Super Metroid is the absolute metroidvania peak, with captivating lonely atmosphere. Free exploration, silent narrative, essential.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player12+
Description
Science-fiction action-adventure in which Samus Aran hunts Space Pirates and Meta-Ridley deep in Zebes. Published by Nintendo, released in Europe in 1994. Non-linear side-scrolling exploration, Samus' powers to gradually acquire, oppressive solitary atmosphere and music by Kenji Yamamoto. An absolute masterpiece, considered one of the greatest games of all time.
Super Metroid review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Planet Zebes rendered in oppressive darkness, organic caverns and technological bases bathed in cold light: the game composes an atmosphere of isolation of rare density. The sense of setting and the heavy solitude overflow with character. This art direction, polished and spellbinding, remains a peak of 2D atmosphere.
A masterpiece by Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hamano, the music weaves a science-fiction atmosphere of unequalled depth and immersion, from the caverns of Brinstar to the oppressive Lower Norfair. Between anxious pads and heroic flights, each place pulses with a unique emotion. This sonic atmosphere remains one of the absolute peaks of video games.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
Descending alone into the bowels of Zebes, unlocking abilities that reopen old passages — here is non-linear exploration of exemplary fluidity. The rich handling and the oppressive atmosphere guide you without ever holding you back. A benchmark for the genre, this adventure has aged with a grace that countless successors are still trying to approach.
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Exploring a maze, unlocking a power and then finally reaching an area long out of reach builds an exploration loop of rare elegance. Each upgrade reopens the map, reveals a secret and rekindles the urge to comb through everything. Atmospheric and masterful, this peak of the genre keeps a magnetism that nothing has dulled.
The European PAL SNES edition of Nintendo R&D1's Super Metroid from 1994, regarded as one of the absolute peaks of SNES game design. The PAL cart is rarer than the US version, and PAL boxed CIB in the original cardboard box is one of the most coveted SNES PAL grails. Graded sealed prices climb steadily, sustained by the timeless canonical stature of the game, founder of the modern Metroidvania sub-genre and absolute reference of the lineage.
Memorable bosses
A masterpiece of atmosphere, this solitary odyssey confronts Samus with memorable guardians lurking in the depths of Zebes: the reptilian Kraid, the spectral Phantoon, the airborne Ridley and, as a climax, Mother Brain in an emotion-charged finale. Exploration, pattern reading and a rising power curve come together. A sense of place, imposing design and hushed tension make these clashes unforgettable.
A cult cover
Samus stands in her orange suit before the last Metroid trapped in its tube, in a chilling staging where danger seems to smolder. The metallic blues and the creature's greenish glow set up the tension of an isolated space station. Stark and oppressive, the illustration announces the solitary exploration and unease that define the series.
Is Super Metroid still worth playing in 2026?
Super Metroid is one of the three or four absolute peaks of the SNES, namely a metroidvania in the original sense, built on silent exploration, gradual mapping and an unmatched sense of hostile landscape. Samus's handling, the environmental reading and the atmospheric Yamamoto and Hamano soundtrack remain intact. Replay value is immense, especially for speedrun fans. Essential to any 2D adventure lover and to any initiation to the genre, without reservation.
