Michael Fonda

A lot of reviewers are going to slam a 5 star rating on principle: resurfacing of old Nintendo IP, slight homage to a classic flagship entry (Super Metroid) or just because they're rabid Nintendo fans and can't bear to criticize an entry in their beloved IP from their beloved creator, but that doesn't serve anyone looking to gauge their possible enjoyment from this game. Here's my honest, life-long Metroid fan take: It's OK. It's a GOOD, acceptable Metroid game, better than many of the side scrolling Metroid entries. If you're looking for challenge, this isn't really going to deliver on that. With the exception of a couple hint-less break a random block to continue puzzles, there's not a whole lot offered in the difficulty department when it comes to exploration, boss fights, secrets, etc. This isn't synonymous with enjoyment, at least not for everyone, but sometimes just going through the motions with very little resistance can feel quite boring. The game ferries you into the next areas with little to no need for exploration, which is normally a classic staple in Metroidvania titles, and this one misses the mark quite a bit here and can feel very linear most of the time. I lack the feeling of isolation, or of loneliness or DREAD, no pun intended, of having lost my sense of direction. Bosses are quite easy, too. The fights generally have a quick and easy 3-option attack pattern with 2 or more boss phases, and with melee counters the game can feel like a movie full of quick time events instead of a game with thoughtful combat. The areas of the game that get a little difficult are simply because they're tedious or, if you fail an event, require you to start over from an inconvenient location. Often taking more time to return to the annoying movement puzzle than to fail it and have to start over. Over all, after about an ~80% or so completion, I did enjoy it. Like most Metroid fans, a new title is still a drop of water in the desert and so if you're like me and you gobble this genre up, then pick it up and have fun with it. This game is not without plenty of reason for criticism, I just want to make clear given that most reviews just say 'best game of 2021'. I avoided discussing the detriment bad switch controllers as this is an issue with the system, not the title, but will likely impact your ability to play the game accurately at times. Be warned: input lag when docked or using bluetooth, or dropped inputs from the bad joycon pads will cause you plenty of issues. Hearing this same issue from multiple sources. Lastly, most of what I say is based on the itch I like to scratch when playing this kind of title. Mileage may vary, and if you like the IP and you're curious, pick it up. 3/5 stars, not bad, but not great. Given the lack of difficulty, and the occasional on rails feel and QTE combat slideshows, this might be a good introduction to the series before exploring the titles that put this IP on the map.