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