This game is fascinating. I'm kinda kicking myself for not playing it in all the years it's been out. Better late than never eh?

So this is my second foray into the Metroid series after starting with the fantastic first entry and I'm kinda blown away by how solid a sequel it is especially since its on Game Boy. I can only imagine the reaction of the game at the time. Metroid II is every bit the game Metroid was ALSO with some excellent improvements all on a portable device! Crazy to think. The only way it's lacking a bit is in the graphics department I guess but even that is remedied a bit by playing on Game Boy Color!

As I said, the game is mostly the same strengths as the first one. You explore around with non-linear progression and can find yourself in tricky areas you aren't best equipped for. Hell the game can be beaten without half the power ups. The game, like the last, does reward curiosity as you can find upgrades and additions in areas found through the tiniest hidden passages and they all feel well worth getting. The game is a bit easier on exploration too in general as there aren't really any annoying enemy types like the first game had, nothing dive bombing you or matching you jump and following you through screens. Also there are certain spots you can find that fully replenish your missile anmo and your suit energy. All this makes for a maybe easier experience but to me it's less annoying and enhances the exploration aspect. There are still enemies to fight and challenges to be had but now it isn't as irritating as it could be.

The biggest challenge faced in this game ties brilliantly into the continuing story of the game and offers a unique and interesting change of pace to gameplay. In Metroid II, Samus is tasked with traveling to the homeworld of the Metroids, SR388, and eliminating the rest of them for fear of their threat to the galaxy. So in the game you start with a counter at the bottom if the screen showing how many Metroids you have left to kill through the whole game. Each area has a set number of Metroids and the way to access new sections of the map is not merely by finding appropriate suit upgrades but by finding all the Metroids for an area and defeating them. Throughout the game you'll fight Metroids in various stages of their life cycle which become increasingly ferocious and dangerous the deeper into the planet you get. It's an excellent little twist to the core gameplay mechanic and felt pretty fresh for such a robust sequel.

Metroid II is an excellent game and intriguing sequel. The game plays as good or arguably better than the first one. The events of the game also seem like they'll impact the lore of the game's and Samus' personal journey in a big way. I'm really glad I have the opportunity to play these games in order and as close to the original format as I can in our modern age. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys action and exploration. Bonus points if you can appreciate old games and the achievement of getting something so substantial right on a handheld. I can't wait to see what's next in the series!

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2023


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