Metroid: Zero Mission

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 440 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 413 out of 440
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 440
  3. Negative: 9 out of 440
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  1. JangerGR
    Jun 7, 2012
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played, the design, the battles, the power-ups, the music, and the amount of fun you have playing this game earn Metroid Zero Mission a solid 10.
  2. Metroidguy4
    May 22, 2013
    10
    The graphics of Metroid: Zero Mission stands on its own and reminds me of the graphics of the Super Metroid. Everything in the game from the controls to the music are classic. It's a must have for Game Boy advance owners who are Metroid fans.
  3. Tokyochuchu
    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'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!
  4. DinoBeam
    Jun 19, 2022
    5
    This can be a cool and very frustrating game. If you don't want to be super frustrated with puzzles don't play this. One time it sent me to a point in a new area, and after unlocking the map for that area I still had no clue how to get there. So, I thought i needed a new item or something and re-explored the whole game for nothing, as you had to find a secret to progress.

    The world    This can be a cool and very frustrating game. If you don't want to be super frustrated with puzzles don't play this. One time it sent me to a point in a new area, and after unlocking the map for that area I still had no clue how to get there. So, I thought i needed a new item or something and re-explored the whole game for nothing, as you had to find a secret to progress.

    The world has some really cool design and some creative surprises, and is overall well designed and very well paced.

    The final boss is one of the most poorly designed things in a videogame, and they say it is much improved from the original NES version. You are just constantly getting knocked off of 2 small bricks by 4 turrets as you try to fight the boss. It just seems like something someone made to piss a sibling off as much as possible. Skip this game, I am now wary to trust Metroid fans.    … Expand
  5. PHDIKOULAS
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    a true masterpiece for the advance, grab it and enjoy old school metroid goodness
  6. SuperSourSauce
    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 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.
  7. ZeRo_Bahamut
    Oct 10, 2013
    9
    Metroid: Zero Mission is the 2nd Metroid game on the GBA and a remake of the original Metroid on the NES with enhanced features and more modern controls.

    Story: The story follows a bounty hunter called Samus Aran on her journey to the space pirate base on Zebes, Samus is trying to destroy the stolen Metroids, as her mission takes her deeper into the base she faces tougher enemies and    Metroid: Zero Mission is the 2nd Metroid game on the GBA and a remake of the original Metroid on the NES with enhanced features and more modern controls.

    Story:
    The story follows a bounty hunter called Samus Aran on her journey to the space pirate base on Zebes, Samus is trying to destroy the stolen Metroids, as her mission takes her deeper into the base she faces tougher enemies and various bosses who now became legendary in the gaming community...

    There's also new bonus content after finishing the main story, in which you get shot down and captured trying to escape planet Zebes, this has you sneaking trough the pirates ship looking for your Power Suit and facing off against a familiar foe...

    Gameplay:
    The game takes place in a large open world divided by doors and elevators, you are given a clue on your map on where you have to go next, usually to get there you'll need to find an appropriate power-up to continue towards your destination.

    You control Samus Aran, who can shoot, jump and roll into a ball, later on you'll upgrade your Power Suit and your weaponry gaining new abilities and skills which you'll need to progress into new area's, the game involves a lot of backtracking as each time you gain a new upgrade, you might be able to find new areas in places where you've already been, containing even more upgrades. You should always check your surroundings aswell as there are dozens of secret places to discover, usually containing more goodies.

    Controls:
    The controls are very tight and responsive, you can shoot (later hold the shoot button for a powered up version), Jump or go into a ball by pressing down twice, you can also shoot diagonally now by holding the L-trigger which should make things easier then on NES and activate special weapons by holding the R-trigger.

    Graphics:
    The graphics where spot on for me, it's all in 2D, but everything is bright and colorful and the new special effects look nice. The game is divided into area's which each has their own distinct style, the enemies grow tougher aswell as the game progresses and it shows in their design.

    Music:
    The music is superb, there's not track I dislike, they are excellent remakes (or enhanced versions) of the originals and stay very true to them, the song played in the background usually suits the area you are in pretty wel.

