Metroid was one of the killer apps for the NES. This game is frequently ranked high on top 10 and top 100 lists. In terms of game play, it isn’t fundamentally different than 2D platformers like Super Mario Brothers. You run, jump and battle enemies in a 2D environment. The difference is that Metroid is more of an adventure game. The world is larger and more open ended and there is more of a process of discovery in that there are things to find, some of which must be found to complete the game. In other words, exploration is an important part of the game.
In Metroid, you play the role of Samus who is sent to destroy Mother Brain, the biomechanical creature that commands the Space Pirates. It seems that the Space Pirates have attacked a research vessel that was carrying parasitic life-forms discovered on another planet called Metroids (hence the name of the game). The Space Pirates intend to use these creatures as biological weapons.
There have been many sequels over the years. The original Metroid has been re-released a few times as well. The original Metroid is available as a bonus upon completing the 2004 game Metroid: Zero Mission for the Game Boy Advance. Metroid: Zero Mission itself was an enhanced remake of the original. There was also a standalone Game Boy Advance version released in 2004 as part of the Classic NES Series. In addition, the original Metroid was released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2007 and for the 3DS Virtual Console in 2012. This is definitely a must play game for all fans of video games and there are plenty of ways to give it a try.
