feels distinct, with cleverly designed layouts that reward backtracking and curiosity once new abilities are unlocked. What truly elevates the game is its mood, the sterile, almost claustrophobic setting and unsettling soundtrack create a palpable sense of dread. Especially when the SA-X, a terrifying clone of Samus, stalks the you through the station. These encounters are rare but unforgettable, turning moments of exploration into heart-pounding survival.

With tight controls, beautiful pixel art, and a cinematic story that adds emotional depth to Samus as a character, this game stands as both a technical showcase for the GBA and a bold narrative step for the series. It may be more guided than Super Metroid, but it delivers an equally memorable, more focused experience that still holds up remarkably well today. This is definitely a must-play for fans of the franchise, or if you like this formula to any extent.

On my first playthrough, I appreciated the SA-X as a welcome addition. On my second, I appreciated the story much more and the narrative has become one of my favorites in any game ever for what it represents as an entry in the series, thematically, and how well the gameplay ties into it. Replaying Fusion for the third time(not on the console you're thinking), I never appreciated the horror outside of the SA-X enough. Entering Sector 6 has become one of my favorite moments in the game. It introduces the blue X parasites here and the atmosphere is dim here. The only light shining is the spotlight on Samus. The blue X parasites really put up a threat, dealing 69 damage when the most you can have so far is 4 energy tanks. You may shoot breakable blocks, but what if an X parasite is there. Absolutely love this part.

Man I love Fusion so much. Top 3 Metroid game, period.

Metroid Dread is an amazing game, so I was excited to try this one out. While it's still a solid Metroid title, there are many aspects of it that scream "outdated". The narrative is so long and tedious. What's great about Metroid is how it tells a "story" with it's atmosphere and sound. This game came out around the time when Nintendo thought every player needed a 20 minute tutorial in their games. It just slows the game down to a halt.

Controls are more awkward and slippery compared to the tight controls of Dread.

I guess compared to Super Metroid, Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime, this game doesn't stack up, so while it's awesome that it's now a part of the Nintendo Switch Online service, it's likely not a game I'm going to invest too much time into, especially with how large of a backlog I already have.

Woof, this game has a twenty minute narrative intro. The beauty of Metroid Prime and games before it is there’s very little preamble and story is delivered through atmosphere and gameplay. The design philosophy in Metroid Fusion is very different and may be partially why I find this a far less impactful game.

I also find it much less visually appealing than Super Metroid which surprises me because the GBA is a more capable system and many a game designed for it looks gorgeous. There’s simply something lacking in the pixel art, something I feel Super Metroid has and Metroid Fusion does not.

It’s interesting because the impulse I have when trying to play this game is a deep desire to put it down and do something else, unlike Super Metroid which hooks me in a way that before I know it I’ve been playing for hours. That doesn’t mean Super Metroid is a much better game, it’s just has a much stronger draw from my perspective.

I am fairly new to the Metroid series - I’ve only played Super Metroid and dread before this. I LOVED super Metroid, the art style and gameplay were mind blowing to me. Dread was… serviceable.

I wanted to explore other titles, so I decided to start here. And I really liked it, at first. But near the end of the game, I really had a laundry list of complaints.

First are the collectibles. There are a handful that are so impossible to get, with perfectly timed shine sparks that will glitch out for no reason. As a completionist, these drive me insane. I had to give up, it wasn’t fun and felt like the game wasn’t designed well. It wasn’t a fun challenge at all.

Then, the settings. In the shadow of super Metroid, this just feels watered down. I liked the layout of the map, with different sectors and a more linear experience. But, they were all pretty bland. Nothing impressed me the way super Metroid did.

The best part was the story. It is nice and self-contained and focused. Gave me Dead Space vibes.

But overall, it is pretty forgettable and not something I will ever return to.

Metroid Fusion's horror was just what I wanted the most out of a Metroid game and I'm excited to see it carry over into Dread because the chases weren't as frequent and were short lived. May be less interesting to speedrun compared to the previous 3, but it has a consistent tempo due to how linear it is. The level design is incredible; I really love how the game wants you to play with your new toys everytime you get them as they lead to small power fantasies.

In order, my ranking of 2D Metroid would be(take note that I really enjoy every game): Zero Mission -> Fusion = AM2R -> Super Metroid.

Get into the series. The games' length are in the single digits so it's easy to get into. Use a guide if you want. It was the intent of the original NES version so you can still use a guide.

After comparing Prey to Metroid Fusion I felt the need to play Metroid Fusion again so I did and it was great. Perfect level of difficulty, perfect progression rate, perfect length, very satisfying when you figure out the strategy for each boss, and when you first get the Varia suit the blue X still attack you before they figure out you're no longer vulnerable to cold and then start running away from you which is just such a great little detail.

Admittedly, re: my Prey comparison, it was a lot less creepy than I remembered, but that's mostly because this was the fourth or fifth time I've played it so I remembered all of the major setpieces and wasn't surprised when SA-X showed up. But also I didn't remember that Metroid Fusion also has an enemy called the Nightmare, so...still the think the comparison holds up.

As does this game, really, do yourself a favor and play this game. (You can play it for free online very easily not that I would in any way publicly endorse doing so.)