Super Metroid - Timeless? - IMPLANTgames 

1:20 “Samus cannot die here “ As someone who has played this as a very young child, yes, yes she can.

I played this game for the first time about a year ago, after having it hyped up for years. There was a moment, before fighting the Krokomire where progression was clearly forward, but I decided to backtrack for a bit. While doing that, I found a new area and felt like a genius until I, shockingly, ran into Krokomire! The area had multiple entrances so no matter where the player went, they would be funneled into progression. The developers knew me better than I did! It's so brilliant, and was when I truly realized the game really was just as good as everyone said.

"The scientists have been... incapacitated." That's a nice way of saying dismembered lol And thank you for pointing out that Super Metroid includes a built in map. The second game came with a map in the instruction booklet and people usually don't mention that.

Super Metroid is a game that has massively grown on me. When I first played this game as an early teen, I remember not liking it much. As an adult, it's quite the amazing game. Very rarely does there ever come a game that is near flawless and this is one of those titles. There's a REASON why people still talk highly of it today. Not only was it quite the gigantic improvement over its predecessors but it also does a number of things that later games in the series haven't fully recaptured. Not to dismiss the later Metroid games (Fusion, Zero Mission, Prime 1 and especially Prime 2 are amazing games), but in retrospect, I truly believe this is the high point of the series.

The intended way to get the Spring Ball is actually the Space Jump. Wall jumping is only optional. The section with the shifting sand was made for the Speed Booster to pass.

My favourite part about Super Metroid is how on repeat playthroughs, once the player has a grasp of the game and the gameworld as a whole, they're able to tackle it in whatever way they like, provided they're skilled enough, to the point where you can go fight Ridley first and Kraid last if you really want to. I really like how if you can land one wall-jump, you can head into Kraid before you go to Norfair, skip the Hi-Jump back-tracking, and go straight into the heated rooms. Or furthermore, on your trip to get the Speed Booster, you can make a big leap in the Wave Beam room to get it early without the Grapple Beam, and then use the Wave Beam to go down into Crocomire to get Power Bombs and the Grapple Beam at the same time and avoid backtracking to Brinstar to get the Power Bombs. It's just so good and so perfect, it feels like it was designed with all of this in mind.

Correction: the Jump Ball is not required at all to beat the game. Using Speed Booster in that area with ample room will get you past the sandpits.

11:00 I’d actually say this part makes perfect sense. This is where the game WANTS you to loop around and look for items you missed. Since this is also the point where you’ll undoubtedly find the animals (if you do follow the loop) to teach you the advanced techniques. It also shows you what you need to reach the next major objective, the wrecked ship.

I’ve always leaned more towards the Castlevania side of the metroidvania genre but this game is definitely the exception. Super Metroid is a truly superb game.

The game that made me a Metroid fan. My childhood defining game. A masterpiece in every regard that has never been topped.

The spring ball isn't required for that energy tank. Once you speed boost through the blocks below it, there's a morph ball maze you can go through and get said tank

Played and finished Super Metroid in January of this year (2019) for the first time. Can confirm: it's a lot of fun!

you even pointed stuff out that i didnt even put together, like the gravity suit automatically just dropping you in the water

I actually didn't play this game until 2018 despite growing up in the 8 and 16-bit eras. I was absolutely stunned by how engrossing and well thought-out it was.

10:36 Yes, you are correct. It only natural to continue upwards. There you will see the water filled room with an missile tank that requires the grappling beam so when you eventually get it you will remember that missile tank and return. You will then find the ship wreck.

I just finished a playthrough myself recently on the Switch. I understand where you're coming from on the controls, but I don't think they're "jank" at all. Rather, they are intentionally a challenge to learn, as to reward players who make the effort with the ability to explore and play through the game in a new way that is often rewarding. However, the more advanced maneuvers are never required to complete the game, otherwise Nintendo would've refined them to ensure anyone could use them.

