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Metroid II: Return of Samus vs Metroid

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Metroid II: Return of Samus
Metroid II: Return of SamusExplore alien worlds and eradicate the Metroids in this classic 2D action‑adventure.
Metroid
MetroidExplore alien worlds and battle the Space Pirates in a timeless sci‑fi adventure.
Overview
Description

Metroid II: Return of Samus follows the intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she descends into the planet SR-388 to eliminate the Metroid species. The game introduced a non‑linear exploration system and a variety of power‑ups that expanded Samus's abilities. Originally released for the Game Boy in 1991, the title has been re‑released on modern platforms, preserving its pixel‑perfect graphics and atmospheric soundtrack. It remains a cornerstone of the Metroid series, praised for its tight controls and atmospheric level design.

Metroid is a pioneering action‑platformer that puts players in the boots of bounty hunter Samus Aran as she navigates sprawling, interconnected alien environments. The game blends precise shooting, exploration, and progressive power‑up upgrades to create a deep, immersive experience. First released in 1987, Metroid set the standard for atmospheric storytelling and non‑linear level design, influencing countless titles across the industry. Its iconic blend of sci‑fi aesthetics and challenging gameplay continues to captivate both retro enthusiasts and new players alike.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
First-Person Shooters
First-Person Shooters
Best for
Retro game enthusiasts
Fans of classic sci‑fi action platformers
Specifications
Spec source
AI-estimated
AI-estimated
General
msrp
$9.9983%
$59.99
release date
1991-08-26
1987-08-01
Specifications
developer
Nintendo R&D1
Nintendo R&D1
publisher
Nintendo, Playtronic
Playtronic, Nintendo
age rating
PEGI 7, ESRB E
PEGI 7, ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
60/100
60/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Tight, responsive controls
  • Rich sense of exploration
  • Memorable retro graphics and audio
  • Challenging boss encounters
  • Deep, non‑linear exploration encourages replayability.
  • Iconic sci‑fi atmosphere and memorable music.
  • Progressive power‑up system adds satisfying sense of growth.
  • Challenging boss fights test player skill.
Cons
  • Limited save system with passwords only
  • Repetitive enemy designs
  • Screen flicker on original hardware emulation
  • Limited save system can be unforgiving.
  • Graphics are dated by modern standards.
  • No multiplayer or online features.
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
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Super Metroid
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Metroid: Zero Mission
Metroid: Zero Mission

Reimagined classic Metroid adventure with upgraded gameplay and story.

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Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion

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Super Metroid
Super Metroid

Explore an alien world in a classic sci‑fi adventure.

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Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime

Explore alien worlds in a groundbreaking first‑person sci‑fi adventure.

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Metroid II: Return of Samus
Metroid II: Return of Samus

Explore alien worlds and eradicate the Metroids in this classic 2D action‑adventure.

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Metroid: Zero Mission
Metroid: Zero Mission

Reimagined classic Metroid adventure with upgraded gameplay and story.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Metroid (A) offers richer exploration and iconic atmosphere at a higher price, while Metroid II (B) provides a cheaper, tighter retro experience with similar core gameplay.

Key differences

  • Price: A costs $59.99 versus B's $9.99.
  • Save system: Both use limited saves, but A has a limited save system and B uses passwords only.
  • Graphics: A’s graphics are dated by modern standards; B is noted for memorable retro graphics but suffers screen flicker on emulation.
  • Content depth: A features a larger interconnected world with upgradeable abilities; B’s map is sprawling but has repetitive enemy designs.
  • Audio: A’s atmospheric soundtrack emphasizes isolation; B’s chiptune music dynamically reacts to actions.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

A’s progressive power‑up system and varied boss patterns create deeper strategic play.

Metroid

Platform availability

Both are single‑player titles released on Nintendo platforms; no multi‑platform data provided.

Tie

Price & value

B costs $9.99, offering similar core mechanics for a fraction of A’s $59.99 price.

Metroid II: Return of Samus

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only; no multiplayer features in either.

Tie

Content & replayability

A’s large, non‑linear world and hidden items encourage more backtracking and replay.

Metroid

Difficulty & accessibility

B’s tighter controls and password system make it slightly more approachable despite limited saves.

Metroid II: Return of Samus

Graphics & performance

B’s retro graphics are praised, though original hardware emulation may flicker; A’s graphics are dated overall.

Metroid II: Return of Samus

Choose Metroid II: Return of Samus if…

Buyers seeking an affordable, tight retro platformer with responsive controls and don’t mind limited saves.

Choose Metroid if…

Buyers who value deep exploration, iconic atmosphere, and are willing to pay premium for classic sci‑fi experience.

Common questions

Is the higher price of Metroid justified?

A costs $59.99 versus B’s $9.99; the extra cost reflects a larger world, richer soundtrack, and more varied power‑ups.

Can I continue progress easily after quitting?

Both have limited save options; A uses a limited save system, while B relies on passwords at checkpoints.

Which game has better replay value?

Metroid (A) offers deeper non‑linear exploration and hidden items, leading to higher replayability than B.