Metroid Fusion

After an absence of almost eight years, Samus Arran is finally back in Metroid Fusion battling evil in a brand new 2-D arcade adventure that's one of the best GBA games so far.

Taking its cue from the SNES game Super Metroid, this all-new title starts with Samus infected by the evil X parasites and battling to rid a space station of their menace. Part platform game, part shoot-'em-up and part RPG, the Metroid games are some of the most revered in all gaming history.

With a gameplay not unlike that of the newer Castlevania games (although Metroid did it all first), Metroid Fusion forces you to explore the huge space station as you slowly regain your various bounty hunting powers. The game includes all the old Metroid power-ups, including the morph ball and screw attack and plenty of other new gadgets. There's also the chance to practise your wall bounce, which must rank as one of the most difficult yet satisfying moves to pull off ever in a video game. Another nice new twist is that all the enemies are infected by X parasites, so when you shoot them the parasites just fly off and infect another creature unless you catch them first.

As good as the game is, though, it's not as perfectly designed as its forebear--there's far too much dull story line and the game is (perhaps by necessity on a portable console) more linear than before. But even these slight foibles might be seen as positives by some, making this a game no-one will want to miss. --David Jenkins

"A game that no GBA owner should be without. 96%."

"Prepare to be stunned. [Samus'] handheld comeback will keep you hooked for weeks."

"Another great title from Nintendo."

"Wicked science-fiction atmosphere, a thrilling dose of action and mint puzzles to play through. 9/10."

"Engrossing, challenging and a real joy to play. 8/10."

Metroid Fusion expertly mixes action and adventure elements to create a rich, highly stylised gaming experience. As in the original Metroid titles, heroine Samus begins the game in a weak state and must locate power-ups to slowly become stronger. Players can power-up with classic enhancements like the Morph Ball, Space Jump, Screw Attack, Varia Suit, Wave Beam and more. Almost everything Samus uses is upgradeable, including bombs, missiles, suits and the arm cannon. In addition to the old favourites, Metroid Fusion delivers several new power-ups as well.

From the original development team behind the classic Metroid series comes an amazing all-new adventure. Metroid Fusion features a brand new story starring gun-toting girl bounty hunter Samus Aran. And this time, there's a twist in the tale. On her way to Planet SR388 with her exploration team, Samus's spaceship is attacked by an unidentified life form, and she becomes mortally injured. The parasitic creature known only as the "X" attacks Samus, mutating the heroine into a fusion of species. With her appearance altered, and blessed with unusual abilities, the new-look Samus must unravel the mystery behind the "X" through a thrilling, dramatic story line that gradually unfolds during the course of the game. Of course, it just wouldn't be Metroid without an arsenal of weapons, and Metroid Fusion comes out guns blazing. Collect classic armaments like bombs and missiles and find new items and elements that will help you blast your way through the celebrated Metroid gameplay.