Metroid Zero Mission

Metroid Zero Mission
Full Title	Metroid Zero Mission
Developer	Nintendo
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Game Boy Advance
Release Date	US February 9, 2004 EU April 8, 2004 JP May 27, 2004
Genre	Action/Adventure
Gallery	GH Gallery
Rating	ESRB: E

Metroid Zero Mission is a remake of the original title, Metroid released originally on the NES. Zero Mission is a complete remake of the game, featuring updated graphics and additional areas and new areas to explore.

Story

The Galactic Federation emerged in the year 2000 of the Cosmic Calendar. On an uncharted planet, researchers discover a new lifeform called Metroids. Before these researchers get far, the Space Pirates attack and steal the Metroids. Only one person is fit to take on this mission, the mysterious bounty hunter... Samus Aran.

Samus Aran must infiltrate planet Zebes, destroy the Metroids, and defeat the Mother Brain. The mission won't be easy as Samus has to travel through the areas of Crateria, Brinstar, and Norfair. A variety of strange creatures await her, including both Kraid and Ridley. Infiltrating the planet won't be easy, so Samus will have to find whatever weapons and tools to aid in the mission.

Gameplay

The game is built on the engine from Metroid Fusion. The game follows a similar pattern of weapon and tool finding as the original. The layout of each area is mostly in tact, though new secret areas can be found, including the entire area of Chozodia. New items are also to be found, like the ability to grip ledges, an ability that was automatic in Fusion and not part of previous games.

The graphics were also brought up to the level of Fusion as well. New cutscenes were added at different parts of the game to offer narration of the story, though it did not feature as much dialogue as Fusion. Additionally it included a map, something that the original Metroid lacked. It also had a more subtle hint system to clue players where to go, unlike the more direct and linear item collection in Fusion.

The most significant addition was an entire new chapter after defeating Mother Brain. While leaving the planet, Samus's ship is shot down by Space Pirates and her Power Suit is deactivated. Armed with only a stun gun, she has to infiltrate a Space Pirate frigate, get through undetected as Space Pirate soldiers patrol the ship, and eventually reach an unexplored part of Chozodia to earn an upgraded Power Suit so that she can fight the Space Pirates on their terms and steal a ship to escape from Zebes.

Sequels

Although no other 2D Metroids have been made since Zero Mission, it was followed by Metroid Prime 2: Echoes on the Gamecube. Unlike Fusion and Metroid Prime, the two games had no connectivity together.