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And the feeling of tension and mystery never lets up until you finally escape from Zebes."
This feature originally appeared inRetro Gamer magazine.
Super Metroid reviewed extremely well with critics who all made note of its exceptional atmosphere and neat game mechanics.
“I was in high school at the time.
I was really excited to play a 24 megabit game because it indicated it would be huge.
Thomas also mentioned the atmosphere that impressed so many critics on release.
“I’d say it’s crucial.
“It has a very unique and special version of science fiction,” he begins.
“Like Zelda and Mario, there is almost nothing else out there like it in tone.
Still to this day, even.
It isn’t too dark, but it isn’t too cartoony.
It has a great science-fiction feel, but somehow stands on its own.
All of that was established in Super Metroid, really.”
As mentioned earlier, Super Metroid refines the elements that Metroid introduced to many gamers.
The additional power of the Super Nintendo also meant Nintendo’s sequel was aesthetically superior in every possible way.
“Environments are a crucial character within the game.
Why is there a big broken glass pipe?
Who or what has destroyed it?
Could I do the same if I had enough power?
Those distinctive environmental markers are also mentioned by Drinkbox Studios' Ian Campbell who was lead designer on Guacamelee!
2, which has many nods to the Metroid series.
Jack Mathews is no stranger to the Metroid universe, having worked on all threeMetroid Primegames.
“It makes the world feel lived-in and real.”
It’s an aspect of the game that’s shared with Owlboy’s creator Simon Anderson.
“There’s a lot of elements that make Super Metroid unique.
An emphasis on how it handles the progression of exploration.
Maybe the branching mechanics that the upgrades provide, or the captivating setting.
“Most enemies are quite simple.
2 designer at Drinkbox Studios.
“There are many paths to explore and you don’t know exactly where to go.
Cass offers an interesting explanation and suggests it could be down to design.
“They want to give players a taste of the abilities that Samus will have later in the game.
Jacobo also enjoys the multipurpose approach of Samus' weapons and skills.
If I were to pick something more specific, I’d point to the Speed Booster.
On its surface, it’s a pretty limited and clunky ability.
“I really love that there’s a palpable sense of buildup, long before you reach a boss.
This creates a sense of anticipation, waiting to see who they will be.
“So much attention was paid to everything surrounding them, not just to the bosses themselves.
The eerie, atmospheric trek to reach Phantoon.
The surprise and subversion of a Chozo Statue springing to life and attacking you.
Mother Brain is the best example, with the fight containing an entire three-act structure inside it.
They’re dramatic experiences you don’t quickly forget.”
You feel like Samus is overpowered and your level of tension drops drastically.
However, when you enter a boss arena something happens.
An uneasy calm ensues, culminating in the appearance of the boss that is visually and technically impressive.
Jacobo was also keen to point out the flexibility in how you’re free to tackle certain bosses.
Apart from their visuals, it is something that as a player stays with you.”
It’s rare to play a game that tells a story so seamlessly through its battles.”
I felt it just wiped away any sense of tension or horror.”
Some of this was also the limitation of the era of consoles and tech, though.”
Speeding up
OurMetroid Prime Remastered reviewdetails what we thought of Samus' latest excursion.
Meanwhile,Metroid Prime 4: Beyondis set to be an explosive new entry.
“you might even complete the game by doing the bosses in reverse order!
Derek feels this could be down to timing.
“I have a difficult time thinking of aspects of Super Metroid that did not influence Metroid Prime.
Not to mention great examples in the indie scene.”
That says a lot.”
In the mood to jump into the series?
Check out ourbest Metroid gamesfor help on which gaming planet to land on next!
Then perhaps ourbest Metroidvania gameswill be of more use!
