Mine can be considered an hot take, but.... I think Fusion is the best Metroid.
Many may consider it a step-down compared to its predecessors or the title that came after it, and I can see why: specifically because it drops the maze like structure of the map in the past games, for a more linear exploration, that can make the Research Station a bit too "Videogamy" compared to Planet Zebes and the other iconic locations in the series.
But this doesn't stop the gameplay for feeling immaculate, especially for a GBA title: Samus' moveset is fluid and leads to a gameplay loop that lets you move around the map in a thrilling way, and lets you enjoy the various quality in the map sections, enemies and bosses.
The biggest aspect of Fusion for me is its writing: Samus reactions to ADAM and the corrupted decisions of the galactic federation leads to the best characterization for the bounty hunter in the entire series.
The terrifying sequences and enemies you encounter literally turns this title into a horror game, that will keep you on your toes as you fight nightmares reminiscent to Jon's Carpenter's The Thing.
(side note but it also confirms that Samus canonically saved the animals at the end of Super Metroid, so that is a giant plus for me :D )
Absolute banger game. Highly recommended!
Many may consider it a step-down compared to its predecessors or the title that came after it, and I can see why: specifically because it drops the maze like structure of the map in the past games, for a more linear exploration, that can make the Research Station a bit too "Videogamy" compared to Planet Zebes and the other iconic locations in the series.
But this doesn't stop the gameplay for feeling immaculate, especially for a GBA title: Samus' moveset is fluid and leads to a gameplay loop that lets you move around the map in a thrilling way, and lets you enjoy the various quality in the map sections, enemies and bosses.
The biggest aspect of Fusion for me is its writing: Samus reactions to ADAM and the corrupted decisions of the galactic federation leads to the best characterization for the bounty hunter in the entire series.
The terrifying sequences and enemies you encounter literally turns this title into a horror game, that will keep you on your toes as you fight nightmares reminiscent to Jon's Carpenter's The Thing.
(side note but it also confirms that Samus canonically saved the animals at the end of Super Metroid, so that is a giant plus for me :D )
Absolute banger game. Highly recommended!