    Positives:
    + Gameplay is amazing!
    + Backtracking, looking for secrets, always something new to discover!
    + The music is absolutely amazing and true to the original.
    + The art style suits the game well.
    + New Content!

    Negatives:
    - It is quite short.
    - Hardly any explanation when a new power is gained. (While not needed for me and many others, this might be offsetting for inexperienced or new players)

    Conclusion:
    Metroid: Zero Mission is a perfectly enhanced remake of the original Metroid and any fan should have played this, the gameplay is solid, the music is epic and the Metroid universe is as awesome as ever...    … Expand
  8. psychogrodus
    Aug 9, 2013
    9
    Metroid Zero Mission is a game that truly shows how gaming has evolved. The game is a remake of the original Metroid with all of the added features of today's hardware. This game changed everything that could be changed while still maintaing the fundamentals of the original. The story is the same as the original, Samus Aran must go to planet Zebes to defeat the Mother Brain. StoryMetroid Zero Mission is a game that truly shows how gaming has evolved. The game is a remake of the original Metroid with all of the added features of today's hardware. This game changed everything that could be changed while still maintaing the fundamentals of the original. The story is the same as the original, Samus Aran must go to planet Zebes to defeat the Mother Brain. Story doesn't play that huge of a role in this game, or the whole series for that matter. The gameplay is the same as the original, explore the various areas of Zebes to find power ups to allow you to access the rest of the planet. However, Zero Mission adds more features that the original could not have. Everything from new power ups such as the speed booster, to the simple ability to shoot diagonally. The most significant change is the fact that power ups now stack up. For example, the wave beam and the ice beam can now be used at the same time. However the game has also changed the graphics, the boss battles and there is now a whole new area to explore. The graphics and soundtrack are updated to make use of modern hardware. The boss battles between Kraid, Ridley, and Mother Brain are much more difficult, there are also new bosses. The new area is accessible after you have destroyed the Mother Brain. In this area, Samus has lost her power suit for most of the area and must use stealth to sneak past enemies. As a whole, this game is an extreme improvement of the original and it only has one fault, it's difficulty. Zero Mission is one of, if not the easiest Metroid game. However, this game is also the most accessible Metroid game to newcomers and I can easily recommend this game to people who want to start their Metroid adventure.… Expand
  9. guitarguy001
    Mar 23, 2014
    10
    The best handheld Metroid game and is pretty much the perfect version of the original Metroid. The visuals are great, the soundtrack is memorable and the gameplay has been refined from Super Metroid and that is never a bad thing. One of the best handheld platformers out there and i do find it better than Metroid Fusion. A flaw is that if you have played the original Metroid, this game willThe best handheld Metroid game and is pretty much the perfect version of the original Metroid. The visuals are great, the soundtrack is memorable and the gameplay has been refined from Super Metroid and that is never a bad thing. One of the best handheld platformers out there and i do find it better than Metroid Fusion. A flaw is that if you have played the original Metroid, this game will not have nearly the same impact and you can pretty much get the secrets and breeze through the whole game no problem. I highly recommend this game to anyone.… Expand
  10. AHappyMetroid
    Apr 9, 2014
    9
    My favorite 2D platformer of all time, Metroid Zero Mission is a must have for those who love the GBA. It's an updated remake of the original with lots of content. Blowing stuff up has never been so much fun.
  11. quizzyrascal
    Jul 15, 2014
    8
    I've owned this game for years having bought it because it received such good reviews even though i've never been a big metroid fan (don't know why it's just never really appealed to me). I've never really found the impetus to stick with it though, I'd play for 10 minutes and just lose interest. The other day I was leafing through my GBA games and decided to give it one more go. OH MYI've owned this game for years having bought it because it received such good reviews even though i've never been a big metroid fan (don't know why it's just never really appealed to me). I've never really found the impetus to stick with it though, I'd play for 10 minutes and just lose interest. The other day I was leafing through my GBA games and decided to give it one more go. OH MY GOD I have been missing out for Sooooo long. This game is excellent. It really grew on me. It's combination of 2D platforming and puzzling is up there with the best of them. My only complaint having played it for 4 hours is that I've completed it. I wish it were longer but i am going to play it again on a harder level and try and find all the items so there is replay value.… Expand
  12. headspacej
    Jan 19, 2016
    10
    So happy to see this classic hit the eShop, and even happier that Fusion's annoying computer is absent here -- this plays a lot more like Super Metroid, with the same eerie atmosphere, tricky puzzles and tight gameplay. Love it!
  13. thryce3
    Oct 25, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Zero fixes all the problems that made me give up on the original Metroid. The better control, screens that are not identical, and a difficulty more suited to exploration. Pretty much an improvement in every way. The "zero suit" section is a pain, but still well designed. Definitely a must play for fans of the genre… Expand
  14. tomcrew10
    Aug 30, 2017
    9
    Yet again a 2d Metroid scoring high. As per usal gameplay is quite compelling and also offers a good story the only issue is the game feels too easy but has a difficulty spike at the end.
  15. rosnk30
    Oct 28, 2021
    9
    I started and over this game at last week (just before beat Metroid Dread) and this game is foward his time! All stuff of this game is awesome....smootly gameplay, beauty graphics, nice sounds and envirorment.

