Samus Returns is a fantastic game, and one of my favorites in 2017 for sure. 2D Metroid is back for the first time in well over a decade, and the result is an experience that combines Super, Zero Mission, and Fusion for one of the best games in the series.
I was a little nervous about the prospect of a Return of Samus remake. As one of the probably 10 people that has beaten the game 100% multiple times, it's a very archaic game that can be difficult to get through and not very fun. The idea behind it was pretty genius though, especially compared to the original we got before it and the sequels we got after it in Super and Fusion. It's very much more of a "hunting" game and less of an exploration game, which makes it unique in the series.
First and foremost, the controls in this game are the best in the 2D series bar none. The 360 degree aiming lends itself to a level of precision that Super wish it had; the way Samus handles is a great combination of the speed we got with Zero Mission and the jumping mechanics we got in Super/Fusion. The melee counter inspired by Other M's great combat is a fantastic addition as well, adding a new dimension to regular combat with common enemies and especially the various Metroid form encounters.
I love the take on SR388 as well. The original made it out to be kind of this desolate land with various same-looking catacombs, but it feels like a living, breathing planet in this one. Besides that though, I love the general progression of the game. It stays loyal to the original with segmented areas that have their own Metroid count, but it makes each of these areas much more "Metroid-esque", which takes me right back to when I played Super for the first time. We haven't had anything like this since Zero Mission in like 2005 and it's great.
Also, love the redesigned evolutionary path of the Metroids. They weren't much to look at in the original, but they're disgusting and terrifying in Samus Returns.
The difficulty is also very much welcome, and entirely appropriate; the solo Metroid extermination is among the most difficult things Samus has ever encountered, and it's about time we got a hardcore challenge in a Metroid game again (I don't think we've had one since Super).
This is an excellent game that I can't wait to try and speedrun under 4 hours to get the best ending.
I'm just glad Suckamoto has restrained himself from ****ing Samus up again and making her into his ***** waifu.
This wildly off topic response really is a perfect representation of why Metroid has arguably the worst and most entitled fanbase in all of gaming. I'm convinced that you and many others online are just truly ignorant of Metroid's history and canon, especially concerning Sakamoto's role in the 2D entries in the franchise. The man has been directly involved in some of the most fantastic entries in the franchise (Super, Zero Mission, Fusion, and now Samus Returns along with being a part of the original), and we owe a large part of the series' success to him. If you don't like those games.... I really don't think you should be concerning yourself with this series as it's apparent you're not a fan of some of its core titles.
I get it, people don't like Other M just because they're sensitive to how a characterless character was portrayed for the first time and it didn't match their headcanon, but I just really wish people would be more aware of how important Sakamoto is to the series, especially in light of this fantastic new 2D game he's just helped create.
I'm loving them so much.