Metroid (game)

Metroid
Full Title	Metroid
Developer	Nintendo R&D1
Publisher	Nintendo
System	NES, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Console
Release Date	NES JP August 6, 1986 US August 1987 EU January 15, 1988 Game Boy Advance JP August 10, 2004 US October 25, 2004 EU January 1, 2005 Virtual Console EU July 20, 2007 AU July 20, 2007 US August 13, 2007 JP March 4, 2008
Genre	Action/Platformer
Gallery	GH Gallery
Rating	E

The first game in the Metroid series. Due to the legacy this game has created, it has been ported several times and even received a completely rebuilt remake in the form of Metroid Zero Mission. The game is notable for being the only Metroid title without the ability to save and establishing many mainstays of the genre.

Story

The Galactic Federation emerged in the year 2000 of the Cosmic Calendar. On an uncharted planet, researchers discover a new lifeform called Metroids. Before these researchers get far, the Space Pirates attack and steal the Metroids. Only one person is fit to take on this mission, the mysterious bounty hunter... Samus Aran.

Samus Aran must infiltrate planet Zebes, destroy the Metroids, and defeat the Mother Brain. The mission won't be easy as Samus has to travel through the areas of Crateria, Brinstar, and Norfair. A variety of strange creatures await her, including both Kraid and Ridley. Infiltrating the planet won't be easy, so Samus will have to find whatever weapons and tools to aid in the mission.

Information

The game was originally released on the Famicom Disk System in Japan. The game met with little popularity. Once released in America, the game became a huge success. The game was released a month after The Legend of Zelda, but did not boast the same save function. Like Kid Icarus, it used passwords as a means of saving progress in the game. This was absolutely necessary, since Metroid featured a large area to explore and re-explore.

Ports and Remakes

• The game has received many ports over time. It was first included as an extra on Metroid Prime. The game had to be connected to Metroid Fusion to allow the game to appear.
• The game Metroid Zero Mission was a remake of the original Metroid, but featured the original game as an unlockable as well.
• Nintendo also released Metroid as a stand alone game in the "Classic NES Series" on the Game Boy Advance.
• Metroid was released for download over the Virtual Console in 2007 in North America, Europe and Australia, and in Japan in early 2008. The American release was timed to lead up to the August 28th release date of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

Trivia

• Kid Icarus used the same engine as Metroid, so as a result it is often considered a sister series.
• On the Famicom Disk System, Metroid featured battery back up saves as opposed to the password system as well as enhanced FM Synth sound.

See Also

• Metroid Dictionary