Man, I can’t believe the last traditional Metroid we got before Dread came out 19 years ago. 19! And those GBA graphics dude, what an absolutely timeless spectacle. Yet another hidden gem to add to my backlog, thank you Miss Josie 😉 And boy howdy, do I feel like such a valued Jozer to be able to peep this solid review ☺️
Short & Sweet. Thanks for making the review accesible time wise, it makes it a lot easy to tap a video that respects my time! And yes, Dread can get crazy with how many options and different paths it has. A new Metroid with a little of a lineal design could be interesting nowadays
Man playing Metroid fusion by yourself in the dark with headphones use to scare the living Sh*t out of me especially running from that SA-X haha, I guess its the music and sudden surprise being caught off guard sometimes I would think if X parasites were real in this world we would be in a world of trouble haha, I think I had a dream of this and couldn't sleep that night. Still bring back memories but I would stay play with my crazy butt even still be a little scared too lol.
Never played Metroid Fusion until it was released for GBA Switch Online+Expansion Pack. I enjoyed it a lot and i didn't care if it is a little linear. So far 2023 has been a resurgence for Metroid thanks to Prime Remastered and this. Great review you did there.
Fusion was my first 2D Metroid (I played Prime first but I got Fusion before I even finished Prime back in the day) and I adore it. It's really interesting to see someone who has no previous attachment to the game, play it and give their thoughts. I'm glad to know it's not just nostalgia goggles.
This was my first Metroid game and its still my favorite. I like the story, the atmosphere the music, the linear aspect of it because you always know where to go, and the simplicity of the controls. Games don't have to have complex controls to be fun.
If you enjoyed this game, I highly recommend doing a 100% run, and then finding the Metroid Fusion Open Randomizer. It takes away all the story and text, but keeps all the maps and lets you explore the map way more openly. It's really fun to just rock out a seed here and there to get a good hit of nostalgia but not have to hit the navigation room every few minutes lol. Not that I don't like the story but I've played it so many times that I already know it well enough and would rather not sit through the text usually. There is a danger of soft locks but just make sure you save regularly at the start of Sectors and it'll be fine lol. There's plenty of videos of speedrunners playing the randomizer if you want a look before you play it yourself.
3:35: The problem you had and I had are kind of opposites for Dread I didn't like that Dread always locks you in an area and prevents you from exploring previous areas and keeps doing that until you collect all the upgrades. Like when you say "I finally have this upgrade to reach that power up before" but nope, the game froze that area so you can't go back there. I didn't like that so much of the stuff was locked behind having all the upgrades.
4:29 honestly this. The GBA was my first gaming product as a kiddo and we were eating good back then. Also you got me wondering if the Kardashians like Metroid now lol
I've been wanting to play this one for a while but that goes for all the retro games I collected during the pandemic era. There are so many NEW games coming, which I can't keep up with, that I just have no time to go back to retro games.
Fusion was the first one I played. I remember playing it at a Best Buy demo Station and being blown away by it. It was such a different game from what I played and all I knew about the series was that Samus was a woman and that there's backtracking when you get upgrades. Having played the GBA games first, it was very hard for me to even play Super. It wasn't until I found a patch that gave it the same the controls and physics that I put a decent chunk into the game. Never finished it because the device I played on wouldn't turn on for a few months. Glad to see you're on the Metroid train as well.
I played this when it first came out on GBA back in the day. Since then I've played it twice more. It has less replay value than super due to its linear design, and the instructions are at times tedious, but it is still an excellent game, especially for a handheld. Fighting the SA-X was probably the highlight. I think this may also be the only Metroid game to take place completely on a space station instead of a planet. Besides Super, I'd say this is my favorite design/control wise. Lovely aesthetic, love the abilities. Only wish it could be expanded upon.
Just finished this myself a few weeks ago. What an awesome game,and before this had finished Metroid II: Return of Samus. Hope they bring Zero Mission to the online service at some point. I’ve always wanted to play that. Next I don’t know if I should start Dread (had this since last Christmas, still in wrapper)or Prime Remastered. Ohh, decisions decisions.
