Control:  
If memory serves me correctly, the control scheme of Metroid II is nearly identical to the original Metroid. It’s simplistic, as usual, with commands of "B" to fire and "A" to jump--the length of the button press determining height. Pressing "select" switches between Samus’ primary weapon and missiles, and pressing down on the control pad allows Samus to duck or turn into various rolling balls—according to what power-ups have been attained—in which she can drop bombs, climb walls, etc.

My only qualm with the control is a problem with Samus’ "sticky ball" form, which allows her to roll on the wall or even ceiling. Say you’re planning on rolling left along the floor and then up a wall. You’d assume that you’d press left and then up—but that’s not necessarily true. You need to press left and hold left, even when you’re going up the wall or perhaps right across the ceiling. Once you let go, it’s as if the game reorients itself and now pressing right may move you to the right—or maybe pressing down will do it—it’s hard to tell. For some reason, the game chooses what it thinks is the correct button press for that direction, and this can be frustrating when you’re trying to escape an enemy, but the needed directional button press isn’t the same as it was a second ago. It’s a minor flaw when compared to control as a whole, but common enough to cause some irritation.

Gameplay:  
The Metroid series instantiated a whole new style of level setup—based on massive exploration—which is probably why the game is so popular. Basically, your usual Metroid game consists of one gigantic level, instead of the usual smaller levels progressed one at a time. When Samus begins her quest to the center of the planet, many of the pathways are blocked by lava flows. After each metroid is killed, earthquakes are set off that remove some of these lava flows and allow Samus to progress more deeply into the planet’s core. This clever setup allows areas of the game to blocked until Samus is ready, without creating a strict "level by level" format.

Nintendo deciding on this format for Metroid II was an excellent choice. Plus, instead of making Metroid II a quasi-port of the original, Nintendo designed an entirely new planet-sized adventure and a continuing storyline. Apparently, immediately after destroying the metroid mother-brain in the original Metroid, more of the aliens are discovered on what appears to be their home planet, Zebes (where we are now). Naturally, Samus Aran is once again sent to exterminate them.

A helpful feature in Metroid II is the "metroid-meter." Basically, this is a counter carried by Samus that registers the number of remaining metroids left in the planet. There are also three different endings, but to get the best one (rumor is Samus models her bikini--woohoo!), you’ve got to complete the game in 2 hours. This is no easy task, since for a first time player, the completion time probably lies in double digit range. As in the original, Samus is also able to find plenty of power-ups, special moves, and secret passages to help keep her quest interesting.

Sound:
Really, there’s not much to explain. The background music and sound effects are of the usual modern GBC quality (a feat, considering the title’s age). They also tend to match pretty closely to the original sound clips found in Metroid for the NES—including the tense-sounding MIDI clips that begin playing once a new area or metroid is reached. At times, no sound is heard at all—only a steady beat—allowing for an ever more creepy atmosphere.

All in all, Nintendo’s effort in the sound department is commendable.

Multiplayer:
There is no multiplayer capability.

OVERALL:
Considering its age, Metroid II: Return of Samus for the original Game Boy is exceptional. Even by current standards, the exceptional gameplay still places it at the top of the heap. This is one of those titles that will withstand the test of time and will be spoken of as one of the greatest games in history. Everyone talks about how gameplay is more important than graphics--this is the game that proves it.


Senior Editor Michael Loewer, signing off.
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The Lowdown on  Metroid II: Return of Samus Aesthetics: Awesome Control: Very Good Gameplay: Awesome Multiplayer: Sound: Awesome Innovation: 5/6 Lasting Appeal: 5/6 Rating Explanation Overall: Awesome! "Top of the Genre"