Metroid: Samus Returns

 3DS
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 641 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 549 out of 641
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 641
  3. Negative: 36 out of 641
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  1. Lone_Wolf_Sones
    Feb 4, 2020
    8
    After Federation Force left many Metroid fans feeling cold, Metroid: Samus Returns was a return to form. A remake of the 2-D gameboy classic Metroid: Return of Samus it lifts the familiar maps/locations but adds some new bells and whistles.

    Most evident is the greater detail in each area. This is further highlighted by the addition of a map and other things like a bomb pulse to find    After Federation Force left many Metroid fans feeling cold, Metroid: Samus Returns was a return to form. A remake of the 2-D gameboy classic Metroid: Return of Samus it lifts the familiar maps/locations but adds some new bells and whistles.

    Most evident is the greater detail in each area. This is further highlighted by the addition of a map and other things like a bomb pulse to find hidden areas which makes navigating SR-388 much easier than it was in the original.

    Samus has also received combat enhancements over the original. There is a counter mechanic as well as a laser aim mechanic that make combat feel rewarding when you time a counter well or precisely line up a shot.

    The only downside is that it is limited by the native resolution of the 3DS screen. Not that it looks bad, the 3D effect makes it look like a mini shadowbox of sorts. However I do think it would have benefited from the HD screen of the Switch.

    The special edition also comes with the Samus archives soundtrack which is a must for any Metroid fan.    … Expand
  2. danistorm
    Jan 19, 2019
    8
    Return of Samus is a great game, it has everything that a metroid game should have: exploration, upgrades, oppressive atmosphere, isolation, etc.

    Gameplay: Samus feels nice and responsive while you are playing and the use of the morphospere and the other skills is really nice. They added a counter attack which is something that has too much impact on the gameplay (sometimes you just    Return of Samus is a great game, it has everything that a metroid game should have: exploration, upgrades, oppressive atmosphere, isolation, etc.

    Gameplay: Samus feels nice and responsive while you are playing and the use of the morphospere and the other skills is really nice. They added a counter attack which is something that has too much impact on the gameplay (sometimes you just want to counter the enemies because is faster than shooting them to death) They also add a set of four new skills that use an energy bar (in the end you just use one of them, the others are just to get some upgrades and so on).

    We have to kill 40 metroids and they are really similar between them so it ended up being a bit repetitive (except the last fight, the last fight is awesome). So overall, despite being really nice, sometimes the gameplay design feels a bit lazy.

    Graphics: the graphics are awesome! It feels like a classic metroid but with a new whole design ( the gravity suit looks great!) Nothing more to say!

    Music: it has some memorable pieces, but overall it is maybe too ambiental for a metroid ost. We miss some epic zone song like sector 1 from fusion or the masterpieces from super metroid.

