Metroid Samus Returns thoughts

I loved Metroid Samus Returns to death. It is my new favorite 2D Metroid, possibly even my favorite overall, but it's definitely an oddball game... but I feel that it is because it is more Metroid II than it is Super Metroid/Zero Mission. This is where a lot of people's expectations will probably clash with what the game is. Samus Returns is surprisingly true to the design of the original Metroid II in a lot of ways and a lot of people don't and won't like that. I'm a big fan of Metroid II so it's fine for me but for those that aren't the game will feel strange. Things like power-up distribution, certain exploration aspects, and the focus on combat are very reminiscent of the original. It doesn't feel dated like Metroid II can mind you, but it will be different to those more used to a more typical Metroid experience. The puzzles and stuff feel a lot more like Super's and ZM's but the overall exploration aspect feels a lot closer to that of the original Metroid II where you explore area by area and areas are largely open. It's a very different experience to be sure and I feel it's in a good way but others will not.

It's a modern video game with not only the premise and setting of Metroid II, but also the spirit. Capturing the spirit of the original Metroid II is a VERY interesting choice to go for rather than going for the spirit of a more popular Metroid game. Personally I really really like that but for others it will be very weird.

I'll discuss other aspects of the game later but yeah here's my pastebin.