Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy) Second Opinion Review

What are the elements that make a Metroid game a Metroid game? Probably, all the answers will be close to exploration, non-linearity, backtracking, and atmosphere. Then, keeping in mind those elements, is Metroid II: Return of Samus a Metroid game?

In terms of exploration, it is probably the aspect of Metroid II that will be confronted first, and that's because after hitting the Start button, the game immediately begins. No cut-scenes, no plot, just gameplay and some icons. With an enthusiastic tune, the player is cordially invited to find all the answers by their self.

After a little exploration and some creatures are defeated - creatures that definitely give a feeling of being outside of the Earth - Samus will start to face multiple roads to take and places to visit in the depths of this foreign planet, and at this moment one of the first flaws arises: the lack of a map. Maybe in 1991 it wasn't a big deal not having an in-game map, but by today's standards, the game can become very frustrating and confusing on some occasions only because of this point.

The same problem is present when Samus has to return over her steps. Fortunately, though, that isn't a tedious experience because of the varied landscapes, well-placed enemies and the joy of the recently acquired power-up. The design of the planet SR388 is a good example of how to make the most of the hardware, because all the surroundings and habitats are varied and recognisable, despite not being in colour.

Samus' prime objective is to face and eliminate the fearsome native monsters of SR388 - the Metroids. The fights against them are some of the highest and most representative aspects of Metroid II because of the perfect execution: the sudden change of atmosphere with the apparition of the Metroid - one that can even make the player jump in surprise - and the battle itself, which implies managing Samus' energy and missiles, and entails a difficulty that creates suspense for the future.

After some time playing, the aforementioned suspense joins the creepiness of the environments, and the music starts to become more silent and reflexive. In the same way, the exploration can become confusing, which gives a claustrophobic feeling that adds up to an absolutely fantastic startling atmosphere.

Metroid II never ceases to utilise this ambience while mixing it with a stellar pace. There isn't a second in the whole game that becomes boring or tedious. There's always one place to visit - with its impressively big world - or one power-up to use or discover. The sense of progression is very palpable, with Samus getting more powerful in one hand, and the number of Metroids getting smaller in the other.

Answering the initial question: yes, Metroid II is a Metroid game, and a damn good and full-fledged one. Its amazing atmosphere and wonderful gameplay are perfectible in very little ways, like the hit detection for some enemies and the controls of some power-ups. Nevertheless, these problems are nothing when compared to all that Metroid II contributes for the series, and when compared to its NES predecessor.

To sum up, Metroid II is a fantastic Metroid instalment, surprisingly good for the Game Boy capabilities, being probably the best Metroid game that the Game Boy could've delivered, and one of the best games in its library. Even by today's standards, it is not only perfectly playable, but a must-play for every Metroidvania and Game Boy fan.