    Overall: a great game and a really good metroid, but it lacks the perfection and rhythm that super metroid, zero mission and fusion have.    … Expand
  3. zidfrit
    Aug 4, 2020
    8
    Como siempre, la saga de metroid no me queda a deber nada, el juego tiene un peculiar inicio, donde se ve un poco repetido, y la gran variedad de habilidades que pose nuestra heroína, no hace que el juego sea muy fácil de controlar para gente casual, el juego va tomando forma mientras que avanzamos, las nuevas armaduras y armar, hacen que la lucha de jefes sean muy estratégicas y planearComo siempre, la saga de metroid no me queda a deber nada, el juego tiene un peculiar inicio, donde se ve un poco repetido, y la gran variedad de habilidades que pose nuestra heroína, no hace que el juego sea muy fácil de controlar para gente casual, el juego va tomando forma mientras que avanzamos, las nuevas armaduras y armar, hacen que la lucha de jefes sean muy estratégicas y planear que arma o que habilidad usar contra ellos pondrá aprueba tu habilidad como gamer , uno de los mejores juegos de la nintendo 3ds y un amante de metroid no puede dejar de jugarlo,… Expand
  4. weskergamer
    Mar 30, 2023
    9
    This game was a great way to bring back Metroid and to modernize it too. AM2R was amazing but was too conservative, while M:SR tries to bring new players to the franchise and i'm pretty sure it did. It's such a shame that it came out on the 3DS and no on the Nintendo Switch
  5. Buttlet
    Sep 19, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. MercurySteam did an amazing job on this game. The soundtrack, gameplay, and visuals are all stunning. The 360 degree aiming is a welcome addition that can take a bit of time to get the hang of, but it became natural after about an hour of gameplay. The melee counter is satisfying to use and can easily turn the tides of a fight in or against your favor, depending on if you land it or not. The new Aeion abilities are well implemented and I found myself using them a lot more than I expected. This is also the hardest metroid game I have ever played. Some enemies can do 2 whole energy tanks per hit and the game is definitely not generous with energy tanks. I do have a few minor gripes though. The item progression near the end of the game is awful. In Area 5 alone, you get the final Aeion abiility, the Plasma beam, and the Gravity suit all in the span of about 10 minutes and the Screw Attack about 15 minutes after that, and getting all these upgrades at once makes some metroid encounters in the area way easier than it needed to be. This could have been fixed if they had made more but smaller areas instead of the" larger but fewer" approach MercurySteam took. I also wish they would have the Zeta metoids harder and more prevelent and not made Gamma metroids 60% of all the metroid encounters. Wall jumping should have also been harder to pull off. All you need to do is spin jump next to a wall and press B. It's like an easier version of fusion's wall jump(the only reason I said fusion's wall jump is because you can't single wall jump). Despite these blemishes, this is probably one of my favorite Metroid games and should not be missed out on.… Expand
  6. clay3232
    Oct 31, 2017
    8
    Starting this game, I realized suddenly how long it really had been since we had the last classic style side-scrolling Metroid game released. The game play feels great with the modern touch ups such as 360 degree angle aiming when shooting. The melee attack got quite a bit of attention before release but it feels great and is a welcome addition to the formula. I also really enjoyed theStarting this game, I realized suddenly how long it really had been since we had the last classic style side-scrolling Metroid game released. The game play feels great with the modern touch ups such as 360 degree angle aiming when shooting. The melee attack got quite a bit of attention before release but it feels great and is a welcome addition to the formula. I also really enjoyed the world feeling more alive with the background being more active as you hunt down the last of the Metroids. The only major fault I had with game was the repetitiveness of Metroids you fight. Being a remake though they were limited to a degree, but it would of been nice if they found a way to make it less annoying. Overall a pretty fun game, that's a little too short and repetitive, be prepared for a challenge because the game will test your skills.… Expand
  7. Samsararan
    Nov 8, 2017
    8
    The Metroid Game we deserv . Meaby is a little short, but its good, baby... Nice combat system, nice graphics, nice controls, amazing music. This people made a good job. A Must for Metroid and no Metroid fans.
  8. dgo013
    Nov 19, 2017
    9
    After 15 hours i´ve already finished this an can say is one of the most addictive games.
    Excellent level designs, music and a lot of secrets to discover.
    Must have for all 3DS owners.
  9. Kosama
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    El mejor juego de la 3ds, la introducción del parry es lo mejor que le ha pasado a la saga.
    Mi top 3 de los Metroid
  10. SabesLink
    Mar 23, 2018
    9
    This was my first Metroid, i never want to play a metroid before, but when my friend lend me this game, i gotten low expectatives, i saw the metroid series like a boring franchise of all the Nintendo games.

    Whatever, when i played my first five hours of the game, i was too impresed, thats because the gameplay is to easy and fun to learn, but at the same time, all the level designs was a    This was my first Metroid, i never want to play a metroid before, but when my friend lend me this game, i gotten low expectatives, i saw the metroid series like a boring franchise of all the Nintendo games.

    Whatever, when i played my first five hours of the game, i was too impresed, thats because the gameplay is to easy and fun to learn, but at the same time, all the level designs was a little hard, and what to say about the bosses, i love the variety of enemies, and the graphics look to fine in a 3DS XL, i never used the 3D mode but witout that, the game is greatly in a 3DS screen.

