E3 2002Metroid Fusion hands-on

The team behind the original Metroid is bringing the series back to its original format as a side-scrolling adventure on the Game Boy Advance. Though it's a short but sweet sample, the build of Metroid Fusion at E3 truly shows off the series' heritage. Although all the story elements have yet to come together, a new species of the title alien has emerged, and Samus must once again take action.

Anyone who's played Super Metroid before will receive a strong dose of déjà vu and nostalgia from Metroid Fusion, as the game looks and plays in a very similar way. You'll immediately begin exploring a vast network of rooms and corridors, with an onscreen mini map providing direction and tracking your progress. As you explore the labyrinthine alien surroundings, you're constantly under attack from the native inhabitants. To deal with the threat, Samus can send volleys of projectiles in eight directions, in addition to performing standard actions such as crouching and jumping to cling to ledges and walls. A gauge tracks your energy level and secondary weapon ammo, and power-ups are gleaned from most dispatched enemies.

Samus is initially armed with a standard power beam and rockets, and most enemies can be dealt with rather easily. One breed of alien has a heavily armored head, but it can easily be dispatched from behind. After blowing through a few destructible walls and breaking through several locked doors in true Metroid tradition, Samus finds herself in a confrontation with a boss who harbors a deadly metroid inside. After overcoming the boss, you'll find yourself able to use the morph-ball technique, which can squeeze you into tight places. No attacks could made from this form initially.

With the morph-ball ability, Samus is able to make it to a corridor where she comes in contact with what appears to be another Samus in red and yellow armor. Before any sense could be made of the situation, a "To Be Continued" screen flashed, followed by "Coming Soon." Overall, the classic Metroid experience seems to come through in the new title, but no real new game elements have been revealed thus far. Fans have good reason to be excited, however, and more information on Metroid Fusion should be available soon.