Imitation is the highest form of flattery
Metroid Fusion was the first 2D entry in the series since Super Metroid, and because of that fact alone, the game had big shoes to fill, even on a weaker platform like the GBA. Metroid Fusion largely does not disappoint, with much of the requisite Metroid elements present and accounted for. Despite the hand-holding of Samus' new ship's computer, Metroid Fusion still manages to offer all the challenging exploration, memorable bosses, and engaging puzzle-solving Metroid fans expect. The game's prefab backgrounds and sprites are also quite visually appealing and varied. Fusion's music is passable, but the sound effects offer little improvement over Metroid II on the original GameBoy from over a decade ago. In the end, the challenge it offers, and the intriguing new directions taken by the game's plot will offer plenty of entertainment for Metroid fans.
Metroid Fusion plays like every other 2D Metroid: You can shoot, you can jump, and eventually you can roll into a morph ball and drop bombs, but there is something different about this game: as mentioned earlier, it is written into Metroid Fusion's story that Samus had no choice but to accept the assistance of a sentient computer in order to undertake her mission at the Federation's Biologic Space Laboratory, and this factor takes away the feeling of loneliness for which the Metroid series has come to be renowned. However, in plot terms, Samus' relationship with the computer is dynamic, and in gameplay terms keeps the pace accelerated. It does not take away the exploring elements, as you can return to any area you visit to try and find weapon upgrades and new paths The gameplay is also conducive to a wide variety of puzzles that test your lateral thinking skills. The bosses are also quite excellent, offering varied -- and genuine -- challenges from start to finish. None of the bosses are too easy, and some of them are downright menacing. Some players will get frustrated, but cheap bosses these are not, and they all have weaknesses to exploit.
The game also exemplifies the GBA's power admirably, with nicely detailed sprites and rich environments -- which is surprising, considering the game takes place entirely in a space station. With the presence of the X virus, creatures will transform and evolve before your eyes, and the sheer number, variety, and detail of these enemy sprites is very impressive. The creatures in the game can be found mostly in Metroid II and Super Metroid, but there is a considerable variety of new creatures, and all but 2 of the bosses are entirely new also.
The game's sound can be described as "competent" at best. While the music conveys the proper amount of tension that given situations call for, most of the sound effects are not all that impressive. Granted, there are voices (that is to say, one voice) in the game, but it is quite muffled (though still audible) and used sparingly. The audio does its job, no more, no less.
Metroid Fusion is a game that will keep enthusiasts coming back: with speed runs, minor sequence breaking, and low-percent challenges, there are many ways to play through Metroid Fusion, and it is unlikely you will get 100% on the first try. Though the game can be beaten in a few days by first-time players, Metroid Fusion does indeed have long-term value because of the aforementioned reasons.
The X virus are an intriguing new addition to the Metroid canon. The story that Samus tells us as we control her is more engrossing than any Metroid game before or since, and the way it is told will keep many players looking forward to the next elevator sequence. The events in the game flow logically from the endings of Metroid II and Super Metroid, and hearing Samus reflect on her own power and accompanying responsibility is quite compelling.
Metroid Fusion is a must for any Metroid fan, and comes highly reccomended to anyone with a GBA or DS looking for a challenging, engrossing, experience.