    In conclusión, now i'm a fan of metroid games, i loved the style of the game, the music, and the gameplay of the same, for me this is an indispensable game for the "metroidvania games" fans    … Expand
  11. FrankoAmmo
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    I completed Samus Returns on a NEW 3DS XL two days ago. What a nice game. I never played the original, but I really liked this one. The save points, the collectibles, the enemies, the levels were all great for the majority part. Although I really liked the game, there are some elements I really did not like; not enough bosses (I felt like I was always fighting one of the 40 metroidsI completed Samus Returns on a NEW 3DS XL two days ago. What a nice game. I never played the original, but I really liked this one. The save points, the collectibles, the enemies, the levels were all great for the majority part. Although I really liked the game, there are some elements I really did not like; not enough bosses (I felt like I was always fighting one of the 40 metroids that’s it / other bosses too similar), too much backtracking, too much items (common who needs 264 missiles seriously?). It took me 17 hours to complete the game at a 100% as I was lost at times and did not want to look on the internet. It also took me a while before realizing I could not get certain items before the near end of the game. It took me 5-6 times to beat the last boss. This game deserves an 8 out of 10 in my book. Can't wait for MP4 on the Switch!!… Expand
  12. Perkele
    Sep 21, 2017
    8
    Samus Returns is a full overhaul of the original black sheep of the series, 1991's Metroid II: Return of Samus for the original Game Boy. II being the sole main entry I'd yet to play, I approached its remake very eagerly.

    The original was already combat heavy with its Metroid hunting, but Samus Returns ups the ante with a couple of new tricks, namely a melee counter and the ability to    Samus Returns is a full overhaul of the original black sheep of the series, 1991's Metroid II: Return of Samus for the original Game Boy. II being the sole main entry I'd yet to play, I approached its remake very eagerly.

    The original was already combat heavy with its Metroid hunting, but Samus Returns ups the ante with a couple of new tricks, namely a melee counter and the ability to aim freely while standing still. In practice, these new abilities result in relatively slower and more methodical combat, a play style further supported by Samus feeling more vulnerable than you remembered. Additionally introduced are the so called "Aeion" abilities, which further spice up combat and come with their own set of puzzles.

    The new tools, however, don't come without trade-offs: the counter attack’s lack of depth makes it slightly uninteresting in the long run despite remaining the most efficient method of taking down weaker enemies until later parts of the game, while boss battles benefit from the added risk/reward aspect. Moreover, while free-aim's added precision is generally a great tool for advancing, the reduced mobility can be fatal in more chaotic combat situations.

    Samus controls surprisingly smoothly on the 3DS, although some might not be delighted by the inability to remap buttons. Aggressive opponents will keep the player on their toes while traversing SR388, whose caverns, despite superb use of the device’s 3D effect, aren’t really distinguishable when compared to the series’ highlights*. A couple of remarkable set pieces and the moody soundtrack – consisting mainly if not exclusively of remixes- do their best to negate the issue.

    While many areas feel visually similar, the game excels in intelligent level design that puts all of Samus' abilities to good use while avoiding the vices of being too obvious or feeling cheap: sometimes what seemed like a secret turned out to be the correct path. It is worth noting that Samus Returns inherits perhaps one of the most divisive features of the 1991 original: contrary to the now established formula, backtracking to previous areas is only needed for optional pickups, which admittedly are a surprisingly valuable resource given the heavy focus on combat. This has been addressed with the introduction of Teleport Stations that let you fast travel between specific points spread throughout the unexpectedly enormous map.

    Besides the series' titular creatures, the mazes are inhabited by some smaller -albeit far from incapable foes. Much like the map, enemies in general suffer from a severe lack of variety: more often than not, they only differ in color and stats while occasionally forcing you to use a certain ability. The Metroids themselves feel a bit repetitive for the first couple of evolutions**, which is not helped by their habit to flee to another room mid-battle. The later, more challenging forms are a definite highlight, however.

    Clearly held back by time and money constraints as well as the 3DS' aging hardware, Samus Returns’ visual shortcomings are ultimately outweighed by satisfactory exploration and generally enjoyable gameplay, which make it a solid if not entirely flawless entry in a series looking to redeem itself. Some of the gritty and minimalistic atmosphere is lost in favor of action oriented modernisation, but the end result remains true to the series and should appeal to new and old fans alike.

    *I came to appreciate the backgrounds a lot more during my second playthrough and now think quite a few of them are a joy to look at.