My first metroid game was Hunters, but I didn't touch the franchise until trying Metroid Prime on the gamecube 5 years ago, I didn't like the controls so I gave up. I tried Metroid Prime for the switch and I'm completely hooked by the franchise now. I've gone through Zero Mission and now looking to go into Fusion! Great review!
keep it up Josie- find every oldschool killer SNES/PS1/N64/Genesis legend and just keep reviewing these old games- there seems to be a place for this on youtube. 4:31 your very right! actually thinking back on it. many said SNES art styles aged very well. while if N64 was a skip to the 64-bit processor (and aged poorly) and SNES was only 16... then GBA being the 32 bit processor was like the "1.5 generation" that SNES didn't get until later, and the games look amazing for it. Zelda, Kirby, Metroid super color palettes just to name a few
Also my second favourite metroid game, haha. Didn't expect such a high score for it since most people dislike the linearity and cutscenes of the game. I personally think it's more of an experimental masterpiece rather than an insult to the past formula :p... So yeah, great review!
Bought myself an (IPS V3 modded) GBA for my birthday a few weeks ago, and L🤍VE playing this game on it … it’s an absolute masterpiece 😎 … a great title to play with headphones and in a darkened room when everyone’s gone to bed!
Awesome review Josie! I can tell its likely the best 2D Metroid game behind Dread and i enjoyed watching you play it live. Maybe one day I'll give it a whirl myself. It truly is crazy though how long it took them to make a new one thats for sure.
Fusion was one of the frist games I ever beat and it felt so good. The game got some criticism for its linearity (or call it 'hand holding') but that makes it a great gateway drug into the franchise and genre. Last year I played Metroid: Zero Mission, also for GBA, on my Wii U and that was great too.
Great video josie! This game is one of my favorites as a kid playing my gba. Bought it again a few years ago thankfully while it was still cheap at $30
From what I understand (which is very little), this game is basically the prototype Metroid Dread before the game existed. A lot of similarities. I hope to beat this game because it does the most interesting of a lot of the other 2D Metroid games I've seen when I am more into Prime 3D style Metroid (besides Dread).
I don't know why I never played this until now... maybe cause I was so into Metroid Prime when it came out at the same time but after playing Dread like you I salivated taking this game for a spin on the NOS back in March and loved it just as much as Dread. It's amazing how unique and fun this game is and the colors and look of the game make it that more fun to play. The boss battles were awesome too and I think some of the best boss battles in any videogame. I think the Switch plays this game way better with its screen compared to when this was just on the GameBoy Advance hardware without light and its awesome many people get to play it who never did too.
I love Fusion so much. Playing on the og GBA SP (what I grew up on) was awesome. I wished I had this game as a kid. Sure I would have 0 clue what the fuck to do, but man I would of had fun running around shooting guys
Metroid Fusion was my first (2D) Metroid game. I got it for Christmas in 2004. I then played RoS, Zero Mission, and the original Metroid next as those were the ones compatible with the GBA. It wasn't until a few years later that I played Super Metroid. I agree that Fusion is better than Super Metroid. The control in Fusion (and Zero Mission) feels much better; Super Metroid feels too "slippery" to me. Switching between missiles and beam in Super is also a pain, holding the shoulder R button to in Fusion feels better and allows for much quicker switching. The bosses in Fusion are also more complex and the shinespark puzzles are more involved. Non-linearity is not essential to the Metroid formula. The interconnected world, backtracking, and plethora of collectables/upgrades are what mostly creates the Metroid feel. I still love Super Metroid.
Not sure how much people tell you this, but there is a quality about your voice that makes you easy to listen to. Not sure exactly what it is. The best I can describe it, is it's the opposite of grating.
Hey the 3DS Metroid 2 Samus Returns was great and worth playing. There’s a fusion difficulty with the fusion suits. Check it out! I had this Metroid fusion for my indigo gba years ago, it was my first Metroid game I ever played back then.
Love your review Josie! I don’t think I can disagree with any of it tbh 😅 you stated everything that I feel about the game and your score is pretty much what I would give it! I absolutely love Fusion & Zero Mission, and I totally agree that GBA pixel art has aged the best compared to other consoles’ graphics Love to hear your takes as I’m similar in that I didn’t grow up with any Metroid games and have only played the 2Ds before Dread came out, and of course got Prime Remastered (fun fact I have the original Prime & Prime 3, but the controls in OG are really bad so I haven’t beaten it 😅) Great video 👌👌👌
Playing through Metroid Prime based off your last review. Agree it could've done with an objectives system in there. However, it does feel very Metroid to run around for hours without a clue.
Dread is the best 2D Metroid. Fusion is a cloae second. I have yet to play Zero Mission, which I'm sure is great, so that could change my preferences. But for now it's definitely Dread, then Fusion. That said, I still prefer Prime and Prime 2 as my favorite Metroids of all time.
