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{{articleabout|Metroid, the first [[Metroid (series)|Metroid]] game|other uses|[[Metroid (disambiguation)]]}}
{{articleabout|Metroid, the first [[Metroid (series)|Metroid]] game|other uses|[[Metroid (disambiguation)]]}}


'''''Metroid''''' is the first game of the [[Metroid (series)|''Metroid'' series]], both chronologically, and in release order. It was released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in 1986.
'''''Metroid''''' is the first game of the [[Metroid (series)|''Metroid'' series]], both chronologically, and in release order. It was released for the Famicom Disk System in August 1986, with a [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] version following a year later.


==Story==
==Story==
===Manual Preface===
A deep-space research vessel is sent by the [[Galactic Federation]] (a congress composed of representatives from several planets in the galaxy) to retrieve a new lifeform discovered in suspended animation on Planet [[SR388]], dubbed [[Metroid (species)|Metroid]]. As they returned, however, the vessel was attacked by [[Space Pirate]]s, who stole the capsule containing the Metroid and took it to their fortress on Planet [[Zebes]].


In the year 2000 of the history of the cosmos, representatives from the many different
Recognising the potential threat of the Metroids as Space Pirate weapons if allowed to multiply via exposure to beta rays, the Federation attempts an attack on Zebes, but is repelled. As a last resort, they hire [[Samus Aran]] to infiltrate Zebes alone, with the intention of stopping the Space Pirates from creating more Metroids and defeating the Pirate leader on Zebes, [[Mother Brain]].
planets in the galaxy established a congress called the [[Galactic Federation]], and an age
of prosperity began. A successful exchange of cultures and civilization resulted, and
thousands of interstellar spaceships ferried back and forth between planets, but [[Space Pirate]]s also appeared to attack the spaceships.


The Federation Bureau created the [[Galactic Federation Police]], but the attacks of the Space Pirates were strong, and it was difficult to catch them in the vastness of space. To counter the attacks of the Space Pirates, the Galactic Federation called together courageous warriors, granting them large bounties for capture of Space Pirates. These space bounty hunters became known as "space hunters".
After arriving in [[Brinstar]], Samus traverses the planet's underworld in search of two high-ranking Space Pirates, [[Kraid]] and [[Ridley]], both of whom she eventually locates and destroys. Following this, she is given access to [[Tourian]], the main Space Pirate headquarters on Zebes. Though by now filled with Metroids, Samus dispatches them and confronts Mother Brain, destroying her. Although a time bomb threatens to destroy Tourian following Mother Brain's defeat, Samus manages to escape before it detonates and takes every last Metroid with it.


In the year 20X5 of the history of the cosmos, Space Pirates attacked a deep-space research spaceship, seizing a capsule containing an unknown life-form recently discovered on Planet [[SR388|SR-388]]. Though in a state of suspended animation, the life form could be reactivated, and multiplied, when exposed to beta rays for 24 hours. This unknown life-form, suspected as the cause of SR-388's destroyed civilization, was named [[Metroid (species)|Metroid]] by the Federation researchers.
==Gameplay==
''Metroid'' is a 2D action platformer. Unlike other platformers, in which there are several levels with defined start and end points, the entire world is large and open-ended, with players free to access new areas and return to old ones as they see fit. Though Samus starts off with only the ability to jump and [[Power Beam|a weak, short-ranged weapon]], she can improve her abilities by finding various upgrades scattered throughout planet Zebes, such as the [[Long Beam]] to improve her weapon's range and the [[Morph Ball]] to access small tunnels.


Fearing that the Space Pirates intend to multiply Metroids and use it as a weapon, the Galactic Federation Police launched an assault on Planet [[Zebes]], the Space Pirate headquarters where the Metroids were being held. But Zebes was a natural fortress, and resistance of the Space Pirates was too strong. As the attacks on the planet failed, preparations were made to multiply the Metroids.
These upgrades are vital to progressing in the game, as several areas can only be reached by obtaining a certain upgrade. In addition, Samus can find [[Energy Tank]]s and [[Missile Tank]]s to carry more health and missiles, which are occasionally dropped as power-ups by defeated enemies. Though the player's goal is to enter Tourian, the area is off-limits to them until they find and defeat Kraid and Ridley, who are located in hideouts beneath Brinstar and [[Norfair]] and serve as the game's boss encounters.