    **Even the earlier Metroid fights will become pretty enjoyable once you master the combat.    … Expand
  13. vitamind64
    Sep 19, 2017
    8
    While it doesn't completely re-invent the wheel, Metroid: Samus Returns does enough different from it's predecessors to make it stand out, without alienating the core fans of the series. While the music and story are nothing to write home about, nearly everything else in the game is. The interior of SR-88 looks amazing and feels very much alive. The new abilities are a welcome change andWhile it doesn't completely re-invent the wheel, Metroid: Samus Returns does enough different from it's predecessors to make it stand out, without alienating the core fans of the series. While the music and story are nothing to write home about, nearly everything else in the game is. The interior of SR-88 looks amazing and feels very much alive. The new abilities are a welcome change and function wildly differently. Metroid: Samus Returns is a must have game for Metroid fans and fans of good games in general… Expand
  14. Crow4510
    Sep 26, 2017
    8
    excelente juego me gusto mucho vuelven los clásicos juegos en 2D de metroid un clasico bien ambientado con muy buena jugabilidad y como todo metroid una historia q atrapa desde el comienzo.
  15. Dreamonvi
    Oct 23, 2017
    9
    The great comeback of Samus is here and is in form of a really necessary remake of the second installment.

    Gameplay: Spectacular new and dynamic combat system, really great boss fights (the strong point in my opinion), new mechanics (like the incredible 360° free aim and the great counter maneuver) and new controls that even if take time to get used to, combine with a high difficulty    The great comeback of Samus is here and is in form of a really necessary remake of the second installment.

    Gameplay: Spectacular new and dynamic combat system, really great boss fights (the strong point in my opinion), new mechanics (like the incredible 360° free aim and the great counter maneuver) and new controls that even if take time to get used to, combine with a high difficulty that can turn off to some, is very rewarding once you got it. Is a new way to play a 2D Metroid game, and the changes are for the best. The balance in the difficult is really well done, the game requires you to really explore the map to get a lot of upgrades to stand a chance, but at the same time if you are skilled enough you can destroy your enemies really fast and in a vary of ways, is a really well balance system that make the gameplay and difficult setting, dynamic and top notch.

    Level Design: The game does what a Metroid game needs to do to be a Metroid game: Exploration right. The game, unlike others in the series (not all, only some, mostly news), eliminates full help of markers where to go, and relies more on your exploration skills, the game offers tools, such as custom markers, an scan pulse that indicates you what can be destroyed with a bomb or a missile or Metroids radar, that help an exploration designed to be your own experience find your goal, which is to eliminate so many Metroids in such area to advance to the next, this delivery is more linear in the fact of how to progress to the next area. The level design of the areas is often repetitive but not boring, there are lot of areas to explore and find things with a fast pace that improve the experience of discovery, and although there are several parts that surprise you, they are not too many. Also the new combat system improve the level design of the areas a lot, even if the varieties of enemies and bosses are not many (maybe this will not like to some people), they're a blast to fight. And the best part (for me at least) is that a 100% completion really rewards you with a great sequence ending and lore of the game that may surprise you.

    Visuals and Sound: This may be the best 3DS game to activate 3D, It really helps you to observe the background to analyze what can presumably happened, and not only that, the game looks beautiful in 3D and the 2.5D really suits the game appeal and concept art. The music is on point on what a Metroid game should sound: ominous and atmospheric, the composer did a great job to project the game isolation and enigmatic feel with the soundtrack.

