Metroid (NES) or Metroid: Zero Mission?

[flamepanther]

I can't concur with this. The bigger sprites and lack of color makes it worse for me, plus the Spring Ball makes the game feel like you have to check every single corner, ceiling, wall, and everything. I never get lost in the original, that said it's been one of those recurring games I've played for 20 or so years and have been in love with since. I will admit as a kid, I don't think I ever got past Norfair (the second area, purple bubbles says enough. That area had some trial and error exploring because I remember to find Ridley's lair you have to find breakable walls off and on throughout the area).

I'm not sure what to say. I've never properly finished the original Metroid, but I can usually finish Metroid II without much difficulty. Maybe the relatively linear design of the map makes it easier for me, or maybe the lack of color makes the areas harder to distinguish for you--possibly both. The map basically has a semi-vertical shaft as a main hub that expands downward through progressively lower areas, each of which are mostly horizontal. The areas unlocked by each new "phase" usually have some difference in the rock textures and/or in how much/what kind of vegetation and architecture might be around--so you can basically tell how far down you are based on that. It's not adhered to strictly, but it's consistent enough that I can find my way around.

[Xeogred]

Funny how that works, I guess we can just say you're a lot more experienced with Metroid II and I am more with the original Metroid, lol.

About how long is Metroid II anyways? None of the games (outside of the Prime games I guess) are that long at all, so I can only imagine it's a few hours or something.

[flamepanther]

Funny how that works, I guess we can just say you're a lot more experienced with Metroid II and I am more with the original Metroid, lol.

About how long is Metroid II anyways? None of the games (outside of the Prime games I guess) are that long at all, so I can only imagine it's a few hours or something.

It's not too difficult to finish it in two or three hours if you know where you're going. Otherwise it depends entirely on how often you get lost.

[Xeogred]

Yeah, I'll have to beat it someday. I just want to be authentic like that, lol.

That said going back to your issues with the original, it's worth noting that Brinstar and Norfair is the worst it gets if you're getting lost and all. Ridley and Kraid's lairs are not hard to navigate one bit, and the final area to Mother Brain is completely linear. So if you can ever make it past Norfair it should be smooth sailing.

Also this might be worth asking you guys, but do you actually like the extra stuff thrown in Zero Mission? I love the Crateria bits a lot, but as for the post game content... I played it once and I don't plan on ever doing it again. This is not Splinter Cell, lol... worth seeing through to the end one time around, but now whenever I replay the game when I defeat Mother Brain I'm done with it.

[flamepanther]

That said going back to your issues with the original, it's worth noting that Brinstar and Norfair is the worst it gets if you're getting lost and all. Ridley and Kraid's lairs are not hard to navigate one bit, and the final area to Mother Brain is completely linear. So if you can ever make it past Norfair it should be smooth sailing.

One of these days I'll give it another serious try--especially now that I can properly play the FDS version...

Also this might be worth asking you guys, but do you actually like the extra stuff thrown in Zero Mission? I love the Crateria bits a lot, but as for the post game content... I played it once and I don't plan on ever doing it again. This is not Splinter Cell, lol... worth seeing through to the end one time around, but now whenever I replay the game when I defeat Mother Brain I'm done with it.

I like all of the extra bosses and abilities pretty well. I thought the Chozodia area could have been made to fit in just a little bit better stylistically, but that's just nitpicking.

I agree with you on the irritating anticlimax of a stealth mission after fighting Mother Brain.

[Ivo]

Also this might be worth asking you guys, but do you actually like the extra stuff thrown in Zero Mission? I love the Crateria bits a lot, but as for the post game content... I played it once and I don't plan on ever doing it again. This is not Splinter Cell, lol... worth seeing through to the end one time around, but now whenever I replay the game when I defeat Mother Brain I'm done with it.

I liked it.
There are two somewhat insane Energy tanks to collect for those that really want a challenge. I think it is perfectly fair to call it quits after Mother Brain though.

Ivo.

[flamepanther]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Zero Mission prequel manga?

[hurrito]

My friend thinks I would really like the Metroid series, after watching him play Prime the other day he let me borrow Zero Mission. So far I really like it! Should I play Super Metroid after this? Or move to Metroid 2?

[Sideroller]

You'll probably enjoy Super Metroid more, however I don't believe 2 is all that long so you could probably finish 2 quickly and move on to Super Metroid. Plus then you would be playing the games Chronologically.

[flamepanther]

I love Metroid II. However, the more games in the series you play before II, the less you will probably be able to appreciate it.

@Sideroller: Doesn't the Prime trilogy take place between Metroid I/Zero Mission and Metroid II?