I've just never really had the patience or interest in all the backtracking. I'd love a very linear Metroid though, like Castlevania 1, 4, Haunted Castle, etc. Haha, maybe one day!
The game, at least as it was played in 1986, also requires a love of mapping, though with the Internet, that is now an option instead of a requirement.
One of my absolute favourites on the NES, it's very gratifying to read so many Substack posts lately that give this game its flowers; all the YouTube videos I've watched on it seem to beat it to a bloody pulp which is a real shame.
For me, what elevates Metroid from good to an NES classic is its atmosphere. It's dark, moody, and foreboding in a way unlike any other NES game. That's something modern Metroid games have forgotten. They've forgotten that Metroid was a legend forged in shadow and silence. I have more thoughts about Metroid and its legacy in this post:
Definitely a change for Nintendo from their more cartoony games. Even Zelda was lighthearted in spots. Metroid showed that Nintendo could do games with more serious settings and even with hardware limitations of the time, more dramatic stories…
2. Not sure where I played the original Metroid growing up, but I did not care for it either back then. It felt too large and overwhelming. I hated feeling like I didn't know where I was going in games as a kid.
3. That makes sense. That code was a lifesaver for many.
4. You were definitely right! Not sure how you knew, but good call!
5. I think Metroid is a fun piece of gaming history, but I get why people would disagree with that. Pretty much every subsequent Metroid (and Metroidvania) game is better, but it's cool to see where the series/concept started. Especially given the 1986 timeframe in Japan, which just seems shockingly early to make a game this ambitious.
What's even crazier is that Nintendo of America released both Metroid AND The Legend of Zelda in the same month in North America. I would love to know their reasoning behind that.
I've just never really had the patience or interest in all the backtracking. I'd love a very linear Metroid though, like Castlevania 1, 4, Haunted Castle, etc. Haha, maybe one day!
Yeah, if you don't like backtracking, any Metroidvania is not for you!
The game, at least as it was played in 1986, also requires a love of mapping, though with the Internet, that is now an option instead of a requirement.
One of my absolute favourites on the NES, it's very gratifying to read so many Substack posts lately that give this game its flowers; all the YouTube videos I've watched on it seem to beat it to a bloody pulp which is a real shame.
Thanks for posting.
You’re welcome, thanks for reading!
Metroid is a slow, patient gaming experience. Many younger gamers can't stand games that move at Metroid's pace.
Metroid is vibes. It really captures its alien setting. Dark Nintendo is good Nintendo.
Yeah, Nintendo nailed the atmosphere with the first game.
For me, what elevates Metroid from good to an NES classic is its atmosphere. It's dark, moody, and foreboding in a way unlike any other NES game. That's something modern Metroid games have forgotten. They've forgotten that Metroid was a legend forged in shadow and silence. I have more thoughts about Metroid and its legacy in this post:
https://daysoffictionpast.substack.com/p/brightening-darkness-and-solving
Definitely a change for Nintendo from their more cartoony games. Even Zelda was lighthearted in spots. Metroid showed that Nintendo could do games with more serious settings and even with hardware limitations of the time, more dramatic stories…
Agreed, Metroid was a more mature outing for Nintendo at the time.
Great introduction! I recently finished this one and it was a great play through, despite the Mother Brain beat downs.
Thanks John! I really enjoyed your post on Metroid as well. It is still very fun, albeit frustrating towards the end.
1. Indeed
2. Not sure where I played the original Metroid growing up, but I did not care for it either back then. It felt too large and overwhelming. I hated feeling like I didn't know where I was going in games as a kid.
3. That makes sense. That code was a lifesaver for many.
4. You were definitely right! Not sure how you knew, but good call!
5. I think Metroid is a fun piece of gaming history, but I get why people would disagree with that. Pretty much every subsequent Metroid (and Metroidvania) game is better, but it's cool to see where the series/concept started. Especially given the 1986 timeframe in Japan, which just seems shockingly early to make a game this ambitious.
What's even crazier is that Nintendo of America released both Metroid AND The Legend of Zelda in the same month in North America. I would love to know their reasoning behind that.