February 2018 Game of the Month: Metroid

[mediamogul]

@obsidianspider

You're witnessing the birth of a style of game design known as "Metroidvania". Although the Castlevania series wouldn't actually begin using this style until 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night', it's been a cornerstone of the Metroid series from the beginning. The lack of linear direction is supposed to evoke a sense of exploration and progression depends entirely on finding your way to the next power-up, that will in-turn help you move to the next power-up and so on.

'Metroid' is one of my all-time favorite NES titles, but the formula has indeed been favorably refined over the years and I imagine to newer eyes, this original game can seem a little rough around the edges. Arguably, the biggest improvement over time has been a map mechanic that doesn't betray the the core concept of the series, as it starts off blank and fills itself in as you explore, making it not only useful for retracing your steps, but also serving as yet another reward for your efforts.

[lilbud]

Super Metroid > Metroid

Discuss amongst yourselves

[mediamogul]

@lilbud

Overall, I believe you're right, but comparing the two is somewhat unfair. 'Super Metroid' benefits from almost a decade of experience in game design on Nintendo's part. The original broke ground on a whole subgenre of gaming and although certain elements would be improved, it still got everything right the first time out.

[meleu]

@lilbud said in February Game of the Month: Metroid:

@obsidianspider Have you tried the GBA remake? Its better

It would be cheating, wouldn't it? :)

Oh, talking about cheating, how about using a map? I'm using this one here:
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/nes/519689-metroid/faqs/35362

[lilbud]

@meleu said in February Game of the Month: Metroid:

It would be cheating, wouldn't it? :)

My thread, My rules. If I want to break them, I can :)

[obsidianspider]

@lilbud Can I play the FDS version? ;)

[lilbud]

@obsidianspider If ya want

[Triquick]

@obsidianspider Check out some of the hacks on Rom Hacking https://www.romhacking.net/games/805/

There are a couple of enhancements to the original Metroid that provide a mini map, save (instead of the password system) updated sprites but keep the feel of the original release.

[A Former User]

Just had my first go around. Died once I reached Hideout I. Had the ice beam, long shot, 1 energy pack and had just got my second missile pack.

The only thing I’d change about this game is the slowdown. God it’s brutal when there are a couple enemies onscreen.

[A Former User]

Sometimes I feel like this game could have easily been called Metroid: Missile Management Simulation. Until you get 15 or so missile capacity, you are constantly juggling between having and not having enough to open red doors.

[meleu]

@livefastcyyoung you can get a bunch of them at Norfair. When you go down to Norfair with the elevator, go all the way to the right and then go up and enter the second door on the left. There are 3 missiles powerups there. ;-)

[A Former User]

Guess what guys? I am REALLY not good at this game. Hahaha.

The door is wide open for picking for March. If you can beat this game, or hell, maybe whoever gets the most cheevos for it, will probably be picking for March. Certainly won’t be me!

[lilbud]

I'm not sure if anyone beat Metroid and got the achievement, If so, let me know and disregard this post.

Here is a short list of ideas for the March GOTM. But I am open to other suggestions.

[meleu]

@lilbud hey wait! I'll win this round and choose the next game! I hope to get that cheevo tonight...

And I wanna play Super Mario 3 next month :)

[lilbud]

@meleu Thats why I said disregard that post if anyone won. Been busy IRL and didn't know if anyone won. So which version of Mario 3? NES or SNES?

[mitu]

@lilbud Nes, of course :)

[meleu]

@mitu answered for me. He is a NES fanboy and likes shell scripts... Is it my alt account and I didn't even know?!

[lilbud]

OK, The March GOTM will be Mario 3 (NES) as picked by @meleu. I might post the thread tomorrow or Wednesday, just to get it out of the way.

[meleu]

Better late than later.

[lilbud]

March game is up: https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/16596/march-game-of-the-month-super-mario-bros-3