Metroid: Samus Returns Reviews

Metroid: Samus Returns is ranked in the 96th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Sep 12, 2017

Nintendo reimagines the Game Boy classic Metroid 2: Return of Samus for a new generation of handhelds, maintaining the series' challenge while giving it some much-needed polish.

Read full review

Sep 12, 2017

While difficult at the outset, like many handheld Metroid games before it, Samus Returns is an outstanding and completely engrossing game.

Read full review

GameMAG
ACE
Top Critic
9 / 10
Nov 3, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is an amazing gift from Nintendo to loyal 3DS users. The reincarnation of the classic from Game Boy proved to be so interesting in its implementation that it is essentially a new game. A fresh look at the combat system and Samus abilities, new comfortable controls, beautiful world, interesting puzzles, exploration orientation and brutal bosses make Samus Returns one of the best projects in the rich 3DS game library.

Review in Russian | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Sep 18, 2017

MercurySteam have pulled Samus from the jaws of death and delivered one of the best games in the series. Samus Returns perfects and reimagines the gameplay of 2D Metroid games and delivers one of the best titles on the 3DS. Every self-respecting Nintendo fan should own Metroid: Samus Returns.

Read full review

Dave Aubrey
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Sep 13, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is another wonderful 3DS game that gives owners yet another reason to pick up their 3DS consoles, even with the Switch's growing library. It looks great, plays great, and is as faithful to older Metroid games as you could ask for. All we can hope for now is that this is just the beginning of the 2D Metroid renaissance.

Read full review

91 / 100
Sep 13, 2017

It takes nearly everything about its predecessors that made them great and introduces new elements that make gameplay feel fresh and exciting.

Read full review

ZTGD
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Sep 13, 2017

Despite the flaws with its pacing, Metroid: Samus Returns feels like true classic reborn- with all the polish expected of a modern release and stands proudly among the other fantastic 2D entries to the series.

Read full review

M3
Top Critic
9 / 10
Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a must have for fans of the series. It has some really cleaver mechanics, together with a atmospheric world. It might not be best in the franchise, but close enought to make us forget both Other M and Federation Force.

Review in Swedish | Read full review

88 / 100
Sep 12, 2017

Great reinterpretation, which captures the charm of the Game Boy original, but is meaningfully modernized and enhanced with own ideas.

Review in German | Read full review

6.5 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake that plays it close to the original, for both good and the bad. To its credit, the story (or lack thereof) is still a thrilling exercise of environmental storytelling and the puzzles are varied and interesting; however, the lack of boss variety, experimental stop-and-go gameplay, and dated visuals make this Metroid title more of a love letter for old-school fans, and potentially a chore to those more accustomed to contemporary genre norms.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Sep 19, 2017

Mercury Steam clearly knows what makes a Metroid game a Metroid game, and they've brought that back on the 3DS while adding in a little bit of variation of their own. It's been a long time since Samus got the spotlight, and boy is Samus Returns one heck of a way to come back.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 18, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a must-purchase for any long-time Metroid fan and a perfect example of the genre. It bodes well for Metroid's future and makes me excited for Samus's next big adventure.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 15, 2017

“Metroid: Samus Returns” is essentially a love letter sealed with a bright red and orange kiss mark for old-school fans of the series. Featuring excellent visuals that take full advantage of the 3DS’ three-dimensional effect, lots of Metroidvania-style exploration and arguably the best combat to grace a 2D Metroid game, calling this a remake honestly doesn’t do it enough justice. It’s a nice return to 2D form for Nintendo’s popular bounty hunter.

Read full review

Atomix
Top Critic
92 / 100
Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a fantastic remake from one of the most unnoticed games from the series. It combines a really well known formula and complements it with some new gameplay mechanics, functional controls, gorgeous visuals, and many more surprises that make it feel as a familiar yet fresh experience. It is a must have game from any fan of the brave Samus Aran.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

10 / 10
Sep 12, 2017

Don't be fooled by the connection to Metroid II: this game has been revamped, redesigned and rejuvenated to such an extreme degree that to all intents and purposes it's a brand new adventure. This is far and away one of the best Metroid games ever made, and one of the best examples of the entire Metroidvania genre as a result. Melee counters and free aiming have made combat feel fresh and exciting again, while the environments are incredible – especially when viewed in auto-stereoscopic 3D. It's a given that this is a must-buy for Metroid fans, but it's also essential for those who've never played a 2D Metroid and want to see what the fuss is all about. This is what the fuss is all about, and the wait was so, so worth it.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a great return to form after the Federation Forces debacle and should make fans of the series happy with the final product. Aside from a few presentation hiccups and difficulty curve, the improved visuals and added content make for a solid entry in the Metroid universe. We have been waiting for Samus to return for a little while now, but the wait has been worth it.

Read full review

Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a commendable re-imagining that has clearly been crafted with plenty of love and care by MercurySteam.

Read full review

GameXplain
Top Critic
Loved
Sep 12, 2017
Metroid: Samus Returns - REVIEW (3DS) video thumbnail
8 / 10
Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a triumphant return to the 2D Metroid games, now taking the form of the series' renovated second game, which successfully adds new elements to the experience that feel just right and provides a marvelous audiovisual environment with a healthy lifespan. All this contributes to form an instant success and a very welcome addition to the Metroid saga.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

Evan Slead
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2017

While Metroid: Samus Returns is technically a remake of a 90's GameBoy game, it's truly a rallying cry for Metroid fans to gather and enjoy how fantastic Samus' journeys can be. Despite a few hiccups, the fresh combat mechanics, addicting exploration, and wonderful cinematic tone make this one of the best Metroid games ever made.

Read full review