Metroid vs Metroid II: Return of Samus
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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.
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.
- 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.
- Tight, responsive controls
- Rich sense of exploration
- Memorable retro graphics and audio
- Challenging boss encounters
- Limited save system can be unforgiving.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- No multiplayer or online features.
- Limited save system with passwords only
- Repetitive enemy designs
- Screen flicker on original hardware emulation
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Metroid
View all →
Explore alien worlds and eradicate the Metroids in this classic 2D action‑adventure.
Alternatives to Metroid II: Return of Samus
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMetroid (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.
Gameplay & fun factor
A’s progressive power‑up system and varied boss patterns create deeper strategic play.
Platform availability
Both are single‑player titles released on Nintendo platforms; no multi‑platform data provided.
Price & value
B costs $9.99, offering similar core mechanics for a fraction of A’s $59.99 price.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only; no multiplayer features in either.
Content & replayability
A’s large, non‑linear world and hidden items encourage more backtracking and replay.
Difficulty & accessibility
B’s tighter controls and password system make it slightly more approachable despite limited saves.
Graphics & performance
B’s retro graphics are praised, though original hardware emulation may flicker; A’s graphics are dated overall.
Choose Metroid if…
Buyers who value deep exploration, iconic atmosphere, and are willing to pay premium for classic sci‑fi experience.
Choose Metroid II: Return of Samus if…
Buyers seeking an affordable, tight retro platformer with responsive controls and don’t mind limited saves.
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.




