Metroid: Samus Returns Reviews

Metroid: Samus Returns is ranked in the 96th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
86%
Dec 6, 2017

A polished and prettified remake of one of Metroid's less-acclaimed titles, Samus Returns spells the start of something beautiful for a series that's been left in the dark for too long.

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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 / 10.0
Nov 1, 2017

It's not perfect, but Metroid: Samus Returns is a resounding return to form for the series and a must-play for all 3DS owners.

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Oct 19, 2017

"Bounty hunter returns to her day job."

Review in Finnish | Read full review

Oct 19, 2017

Samus Returns is a welcome return of a long-missed friend, but euphoria about the comeback didn't last long once I actually started playing the game: Exploration is unrewarding and leads into dead ends more often than not and the repetitive Metroid boss fights almost feel like grinding. With its modernized combat and controls, some cool and fresh ideads like the counter and 360° aiming, Samus Returns is still a solid Metroidvania game - but it's not quite the return to form that I was hoping for.

Review in German | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2017

13 years have passed since the last Metroid 2D, Metroid fusion is considered a masterpiece and this Samus Returns seem to be also. We are faced with an exceptional game that collects everything that makes this saga great and brings you the newest of the last generation. But for me, the most important thing is that it is a hope. Samus is back. The most despised saga of Nintendo has returned to reclaim its position to stay. A very bright future is coming. Now is time to wait for the Nintendo Switch Metroid Prime 4, the other great game announced at E3 in 2017!

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9 / 10.0
Oct 16, 2017

If you played Metroid on the NES, Super Metroid in the early '90s, or any of the other two-dimensional Metroid games made for Nintendo's handhelds over the years, Samus Returns will be an instant jolt of history, an immediately recognizable old friend that might have picked up a few new tics and traits but is still largely the comforting presence you've known for decades.

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76 / 100
Oct 9, 2017
Metroid: Samus Returns (Audio Review) video thumbnail
Ollie Barder
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Oct 7, 2017

A great deal of effort clearly went into making this game work and bringing SR388 to life once again. However, as a Metroid game, it still falls short of earlier releases.

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8.2 / 10.0
Oct 3, 2017

A lot of these more subtle elements were lost in Samus Returns, making the experience feel less weighted than that early Game Boy title. Aside from that though, Samus Returns is a must have on the 3DS, one that’s filled with challenge and truly epic moments.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 3, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns isn't just a simple reimagining that improves on the original game's limitations and notable issues. It's a phenomenal blueprint of the 2D Metroid formula that captures the series' best elements while adding in gameplay refinements and mechanics that feel just right. Some repetition lingers, but that's hardly enough to hold the game back from returning Metroid to the top tier of platforming.

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8.5 / 10.0
Oct 3, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a solid remake that doesn't reinvent the wheel or eclipse the high points of the franchise but represents an enjoyable and well-made return to what makes Metroid work. It's low on story and high on exploration, and that's all it needs to be. The frustrating moments are few and far between, and the 3DS iteration eclipses the Game Boy original in pretty much every way. It's a Metroid title that shows why the old 2D classics were popular, and it succeeds wonderfully. With a ton of hints dropped throughout the game about a new Metroid game after Samus Returns, it should be interesting to see what Mercury Steam can do with an original game.

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Evan Norris
Top Critic
Unscored
Oct 3, 2017

A solidly-constructed and engaging action-adventure game with a terrific set of boss battles and a huge world filled with secret chambers, ferocious monsters, and a hint of things to come for gaming's most celebrated bounty hunter.

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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.

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8 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2017
Metroid: Samus Returns Review | The Hunt Begins video thumbnail
9.2 / 10.0
Oct 1, 2017

It is a return to form for the series, and it’s great to see another official 2D Metroid title come out from Nintendo after more than a decade.

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4 / 5.0
Sep 29, 2017

While not allowing for the subterranean trek through SR388 to fully flourish in its own individual right, Metroid: Samus Returns is nonetheless a highly enjoyable remake of one of the series' more overlooked and forgotten entrants.

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GamingBolt
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Sep 28, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a triumphant return to form for the franchise, and its greatest victory is that it makes it feel as though Samus never left to begin with.

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9 / 10
Sep 26, 2017

After a 13 years with no 2D Metroid, Mercury Steam mastered the Metroid design and refined it. Now i can stop thinking about what can this team do with a new 2D Metroid.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

Sep 25, 2017

The Metroid franchise is my favorite Nintendo franchise, bar none. I’ve played and loved almost every single entry, except for Federation Force and Other M. I had high hopes for Samus Returns, and MercurySteam managed to exceed almost every one. Samus has indeed returned, and I look forward to seeing what other adventures are in store for her.

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