Metroid: Samus Returns (2017)
Metroid: Samus Returns is a 2017 Nintendo 3DS remake of the 1991 Game Boy title Metroid II: Return of Samus. It rebuilds SR388 with modern visuals, a new melee counter, 360° aiming, and expanded traversal—while preserving the core “hunt the Metroids” structure that defines the story.
Game Data
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Developer | MercurySteam / Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
| Genre | Action / Adventure / 2D Side-Scroller |
| Players | 1 |
| Original Media | Cartridge / Digital |
Gameplay:
Explore SR388’s layered regions, upgrade Samus’ mobility and weapons, and track down Metroids across their
evolution stages. New mechanics include a melee counter for close-range defense, free-aim (360° targeting),
and Aeion abilities that add tactical options to combat and exploration.
Story:
The Galactic Federation orders Samus to exterminate the Metroids on SR388. As she pushes deeper underground,
she uncovers Chozo technology, confronts increasingly dangerous Metroid forms, and reaches the final showdown
with the Metroid Queen—setting up events that echo into later games.
Trivia:
Samus Returns reintroduced classic 2D Metroid to a modern audience and helped set the stage for the return of
fully new 2D entries—its counter/free-aim ideas directly influenced MercurySteam’s later design work on Dread.
This remake doesn’t just reskin Metroid II—it rethinks its flow: clearer navigation, punchier combat, more cinematic boss pacing, and a stronger sense of place on SR388, while keeping the original’s “systematic hunt” identity intact.
Screenshots / Media
Timeline / Versions
Why Metroid: Samus Returns Was Historically Important
Samus Returns helped bring 2D Metroid back into the spotlight by modernizing an essential (but technically limited) Game Boy entry. Its combat-forward updates—especially the melee counter and free-aim—reshaped how modern 2D Metroid feels to play, and it paved the way for the momentum that eventually led to Metroid Dread.