    Overall is a fantastic return of the series and a really fun one with great balance (something missing in a lot of games those days), evolving some mechanics in a 2D game, and even if in terms of level design doesn't put nothing new or crazy to the table, you have to understand that this is a remake of the original Gameboy title of 1991 Metroid II: Return of Samus, and this remake wants to in some aspect, stay true to the original concept. A necessary remake mostly for story-wise purpose, that even improve it upon the lore of the franchise. This Metroid may take more time to beat than predecessors, even if the game itself doesn't have too much replay value (the others difficulties are fun to try and improve your skills and maybe discover certain maneuvers you didn't in the first playthrough) is one of the better games that I played this year and in 3DS in general.    … Expand
  16. JavierJoKer
    Jan 1, 2018
    10
    Este juego es el esperado regreso a una franuqicia mítica de la gran N. Los fans lo pasarán en grande con este remake, puesto que mantiene toda la esencia del Metroid 2 original, dándole un lavado de cara magistral. Consigue añadir nuevos elementos, como las habilidades Aeion, mejora el apartado gráfico de forma bestial, expremiendo a tope nuestras 3DS y conserva una jugabilidad en 2DEste juego es el esperado regreso a una franuqicia mítica de la gran N. Los fans lo pasarán en grande con este remake, puesto que mantiene toda la esencia del Metroid 2 original, dándole un lavado de cara magistral. Consigue añadir nuevos elementos, como las habilidades Aeion, mejora el apartado gráfico de forma bestial, expremiendo a tope nuestras 3DS y conserva una jugabilidad en 2D súper bien equilibrada, divertida, fácil e intuitiva.
    La dificultad es muy variada, hay momentos en los que puedes perderte en su gran mapa y momentos en los que morirás repetidas veces contra bosses finales, sin embargo, tienes algunas ayudas a tu disposicioón, como el escaner, con lo que es un título perfecto para iniciarse en la saga.
    La saga Metroid es la mejor en su género, ofrece exploración, entornos variados, mejoras progresivas, múltiples enemigos y bosses, y mucha acción. Todo ello nos adrenta en un mundo hostil e inmersivo, en el que trendemos que cumplir nuestra difícil misión en solitaria.
    Como conclusión, añadir que esta saga siempre ha contado con entregas de gran calidad pero que por culpa de sus malas ventas hemos tardado en volver a ver. Por tanto, debemos apoyar este juego para que sigan regalándonos más entregas y si eres un persona nueva en este género, te animo a comprarlo y probarlo, Este ha siddo mi caso, y he quedado totalmente satisfecho.    … Expand
  17. Eyebrow_Jones
    Nov 17, 2017
    10
    There hasn't been a good Metroid game in quite some time. This game defiantly does justice. Every boos I beat felt amazing, and the upgrades were always something to smile about. My only complaint would be that there is a HUGE lack of story.
  18. ecuation
    Dec 23, 2017
    10
    This magic game was the first time that I've played a Metroid. Once I start to play I instantly got involved in its vast world... If you like the games with areas to explore, and find new improvements to get new ones, this is your game.
  19. LawsofLeftover
    Mar 3, 2018
    9
    As a Metroid fan and enthusiast, I give this remake a 9/10. After long, Samus is back and if it's a remake, it's still a good entry to new fans interested in the Metroid games and a good returning point to Metroid fans.
  20. Saif82
    Jan 26, 2019
    10
    This is sadly my 1st Metroid and am in love, it's a must have game worth every $
  21. Walid1
    Apr 14, 2018
    10
    Tras 13 años de espera, Nintendo nos ofrece una nueva entrega de la saga Metroid en 2D, Metroid Samus returns. Este remake de Metroid II no se podía hacer mejor de como lo hizo Mercury Steam. Jugablemente es una maravilla, la banda sonora es muy buena y ambienta el juego de maravilla tanto con temas del juego original como con temas de Metroid Prime. En cuanto a la trama, expande laTras 13 años de espera, Nintendo nos ofrece una nueva entrega de la saga Metroid en 2D, Metroid Samus returns. Este remake de Metroid II no se podía hacer mejor de como lo hizo Mercury Steam. Jugablemente es una maravilla, la banda sonora es muy buena y ambienta el juego de maravilla tanto con temas del juego original como con temas de Metroid Prime. En cuanto a la trama, expande la historia del juego original mediante el legado chozo y lo hace mediante ilustraciones muy bien acabadas. Para ser un remake de un juego de game boy se merece un 10/10… Expand
  22. Velox100
    May 1, 2018
    10
    Mercury Steam have a great skill when it comes to crafting 3D background environments for side scrolling games. This was something I already loved about the other 3DS game by Mercury Steam, Castelvania: Mirror of fate, where I often paused just to admire the scenes "behind" me. But as you can see from all the other reviews, this isn't the only thing they got right. The music and theMercury Steam have a great skill when it comes to crafting 3D background environments for side scrolling games. This was something I already loved about the other 3DS game by Mercury Steam, Castelvania: Mirror of fate, where I often paused just to admire the scenes "behind" me. But as you can see from all the other reviews, this isn't the only thing they got right. The music and the general look of the world tell you right from the start: This is a Metroid game. And if you played the original Samus Returns on ye olde gameboy you know the drill: You are send to planet SR388 to exterminate the Metroids, which are some kind of energy leeching reptiles with a very annoying tendency to evolve into more dangerous forms the deeper in the planet they dwell. Graphically I think it is one of the most beautiful games on the 3DS, controls are great, difficulty is challenging yet fair. If there should be another 3ds metroid game by mercury steam, I will surely get it.… Expand
  23. Moony545
    Jan 7, 2020
    10
    Самус вернулась в новой части Metroid. Хотя игру и называют ремейком, но от ремейка тут остался только концепт оригинальной игры. Лучшая игра в своем жанре.
  24. r4igamer
    Jun 16, 2019
    9
    While it’s been marketed as a remake of Metroid II: The Return of Samus for Game Boy, Metroid: Samus Returns is more of a much-needed reboot of the 2D Metroid games we know and love. It’s a safe, modern take on Super Metroid, one of the greatest games of all time. Aside from some repetitive boss fights and hand-cramping controls, it’s nearly everything I could ask for as a fan ofWhile it’s been marketed as a remake of Metroid II: The Return of Samus for Game Boy, Metroid: Samus Returns is more of a much-needed reboot of the 2D Metroid games we know and love. It’s a safe, modern take on Super Metroid, one of the greatest games of all time. Aside from some repetitive boss fights and hand-cramping controls, it’s nearly everything I could ask for as a fan of old-school Metroids.… Expand
  25. GameJourney
    Aug 22, 2019
    9
