Gaming Target - Game Boy: Metroid: Zero Mission

Written by D'Marcus Beatty on August 25, 2003

First Impressions: Disappointed Lara Fans, look this way!

Samus Aran has one of the most exemplary records for a video game character ever. Almost all of her games are considered instant classics. Her original game, Metroid, is probably one of the first and best adventure games ever, almost single-handedly introducing the exploration element that is famous in many video games today. Long before CG cinemas, Samus introduced audiences to the plot twist, as the revelation that the tough as nails hero of Metroid was a woman caused many a jaw to drop back in the 80s. All of her games are highly anticipated and rightly so, since there has yet to be a Metroid that didn't deliver. Few video game protagonists can make that claim, especially Lara Croft, who has disappointed many of her fans. Finally, Samus has been representing the independent and competent woman long before Lara was even a pixilated gleam in the eyes of her developers. It's no wonder that anytime a new Metroid game is announced, fans sit up and take notice.

Metroid: Zero Mission will be the newest Metroid to grace the Gameboy Advance, following the critically acclaimed Metroid Fusion on Gameboy and the equally applauded Metroid Prime on the Gamecube. Zero Mission, however, will not be a new story for the premiere distaff protagonist. Zero Mission, as the name implies, will take Samus back to her origins in an updated version of the original Metroid for the NES.

Details are fairly scarce at the moment, but screenshots of the game show levels from the original. In addition, there also appears to be a number of new and updated levels. There will also be a lot of familiar weapons, bosses, and areas that the Metroid faithful will recognize. There will be some new additions as well, as Samus' dash from fan favorite Super Metroid will be present, allowing her to smash through walls. The game is already looking good, with excellent animation and bright, colorful levels. Though a lot of the areas will be coming from 8-bit NES origins, rest assured they will be given a modern facelift.