I love Fusion a lot, but it is admittedly my least favorite of the 4 you’ve played so far. Prime 1 will probably forever be my all-time favorite Metroid game, but Dread also comes super close in 2nd place, then Super, then Fusion. I just find the exploration, bosses, and level-design in Super all the more fulfilling than in Fusion. I do still think Fusion is fantastic though and I love how it stands out from the other Metroid games.
Excellent review. I remember picking up my copy of both Prime, and Fusion on the same day. Loved the intensity, music gameplay, atmosphere, and environments. Plus I played it with headphones, under a lamp just to see the screen. Seeing those jellies floating around again in Dread. I had no words Btw Prime, originally had the Fusion suit as an unlockable. (When using the plugin for the GBA to connect with the GameCube) 🤔 I'm not sure if they will make it available with a patch on the Prime remaster Overall, love your review 5 X's out of 5
Man, I can’t believe the last traditional Metroid we got before Dread came out 19 years ago. 19! And those GBA graphics dude, what an absolutely timeless spectacle. Yet another hidden gem to add to my backlog, thank you Miss Josie 😉
And boy howdy, do I feel like such a valued Jozer to be able to peep this solid review ☺️
I can’t imagine how awesome it would be to experience these gems for the first time again!
Short & Sweet. Thanks for making the review accesible time wise, it makes it a lot easy to tap a video that respects my time!
And yes, Dread can get crazy with how many options and different paths it has. A new Metroid with a little of a lineal design could be interesting nowadays
This one was my first and still my favorite 😩👌I actually would love to see a remake of this one.
Completely unnecessary.
this game dosnt need a remake
Man playing Metroid fusion by yourself in the dark with headphones use to scare the living Sh*t out of me especially running from that SA-X haha, I guess its the music and sudden surprise being caught off guard sometimes I would think if X parasites were real in this world we would be in a world of trouble haha, I think I had a dream of this and couldn't sleep that night. Still bring back memories but I would stay play with my crazy butt even still be a little scared too lol.
Never played Metroid Fusion until it was released for GBA Switch Online+Expansion Pack. I enjoyed it a lot and i didn't care if it is a little linear. So far 2023 has been a resurgence for Metroid thanks to Prime Remastered and this. Great review you did there.
Fusion was my first 2D Metroid (I played Prime first but I got Fusion before I even finished Prime back in the day) and I adore it. It's really interesting to see someone who has no previous attachment to the game, play it and give their thoughts. I'm glad to know it's not just nostalgia goggles.
This was my first Metroid game and its still my favorite. I like the story, the atmosphere the music, the linear aspect of it because you always know where to go, and the simplicity of the controls. Games don't have to have complex controls to be fun.
Oh yeah time for the long awaited review of Metroid Fusion
ITS HERE
Cool review! You definitely held yourself together better than I did when first encountering the SA-X.
This was really nice! It's awesome to hear the perspective of someone who only recently got into the series. Loved the review!!!
If you enjoyed this game, I highly recommend doing a 100% run, and then finding the Metroid Fusion Open Randomizer. It takes away all the story and text, but keeps all the maps and lets you explore the map way more openly. It's really fun to just rock out a seed here and there to get a good hit of nostalgia but not have to hit the navigation room every few minutes lol. Not that I don't like the story but I've played it so many times that I already know it well enough and would rather not sit through the text usually.
There is a danger of soft locks but just make sure you save regularly at the start of Sectors and it'll be fine lol. There's plenty of videos of speedrunners playing the randomizer if you want a look before you play it yourself.
3:35: The problem you had and I had are kind of opposites for Dread
I didn't like that Dread always locks you in an area and prevents you from exploring previous areas and keeps doing that until you collect all the upgrades.
Like when you say "I finally have this upgrade to reach that power up before" but nope, the game froze that area so you can't go back there. I didn't like that so much of the stuff was locked behind having all the upgrades.
It's great. Dread was also my first, then did fusion. You gotta do zero mission next. That's my favorite so far.
4:29 honestly this. The GBA was my first gaming product as a kiddo and we were eating good back then.
Also you got me wondering if the Kardashians like Metroid now lol
I've been wanting to play this one for a while but that goes for all the retro games I collected during the pandemic era. There are so many NEW games coming, which I can't keep up with, that I just have no time to go back to retro games.
This video should be titled “Samus reviews Metroid Fusion”
This is a fun take on Reviews and I love seeing your style and seeing you play games that you might have not grown up with
Thank you so much!
Fusion was the first one I played. I remember playing it at a Best Buy demo Station and being blown away by it. It was such a different game from what I played and all I knew about the series was that Samus was a woman and that there's backtracking when you get upgrades. Having played the GBA games first, it was very hard for me to even play Super. It wasn't until I found a patch that gave it the same the controls and physics that I put a decent chunk into the game. Never finished it because the device I played on wouldn't turn on for a few months. Glad to see you're on the Metroid train as well.
