AM2R
AM2R
People generally have mixed views on AM2R, with many appreciating its art and soundtrack while noting some technical limitations like GPU compatibility and oddities. Compared to Samus Returns on the 3DS, AM2R stands out for its style and music, even if it has a few quirks. Those who haven't played Samus Returns yet are still leaning toward AM2R after just a couple of hours.
After diving deeper into Samus Returns, I've seen it stray from the spirit of the original. My take on Samus Returns is solid controls and fluid gameplay. I favor the aiming system here. The soundtrack isn't outstanding, but it captures the essence of Metroid Prime quite well—just a collection of familiar tunes. The overall vibe resembles a fully 2D Other M, though it leans more toward that style. On the packaging, it's advertised as a rework of Metroid II, and that's true. The art feels more 2D compared to the original, yet it still fits well with other 2D Metroid titles. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a classic 2D Metroid, except it lacks some of the charm of Metroid II. Collector's Edition adds a bonus CD with more music from the series, which is a nice touch. The melee counterattack adds depth to battles and enhances strategy.
My thoughts on AM2R are positive. It stays faithful to the source material and captures what Metroid II was meant to be, despite the constraints of the Game Boy. The pixel art complements other 2D Metroid games like Zero Mission and Fusion, and the music remains true to the roots while being refreshed. The areas in SR-388 are reimagined as temples, mines, and factories, giving the game a distinct character. Gameplay stays authentic, though controls feel more reminiscent of Zero Mission. I appreciate the 360-degree aiming in Samus Returns, even though it's not as advanced as in the original. Playing on PC makes it much more comfortable. Xbox support is available for certain versions, though the current build has some issues. Some bugs persist, especially with graphics cards, which limits my experience to a Windows 7 netbook. Still, it functions adequately.
Nintendo could have done better by respecting AM2R instead of DMCAing it and rushing a reinterpretation for the 3DS. Bringing in AM2R's developers and releasing it on Switch would have been ideal. That way, the game could reach a broader audience and generate more revenue.