As a last resort, the Federation Police hired a space hunter to infiltrate Zebes, stop the plans to multiply the Metroids, and destroy [[Mother Brain]], the leader of the Space Pirate operation on Zebes.
The original Famicom Disk System version allows players to save their progress. The Nintendo Entertainment System version, however, uses a password system to allow players to continue where they left off after the game is restarted by giving them a specific password upon death. The game keeps track of how long it takes the player to beat the game; depending on their time, they will get one of five endings:
 
The Federation Police hired [[Samus Aran]], considered the greatest of all space hunters. The victor of many prior missions, Samus is surgically strengthened by robotics, to the point of having superpowers. Samus's [[Power Suit]] causes even the Space Pirates to fear, as it is capable of absorbing an enemy's power.
 
The interior of Zebes is a dangerous maze, with enemy Space Pirates lurking around every corner. With time running out, can Samus destroy the Metroids and save the Galaxy?
 
===Planet Zebes===
 
As Samus fights her way through the labyrinths of planet Zebes on her quest to stop the Space Pirates from using Metroids as a weapon, she finds upgrades to her Power Suit on statues left behind by the [[Chozo]]. Using these upgrades, Samus fights her way through [[Brinstar]], a region of Zebes, to find [[Kraid]]'s [[Kraid (area)|hideout]].
 
After defeating Kraid, Samus braves the fiery [[Norfair]] region to reveal [[Ridley]]'s [[Ridley (area)|hideout]]. With both Kraid and Ridley defeated, a path is opened to [[Tourian]], the headquarters of Mother Brain.
 
In Tourian, the corpses of Space Pirates litter the ground, and Samus soon discovers that Metroids are the cause. The Space Pirates succeeded in multiplying the original Metroids, and Tourian has become overrun by the new Metroids. Samus fights her way through Tourian defeating the Metroids by freezing them with her [[Ice Beam]] and shooting them with [[Missile]]s, both of which were acquired from [[Chozo Statue]]s.
 
Deep in Tourian, Samus encounters Mother Brain, protected by five barriers of [[Zebetite]]. Using Missiles, Samus destroys the barriers and defeats Mother Brain. Mother Brain's defeat triggers a [[Countdown|self-destruct sequence]], and Samus is forced to escape Zebes in under three minutes.
 
==Controls==
*'''Move Pad''' – Moves left, right and points gun upwards.
*'''A''' – Jump
*'''B''' – Shoot [[Power Beam]]/Missiles
*'''START''' – Pause
*'''SELECT''' – Switch to Missiles
 
==Endings==
 
Based on the amount of time in which the player beats the game, there are five different possible endings. The possible endings are:


*10 or more hours: Samus covers her face and turns her back to the player.
*10 or more hours: Samus covers her face and turns her back to the player.
*Under 10 hours: Samus faces the player with one arm raised in the air.
*Under 10 hours: Samus faces the player with one arm raised in the air.
*Under 5 hours: Samus removes her helmet, revealing that she is a woman.
*Under 5 hours: Samus removes her helmet, revealing her true face.
*Under 3 hours: Samus removes her Power Suit, and is seen in a purple leotard.
*Under 3 hours: Samus removes her Power Suit, and is seen in a leotard.
*Under 1 hour: Samus removes her Power Suit, and is seen in a bikini.
*Under 1 hour: Samus removes her Power Suit, and is seen in a bikini.
Should the player achieve either of the latter two endings in the NES version, they will be able to restart the game with Samus outside of her Power Suit and all upgrades they previously had (excluding Energy and Missile Tanks). However, the difference is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect regular gameplay.


==Locations==
==Locations==
*[[Zebes]]
*[[Zebes]]
**[[Brinstar]]
**[[Brinstar]]
Line 84: Line 57:
**[[Tourian]]
**[[Tourian]]


==Later Releases==
==Reception==
''Metroid'' was later remade in the game ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]'', which also included the original game. The game has also been released on the Wii Shop Channel, downloadable for 500 Wii points as a [[Virtual Console]] game. The game has also been made available to 3DS owners who are a part of the 3DS Ambassador Program for free as part of the 3DS Virtual Console. It was later released to the public on the eShop for a price of $4.99. The Virtual Console versions do not have additional features beyond control updates. However, it is worthy to note that the electronic manual for the 3DS version describes the "secret" method of saving involving using the second player's controller. The game was released on July 12, 2013 in the Wii U eShop for $4.99, as a Virtual Console game.
Reception for Metroid has been largely positive, and its reception has spawned multiple sequels, a manga, and a fanbase. Metroid has shipped over 2.7 million copies globally.
 
The magazine also named Metroid called it the fifth-best game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in its Best of the Best feature, describing it as a combination of Super Mario Bros.'s platforming and The Legend of Zelda's exploration and character upgrades. On Top 100 Games lists, the game was ranked 69th by Electronic Gaming Monthly, and 6th by Game Informer then 7th in 2009 by Game Informer. Game Informer also put Metroid 7th on their list of "The Top 200 Games of All Time", saying that it "started the concept of open exploration in games". GamesRadar ranked it the fifth best NES game ever made.
 