Love all of your Metroid reviews. You gonna cover Zero Mission?
Omg just got Metroid Fusion on my PC and it's amazing I can't believe I haven't played it sooner! Thank you for this video and keep up the good work!
I played this when it first came out on GBA back in the day. Since then I've played it twice more. It has less replay value than super due to its linear design, and the instructions are at times tedious, but it is still an excellent game, especially for a handheld. Fighting the SA-X was probably the highlight. I think this may also be the only Metroid game to take place completely on a space station instead of a planet. Besides Super, I'd say this is my favorite design/control wise. Lovely aesthetic, love the abilities. Only wish it could be expanded upon.
Just finished this myself a few weeks ago. What an awesome game,and before this had finished Metroid II: Return of Samus. Hope they bring Zero Mission to the online service at some point. I’ve always wanted to play that. Next I don’t know if I should start Dread (had this since last Christmas, still in wrapper)or Prime Remastered. Ohh, decisions decisions.
My first metroid game was Hunters, but I didn't touch the franchise until trying Metroid Prime on the gamecube 5 years ago, I didn't like the controls so I gave up. I tried Metroid Prime for the switch and I'm completely hooked by the franchise now. I've gone through Zero Mission and now looking to go into Fusion! Great review!
keep it up Josie- find every oldschool killer SNES/PS1/N64/Genesis legend and just keep reviewing these old games- there seems to be a place for this on youtube.
4:31 your very right! actually thinking back on it. many said SNES art styles aged very well. while if N64 was a skip to the 64-bit processor (and aged poorly) and SNES was only 16... then GBA being the 32 bit processor was like the "1.5 generation" that SNES didn't get until later,
and the games look amazing for it. Zelda, Kirby, Metroid super color palettes just to name a few
Metroid Fusion was the first metroid game I ever played. (I played this and zero mission back to back)
It's still one of my favorites! 🥰
The game is amazing. Played it back in the day on my Gameboy Advance and then played it again maybe a year ago on my WiiU (virtual console)...
Also my second favourite metroid game, haha. Didn't expect such a high score for it since most people dislike the linearity and cutscenes of the game. I personally think it's more of an experimental masterpiece rather than an insult to the past formula :p... So yeah, great review!
Bought myself an (IPS V3 modded) GBA for my birthday a few weeks ago, and L🤍VE playing this game on it … it’s an absolute masterpiece 😎 … a great title to play with headphones and in a darkened room when everyone’s gone to bed!
First Metroid game I played,actually still playing, stuck fighting SA-X, it’s fun, great game
Awesome review Josie! I can tell its likely the best 2D Metroid game behind Dread and i enjoyed watching you play it live. Maybe one day I'll give it a whirl myself. It truly is crazy though how long it took them to make a new one thats for sure.
Honestly a pretty good review. Glad I discovered this channel. New subscriber gained
Fusion was one of the frist games I ever beat and it felt so good. The game got some criticism for its linearity (or call it 'hand holding') but that makes it a great gateway drug into the franchise and genre. Last year I played Metroid: Zero Mission, also for GBA, on my Wii U and that was great too.
Great video josie! This game is one of my favorites as a kid playing my gba. Bought it again a few years ago thankfully while it was still cheap at $30
Excellent review. Very fresh. The Stevewilldoit of gaming. I bought it based on your review for my gba.
It would be great if they do a Metroid Dreadified version of this OR 2D 3-D along the lines of what Square Enix do with 2D 3D games
From what I understand (which is very little), this game is basically the prototype Metroid Dread before the game existed. A lot of similarities. I hope to beat this game because it does the most interesting of a lot of the other 2D Metroid games I've seen when I am more into Prime 3D style Metroid (besides Dread).
I don't know why I never played this until now... maybe cause I was so into Metroid Prime when it came out at the same time but after playing Dread like you I salivated taking this game for a spin on the NOS back in March and loved it just as much as Dread. It's amazing how unique and fun this game is and the colors and look of the game make it that more fun to play. The boss battles were awesome too and I think some of the best boss battles in any videogame. I think the Switch plays this game way better with its screen compared to when this was just on the GameBoy Advance hardware without light and its awesome many people get to play it who never did too.
If this gets remade might take the cake from prime remastered as my favorite, they always battle in my head.
This is a good review. I found you from the SpawnCast!
