Metroid Fusion

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
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  1. GameShark
    100
    Easily THE Game of 2002 in my book.
  2. Game Informer
    100
    From beginning to end, Metroid Fusion is everything you could want from a Game Boy Advance game... Truly one of the greats. Long live Samus! [Jan 2003, p.120]
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  3. Nintendo Power
    100
    A brilliant return to the classic Metroid style of action gaming. [Dec 2002, p.212]
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  5. Yahoo!
    100
    But what's most remarkable about the visuals is that no compromises were made. Although everything is big and bright, this hasn't meant the elimination of fine details.
  6. G4 TV
    100
    Beautiful in both looks and sound, Metroid Fusion is simply a pleasure to play.
  7. Play Magazine
    100
    Take everything you loved about "Metroid" and "Super Metroid" and imagine them magnified, modified, and improved upon. [Dec 2002, p.92]
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  8. GameNow
    100
    More consistently intense than any previous Metroid game. [Jan 2003, p.63]
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  9. Cinescape
    100
    The sound is phenomenal.
  10. GamingTrend
    99
    The key replay value in this game is getting the 5 different endings via getting more items and beating the game in less time. It is somewhat akin to getting the under 2 hours ending in the original Metroid.
  11. TotalGames.net
    96
    Every minute of the adventure is packed with excitement and intrigue as you set out to discover exactly who's behind the mysterious 'accident' that destroyed the station and killed everyone aboard.
  12. netjak
    96
    One thing that sets Metroid Fusion apart from its predecessors is a clearly stated and well-developed storyline, including, for the first time, occasional monologues by Samus herself.
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  13. IGN
    95
    In reality, it will take a good 10 to 12 hours of hard playtime to go from beginning to end of Metroid Fusion, and it's an incredibly satisfying experience all the way through.
  14. Nintendojo
    95
    The game told me I finished in around 4 hours, but I played for at least ten. With tons of hidden items, and five different endings, this game is sure to keep you occupied. Metroid Fusion is a must own title.
  15. GameZone
    95
    Fusion is so good that if it weren't for the small, unlit screen, you wouldn't even be able to tell that it is a "portable" game.
  16. Nintendophiles
    95
    Probably one of the coolest stories ever to grace a platform/adventure game. And not only that, but the story actually is consistent with the games in the past.
  17. NintendoWorldReport
    95
    Easily the best classic 2D Metroid game yet, and even the best game on the handheld to date.
  18. Pocket Games
    95
    The control is perfect...all games should feel this good. [Spring 2003, p.27]
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  19. Games Radar
    92
    A little short but you'll love every minute of it. Deserves a place alongside "Advance Wars" and "Yoshi's Island." [NGC]
  20. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    As expected, the control is perfect. Samus' myriad movies activate with precision and ease - all games should feel this good. [Jan 2003, p.214]
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  21. Ferrago
    92
    A fantastic title. If you can forgive the linearity (after all, this is a GBA shooter/platformer) and the slight blips in difficulty, you'll be in for a real treat. You must own this game, after all, it's not very often Samus makes trips out these days.
  22. Gaming Age
    91
    Just too damn short! I logged in roughly six or seven hours and finished the game, though, those six or seven hours were some of the finest gaming hours of my life.
  23. Total Video Games
    90
    Perhaps the only niggle that you can level at Metroid Fusion, is that the focus on strong story telling reduces the exploration aspect, an area that the Metroid series is virtually unrivalled in.
  24. GMR Magazine
    90
    While the gameplay is faster, and more responsive than ever before, MF manages to feel even more claustophobic than in the past. That's a good thing. [Feb 2003, p.75]
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  25. Eurogamer
    90
    My favourite 2D Metroid yet... [and] the best platform adventure the GBA has.
  26. Gamestyle
    90
    Simply the best adventure game currently available on the Gameboy Advance. It's tough, but rewarding, plays extremely well and is not a simple port like so many other of Nintendo's releases before it.
  27. Game Over Online
    90
    This is one of those Game Boy Advance titles where the developers are producing with the ethic and quality of a GameCube title. That's a rare feat on this platform.
  28. Gamer's Pulse
    90
    What makes MF fun to play is its intelligent design.
  29. GamerWeb Nintendo
    90
    Hardcore Metroid fanatics may be turned off by the way the navigation computer holds your hand through most of the game, but all others will find an expertly crafted adventure title.
  30. Gamenikki
    90
    This is the stuff dreams are made of--tight control, classic Metroid gameplay and a few puzzling twists.
  31. GamePro
    90
    A little too short, but the secrets are bountiful, and the addition of power-ups that potentially fight back is sublimely ingenious.