Fantastic video, Kris. You really captured the feel of the first playthrough quite well. Things that I forgot about with multiple playthroughs, such as occasional confusion of where to go like with the power bomb and that gated area that requires backtracking to it. It's a very fresh perspective, and it's great to see you enjoy it. I also appreciate the criticism of the boss design. Even though I don't agree that they haven't improved from the first two games, I do agree some of the designs are not perfect. My favorite boss is probably Kraid for being a mix of platforming and shooting at the mouth weakpoint as it gets progressively faster and faster. I also love Ridley for making me feel vulnerable and having recognizeable attack patterns like the tail spin and the pogo tail attack, also getting progressively faster as you damage him. The Torizo (fake Chozo boss battles) were also another of my favorites, specifically the one in lower Norfair. But yeah, other than Ridley, they can be pretty easy. I just appreciate that they have more thought put into them in terms of telegraphed attacks, which is something the first two games kind of lacked. I will say, if you want to feel more vulnerable and have the fight of a lifetime with boss battles, I bet you'll really like Fusion. Those have easily my favorite Metroid boss battles in the entire series. I'm not sure if you're gonna continue the retrospective, but Fusion sounds like it'll be the game for you when it comes to controls and boss designs. It does have a more in depth story with many text boxes, which you may or may not like. This and the more linear adventure makes or breaks the game for some Metroid fans. I'd like to hear your input on it if you get to it.

This game is still incredibly influential in my life as a gamer. I loved this game to pieces and I still do. I best this game at least once or twice a year and every playthrough is different for me. I sometimes break the game, other times I play it as intended, some other times I pay a lot of attention to the environmental storytelling and I learn something new. Super Metroid, Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time are probably the games that shaped my gaming journey the most... Hence why games like Dark Souls are so good to me now. This game is almost flawless and to this day I consider it nothing less than a masterpiece, definitely the best and most advanced SNES game. I've bought this game in every generation possible and have it installed in every possible console I can (NDS, PSP, Wii, Switch, og SNES cart, etc). I could write a lot of things about this game and will never end gushing about it.

Serious question why doesnt this guy have a million subs yet, such great high quality content and with that soothing voice I can listen for hours. I love them sort of videos, keep it up man!

Can’t wait for your channel to blow up. Your videos are of excellent quality!

Thanks for another fantastic video! I have played through Super Metroid many times before and learned a few new things here such as locations of some missile and super missile upgrades that I had never managed to find and the fact that one can latch onto the charged ports when in the clutches of Maridia's boss in order to deal damage.

Great video!. As in depth as one would expect :D. The first Metroid game I played was Prime 3. The second was Prime Hunters which I enjoyed. This game was my third, which I played on the 3DS. I must say, the Prime games are very good 3D adaptation's of the Metroid game play. I loved my first play through of SM, but have yet to replay. I do not think I had to refer to a walkthrough during, but there were times where I was walking all around to find the way forward. All in all, this game is amazing and all the points you bring up are all the things I think about lol. Keep it up man.

Very nicely done video. One thing i wish you had mentioned is that if you let the title screen play out, it will show you solutions to many of the parts that got you stuck, like the lava room in Norfair, and it will show you secret techniques that are not mentioned in the game manual.

I really enjoyed this video and the other ones you've done on the other Metroid games. I can't wait to see what you cover next!

I've been super excited for this video. Great work, as always.

Great video, as always! I actually just played Super Metroid for the first time about a month ago. I don't think any other game from that era has aged as beautifully. With the boom in Metroidvanias in recent years, you could've told me that Super Metroid came out last year and I would've believed you if I didn't know better.

This game is so good with secrets and new things to discover, music, gameplay I play it at least one a years since it first came out all those years ago I never tire of it

Excellent video as always, I really look forward to your next video.

Timeless is definitely accurate. I first played through this about 5 years ago, I think. Man, it begged me to keep playing it until I beat it. I will give my brain a few years to forget the details, so then I can rediscover things later. It's the closest thing to getting that experience of first playing it again. Is it "Prime Time" next? Oh, crap. I still have to play through Metroid Prime 3 some day. Great video!