Great review! Love fusion possibly my favorite Metroid game
I love Fusion so much. Playing on the og GBA SP (what I grew up on) was awesome. I wished I had this game as a kid. Sure I would have 0 clue what the fuck to do, but man I would of had fun running around shooting guys
Just started playing last night and already hooked!!!
Still my favorite Metroid game to this day. So glad you enjoyed it that much! I need to get on dread already
Metroid Fusion was my first (2D) Metroid game. I got it for Christmas in 2004. I then played RoS, Zero Mission, and the original Metroid next as those were the ones compatible with the GBA. It wasn't until a few years later that I played Super Metroid. I agree that Fusion is better than Super Metroid. The control in Fusion (and Zero Mission) feels much better; Super Metroid feels too "slippery" to me. Switching between missiles and beam in Super is also a pain, holding the shoulder R button to in Fusion feels better and allows for much quicker switching. The bosses in Fusion are also more complex and the shinespark puzzles are more involved. Non-linearity is not essential to the Metroid formula. The interconnected world, backtracking, and plethora of collectables/upgrades are what mostly creates the Metroid feel. I still love Super Metroid.
Fusion is my favorite Metroid game! Such an awesome creepy game!
Not sure how much people tell you this, but there is a quality about your voice that makes you easy to listen to. Not sure exactly what it is. The best I can describe it, is it's the opposite of grating.
This game is an absolute masterpiece! Great review!
“eatin good” on some Metroid - Love it Josie, u a Beast 🤘
Thanks King 👑
Hey the 3DS Metroid 2 Samus Returns was great and worth playing. There’s a fusion difficulty with the fusion suits. Check it out! I had this Metroid fusion for my indigo gba years ago, it was my first Metroid game I ever played back then.
Yes . I never played it until recently and it's one of my faves of the year so far. Lol
I’d be interested in what you think of Zero Mission.
I’ll be on that when it finally comes to NSO!
You should post it for everyone after a week or so.
Love your review Josie! I don’t think I can disagree with any of it tbh 😅 you stated everything that I feel about the game and your score is pretty much what I would give it! I absolutely love Fusion & Zero Mission, and I totally agree that GBA pixel art has aged the best compared to other consoles’ graphics
Love to hear your takes as I’m similar in that I didn’t grow up with any Metroid games and have only played the 2Ds before Dread came out, and of course got Prime Remastered (fun fact I have the original Prime & Prime 3, but the controls in OG are really bad so I haven’t beaten it 😅)
Great video 👌👌👌
I played this when i was 12. My favorite gba game next to GoldenSun. Some fat kid at the airport stole it from me.
Do you script your videos?
Love your content!
Playing through Metroid Prime based off your last review. Agree it could've done with an objectives system in there. However, it does feel very Metroid to run around for hours without a clue.
Great review Josie 😊
When she loses all powers does she feel super duper weak, or like totally just super weak?
Another solid Metroid video *subscribed*
Unpopular opinion: Fusion is my least favorite Metroid soundtrack
I never got into metroid but looks good! Left a like 👍
awesome review
my second fave after super metroid…
Dread is the best 2D Metroid. Fusion is a cloae second. I have yet to play Zero Mission, which I'm sure is great, so that could change my preferences. But for now it's definitely Dread, then Fusion. That said, I still prefer Prime and Prime 2 as my favorite Metroids of all time.
Good review
My all time fav GBA Game 👍🏿🤟🏿❤️
You have a nice sounding voice
I love Fusion a lot, but it is admittedly my least favorite of the 4 you’ve played so far. Prime 1 will probably forever be my all-time favorite Metroid game, but Dread also comes super close in 2nd place, then Super, then Fusion. I just find the exploration, bosses, and level-design in Super all the more fulfilling than in Fusion. I do still think Fusion is fantastic though and I love how it stands out from the other Metroid games.
My favorite metroid
Are you Samus?
Zero Mission clears all other Metroid games honestly
Try xevious
Nice!
It’s so good
Excellent review. I remember picking up my copy of both Prime, and Fusion on the same day.
Loved the intensity, music gameplay, atmosphere, and environments. Plus I played it with headphones, under a lamp just to see the screen.
Seeing those jellies floating around again in Dread. I had no words
Btw Prime, originally had the Fusion suit as an unlockable. (When using the plugin for the GBA to connect with the GameCube)
🤔 I'm not sure if they will make it available with a patch on the Prime remaster
Overall, love your review
5 X's out of 5
hot girl talking video games ... the world is one.
Kinda
I can't figure out where to go in Dread. Fusion tells you where to go.