Metroid Fusion

Fusion for the Game Boy Advance depicts a later age of 2D Metroid that is influenced by previous games while still forging its own path. This time, Samus is badly damaged by a parasite known as the X creature, and scientists save her life by administering an experimental vaccine produced from Metroid DNA. Samus is now part-metroid, able to absorb the X-parasites in the same manner as metroids absorb the life energy of their victims. (The DNA union also provided Samus with a cool new outfit.)

Fusion, like its predecessors, included exploration features, but it was significantly more linear than prior games. Instead of unfettered exploration, you were led through missions with definite goals to achieve. This polished down some of the edges that may be both exhilarating and irritating in prior games, resulting in a more updated Metroid experience.

Fusion got praise for its crisp gameplay, controls, visuals, and music, but it was criticized for its shorter length and more linearity. It won multiple honors, including Handheld Game of the Year at the 2002 Interactive Achievement Awards, IGN's Best Game Boy Advance Adventure Game, and GameSpot's Best Action Game on Game Boy Advance. It was re-released in 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console as part of the 3DS Ambassador Program, and in 2014 on the Wii U Virtual Console. Metroid Dread, a sequel, was launched in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.

Release date: 2002

Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS

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