/vr/ - Retro Games

>>4103783
>If you accept my argument that metroid is essentially about exploration and storytelling through environment where does that leave fusion?
Well, first of all, not in a bad place at all, Fusion has some of that language. Pic related, finding Serris' Corpse, the dead scientists and even the Metroid coccoon borrowed from Metroid 2. Also, setpieces like that time when the spaceship almost explodes, the blackout and Nightmare on the background, while explained via conversations with ADAM as well, have you witness many things before reporting them, or without reporting them at all.

Second, I think boiling it down to that is too subjective and limiting, but I guess so is my decision of not giving it that much importance. I still think atmosphere is crucial and more essential than being able to backtrack 10 minutes to an earlier area, get a missile expansion and come back to where you need to be, nor I think dialogue tarnishes it that much. Fusion has that oppresive and isolated feel in spades, with the atmospheric simple pieces similar to Maridia's ambience, and also cemented by the tension created by difficulty and total integration of power ups, or all the crazy shit the X parasite does create. This stuff is one strength all the dialogue and exposition you get grant the game, so I would not call it hamfisted. It does benefit the game. I think that Fusion still gets Metroid's essence just fine. Again, I get you. Fusion is too restrictive, too linear. I'm not saying it isn't, by any means. Thre has to be a hack that opens all of Fusion's map at all times, right? It seems like a no brainer.

And just like Fusion, I also prefer Prime 2 to 1. Backtracking is way less tedious, and it probably is the Metroid with the most new content, creatures and environments, it has very little in common with the others. 3 is also great, despite being significantly easier. Really, the only thing that really bothers me about these games is the overly long, damage sponge bosses.