Thankfully, Metroid is making a true comeback again, after the mixed Metroid: Other M and the miserable Metroid Prime: Federation Force, Samus Returns brings the bliss and glory back.
It's a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus, and it's the first 2D action platformer since Zero Mission from 2004! It adds plenty of new features to the series, such as a melee counterattack, the ability to freely shoot at any angle, and the Aeion abilities, which are special powers relying on Aeion energy to use them, such as firing rapidly, scanning the area or slowing down time.
Especially scanning the area for hidden blocks and items is in my opinion an improvement for everyone playing this game, but perhaps the hardcore community would think differently about it. Several weaponry and abilities including the grapple beam, super missile and power bomb also are re-introduced here, and the map on the second screen is well used not only for navigation, but also for writing down personal notes.
Interestingly, before this was released, there was a fangame called AM2R which also wanted to celebrate the franchise, but it got taken down by Nintendo, presumably because of this official remake.
Both games are definitely worthy of traditional and true Metroid gameplay, as I managed to beat both of them. Metroid: Samus Returns excuses previous entries and it's pleasing to hear that Sakamoto isn't done with the series yet!
Rating: 8.6
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