==Later Releases and Remakes==
 
=== [[Metroid: Zero Mission]] ===
Released in 2004 for the [[Game Boy Advance]], Metroid: Zero Mission is a remake of the original game featuring enhanced graphics, significant gameplay alterations, as well as additional content not found in the original. Completing the game unlocks the original Metroid.
 
=== [[NES Remix (Series)|NES Remix Series]] ===
Starting in NES Remix 2, released in 2014 for the [[Wii U]] eShop, Metroid is included within the list of games used for its challenges. Metroid would continue to be included in NES Remix Pack (a collection of the first two games) and Ultimate NES Remix (a "Best of" selection from the first two games).
 
=== Other rereleases ===


It appears in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' as a [[smashwiki:masterpieces|masterpiece]].
* [[Classic NES Series: Metroid|Classic NES Series]]: Released as a part of a series of NES and Famicom games ported to the Game Boy Advance.
* [[Virtual Console]]: A downloadable title from the [[Wii|Wii's]] Wii Shop Channel, costing 500 Wii points. Later released on [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]] and Wii U as downloadable titles on both systems' eShop. The 3DS release was offered for free to members of the 3DS Ambassador Program. The electronic manual for the 3DS version describes the secret method of saving involving using the second player's controller.
* [[Metroid in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]: A timed 3 minute trial of Metroid is included as one of the included [[smashwiki:masterpieces|masterpieces]].
* [[Amiibo Tap]]: A free piece of software for the Wii U that allowed for the playing of 3 minute trials for different NES and SNES games through the scanning of [[Amiibo]]. Metroid is included as one of the demos that can be unlocked. Tapping the Amiibo during the trial will load a new scene.
* [[NES Classic Edition]]: Included as a built in game.
* [[Nintendo Switch Online]]: Added as part of the service on November 14, 2018.


==Trivia==
==Credits==
*If the player completes a playthrough as suitless Samus in under an hour, Samus's bikini in the ending will be skimpier than usual.
See [[Credits: Metroid]] for more information.  


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 96: Line 86:
Metroid Europe Cover.jpg|European cover art (front)
Metroid Europe Cover.jpg|European cover art (front)
Metroid Europe Cover (back).jpg|European cover art (back)
Metroid Europe Cover (back).jpg|European cover art (back)
Metroid Title Screen.gif|Title Screen
Metroid title screen.png|Title screen
</gallery>
</gallery>


==External Links==
==External Links==
*[http://metroid.retropixel.net/features/map/index.php?map=/metroid/metroid_map.jpg Full Map] of ''Metroid's'' Zebes
*[http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/hOyRxr3W4yhKWayjsq6c38w_B41MeO_j At Nintendo.com]
*[http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/hOyRxr3W4yhKWayjsq6c38w_B41MeO_j At Nintendo.com]


Latest revision as of 21:30, 28 February 2024

Position in Timeline
First Game Release Date Metroid II: Return of Samus / Metroid: Samus Returns
First Game / Metroid: Zero Mission Metroid Chronology Metroid Prime ( Pinball ) / Metroid Prime Trilogy


Metroid
Metroid

Metroid North American Cover Art

Publisher Nintendo
Developer(s) Nintendo R&D1
Platform(s) Nintendo Entertainment System
Released

North American release August 1987
European release January 1988

Japanese release August 1986

Genre Action Adventure
Ratings ESRB: E
PEGI: 3+
Modes Single-player
Media 1-megabit cartridge
Input NES Controller
Theme Title theme
Walkthrough and Guide at Strategy Wiki


This article is about Metroid, the first Metroid game. For other uses, see Metroid (disambiguation).

Metroid is the first game of the Metroid series, both chronologically, and in release order. It was released for the Famicom Disk System in August 1986, with a Nintendo Entertainment System version following a year later.

Story[edit | edit source]

A deep-space research vessel is sent by the Galactic Federation (a congress composed of representatives from several planets in the galaxy) to retrieve a new lifeform discovered in suspended animation on Planet SR388, dubbed Metroid. As they returned, however, the vessel was attacked by Space Pirates, who stole the capsule containing the Metroid and took it to their fortress on Planet Zebes.

Recognising the potential threat of the Metroids as Space Pirate weapons if allowed to multiply via exposure to beta rays, the Federation attempts an attack on Zebes, but is repelled. As a last resort, they hire Samus Aran to infiltrate Zebes alone, with the intention of stopping the Space Pirates from creating more Metroids and defeating the Pirate leader on Zebes, Mother Brain.

