Metroid Fusion (USA) Gameboy Advance game

Metroid Fusion (メトロイドフュージョン, Metoroido Fyūjon?), also known as Metroid 4 and referred to as Metroid IV during production, is the fourth chronological entry in the 2D Metroid series. It was developed by Nintendo R&D1 and released by Nintendo on November 17, 2002, in the USA and Canada, November 22, 2002, in the European Union, February 14, 2003, in Japan, and March 2, 2006, in the People's Republic of China. The game employs a heavily modified version of the Wario Land 4 engine and was initially available on the Game Boy Advance. It has since been re-released on multiple platforms including the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS (for Ambassadors), and Nintendo Switch (via Nintendo Switch Online).

Plot

In Metroid Fusion, Samus Aran is assigned to escort Biologic's research team on planet SR388, where she is attacked by a parasitic organism known as the X Parasite. This infection renders her unconscious, causing her ship to crash into an asteroid belt. The Galactic Federation rescues her and surgically removes large portions of her infected Power Suit. Despite a grim prognosis, Samus is saved by an anti-X vaccine made from a Metroid cell, eradicating the parasites and giving her new abilities. Now part Metroid, Samus can absorb X Parasites for health and ammo but is vulnerable to cold.

Samus is sent to the Biologic Space Laboratories (B.S.L.) research station to investigate an explosion. Here, she learns that the X Parasites have infected the station’s specimens and created a doppelgänger of her, the SA-X. The SA-X possesses all of Samus's powers, making it a formidable foe. Throughout the game, Samus uncovers a plot by the Galactic Federation to breed Metroids for "peaceful applications," which she vehemently opposes.

The narrative culminates in Samus initiating a self-destruct sequence on the station to eradicate the X Parasites. With the help of her ship’s computer, revealed to be her former commanding officer Adam Malkovich’s consciousness, she manages to escape. The station crashes into SR388, destroying both the station and the planet, seemingly ending the threat of the X Parasites.

Development

Metroid Fusion was developed by Nintendo R&D1, the same team that created Wario Land 4. The game's development began following the announcement of Metroid Prime, to capitalize on the renewed interest in the series. Directed by Yoshio Sakamoto, the game was designed to complement Prime, releasing simultaneously to appeal to both new and returning fans of the series.

Gameplay

Metroid Fusion is noted for its linear structure, a departure from the series' traditional emphasis on exploration and sequence breaking. The game guides players through a series of objectives delivered by a cybernetic entity named Adam, limiting free exploration until late in the game. The environments dynamically change in response to the story, providing a more controlled yet unpredictable experience.

The Fusion Suit, a result of Samus's infection and subsequent treatment, introduces new gameplay mechanics. Samus can cling to ledges, climb ladders, and traverse monkey bars. Power-ups are primarily acquired through Data Rooms and defeated bosses’ Core-X Parasites. Notably, Metroid Fusion introduces the concept of enemies reforming if X Parasites are not absorbed quickly, adding a layer of urgency to combat.

Reception

Metroid Fusion received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, atmospheric design, and tight gameplay mechanics, though its linearity received mixed reactions. It holds a Metascore of 92/100 on Metacritic.

Re-Releases and Sequels

Following its initial release, Metroid Fusion was made available on the Wii U Virtual Console in April 2014, and later on the Nintendo Switch Online service in March 2023. The game's popularity surged with the announcement of its direct sequel, Metroid Dread, released on October 8, 2021, which continued the storyline and reintroduced elements and characters from Fusion. This announcement significantly boosted Fusion’s sales on the Wii U eShop.

Trivia

• Metroid Fusion is one of two Metroid games that can be completed with 0% item collection, a feat once thought impossible without tool-assisted speedruns.
• The game uniquely features the Missile upgrade before the Morph Ball, diverging from the series' norm.
• Metroid Fusion allows players to unlock content in Metroid Prime via a GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable, showcasing Nintendo's early efforts to integrate their console and handheld gaming experiences.

Metroid Fusion remains a significant entry in the Metroid series, known for its narrative depth, innovative gameplay changes, and its role in setting the stage for future titles in the franchise.