  32. eToychest
    90
    The effects used in the game are as good, if not better, than Super Metroid on the SNES. The sound effects are also excellent, boasting superb music and clear voice effects during much of the game, along with the normal bleeps and booms from constant enemy killing.
  33. PGNx Media
    89
    The gameplay is, once again, among Nintendo's best of all time. They know how to make the game fun and addictive, and there are very few hiccups that will hurt you.
  34. AtomicGamer
    89
    Despite my complaints about the sound and music, and my half-hearted desire for a less linear style of play, Metroid Fusion is a great game that should be checked out by anyone who owns a GBA.
  35. GameSpy
    88
    Very little felt new; even the final enemy encounter is heavily inspired by the endgame of "Super Metroid."
  36. Gamer.tv
    88
    Die hard Metroid fans will find little cause for complaint here, while gamers who are new to Samus' charms will surely be impressed.
  37. GameSpot
    86
    A throwback to "Super Metroid," offering most of that game's best qualities in an all-new adventure. It's disappointing that Fusion ends so soon, since it's such a great game while it lasts.
  38. GameReviewer
    86
    For the first time, story is really a driving force. No, it's nothing truly fascinating, but it's less shallow than fans might expect.
  39. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    This engrossing mission is less a test of hand-eye coordination than it is a mind-bending quest full of challenging labyrinths and exercises in strategy. [24 Jan 2003, p.107]
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  40. Into Liquid Sky
    83
    With such a loss in the challenge department, Nintendo thought they could make it up by adding enemies who can slice 50 Hit points away in one attack. How did the X learn to boost the potency of such simple attacks? The world may never know.
  41. GameCritics
    80
    The linearity of Metroid Fusion was definitely a disappointment, but not something to write it off... In terms of simple gameplay mechanics, control, boss-battles and overall design effort, it is top notch.
  42. Gamers Europe
    80
    Atmospheric, challenging and flawless – a recipe for success.
  43. All Game Guide
    80
    Roughly a four- to eight-hour journey. MF offers replay value through uncovering all the hidden areas and clearing the game within a time limit, but with such an engaging character and appealing theme, players will need little convincing for a return trip.
  44. Cheat Code Central
    80
    The most intense few hours of my life... The biggest problems with Metroid is that it's over way too fast.
    All this publication's reviews
  45. Thunderbolt
    70
    It may be nearly devoid of the exploration aspects that older fans appreciate, but it is still a game that all GBA owners can cherish.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
2
#2 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
1
#1 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 441 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 392 out of 441
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 441
  3. Negative: 9 out of 441
  1. Exzodium
    Nov 4, 2011
    10
    If you're a fan of the Metroid series as well as a game hobbyist, this is a fine addition to any collection. With the large map explorationIf you're a fan of the Metroid series as well as a game hobbyist, this is a fine addition to any collection. With the large map exploration and item hunting people have come to expect of the series, you will have many fun hours to come with this game.… Full Review »
  2. OuroborosChoked
    Nov 17, 2012
    3
    I don't play Metroid games to be told what to do. If you like the exploration and independence of the other games, avoid Fusion. It isI don't play Metroid games to be told what to do. If you like the exploration and independence of the other games, avoid Fusion. It is absolutely linear, plodding, and just plain wearying to play. Then there's the art. A lot has been said about how good the game looks, and I won't lie: it's pretty good. However, they try to throw so much on screen at times, it's hard to even tell what's foreground or background, what you need to be paying attention to and what you should ignore. It just ends up looking messy. Oh, and this is the game that introduced the Adam Malkovich albatross that culminated in the fiasco that is Other M.

    This isn't the worst game in the series, but it DEFINITELY doesn't deserve the 100/100s that you see over on the critic side or the 10/10s on the user side. If you want a "return to form" GBA Metroid, play Zero Mission. The Prime games are also good examples of how to do Metroid gameplay (Hint: it's about the exploration).    … Full Review »
  3. Tokyochuchu
    May 27, 2013
    10
    Metroid Fusion is a near perfect 2D adventure game. The controls are pinpoint precise, the music and sound design are excellent and the famousMetroid Fusion is a near perfect 2D adventure game. The controls are pinpoint precise, the music and sound design are excellent and the famous atmosphere of the Metroid series has been carried over exactly. The difficulty is just about right too. There are some challenging bosses to be dealt with (namely the SA-X chase sequence and Nightmare) but nothing feels over-the-top unlike Metroid Prime 2. the level design is fantastic too. Due to the game's more plot heavy nature, you've always got an objective to take care of. This makes the game more accessible than previous Metroid games. That said, the game still gives you more than enough exploration to do and parts like the AQA labyrinth will have you scratching your head and begging for a guide! Basically speaking, I love Metroid Fusion. It's one of my favorite 2D games of all time and a worthy successor to legendary Super Metroid.… Full Review »
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