After arriving in Brinstar, Samus traverses the planet's underworld in search of two high-ranking Space Pirates, Kraid and Ridley, both of whom she eventually locates and destroys. Following this, she is given access to Tourian, the main Space Pirate headquarters on Zebes. Though by now filled with Metroids, Samus dispatches them and confronts Mother Brain, destroying her. Although a time bomb threatens to destroy Tourian following Mother Brain's defeat, Samus manages to escape before it detonates and takes every last Metroid with it.

Gameplay[edit | edit source]

Metroid is a 2D action platformer. Unlike other platformers, in which there are several levels with defined start and end points, the entire world is large and open-ended, with players free to access new areas and return to old ones as they see fit. Though Samus starts off with only the ability to jump and a weak, short-ranged weapon, she can improve her abilities by finding various upgrades scattered throughout planet Zebes, such as the Long Beam to improve her weapon's range and the Morph Ball to access small tunnels.

These upgrades are vital to progressing in the game, as several areas can only be reached by obtaining a certain upgrade. In addition, Samus can find Energy Tanks and Missile Tanks to carry more health and missiles, which are occasionally dropped as power-ups by defeated enemies. Though the player's goal is to enter Tourian, the area is off-limits to them until they find and defeat Kraid and Ridley, who are located in hideouts beneath Brinstar and Norfair and serve as the game's boss encounters.

The original Famicom Disk System version allows players to save their progress. The Nintendo Entertainment System version, however, uses a password system to allow players to continue where they left off after the game is restarted by giving them a specific password upon death. The game keeps track of how long it takes the player to beat the game; depending on their time, they will get one of five endings:

  • 10 or more hours: Samus covers her face and turns her back to the player.
  • Under 10 hours: Samus faces the player with one arm raised in the air.
  • Under 5 hours: Samus removes her helmet, revealing her true face.
  • Under 3 hours: Samus removes her Power Suit, and is seen in a leotard.
  • Under 1 hour: Samus removes her Power Suit, and is seen in a bikini.

Should the player achieve either of the latter two endings in the NES version, they will be able to restart the game with Samus outside of her Power Suit and all upgrades they previously had (excluding Energy and Missile Tanks). However, the difference is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect regular gameplay.

Locations[edit | edit source]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Reception for Metroid has been largely positive, and its reception has spawned multiple sequels, a manga, and a fanbase. Metroid has shipped over 2.7 million copies globally.

The magazine also named Metroid called it the fifth-best game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in its Best of the Best feature, describing it as a combination of Super Mario Bros.'s platforming and The Legend of Zelda's exploration and character upgrades. On Top 100 Games lists, the game was ranked 69th by Electronic Gaming Monthly, and 6th by Game Informer then 7th in 2009 by Game Informer. Game Informer also put Metroid 7th on their list of "The Top 200 Games of All Time", saying that it "started the concept of open exploration in games". GamesRadar ranked it the fifth best NES game ever made.

Later Releases and Remakes[edit | edit source]

Metroid: Zero Mission[edit | edit source]

Released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, Metroid: Zero Mission is a remake of the original game featuring enhanced graphics, significant gameplay alterations, as well as additional content not found in the original. Completing the game unlocks the original Metroid.

NES Remix Series[edit | edit source]

Starting in NES Remix 2, released in 2014 for the Wii U eShop, Metroid is included within the list of games used for its challenges. Metroid would continue to be included in NES Remix Pack (a collection of the first two games) and Ultimate NES Remix (a "Best of" selection from the first two games).

Other rereleases[edit | edit source]

  • Classic NES Series: Released as a part of a series of NES and Famicom games ported to the Game Boy Advance.
  • Virtual Console: A downloadable title from the Wii's Wii Shop Channel, costing 500 Wii points. Later released on 3DS and Wii U as downloadable titles on both systems' eShop. The 3DS release was offered for free to members of the 3DS Ambassador Program. The electronic manual for the 3DS version describes the secret method of saving involving using the second player's controller.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: A timed 3 minute trial of Metroid is included as one of the included masterpieces.
  • Amiibo Tap: A free piece of software for the Wii U that allowed for the playing of 3 minute trials for different NES and SNES games through the scanning of Amiibo. Metroid is included as one of the demos that can be unlocked. Tapping the Amiibo during the trial will load a new scene.
  • NES Classic Edition: Included as a built in game.
  • Nintendo Switch Online: Added as part of the service on November 14, 2018.

Credits[edit | edit source]

See Credits: Metroid for more information.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • European cover art (front)

    European cover art (front)

  • European cover art (back)

    European cover art (back)

  • Title screen

    Title screen

External Links[edit | edit source]

Ridley from Metroid: Zero Mission Metroid Games Samus from Super Metroid
2D Games
3D Games
Other Games
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