Metroid: Samus Returns Reviews

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

I was delighted by Metroid: Samus Returns. It hits pretty much every note you hope to see in a Metroid game, and MercurySteam's console background is evident in their flair for the dramatic— whether in their introductory cutscenes or their boss battles. Their dramatic reinvention reinvigorates the source material and strengthens the story's bridge to Super Metroid. In short: They nailed it.

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100 / 100
Sep 12, 2017

If this sounds like a bit of a love letter, it is still underselling just how fantastic Samus Returns has turned out. Stunning animations, a fantastic soundtrack, and awesome cinematic moments come together to remind us of the amazing roots of this series, while updating it for a fresh audience. Metroid: Samus Returns is one of the best Nintendo 3DS games of all time, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

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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.

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10 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2017

If this is the last great 3DS release then what a way to go out!

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10 / 10
Sep 17, 2017

This game is a love letter to Samus Aran. One of the best 2.5D platformers I've ever played. Great visuals, great soundtrack and great new ideas to not only capture the mood of the GameBoy original but improve the whole experience.

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9.8 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2017

A steady drip of upgrades and collectibles ensures that exploring the alien-infested planet of SR388 won't grow tiring anytime soon

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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.

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9.5 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2017

After beating Metroid: Samus Returns, my skepticism washed away, mostly thanks to the fact that this 3DS game pays a loving homage to the greatness of past entries while adding enough new elements to feel like a fresh and wonderful modern experience. With their powers combined, Nintendo and MercurySteam basically struck gold with this game. Samus Returns is a dynamite entry in the fabled series and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Metroid: Zero Mission and Super Metroid. If you've been waiting for a new 2D Metroid game from Nintendo for more than a decade, you owe it to yourself to play this game.

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93 / 100
Sep 12, 2017

Samus returns with an adventure that it's an example of how all remakes should be, respecting the original game, honoring the classics and adding a pinch from the latest games. Samus Returns is not only a great Metroid game: is also one of the best titles for the Nintendo 3DS.

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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.

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9.2 / 10.0
Jul 28, 2017

Simply put, Metroid: Samus Returns is an excellent game. It honors the past and adds a lot of great new gameplay elements. The Metroid series strives in 2D, and Samus Returns is another clear demonstration of exactly that.

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9.2 / 10.0
Sep 13, 2017

When it comes to technical wizardry and sheer visual spectacle, Metroid: Samus Returns unequivocally delivers.

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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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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.

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9.1 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is one of the best games on the 3DS and it is def more than just a remake. A return to classic Metroid, it is a must play if you have own a 3DS.

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Metro GameCentral
GameCentral
Top Critic
9 / 10
Sep 12, 2017

A superb remake of Metroid II and the best 2D entry since Super Metroid, that doesn't compromise at all in terms of challenge, complexity, or atmosphere.

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Sep 12, 2017
Metroid: Samus Returns - Easy Allies Review video thumbnail
9 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2017

To call Metroid: Samus Returns a remake feels unfair. Remakes are old games with new coats of paint: an upgrade in resolution here, reworked artwork there. Samus Returns is far more than that. It's a top-to-bottom reimagining, bringing the bones of a game that's over 25 years old into the modern era with fantastic results.

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GameSpot
Top Critic
9 / 10
Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns is a return to form and an exciting evolution of the series' beloved formula.

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9 / 10
Sep 12, 2017

Metroid: Samus Returns shows why 2D Metroid is still top-tier. It's far from the perfection that Super Metroid had, but this takes my least liked 2D Metroid game and reimagines it so completely that it almost beats the remake of the original Metroid in my estimations. If someone at Nintendo can add the ability to switch control schemes, it would make a huge difference. This is the return we've been waiting for, though I want Nintendo to develop the “Next Mission” in 2D for the Switch themselves.

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