When I saw that Nintendo was releasing a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus I was very excited. I played a ton of the original Gameboy game and have very found memories of it. I'd argue the original Gameboy title is a good game but doesn't entirely hold up now but there is a lot there that's really fun and a remake seemed like a no-brainer.

I'd describe Samus Returns as the best parts of Super Metroid mixed with a fighting game.... sort of. The reason why the game feels like a fighting game is because Samus Returns includes a melee attack that is essential to progressing through the game. A lot of the time enemies will charge at you and the best way to kill them is to do a melee counter and shoot them. Learning how to do this effectively takes some practice and if you're not in tune with it you can take a lot of damage and die. It's not an impossible skill to learn but it requires focus and if you are rushing and don't time your counter attacks properly the game punishes you for it without feeling too punishing even if you die because of it.

The graphics of Samus Returns look like one of the better 3DS games but i'll admit that the best the 3DS can do is starting to show it's age a little. With that I'm not sure the fact that the 3DS is starting to show it's graphical limits compared to modest PC Indie games or the Switch is a big deal, but it's something I noticed. That said, the art style of the game is top notch and the 3D is absofrickin' incredible. I can't understate how cool the 3D effect on the 3DS is and Samus Returns really pops in 3D.

If you have a 3DS and are looking for a game to buy to put some life back in your handheld get Samus Returns. As Nintendo looks for the best of the Wii U catalog to port to the Switch I hope they consider porting some DS & 3DS titles to Switch too and Samus Returns would be a great contender. I'm strongly hoping that they port Ocarina of time 3D to the Switch too but if they don't I think that further cements the 3DS as a must have system for Nintendo lovers.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 07/17/2018 at 03:26am

Cool! I still have a lost 3DS. I had (or still have) the original Gameboy cart of Metroid II. I remember playing it. I'm glad they did this remake and that you enjoyed it. I probably would, too.

jdodson   Admin   Post Author wrote on 07/17/2018 at 03:34am

My brother had our Gameboy so when he sold it I lost all those games. I recently picked it up at a retro game convention for a pretty good deal and it runs great on the Gameboy Advance I have. The batteries on all the Gameboy carts are dead(as i've said in other comment chains) and haven't replaced them yet, but it doesn't seem to hard to do it I just haven't yet.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 07/17/2018 at 04:47am

I just started this game. It is a blast

Travis   Admin wrote on 07/17/2018 at 03:53pm

> when he sold it

Has your relationship been able to recover?

jdodson   Admin   Post Author wrote on 07/18/2018 at 01:32am

Funny.

I finally got the SNES back and it didn't work. That hurt more because it was our old family SNES but the Gameboy was always his. I need to find a local shop that does repairs, it's a great system and i'd love to see it light up again.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 07/19/2018 at 05:40pm

I like the sound design too! When I go into water everything becomes muffled. So cool.

jdodson   Admin   Post Author wrote on 07/20/2018 at 02:34am

I didn't notice that, i'll pay attention next time I do that.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 08/15/2018 at 05:20pm

I just wrapped this up last week. Spent about 20 hours and made it to 100%. So much fun.

jdodson   Admin   Post Author wrote on 08/16/2018 at 06:47pm

20 hours? That’s not too bad. Not sure how far I’m in but I don’t think I’m halfway.

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