James Review's Metroid 2: Return of Samus (GB) Complete

Today I will review Metroid 2 for the GameBoy. This is a game I just recently got.

Story
Chronologically it takes place 6th; after the events of Metroid Zero Mission (which in cannon replaced the Original) then the Prime Series and precedes Super Metroid. Samus is sent onto the planet SR388 by the Galactic Federation to exterminate the remaining Metroids. The story is pretty much non-existent like most 8-bit style games. In the original Metroid these were the hardest enemies in the game, but when you encounter the first Metroid you will witness it evolve into an Alpha Metroid, I will go more in depth on them later. There are four different evolutions of Metroids; Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Omega. After destroying the second to last Metroid it is time to face the Queen. Before Samus can fight the Queen the counter goes to nine and there is an egg. She has to fight the regular Metroids. Then after defeating the Queen she witnesses the egg hatch into a baby Metroid. After she and the baby escape to the ship, the game ends.

Graphics
It is a GameBoy game so it is in black in white. But if you play on a GameBoy Color or the Super GameBoy it will have color. At the time of release the game was praised for the graphics. It "Marked a new high point" in the handheld consoles, with graphics that matched what the NES had. Also to note in the game you are restricted by acid or lava or something, but on the Super GameBoy it looks like mud and on the GBC it looks like water.

Gameplay
Unlike most of the series it is somewhat linear. After destroying the Metroids in a certain area the acid lowers. Throughout the game you receive upgrades to Samus' weaponry returning from Metroid 1 is the Bombs, Ice Beam (which is not needed to destroy the evolved Metroids), the Wave Beam, the Varia (or Barrier Suit in the manual), High Jump Boots, and the ScrewAttack. New in Metroid 2 is the Spazer, Plasma Beam, and the Space Jump (which would become a series staple), also making it's debut is the Spider Ball and the Spring Ball as Morph Ball upgrades. You start out with the Morph Ball and Long Beam and Samus starts with 99 Energy and 30 Missiles. She can shoot down now as well. We also get our first look at Samus' Gunship.

Music:
There is not much music in the game, here are the tracks:
Someones OST Playlist

For a GameBoy game it is very good: As far as Metroid games it is okay... I give it a 7 out of 10

Strengths: Graphics, atmosphere, and fun factor

Weaknesses: Gameplay compared to other Metroid games.

I like it and would recommend it. It may not be the best Metroid game but that doesn't stop it from being a good game.