    Metroid: Samus Returns game hearkens back to the style of the Metroid games on the Gameboy Advance (Fusion and Zero Mission) and does not disappoint. This side scrolling platform adventure has you exploring the planet SR388 and takes place after the original Metroid game. Samus is tasked with wiping out all of the Metroids on the planet. Typically, you start ultra low powered and exploreMetroid: Samus Returns game hearkens back to the style of the Metroid games on the Gameboy Advance (Fusion and Zero Mission) and does not disappoint. This side scrolling platform adventure has you exploring the planet SR388 and takes place after the original Metroid game. Samus is tasked with wiping out all of the Metroids on the planet. Typically, you start ultra low powered and explore the planet and gain power-ups, take on more powerful bosses, unlock secrets and progress through the adventure. The introduction of the free aiming and melee parry mechanics add another dimension to the combat and is a real nice touch. Some of the bosses can be a little tough and thanks to the console's size, hand cramp can ensue due to the intensity of some of the boss battles. The visual are great for the 3DS, adding a good sense of scenery change throughout the levels and a very cool depth of field effect for quite of the areas - good job! To make the final boss more manageable, you'll want to backtrack and get all the hidden power-ups, which can be quite a grind, but you are rewarded for your effort. Overall, this is a masterpiece of a game and the very few drawbacks it has are far overshadowed by the excellent game play, enjoyable exploration and engaging combat mechanics. This is up there with the very best games on the Nintendo 3DS games. Game Journey gives this a score of 95 out of 100. Masterpiece.… Expand
  26. IReviewGames101
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This game is challenging,fun, and pretty cheap it’s pretty sad that pretty much everyone doesn’t know about Metroid in Europe or Japan. Underrated series.
  27. new2dsxl
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    Don’t be fooled by the connection to Metroid II: this game has been revamped, redesigned and rejuvenated to such an extreme degree that to all intents and purposes it’s a brand new adventure. This is far and away one of the best Metroid games ever made, and one of the best examples of the entire Metroidvania genre as a result. Melee counters and free aiming have made combat feel fresh andDon’t be fooled by the connection to Metroid II: this game has been revamped, redesigned and rejuvenated to such an extreme degree that to all intents and purposes it’s a brand new adventure. This is far and away one of the best Metroid games ever made, and one of the best examples of the entire Metroidvania genre as a result. Melee counters and free aiming have made combat feel fresh and exciting again, while the environments are incredible – especially when viewed in auto-stereoscopic 3D. It’s a given that this is a must-buy for Metroid fans, but it’s also essential for those who’ve never played a 2D Metroid and want to see what the fuss is all about. This is what the fuss is all about, and the wait was so, so worth it.… Expand
  28. marcelskerps
    Oct 27, 2019
    9
    eu só dei 9 porque não superou AM2R em termos de difersão e criatividade, sendo que AM2R tem muito mais cara de ser uma continuação de metroid do que samus returns, mas realmente fico muito feliz que os criadores de metroid voltaram a mostrar samus como ela realmente é,e por favor esqueçam aquela samus de other m nintendo, aquilo foi um equivoco enorme para os fãs, recomendo demais esseeu só dei 9 porque não superou AM2R em termos de difersão e criatividade, sendo que AM2R tem muito mais cara de ser uma continuação de metroid do que samus returns, mas realmente fico muito feliz que os criadores de metroid voltaram a mostrar samus como ela realmente é,e por favor esqueçam aquela samus de other m nintendo, aquilo foi um equivoco enorme para os fãs, recomendo demais esse game, muito foda!!!!… Expand
  29. Fer_O
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    First time I decided to actually play a Metroid, my usual kind of games are actually RPGs... And boy! How did I not decided before?? What a foolish mistake! This game is reaĺly fun! I'm glad that I added it to my collection!
  30. tukumalu
    Jul 30, 2021
    9
    Loved Sero and Fusion so much. Agreed with the other reviews about the repetitive mini-bosses and lack of variety. And it's true that it's an easier game, but that was fine by me. Wonderful attention to detail, especially sound, which needs to be listened to on good headphones to be appreciated. And lots of it is just plain fun, especially the usual Metroid progression in abilities as youLoved Sero and Fusion so much. Agreed with the other reviews about the repetitive mini-bosses and lack of variety. And it's true that it's an easier game, but that was fine by me. Wonderful attention to detail, especially sound, which needs to be listened to on good headphones to be appreciated. And lots of it is just plain fun, especially the usual Metroid progression in abilities as you move through the game.… Expand
  31. spencerplewe
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    Suitably challenging, intense and visually snappy for a Metroid title, Samus Returns is an essential entry, if not as people's first time in a Metroid game.
  32. Simoss13
    Apr 5, 2021
    9
    Metroidvanias are not really my type of genre, but there was something that clicked with me in this game that made it amazing.
    The graphic style was really captivating. Having a dark moody atmosphere but also had a variety of colours and differing environments made the the game so engaging.
    I loved, loved, loved the combat! You basically can take a parry melee hit when an enemy is    Metroidvanias are not really my type of genre, but there was something that clicked with me in this game that made it amazing.
    The graphic style was really captivating. Having a dark moody atmosphere but also had a variety of colours and differing environments made the the game so engaging.
    I loved, loved, loved the combat! You basically can take a parry melee hit when an enemy is attacking and can blast them when they are stunned. It never got old.
    The metroids vary in size and skills and have a decent variety of attack pattern. My favorate part is when you parry, climb on top of them and give a metroid a good dose of missiles down their throat, gives that, 'take this!' feeling when you fist pump.
    The levels are well made and the upgrades are relevant and honestly, pretty cool.
    The main issues I have (although minor) is the levels can be long and doesn't it make it clear if you need to break a block to progress. I don't want a huge display, but a signal on what is destructible and what is not as I did get lost or spend awhile stuck looking for one block to progress which can be frustrating, a slightly different colour of texture is all.
    The story is kinda paper thin, if there was more to explain the purpose of the mission would give a higher motivation t the cause of the game.
    Another issue I had was it can be a difficult game. The challenge for me was kinda tough but rewarding. This if Shovel Knight difficulty. I bought this for my 10 year old son and he struggled past Zone 3. If there was a more accessible mode it would be great.
    Otherwise i can see how this was the best game for 2017 on the 3DS that pays respects to the classic Metroid games in the past. I got lost a couple of times and therefore took me about 13 hours to finish due to being not the most hardened veterians of the genre. if you like a challenge and the genre you must go and scout this game out.    … Expand
  33. LightDay
    May 22, 2020
    10
    A perfect game, has the best gameplay of all metroid 2D.