This game really is a masterpiece in my opinion. Your video and analysis is as always great and entertaining

you are on fire with these videos keep it up! i look forward to every upload

_"incapacitated"_

Fantastic Gushing. I mean review hahaha Super Metroid is truly one of a kind when it comes to gameplay and progression. I love that it is well crafted and allows players to learn by doing. One small complaint about the map is that it doesn't show where doors are so if you couldn't open one then it isn't displayed on the screen, I can't remember if the small dot goes away when you collect an item or not. If it doesn't then that's another tiny complaint lol BUT the best part is the second playthrough. You know the world, where items are and how to get around. But now you understand (hopefully) how to wall jump. This allows you to play the game in such a different way. It was designed to be explored like this. Take down bosses out of order, collect powers "before" you are supposed to. It adds so much to the replay of the game. Did you ever do a playthrough where you sequence broke?

This is one I really wish I could feel as strongly as you do. The art and music are unbelievable, no question. This results in one of the most atmospheric and compelling game worlds ever realized. It just has too much of a guided tour vibe to it, though. I feel more like I'm cruising along in that little boat from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, gawking all the set pieces as I pass than actually charting my own course in the open ocean. The map *is* a crutch for me personally. The player, or at least this player, *is* robbed of the ability feel clever (barring sequence breaks). The degree of hand-holding borders on the stifling. Feeling open isn't the same as being open. It's so lush, so majestic, so empty. This is easily the greatest video game that just doesn't click with me as a player. Maybe Super Metroid is like...one of those hollow chocolate Easter bunnies for me. Biting into it expecting it to be solid is such a bummer It's still sweet, delicious chocolate for sure, but that hollowness and the disappointment it brings is inescapable. Doesn't mean I don't like it, just that I could have loved it if there'd only been a little more substance inside.

Awesome video. Cheers, and I just subbed to your channel.

Still one of my favorite games. I bought the original cartridge a little over a year ago to play on my Retron 5 and have been thoroughly enjoying replaying it several times. Couldn’t agree more with your review. Well done!

I didn't get a notification for some reason it was lucky I was just browsing RU-vid and ran into it As always great video and I agree with everything you said

I love how in-detail you'll go in your reviews. I only played Super Metroid in the early 00s, but I absolutely loved it and still do. Though like you said, I also felt the bosses were too easy

Great video. Super Metroid is one of my favorite games of all time, and I agree with almost every single point you make in this video.

It was taught to you, the 2nd suit transition gave you the ability to survive heat, the conclusion of the third might give you more heat protection is clear.

11:03 - "...I'd forgotten about this door, and this bombable floor..." True lyrical genius.

Still today I absolutely love this game thank you! :)

The most exciting ride home was when my stepdad was picking up his son from a friends house, my brother had picked up Super Metroid with his friend at a Pawn Shop. It was a fun day!

11:13 It's more that it expects you to take some notes. Nowadays you'd be able to use map markers in various MV games. The wall jump is quite powerful as it lets you sequence break in several areas. I think it's good that it takes some skill to use considering this. I disagree on the bosses, they're certainly better than in M1-2 besides maybe the final one in M2. Large, detailed and intimidating with more varied patterns overall. Good review overall!

I speed run this game everyday! It's a truly perfect game no matter how you play it.

great video, as always.

Super Metroid is outstanding. The design of exploration is amazing. Also there is quite a lot of story telling with zero dialog other then the few sentence at the very beginning. Music feels ambitious. Boss are amazing too like Kraid being very huge was mind blowing and over all they all have challenges which some can have hidden bonus damage if you look for them.

Great video as always! Love your channel. Would you ever consider covering the Contra series or doing more on Metal Slug eventually?

Honestly, one of my favorite moments was finding out that the gravity suit prevents magma damage. I went through a similar thought process as you. "There's got to be an item that I missed ... maybe a switch to lower the lava?" After a bit of searching I decided to try to damage boost through the lava and discovered that I was immune to it. It was a leap of faith.

