14 – Metroid Fusion
While Metroid Prime shook up the Metroid formula by successfully translating it to 3-D with a first person perspective, Metroid Fusion seems to keep a more traditional approach by maintaining the 2-D perspective. Fusion altered the classic Metroid gameplay, though, in an effort, to make the experience more accessible by introducing a goal structure that makes the game linear and story driven. Also, the introduction of a computer who talks with Samus – giving her instructions and objectives - avoids the isolation sense traditional in the franchise. These changes weren’t well received by some fans, and Fusion is sometimes considered an inferior game in the franchise. This being the only Metroid game I’ve played, those critics haven’t bothered me.
Anyway, the game is very good by itself. Even with the linear structure, exploration is still required to advance in the game, and enemies and bosses fights are great. The story doesn’t spoil the gameplay, and the scenes where the main antagonist appears, that clearly remind to science fiction classics like Alien, have a great tension.
