WELCOME TO JUICY GAME REVIEWS
Cool Shops
retro gaming reviews
check reviews for the mega drive, super nintendo, playstation 1, dreamcast and just about anything retro related
Super Metroid (SNES) - The Perfect Video Game?
Guest Blog by Kevin K @Agent_Prince
Is Super Metroid the Perfect Video Game?
That's the ultimate goal isn't it? To create the perfect video game. Is Super Metroid that game? Did the Super Nintendo host some of the the most perfect Video Games? Very few video games are considered as such, and even then it is of course only opinion. There is no fact in a critic's verdict, whether it's print/online. People often forget that, and it is of course the same for you; we're all critics after all. But there is the matter of consistency to take into account, which is where one of my 'perfect' game choices gets a unanimously positive critique/public view: Super Metroid. For those that have played through Yoshio Sakamoto's action/sci-fi magnum opus, I may be wasting my words on you; but I'm confident you'll read on to either nod/shake your head at this 'critic'.
Super Metroid is as perfect as a video game can be. With its super sci-fi intro, a dark atmospheric tone is set from the get-go. This never dissipates but, even more impressively, increases or decreases depending on the location/situation. The elevator ride down to Ridley's lair is a prime example; I don't think a 16-bit videogame had ever given me goosebumps before. The crisp, fluent visuals complement the soundtrack perfectly, and of course vice versa, the soundtrack often giving the perfect nod of anticipation for the next section. A great example of this is the descent into Brinstar; it fades in superbly, and sets the tone for the action packed section up ahead.
​Then there is the learning curve; which is seamless in its execution. It's no different to previous games in the series in that you start with a simple blaster, but the aforementioned visuals and power of the SNES not only leaves enough subtle hints, but also develops the mind-set that success is dependent upon. Add to that the perfect pacing, an average play through of roughly ten hours first time around, which might not sound like much, but like many a Nintendo classic, it's highly likely you'll return for at least a second run through. Add icing to the cake in the form of one of the best and most memorable video game endings ever, and you have an instant classic.
Now I'm sure you've heard all this before, in some form or another. I believe Super Metroid is not a perfect video game just for its vision, production and execution, but more than that. Back in 1994 when it was originally released, I was 13 years old. Video Games were already a big part of my life, and had been for 8 years, and games such as Super Metroid only served as a positive aid to my lateral thinking, evaluation, puzzle solving, and general acumen.
Over 20 years on, it not only stands the test of time, but has indeed got better with age. Super Metroid is not just technically brilliant, but still technically brilliant, even to this day. And with the beauty of virtual console, it is already being passed on to further generations. That, for me, is perfection.
Guest Blogger: Kevin @Agent_Prince
Spinning bird kick in to this!
Allen Demir link
I feel like there are things about the original, as great of a game as it was, that haven't aged well. This definitely was an improvement over the first in just about every imaginable way.
Juicy Game Reviews
Super Metroid sure is a belter of a game!!
Carl Brennand link
I think Super Metroid falls short of perfection because the controls can be a little erratic, which is surprising as this is one of Nintendo's massive strengths for me.
By erratic I mean pulling off certain moves can be inconsistent to the point where it's very frustrating. I'm all for accurate controls and being rewarded by practising, but I find certain moves, especially wall jumping, simply don't work sometimes.
I'd be interested to know if you found this to be the case?
I'm not trying to bash this amazing game by the way, I do love it and thought the challenge/ominous atmosphere/music and sheer scale of the thing were awesome!
Fred S
I don't know if you'll ever come back to read this comment because it was posted last year, but you absolutely have to judge the controls on a real SNES played on a CRT with no lag. I can pull off the wall jump 99 out of 100 tries, but its hard to do on emulation or with an LCD with notable lag. The controls are as tight as the day is long but they're ruined if you have display lag.
Interestingly, I was using an original PAL UK SNES on a 2002 Sony Trinitron CRT, so certainly not a display/emulation issue. Also my controller is in very good condition, so perhaps it's my skills that have waned over the years!
Discover reviews for the Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, Sega Dreamcast and more in the Retro Blog
Welcome to Retro Corner
As my Youtube Channel was built around my love for retro gaming I decided that it was time to honour that passion through blogging. Here I review anything from the retro gaming world.
Latest YouTube Videos:
Video Game Stores:
Super Retro Bros. CODE: JUICYGAMER FOR 10% OFF
Press Start GAMES
Button Bashers
Check out Console Yourself
Check out Warners Retro Corner
Game Smart Yardley
Sore Thumbs Retro Games & Toys
Vintage Gamer
Join the community:
Tweets by @JuicyGameReview
More Retro Game blogs...
Silent Hill 2 review
Star Fox Review
Tanglewood Review
I interview the NES Designer
Super Mario World Review (SNES)
Zombies (SNES) Retro Review
Fan of GBA Mods? Click this
Ocarina of Time Retro Review
Super Mario Bros 3 - Retro Game Review
Metal Jesus Rocks
TheGebs24
Juicy Game Reviews 2019 ©
Social Media Icons License Creative Commons 3.0