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After a few frustrating false-starts in the last couple years, I finally redoubled my efforts and committed myself to defeating this brutal, but memorable classic.
The key to success? The internet. At first, I really wanted to complete the game entirely on my own. No hints, no help, just like all the kids of the 80's did. But upon entering Kraid's Lair, I found myself knocking over chairs, pulling out hair, and yelling at the screen in strange tongues. Something needed to be done.
I didn't want to just give up. I had come so far! I found my first energy tank, a couple of rocket upgrades, the bombs, and the gun range increaser-ma-jig. I had drawn out by hand a
My hand-crafted (and only partially complete) map of Zebes.
There was no way I could turn back. All I needed was some help. So I looked up a quick little strategy guide, and away I went, hunting for power-ups, e-tanks, and rockets. I fought Kraid, I fought Ridley, and then I made my way for Mother Brain.
Slowly I descended into the bowels of Tourian, and encountered my first wave of Metroids. I was thoroughly freaked out. It's amazing just how gripping such an old game can be when you're invested in it. Seeing that first metroid was like a dagger in my heart. The situation just got serious.
Inching along at a snails pace I finally reached Mother Brain. I then proceeded to get my arse kicked by THOSE ABSOLUTELY INFURIATING FLYING DISC THINGS! WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE!
I died.
But I came back, more prepared, less edgy, and focused.
I died again.
Realizing that brute force was not effective, I actually decided to pay attention to what was killing me. Not the lasers, nor Mother Brain herself, but those damn flying discs. So I finally found a way to deal with them (freeze em'!), killed Mother Brain, and up the shaft I went to make my escape (which instantly reminded me of Metal Gear). I was absolutely terrified that I would somehow botch my excursion with one poorly aimed jump. But then I saw it...
Victory at last.
As the credits rolled I began to think about my time playing the game, and reflecting on whether or not I agree with its lofty designation as a 'classic'. In the end, I had no doubt. Yes, from the music, to the atmosphere, to the core mechanics, this game was revolutionary. No other 8-bit game I've played (an admittedly small sample size) has come even close to being as captivating.
Sure, Metroid is not without it's flaws. It's cheap, and thus often infuriating. Only re-spawning with 30 health no matter how many e-tanks you collect is a travesty to gaming-kind. And the lack of an in-game map makes for some obnoxious back-tracking.
But all in all, a fantastically stylish 8-bit gem, and a pioneer for its time.
