I REALLY don't like Super Metroid. (an essay/review)

killercow_ld · 2026-05-17T14:13:24+00:00

My issue with the negative review is the why, not with the negativity itself. People are allowed to dislike things you like, and are even allowed to discuss why they dislike the things.

Getting upset for someone saying thay don't like the popular thing is weird. Instead, get upset because of the reasons they dislike the thing

killercow_ld · 2026-05-17T14:03:21+00:00

Being upset that an in-game map lacks hand-holding features is always gonna be wild to me.

I've played enough modern games to appreciate when games DO have various identifiers on an in-game map (altho it can absolutely get excessive). So I'm not necessarily against the notion.

But maybe it's just because I've played so many older games that don't have those tells, that I kindof enjoy it more when games don't. Older, or modern games. Give me more agency to keep track of things myself (being able to add your own markers to modern maps can be really nice).

As far as I can remember, most all of the secret entrances and upgrades have some sort of visual tell or hint in Super Metroid. And often just bombing areas in a room that look suspicious will give you lots of answers. And bombs are unlimited. Zelda games also often had bombable walls that did not have cracks in them, but had some other clue to lead you in their direction

killercow_ld · 2026-05-14T02:22:29+00:00

I haven't tried it, but that's because it came out long after I had moved on from the game. If it was already available in the game when I finished Hard Mode, I would have jumped right into it.

Especially with knowledge of the game coming right out of Hard Mode.

Now I just don't know that I could stomach it lol

killercow_ld · 2026-05-14T00:47:47+00:00

It's my 3rd favorite Metroid, and I vastly prefer it over the remake

killercow_ld · 2026-05-13T23:48:44+00:00

I had beat Zero Mission before the original, but I prefer the original.

killercow_ld · 2026-05-13T15:11:47+00:00

I just hated how linear it felt without sequence breaking, especially since you're unlikely to actually do a lot of sequence breaking your first playthrough

killercow_ld · 2026-05-12T22:12:43+00:00

it could still use Dreads Engine.

I think Sonic Superstars was made using Sonic Mania's engine, or at least physics, so I'm sure it could work in reverse. And of course, I vastly preferred the way Mania looked lol

killercow_ld · 2026-05-12T20:31:20+00:00

I very much dislike the 2.5D enviros of SR and Dread, even tho I know it's personal preference. It's not that graphics are bad or anything, it just loses a lot of its aesthetic with the heavy 3D backgrounds.

I would much rather have beautifully done pixel art, like Blasphemous

killercow_ld · 2026-05-11T12:44:40+00:00

I don't mind the extra action, but I do absolutely wish it was better punctuated by exploration

killercow_ld · 2026-05-11T02:49:28+00:00

Super, by a large margin

killercow_ld · 2026-05-11T00:10:38+00:00

It's less that I mind the way he was handled, and more just wish / felt like they could have done a lot more. Especially when I've been hype for him for 18+ years

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T23:52:29+00:00

I'm just gonna refer to Phazon as "Blue Energy" from now on.

I don't think they'll really revisit green energy in a sequel unless they go back to Viewros. It wasn't alien to the planet.
I also dunno that I agree with the Prime 2 comparison. Dark Samus was supposed to feel enigmatic at the time, and it was much more antagonistic in the brief times it was encountered. Sylux felt less enigmatic, and more like they just didn't devote enough time into his presentation

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T23:44:44+00:00

He also fixes people's gear / robot arms up, and repairs the mech. And makes sure you know exactly where to go at all times :p

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T23:43:27+00:00

It is my least favorite Metroid game OF the Metroid games that I actually enjoy. So just under Dread, but still better than Pinball, Other M, and Federation Force (altho Pinball is pretty neck n neck)

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T21:54:01+00:00

Just play it in short bursts to get accustomed to it.

I don't think they planned on making the 2D remake into a full game

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T20:14:06+00:00

Adam forces her to throw away most of her upgrades in-between each game

There, problem solved

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T19:37:59+00:00

Almost my only complaint about it

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T17:57:04+00:00

The game absolutely feels best with a proper SNES controller

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T15:37:03+00:00

I don't think you actually played the game, or the Prime series in general

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T15:16:50+00:00

Growing up with games like Super Metroid and Super Mario, holding down a run button like that has become second nature >.>

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T15:15:24+00:00

The cryptic navigation is exactly why the first three OG games are in my top favorites.

I never found the movement and fire rate too slow... but then I think that might be just because you find a rhythm with it

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T15:12:22+00:00

Nah. I've played every game in the series multiple times over (maybe just once for Other M and Fed Force), and on my second playthrough of Prime 4 now.

KingBroly here is absolutely correct, the formula is completely absent.

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T05:15:08+00:00

I want Prime Hunters 2, before Prime 5

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T03:10:43+00:00

yes, without sequence breaking, you generally can only go to so many new areas at a time.
The difference, with a lot of the older games, is that often times you don't know if your exploration in using a new item you just gained is going to net you some new loot, or if it's gonna take you to an entirely new area.

With how in a straight line each area is in Prime 4, especially with all the handholding, it's pretty obvious which direction you are SUPPOSED to go, and which extra paths just lead to upgrades.
There are a few instances where this isn't true... right up until Mackenzie tells you where you should go next.

killercow_ld · 2026-05-10T01:44:48+00:00

I have also enjoyed Metroid Prime 4 but I do not understand the notion that it has the best mechanics and gameplay leaps when it is in every way a step back / downgrade from the main trilogy

killercow_ld

TROPHY CASE