Metroid: Zero Mission

The Metroid series is a strong favourite of mine. I was first introduced to the dark, mysterious world of Metroid in probably around 1991, when I played the original NES title. Metroid: Zero Mission is an enhanced remake of that original game, and what a wonderful experience it is. 

Incredibly colourful screens make
Zero Mission highly attractive.

Released in 2004 on the Game Boy Advance and develeoped by Nintendo R&D1, Zero Mission acts as a look back to the past. The game opens with Samus Aran, the heroine of the series, telling of her mission to planet Zebes in order to destroy Mother Brain, who is commanding the Space Pirates. The Space Pirates are planning on farming Metroids for certain mass destruction and the bounty hunter has been sent to put an end to this.

Zero Mission plays more like Super Metroid than it does the original, which is certainly not a bad thing. The controls are perfect and while it's a relatively easy game to pick up and have a go at, mastering it is another story.  You'll learn a little more about Samus Aran as a character as you go along, too. There are some wonderfully animated sections detailing important plot points at various parts of the game.

Kraid does not look happy to see Samus.

As Samus, you begin your adventure with a basic version of the power suit. Collecting different weapons, upgrades and abilities, you will unlock the skills needed to traverse the tunnels of Zebes. There are many hidden items to be found, too. On my most recent playthrough I only uncovered 65% of the items. I also clocked Zero Mission in under five hours, which does bear a slight problem. This game is rather short, considering I got the ending for the slowest completion time.

The Metroid series knows how to do epic bosses.

It's not something which bothers me, personally (No, not getting the ending for slow completion!) but I can see why it may put off others. Don't be put off by that figure. This game has tremendous replay value. Upon completion on Normal mode, Hard mode is unlocked. Enemy damage is increased and item effects are reduced. There's an option to link up with a copy of Metroid Fusion for some bonus features. Also, completion of the game once on any difficulty will unlock the original Metroid for play! Perhaps the best thing about Zero Mission is the added game content. Where the story of the original game ends, Zero Mission continues. This new section of the game also marks the first appearance of a playable Zero Suit Samus. It's brilliant.

My copy of Metroid: Zero Mission.

Zero Mission looks stunning. As atmospheric as the Metroid games are, there is always room for beauty in the graphical style. The colours are vibrant with backgrounds changing as you explore the labyrinthine world of Zebes. Subtle details give the different areas great depth and it's a pleasure to kill aliens in this strange land. You'll need to remember where things are once you gain new power-ups. Of course, the added map feature makes this significantly less harrowing than the original version of the game.

Coupled with the amazing (And at times eerie.) soundtrack, Metroid: Zero Mission is undoubtedly one of the best games available on the Game Boy Advance. I'm not sure which I prefer though - this game, or the equally brilliant Metroid Fusion? Can I say both? 

You may find yourself playing time and time again, hoping to get that 100% game file or the fastest completion time. An absolute classic.

Gary