Overview
Genocide as a mission objective. Metroid II sent Samus to exterminate the Metroid species on their home planet. The Game Boy’s limited screen created claustrophobic exploration through similar-looking caves. A counter tracked remaining Metroids, gates opening as the count dropped. The ending’s moral complexity surprised players who’d completed their grim task.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
- Year: 1991.
- Platform: Game Boy.
- Mission: Metroid extermination.
Gameplay structure
| Element | Implementation |
|---|
| Metroid counter | Progress tracking |
| Area gates | Unlocked by kills |
| Evolution stages | Metroid forms |
| Final encounter | Queen Metroid |
Metroid evolution
| Stage | Threat level |
|---|
| Larva | Basic |
| Alpha | Increased |
| Gamma | Dangerous |
| Zeta | Severe |
| Omega | Extreme |
| Queen | Boss |
New abilities
| Power-up | Function |
|---|
| Spider Ball | Wall climbing |
| Space Jump | Infinite jumps |
| Plasma Beam | Powerful weapon |
Portable challenges
| Issue | Adaptation |
|---|
| Small screen | Zoomed view |
| No map | Memory required |
| Monochrome | Visual distinction |
| Battery save | Progress retention |
Legacy
| Impact | Note |
|---|
| Story importance | Series continuity |
| Remake | Samus Returns (2017) |
| Ending | Emotional complexity |
| Baby Metroid | Super Metroid setup |
See also