Released in 1986 by Nintendo, Metroid was a groundbreaking title that redefined the action-adventure genre and set the stage for some of the most iconic games in history. It introduced a dark, atmospheric world that combined exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, all while pioneering the “Metroidvania” style of gameplay. Metroid was a departure from the more colorful, whimsical games of its time, offering a more immersive, mysterious experience that would go on to influence countless games in the years to come.
The Birth of Samus Aran
At the heart of Metroid is its protagonist, Samus Aran, one of the first female video game protagonists in a major franchise. In a time when most video game heroes were male, Samus’s role as a powerful bounty hunter set her apart. Players control Samus as she navigates the planet Zebes, fighting hostile alien creatures and uncovering the secrets of a mysterious alien race known as the Metroids.
The game’s story is deceptively simple: Samus is sent to Zebes to investigate a space pirate base and stop their experiments with the Metroids, creatures that can absorb the life force of others. However, Metroid is not just a straight-forward mission. Its gameplay focuses heavily on exploration, where players must use their wits to unlock new areas, gain abilities, and ultimately defeat the evil Mother Brain that controls the space pirates.
The game’s atmosphere is defined by the sense of isolation Samus feels as she explores the desolate, labyrinthine world of Zebes. The game’s setting, music, and narrative come together to create a haunting experience that was ahead of its time.
The Revolutionary Gameplay of Metroid
When Metroid was first released, it was a standout due to its groundbreaking design elements. One of the key features was the non-linear exploration. Unlike other games of the era, Metroid allowed players to choose their path as they explored the planet. The game did not provide any clear instructions, making it a true test of discovery as players had to use their skills and intuition to find new abilities, weapons, and areas.
The map system in Metroid was also quite unique for its time. The world was a sprawling interconnected maze of rooms and corridors, and players had to carefully explore every area to uncover secrets. Progression in the game wasn’t just about defeating enemies, but also about gaining new power-ups—such as the Morph Ball, Ice Beam, and High Jump Boots—which unlocked previously inaccessible areas. These abilities were key to solving environmental puzzles and defeating powerful bosses.
The game’s emphasis on exploration, combined with the challenge of finding upgrades and uncovering secrets, laid the foundation for the “Metroidvania” genre, a style of gameplay characterized by interconnected worlds and gradual character progression.
Fascinating Facts and Trivia about Metroid
- A Female Protagonist Before It Was Common: When Metroid was first released, the identity of its protagonist, Samus Aran, was a closely guarded secret. Many players assumed Samus was a man because of her power armor and strong demeanor. However, at the end of the game, it was revealed that Samus was, in fact, a woman. This revelation was groundbreaking and made Samus one of the earliest and most iconic female video game characters.
- The Original Game’s Influence on Metroidvania Games: Metroid introduced the concept of exploring a vast interconnected world, where players could unlock new areas with new abilities. This design philosophy would go on to influence many games that followed, including Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which popularized the term “Metroidvania” to describe this type of gameplay.
- Minimalist Storytelling: Unlike many other video games at the time, Metroid did not feature extensive dialogue or a clear-cut narrative. Instead, the story was told through environmental storytelling, with players piecing together the plot by exploring the world and uncovering hidden clues. This minimalist approach to storytelling was revolutionary and would become a hallmark of the Metroid series.
- The Music That Defined the Atmosphere: The haunting, atmospheric music in Metroid was composed by Hirokazu Tanaka. The music was key to setting the tone of the game, reinforcing the feeling of isolation and mystery. The main theme, with its eerie, ambient sound, became iconic and remains a staple of the series to this day.
- Early Technical Limitations: The game’s developers had to work within the technical constraints of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which had limited graphics and sound capabilities. Despite these limitations, the team created a visually rich world with memorable, detailed environments. The minimalist art style, paired with clever use of color and limited sound, helped create the game’s distinctive atmosphere.
- The Birth of the Chozo: In Metroid, Samus is aided by an ancient race known as the Chozo. These bird-like aliens are responsible for giving Samus her power suit, and their presence is central to the game’s lore. The Chozo would go on to become an important part of the series’ mythology, with their legacy explored further in later titles.
- The Game’s Challenging Difficulty: Metroid is notoriously difficult. The game does not hold the player’s hand, and finding the right path or defeating tough enemies requires persistence and patience. The limited in-game resources, such as health and ammo, made every decision crucial. This design choice would influence many future games, ensuring that players felt a sense of accomplishment when they completed the game.
- The Final Boss: The final boss of Metroid, Mother Brain, is one of the most iconic bosses in video game history. The player must battle Mother Brain in an intense final showdown that requires quick reflexes and strategic use of power-ups. The fight is particularly memorable for the emotional gravity it holds within the context of the game’s story.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
- The Hidden Item Rooms: Throughout the game, players can find secret rooms hidden within the walls. These rooms are often filled with power-ups and extra health, offering players a chance to replenish their resources or gain new abilities. Some of these rooms are incredibly difficult to find, and their locations are revealed through subtle visual cues.
- The “Secret Ending”: Metroid featured a secret ending that could be unlocked if players completed the game quickly. The faster players finished the game, the less armor Samus would wear in the ending sequence, revealing her true identity as a woman. This secret became one of the most talked-about aspects of the game and added an element of replayability.
- The “Game-Breaking” Glitches: Like many early NES games, Metroid was prone to glitches and bugs. Some of these glitches were harmless, while others could “break” the game or allow players to bypass certain sections. Speedrunners often took advantage of these glitches to complete the game in record time.
- The Mysterious “Bird”: Some fans have speculated that there is a mysterious bird-like creature that appears in various parts of the game. This bird, which is likely related to the Chozo race, is difficult to spot but has become a point of fascination for fans over the years. Its inclusion hints at a deeper connection to the Chozo lore.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Metroid
- Map Exploration Is Key: Since Metroid is an exploration-focused game, it’s crucial to explore every corner of Zebes. Keep an eye out for hidden passageways, secret rooms, and power-ups that can help you progress.
- Upgrade Your Morph Ball: One of the most important abilities in the game is the Morph Ball, which allows Samus to roll through narrow passageways. Make sure to use it to find hidden areas and avoid enemies in tight spaces.
- Use Bombs Wisely: Bombs are essential for breaking open walls and finding hidden items. Be sure to place bombs in every suspicious spot to uncover secret paths and new areas.
- Stock Up on Energy Tanks: Energy Tanks increase Samus’s health, and they are crucial for surviving tougher sections of the game. Make sure to search thoroughly for these tanks to increase your chances of success.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Many of the game’s enemies have specific attack patterns. By observing these patterns, you can learn how to defeat them more efficiently and conserve your resources.
The Enduring Legacy of Metroid
Metroid was a trailblazer in the gaming world, setting the stage for future action-adventure games. Its blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, combined with its atmospheric world and iconic protagonist, made it a defining title of the 1980s. The game’s influence can still be felt today in the vast number of Metroidvania-style games that have followed in its wake.
The Metroid series would go on to become one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises, with sequels, remakes, and spinoffs appearing on almost every major Nintendo console. Samus Aran, the fearless bounty hunter, became a symbol of strength and determination, while the Metroid universe continued to expand, with new stories and characters adding depth to the world.
The original Metroid remains a classic, a game that revolutionized the action-adventure genre and left an indelible mark on video game history.