Metroid NES Review: The Exploration Classic

Metroid is the game that created a genre. Before Super Metroid, before Metroid Prime, there was this. A space adventure, a mysterious world, and exploration that changed gaming forever.

I'll be honest: Metroid is hard. It's confusing, it's punishing, and it's brilliant. This is a game that doesn't hold your hand, and that's what makes it special.

The Atmosphere is Unmatched

Metroid's atmosphere is incredible. You're alone on an alien planet, exploring dangerous areas, fighting strange creatures. The music is haunting, the graphics are moody, and the feeling of isolation is palpable.

This is a game that makes you feel alone. There's no one to help you. There's no one to guide you. You're on your own, and that's terrifying and exhilarating.

The Exploration is Rewarding

Metroid rewards exploration. Hidden passages, secret areas, power-ups—there's always something to find. The game doesn't tell you where to go, so you explore, and that exploration is rewarded.

Finding a new power-up feels incredible. The Morph Ball, the Ice Beam, the Varia Suit—every new ability opens up new areas. The progression feels natural, and every discovery feels meaningful.

The Difficulty is Real

Metroid is hard. Enemies respawn when you leave a room. Health is scarce. Save points don't exist (unless you use passwords). This is a game that tests your patience and skill.

But here's the thing: the difficulty is fair. You die because you made a mistake, not because the game is unfair. Every death teaches you something, and that makes the difficulty rewarding.

The Password System is... Interesting

Metroid uses a password system instead of saves. You get a password when you die, and you can use it to continue. The passwords are long, they're easy to mess up, and they're part of the experience.

I've written down dozens of Metroid passwords. Some worked, some didn't. It's frustrating, but it's also memorable. The password system is part of Metroid's charm.

Why It's Still Great

Metroid holds up because it's influential. Every exploration-based action game owes something to Metroid. The interconnected world, the power-up progression, the atmosphere—it's all here.

Modern games might be more polished, but Metroid has something they don't: originality. It's the game that created the template, and that's worth preserving.

For Collectors

Metroid is essential for NES collectors. It's not rare (loose $20-$40, CIB $80-$150), but it's one of the most influential games ever made. Every NES collection needs this game.

The game has held its value because it's still fun. People want to play this game, and they want to own it. That's the mark of a true classic.

Final Thoughts

Metroid is hard, confusing, and absolutely brilliant. It's the game that created exploration-based action games, and it's still one of the best. If you can handle the difficulty, it's an incredible experience.

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