Metroid: Zero Mission

Game Boy Advance
Metroid: Zero Mission Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 440 Ratings

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  • Summary: She's battled baddies on nearly every Nintendo system, and now, Samus Aran returns to her roots. Metroid: Zero Mission relives the story that started it all--revealing for the first time full details of her meeting with the Metroids. The plotline will be familiar to longtime fans of theShe's battled baddies on nearly every Nintendo system, and now, Samus Aran returns to her roots. Metroid: Zero Mission relives the story that started it all--revealing for the first time full details of her meeting with the Metroids. The plotline will be familiar to longtime fans of the Metroid series, but the challenges are new, the power-ups are plentiful, and the graphics and sound are supercharged. Plus, if you thought that the original Metroid had a surprise ending, wait until you get past the Mother Brain in Metroid: Zero Mission. A new twist provides a deeper adventure than ever before. Expand
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. 100
    Rarely does a game (much less a GBA one) keep the player so constantly surprised. [Mar 2004, p.75]
  2. A masterpiece...This is the epitome of Metroid gameplay. The designers carefully mix all the best elements from the other games and layer them on top of the already brilliant level design and concepts of the original Metroid.
  3. A great bit of gaming that should be enjoyed instead of rushed so make sure you explore the whole game because it will all be over too soon. I guess all wonderful things come in small packages.
  4. 90
    The original Metroid is also an unlockable bonus, which provides a great demonstration of how far video games have come in just under two decades.
  5. Besides the slight easiness and linearity of the main game, there isn't much to complain about. There is an added bonus to this game in that the game actually has further story after you escape from Zebes, and the gameplay goes in a direction never explored in the Metroid series.
  6. Buy--don't rent this game as it is one to keep in your library and show off to future generations.
  7. Although Zero Mission's overwhelming quality wins out in the end, the first play reveals a game that's just too slick for its own good, toeing the fine line between a fun, streamlined experience and a hollow, transient one.

See all 50 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 89
  2. Negative: 0 out of 89
  1. Feb 14, 2011
    10
    A true masterpiece of 2D gaming. For me, this is the best Metroid game in existance. The balance and refinement of the gameplay is at it'sA true masterpiece of 2D gaming. For me, this is the best Metroid game in existance. The balance and refinement of the gameplay is at it's zenith for the series. It just cannot be improved upon. The difficulty, the sense of exploration with just the right amount of guidence, the controls, the graphics.... Perfect! Expand
  2. Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Great game ! The graphism and the music are awesome for a GBA game, the gameplay is absolutely perfect, the story is cool and the game designGreat game ! The graphism and the music are awesome for a GBA game, the gameplay is absolutely perfect, the story is cool and the game design is really clever ! Expand
  3. Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Played it for the first time in 2021, absolutely loved it. Fantastic atmosphere meets superb level design!
  4. yukonshinobi
    Apr 6, 2007
    9
    This game was amazing although I did not like the weak plot line. I also found that Samus ran too fast and her legs seemed to move faster This game was amazing although I did not like the weak plot line. I also found that Samus ran too fast and her legs seemed to move faster than her actualy motion. And has nay one noticed that you can scale flat walls before you get the space jump, you can jump off a wall and yurn back right after, in Fusion in would make you hit just under the apex of your jump before you could change directions, really wierd glitch. I also hated the uselessness of power bombs in this game, for the 1st time through when you just wanna beat the final boss you only really need like 1 or 2 power bombs. But I really liked the animation, the environments, sound, music, and how effing hard it was on hard mode, regular Ridly and Mother brain were so effing hard bottom line, aside from a few things they need to work on this game kicks and you should definitely buy it, aloso buy Fusion as well the story line and levels are better but gameplay and animation arent quite as good Id gove that a nine as well. Expand
  5. Nov 12, 2022
    9
    Metroid Zero Mission is a spectacular remake in GBA, respecting the original NES game with designs and atmosphere unforgettable. ideal forMetroid Zero Mission is a spectacular remake in GBA, respecting the original NES game with designs and atmosphere unforgettable. ideal for lovers of platforms and metroidvanias. Contains spectacular bosses and others not so much. Great Music. Expand
  6. Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Metroid for the NES was a game that was incredibly immersive, dark, moody and innovative for its time, but very quickly time revealed itsMetroid for the NES was a game that was incredibly immersive, dark, moody and innovative for its time, but very quickly time revealed its limitations and dated mechanics. It made the original a prime target for a full-blown remake, one that would adopt the modern sensibilities of games like Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion. That's exactly what Zero Mission is. It's basically this hybrid of the best elements from both of those games to make the definitive Metroid 1 experience.

    The most obvious upgrade would be in its presentation as it uses the same stellar engine from Metroid Fusion. The sprite quality and animations are superb, the color pallet is vibrant, and each of the environments now have a distinct look to them, making it far easier to discern where you are (and that's not even counting the solid map feature introduced in SM). While the GBA soundcard was never the greatest, there are still some great remixes of classic music and original ambient pieces that build on the isolating, dangerous atmosphere the game tries to convey. Not to mention some really great, crunchy sound effects that make it so satisfying to lay waste to the dangerous inhabitants of Planet Zebes. The game also sprinkles in a few cutscenes and even offers an exclusive new area that adds additional content to the Metroid 1 experience.

    Speaking of which, core gameplay is easily the best change made to the game. Samus controls just as fluidly as she did in Metroid Fusion, able to shoot in multiple directions and have more control over her jumps. Despite the smaller screen size the game is still able to give you a good enough look at your surroundings, ensuring that you aren't ambushed off-screen. As mentioned previously the game also carries over the map system from previous titles, making for much smoother exploration compared to the original. Map system also gives you a general idea of what your next major destination will be, but how you get there is up to you to figure out. It's not nearly as linear as a game like Metroid Fusion, but still gives you a good enough idea on where to go next while offering the same great sense of exploration from Super Metroid. You'll be collecting a variety of power ups which you'll use to explore deeper into the planet, some even coming from later games. Half the fun of Metroid games comes from just that feeling of discovery. The game is incredibly short for a Metroid title, too, which may be a detriment for some but makes it perfect for being a handheld experience. If there are any complaints to be levied against this game it would be that the it's pretty easy and the new exclusive area isn't too much fun to go through, but that's really minor in the grand scheme of things.

    Between the two GBA Metroid titles, this is easily my favorite one. Metroid Fusion is excellent, and I love that game for different reasons, but when it comes to a pure Metroid experience, Zero Mission scratches that itch a bit more. It's obviously a must for Metroid fans and those that are into the Metroid-Vania style of gameplay.
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  7. Nov 1, 2017
    5
    Sorry, Zero Sammy, but you'll never compare to your Justin Bailey sister.

    Your hair isn't even neon green for chrissake! Oh. And this
    Sorry, Zero Sammy, but you'll never compare to your Justin Bailey sister.

    Your hair isn't even neon green for chrissake!

    Oh. And this game features security cameras which can detect the smallest pixel of your toe hanging below a ledge. Yay for realism in a game about destroying space pirates and geega holtz.
    Expand

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Awards & Rankings

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#2 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004