    The exploration is fun, and the difficulty is complete perfect to begin in this franquice,The songs are very good.
  34. ChuckTownRC51
    Aug 4, 2020
    9
    Busted out the 3ds over quarantine and finally playing this gem. It's a truly great game, plays like the OG Metroid games but deep as hell and fantastic controls and animations. Late to the party on this one but so glad I eventually showed up.
  35. churros
    Sep 16, 2021
    9
    Pros:
    + runs well
    + environment scanner
    + inventive boss fight
    + counter-attack
    + lore

    Cons:
    - repetitive bosses
    - repetitive scenarios at the beginning
    - bland visuals
  36. hector_bcn98
    Nov 4, 2022
    9
    Lo que hizo Mercury Steam es directamente uno de los mejores remakes de la historia. Imprescindible.
  37. calvinbrine
    Mar 20, 2023
    10
    Mercury Steam did a great job on Dread, but they did an amazing job on Samus Returns! The atmosphere and isolation is incredibly deep, and the metroids are actually really satisfying fights despite being repeating bosses(definitely the best implementation of repeating bosses I've ever seen in a video game). You traverse the world area by area instead of intertwining areas, but each area isMercury Steam did a great job on Dread, but they did an amazing job on Samus Returns! The atmosphere and isolation is incredibly deep, and the metroids are actually really satisfying fights despite being repeating bosses(definitely the best implementation of repeating bosses I've ever seen in a video game). You traverse the world area by area instead of intertwining areas, but each area is incredibly open and a blast to explore, so the typical metroid exploration/adventure feel is bigger than ever before despite the area by area structure. Additionally, the option of fast travel allows for backtracking all over the older areas when you need some upgrades. I found myself going back to just grab a few missile expansions, then spending half an hour combing over each one of the old zones because there was so many and I couldn't stop.