After I finish A Link to the Past, Super Metroid is next on my list. I'm so glad so many classic SNES titles are coming to the Switch. As a kid I didn't get a lot of games and I can now enjoy the games I missed out on

Just played this in 2023 and it's risen to be one of my favourite games ever. Incredible design and execution.

Metroid is my favorite franchise and I've played this game at dozen times and I never noticed the dead scientist on the ground at the intro. Wow!

Samus can make fast progress through the room with the spikes and Samus-eating flowers by stabbing the jump button instead of pressing. it fits her but you have to know how get through. Honestly this game was made to speed run. Thanks for the cool video I did not know the grapple beam could grab the grey flying shell bug things I was freezing the bugs below to jump up to get the power up just after crocomire.

this is such a great nostalgia trip

13:03 you dont need to wall jump, you can cross the section with the energy tank by speed boost running trough it, youre supposed to get the springball after getting the Space Jump from the boss

I played this game for the first time in 2014 during college and it quickly became one of my favorite games of all time. A true masterpiece (even if it isn't perfect).

You can unequip powerups in this game. Turning off the High Jump Boots in the room of Brinstar that has the spikes and plant-traps makes navigation much easier. You might not find this too useful elsewhere but I guess it was good design to make everything a toggle. Beam weapons have cool charge abilities when unstacked as well (uses a Power Bomb).

All these years and I had no idea you could use spring ball to get that energy tank. I always shine sparked across and came at the tank from the right side.

One of my, if not my favorite game of all time.

It feels weird seeing you show the proper way to get the grapple beam because in all of my playthroughs I used the green gate glitch to obtain it

That is a perfect way to summon up at the very end. this game is definitely one of the most well-designed video games I have ever played and it's just always a fun time to play this game regardless of when I first played the game or playing it again for like the 20th time. It's a timeless masterpiece!

I’d love to see you cover demon crest on the nes I recently played it on snes online and I had a lot of fun with it. I think it would be great for your style of video!

I’m glad this game lives up the super generation with other games like SMW and LTTP. Good job implantgames

I grew up in the heyday of the SNES and played this plenty of times, but I didn't own it as a kid so I never really played it all the way through. I finally went and played through it as an adult and I can easily say that it ABSOLUTELY holds up and is phenomenal from beginning to end, even in the modern-day gaming environment. Absolutely no nostalgia talking - it's just an extremely well-made game.

1994... The year i graduated high school. The year Divine Intervention from SLAYER came out... And of course. Super Metroid. At 43 years old now.....i still fire up my SNES now and then to sludge thru this epic journey. What a fucking game!!!!

15:40 I think you're expected to hear the enemies in the lava and know that's an area you will be able to enter eventually

Regarding the controls: if you press jump before anything on the dpad samus will offer much more mid air control. When you press the dpad and jump at the same time she somersaults which offers less precision

Can’t wait for you to play Metroid Fusion. Still not sure if I like that one or Super Metroid more.

Another great critique, Kris. Any plans to complete the series?

18:47 My guess is SM Kraid is a new Kraid altogether: even in OG Metroid, you can find more than one. As for Ridley, the Prime games imply Samus was unable to truly kill him until SM, with Metroid 2: Samus Returns supporting this with a random (spoilers) Ridley fight (end spoilers).

Implant, you might want to check out the La-Mulana series. They are metroidvanias, but with a huge emphasis on puzzles and riddles. While cryptic, I found these games to be a fresh breath of air - the challenge usually isn't about reflexes, but rather about thinking. Mind, I do question how the heck any sane person can find the way to Hell Temple without a guide.

"Can't leave this area of Crateria without the power up" *Laughs in speedrunner while wall jumping out the side I came in on*

I don’t mind looping around the map. But forgot how to get the grappling beam lol

There is a hack of the game called “Super Metroid: Project Base” where the controls have been improved

You don't need wall jump to get spring ball. You can go there after you get space jump. Also spring ball is a totally optional item.

you can get the E tank from the other side and you can wait for the spring ball till after the space jump. Wall jump is never needed in Metroid it just changes your progression. Unless you go down the well with the goats too soon then you need it.

nice summary. fair point on space jump. lol @ comparing it to Aladdin, though.