    Zero Mission is a remake for the first Metroid (1986).
  16. CineAutoctono
    Sep 18, 2019
    9
    "Metroid: Zero Mission" was a great video game, with good colors in the graphics and a story that gives rise to one of the greatest heroines of video games, Samus Aran, its degrees of difficulty and handling of the character make the game very interesting and its history is just as great, a video game that opens a whole universe.
  17. weskergamer
    Apr 8, 2017
    9
    pocos remakes pueden ser tan buenos como el metroid Zero Mission. Un lavado de cara visual a la aventura original, con una dificultad un poco mas baja acorde a los tiempos q corrian en ese entonces. Igual el juego no es solo un remake del metroid original, sino q es tambien un juego completamente nuevo, con una historia detallada q carecia el original contando la primera mision de Samuspocos remakes pueden ser tan buenos como el metroid Zero Mission. Un lavado de cara visual a la aventura original, con una dificultad un poco mas baja acorde a los tiempos q corrian en ese entonces. Igual el juego no es solo un remake del metroid original, sino q es tambien un juego completamente nuevo, con una historia detallada q carecia el original contando la primera mision de Samus Aran contra los metroids, ademas del agregado final q complica el juego al poner mas enfasis en el sigilo gracias al Zero Suit… Expand
  18. PizzaW0lf
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    As the first Metroid game in the story, it's a brilliant way to introduce the series! After playing this game, it has really made me into a Metroid fan and I can really see the beauty of the series. The exploration is really great and feels really open. You can sequence break in this game and use some items out of order. The boss fights are quite good but some of them are pretty simple.As the first Metroid game in the story, it's a brilliant way to introduce the series! After playing this game, it has really made me into a Metroid fan and I can really see the beauty of the series. The exploration is really great and feels really open. You can sequence break in this game and use some items out of order. The boss fights are quite good but some of them are pretty simple. The music is top-notch and includes modern remixes of classic Metroid songs. And the gameplay is fine too. This is the perfect Metroid game to play if you want to get into the series.… Expand
  19. clay3232
    Oct 31, 2017
    8
    A good game that introduced some new ideas to the formula. The Zero Suit Samus segment was a little underwhelming for me. Pretty much your typical Metroid game, just revamping the original title. That being said Super Metroid is way better, and I would consider Samus Returns better as well for the 3DS.
  20. Kosama
    Oct 21, 2021
    9
    Tengo que jugar el aun el Metroid de la NES pero este esta en mi top 4 de los Metroids.
  21. Marosague
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Awesome game! One of my favourite childhood games. There is not much to say, it game mechanics are nearly perfect and it's awesome 2D "retro" style graphics will lead you to one of the best GBA game experiences.
  22. FrankoAmmo
    Jan 5, 2018
    8
    I've completed this game on the Wii U a few weeks ago...what a nice game!!! I personally liked Fusion more as it was more linear which I prefer, but this one is also a gem!
  23. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    Zero Mission is a remake of classic Metroid for NES and it is best Metroid game to start with the series. Short and easy, but still very fun and looks and sounds great on little gba screen.
  24. VahNabooty
    Apr 30, 2019
    8
    Great recreation of the original Metroid. It's quite short but is very much enjoyable all throughout, with smooth controls and lovely visuals.
  25. Moony545
    Nov 8, 2018
    9