    Best 2d metroid for SURE.    … Expand
  38. Ni150N
    Sep 11, 2022
    9
    Awesome remake of the Game Boy classic, but the difficulty curve is a bit unforgivable.
  39. Pembroke_Watts
    Feb 7, 2023
    8
    Samus Returns is a great reimagination of the original that is not afraid to diverge from the source material. The bosses are extremely challenging and it feels very rewarding to beat them, especially on the Fusion difficulty. Even the Metroid bosses feel different each time you fight them. Furthermore, the new Aion abilities add an extra layer of depth to the combat. However, the regularSamus Returns is a great reimagination of the original that is not afraid to diverge from the source material. The bosses are extremely challenging and it feels very rewarding to beat them, especially on the Fusion difficulty. Even the Metroid bosses feel different each time you fight them. Furthermore, the new Aion abilities add an extra layer of depth to the combat. However, the regular enemies deal a bit too much damage on Fusion difficulty, which can make the gameplay a bit frustrating at times. The map layout and area themes are well done, but I personally think that AM2R did it better. Additionally, on the original 3DS, the game can run a bit slow at times, especially with the 3D on.… Expand
  40. MunhozMCM
    Oct 31, 2021
    9
    My Score:

    (9) - Great!

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  41. Orphenn
    Nov 13, 2021
    8
    Very good Game, especially the new ways of combat, love the story, a good work for a remake of a Great saga like Metroid.
  42. Hamedprs85
    Dec 7, 2021
    10
    Perfect game
    The gameplay is so smooth
    And samus zero suit is so beautiful
    I love it
  43. MarciMan91
    May 8, 2022
    9
    • sehr unterhaltsam
    • eines der hübschesten Spiele für den 3ds
    • leider sehr knifflig, was die Steuerung angeht kann zu krämpfen auf führen, wenn mann es auf dem 3ds spielt
  44. ChungoFett
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    This game is an absolute masterpiece. i simply have never played a better game than this. 10's across the board.
  45. ReviewsAreBS
    Feb 14, 2023
    8
    Looks and plays great. The new bosses are very good but the remade (old) bosses get repetitive after a while.

    Also the non-linear level design of Zero Mission is absent. Which is fine since the original was on the Game Boy, but one would hope the remake would bring more to the table.
  46. Pikmin5
    Aug 9, 2023
    8
    One of the Best Games I have ever played, Metroid: Samus Returns is a great retelling of Metroid 2: Return of Samus and it improves a lot from the original and it only makes sense to do so considering the 27 year difference between them.

    Yeah I just really enjoy this game.
  47. GameMan2005
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    Excellent remake of Metroid 2. The official remake is pretty much just as solid as AM2R.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best 3DS Game of 2017
2
#2 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2017
3
#3 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 83
  3. Negative: 0 out of 83
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 16, 2018
    80
    Metroid: Samus Returns brings to the 3DS a pearl of the genre with all its plus and minus that you can expect, beautifully crafted with time-consuming repetitive gaming. [Issue#279]
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 19, 2017
    75
    I’m not emotionally attached to Metroid series, so for me Samus Returns is just a solid metroidvania game with a bland art style, devoid of the spark of individuality that turned Ori, Apotheon or Hollow Knight into memorable gems. [12/2017, p.45]
  3. DarkStation
    Dec 7, 2017
    70
    It definitely overstays its welcome, and it's far from the best in the series, it's been so long since there was a Metroid game that it's nice to see it back here on the 3DS. I feel like they've built strong mechanics, which can hopefully serve a more varied and interesting quest in a future entry to the series, maybe one that DOESN'T involve doing the same fights over and over the entire game. Samus Returns is definitely a step up from the original Metroid 2, but it is unable to touch the heights of both the series and the genre.
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