Did you ever learn the secret healing technique? If you watch the title screen, it eventually shows you some interesting techniques that a lot of people never learn about when playing the game.

Hello Implantgames! I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and you do an AMAZING job. I just want to tell you that I tested Knuckles Chaotix on my emulator and this game is awesome. It was released on sega 32x in 1995. It would be great to do a review of this game on your channel. I think this game is underrated. There is a kind of magic with this game. Continue making videos, I love them, you do a nice work. ; )

First playthrough in 2020, I'd really timeless, I enjoyed it a lot

I'm 15 and this is my favorite video game ever. 3 years ago I started playing a few of the 2d games and I stopped for a while. A few months ago I picked them back up again and it was kind of like playing through them for the first time again. As I kept playing through the games I started to remember the layouts of the games and even learned parts of them that I would always get lost in like Maridia. I play Super Metroid around 1-4 times a week because of how damn fun it is to play. And although I can finish Super with a game time of 49 minutes, I do kind of miss the unguided and unmemorized first playthrough. I'll play a modern fps game for about 45 minutes and get bored of it but I can come back to Super Metroid and play it again and again trying to lower my time.

I know I'm way off in the comments but I been playing super Metroid and picked it up day one and yeah I agree on the controls at first but it's made that way back then to make the player feel like their moving in space lol and if u keep playing it u will master it but I will say it took me a super long time for the wall jump lol I still have that receipt from when the first time I purchased it this came out in 1994 and to this day I love and I'm still impressed buy this game not many games can do that so many years later

Super Metroid is pretty much one of the best game ever made...EVER. Top 6

For the controls I downloaded a rom hack called super metroid gba style which makes the controls more like zero mission and fusion minus the power grip And I've no Intrest in going back to the default controls although I feel that the level design still conflicts with samus movements I find myself that even with the less floaty jump I have had to turn off the high jump boots in the menu multiple to make certain jumps where I would have bounced off the ceiling obstacles otherwise

Fusion and PRIME next?? AAAAAAA

After seeing that metroid dread was coming out, I went to finish super metroid, a game I put down halfway cuz I draygon looked scary lol.

First time we played though, and got to where the animals teach you how to wall jump; we didn't even think of the possibility that the lil evil green koalas were trying to teach us something. So we just reset the game/// the next day when someone told us what to do Favorite game of all time. H a n d s D o w n

What kind of black magic are you using to get that crispness and framerate?! I love my snes9x...but it doesn't look like THAT

I feel they should have either remapped or gotten rid of opting out of a spinning jump. 9/10 times it will be something I do by accident while trying to shift directions during a space or wall jump

A truly excellent game

This game is a masterpiece! In other words a perfect game.

How does it compare to Zero Mission and AM2R?

You could press the B button all the time. That would make you run and avoid around %50 of your gripes.

Thx Kris, unfortunately, Super Metroid is quite expensive today, especially CIB. But I'm looking forward playing it myself one day.

Grew up with this one. I was hooked to it back then but in retrospect I find the game to be too easy, the boss fights in particular really needed to be more satisfying, and also, as usual, it suffers from the Super NES flawed resolution (which is 8:7 shaped instead of being 4:3 and thus everything has wrong aspect ratio once in 4:3 as can be seen in this very video). But aside from those huge problems, the game is trully fantastic, with high production value and great sense of progression.

Christmas 1994 -- I had gotten cash gifts from a few family members. My mom took me to Kaybee Toys and I bought Super Metroid and MegaMan X. Best decision ever.

there is also no auto scroll you can go backwards there. You just might have to brave lava to do it.

I want the ability to experience memories of others

Can you look at the first Mario RPG game🍄 PS is the first Pokemon game a RPG game🐢

So when's your next playthrough? I think it'll be just as interesting as the first time. Shouldn't take nearly as long either.