    Пожалуй самая легкая часть, но это не делает игру хуже других частей, она достаточно самобытная, хоть и является ремейком 1-ой части с NES. Игра имеет свои механики, которые мне ранее не встречались. Также игра может порадовать как рядовыми врагами, так и боссами. Недостатка в последних не будет. Ну и конечно, отменные - графическое оформление и музыкальное сопровождение - присущие всейПожалуй самая легкая часть, но это не делает игру хуже других частей, она достаточно самобытная, хоть и является ремейком 1-ой части с NES. Игра имеет свои механики, которые мне ранее не встречались. Также игра может порадовать как рядовыми врагами, так и боссами. Недостатка в последних не будет. Ну и конечно, отменные - графическое оформление и музыкальное сопровождение - присущие всей серии Metroid - никуда не делись. И еще, плюсом приятный бонус, в виде стелс уровня (наша героиня временно остается без костюма и уже не может пинком открывать каждую дверь). Который кстати отсутствовал в оригинале, и больше не встречался в серии.… Expand
  26. iMustang
    Apr 15, 2019
    9
    I absolutely loved this game. This beautiful remake of Samus' first journey was filled with so much subtle lore that I loved experiencing firsthand. The gameplay mechanics have been perfectly preserved throughout the years and I didn't experience a single frustration while playing, only a challenge and a drive to always do better. I'm actually glad I played Samus Returns first so it gaveI absolutely loved this game. This beautiful remake of Samus' first journey was filled with so much subtle lore that I loved experiencing firsthand. The gameplay mechanics have been perfectly preserved throughout the years and I didn't experience a single frustration while playing, only a challenge and a drive to always do better. I'm actually glad I played Samus Returns first so it gave me a chance to become a good Metroid player and take this game on.… Expand
  27. Onioncreature
    Jun 24, 2021
    9
    An excellent entry in the Metroid series, Zero Mission reworks and modernizes the original NES title. Exploration is far less confusing, which leads to a more acceptable level of difficulty than the original game. It adds in elements introduced later in the series, such as save rooms, which prove to immensely improve the experience. Visuals and sound are top notch, the differentAn excellent entry in the Metroid series, Zero Mission reworks and modernizes the original NES title. Exploration is far less confusing, which leads to a more acceptable level of difficulty than the original game. It adds in elements introduced later in the series, such as save rooms, which prove to immensely improve the experience. Visuals and sound are top notch, the different environments are all distinct and are very well designed. I have no major complaints with this title, it's quite digestible and would be a great place to enter the series for newcomers.… Expand
  28. Yohannn
    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 design is really clever !
  29. Mattia9336
    Sep 14, 2020
    10
    An amazing game. One of the best metroidvania ever made. The graphics and sound are amazing even for today standards. This game is way more open and less linear than fusio, however there are less bosses and are a bit easier overall. Nontheless a must-play
  30. marcelskerps
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    ótimo remake!!!e no final aqule zero suit putz! muito bom o jogo, recomendo demais!!
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
2
#2 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. NTSC-uk
    90
    Not only does it exhibit and exemplify some of the best 2D level design for almost any action adventure game ever seen, but it also offers a wealth of engrossing replayability for those that wish to explore the gloomy depths of the infamous Zebes.
    Read full review
  2. GMR Magazine
    90
    Where Zero Mission really adds to the legend is in the game's challenging surprise ending...this isn't your daddy's Metroid. [Mar 2004, p.92]
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    90
    Every minute of that five hours was excellent, and Zero Mission takes its place as one of the finest titles in the GBA's already impressive pantheon of platformers. However, we can't help but wish that it had been longer.
    Read full review
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