Metroid II: Return of Samus

File:Metroid II Return of Samus gameplay.PNG, stock of missiles, and the remaining number of Metroids she must eliminate.|alt=A video game screenshot. A person in a powered exoskeleton stands at the mouth of a cave.]]

Metroid II is an action-adventure side-scroller game{{cite web|access-date=January 6, 2009 |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/585799-metroid-ii-return-of-samus/index.html |title=Metroid II: Return of Samus – GB |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315012347/http://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/585799-metroid-ii-return-of-samus/index.html |archive-date=March 15, 2009}}{{better source|date=June 2024}} in which the player controls the protagonist Samus Aran on the fictional planet SR388. Players advance through the game by using Samus' weapons to kill a fixed number (47) of Metroid creatures.{{cite book | title= Metroid II: Return of Samus instruction booklet | publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. | year=1991 | pages=11–12 | section=The Planet SR388 | id=DMG-ME-USA-2}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/11/metroid_ii_return_of_samus_3dsvc |title=Review: Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy) |first=Marcel |last=Van Duyn |work=NintendoLife |publisher=Gamer Network |date=November 25, 2011 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115052323/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/11/metroid_ii_return_of_samus_3dsvc |archive-date=January 15, 2020 |url-status=live}} The player is given a detector that displays the number of Metroids remaining in the area.{{cite book | title= Metroid II: Return of Samus instruction booklet | publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. | year=1991 | page=9 | section=Reading the On Screen Display | id=DMG-ME-USA-2}} Once all the creatures are eliminated, an earthquake occurs and the planet's lava levels decrease, allowing Samus to travel deeper through its tunnels.{{cite AV media |title=Metroid Retrospective Part 1 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSFsztIEIX4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/mSFsztIEIX4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|format=video |time=06:36–11:29 |work=GameTrailers |publisher=Defy Media |access-date=May 19, 2016}}{{cbignore}} The Metroid creatures are encountered in different evolution stages of their development cycle: original, Alpha, Gamma, Zeta and Omega. The more developed the organism is, the stronger its attack. Metroid II features save modules located around the planet, which allow players to save their progress and continue in another session.{{cite book | title= Metroid II: Return of Samus instruction booklet | publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. | year=1991 | page=10 | section=About Saving The Game | id=DMG-ME-USA-2}}

The game features two weapons new to the Metroid series: the tri-splitting Spazer Laser Beam, and the Plasma Beam, which passes through enemies when shot. Samus can only equip one beam at a time, but she can switch between them by returning to where they are first found. Metroid II features the Space Jump, a new suit enhancement that allows Samus to jump infinitely and access otherwise unreachable areas. The game also sees the return of Samus' Morph Ball, a mode in which she curls up into a ball to travel through small tunnels. In addition, the game is the first in the series to feature the Spider Ball and Spring Ball. The Spider Ball allows Samus to climb most walls or ceilings, giving her freedom to explore both the surfaces and ceilings of caverns, and the Spring Ball gives Samus the ability to jump while curled up into a ball in the Morph Ball form.{{cite book | title= Metroid II: Return of Samus instruction booklet | publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. | year=1991 | pages=15–22 | section=Items | id=DMG-ME-USA-2}}

{{Metroid Story Order}}

In the events of the first Metroid, bounty hunter Samus Aran foiled the Space Pirates' plans to use the newly discovered lifeform known as Metroids. Some time later, the Galactic Federation resolved to ensure that the Metroids' power could never again be used by the Pirates, and sent several teams to the Metroid's home planet SR388 to destroy the species once and for all. When all of the teams disappear, however, the Galactic Federation contracts Samus to finish the mission.{{cite book | title= Metroid II: Return of Samus instruction booklet | publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. | year=1991 | pages=3–6 | section=The Metroid Story | id=DMG-ME-USA-2}}

While exploring the planet, Samus encounters Metroids and destroys them, slowly decreasing the planet's Metroid population. During her mission, she notices the mutations that each creature exhibits: the Metroids grow from small jellyfish-like creatures into large, hovering, lizard-like beasts. After destroying most of the planet's Metroids, Samus kills the Queen Metroid.{{cite book | title=Super Metroid instruction booklet | date=April 18, 1994 | publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. | page=4 | section=Return to SR388 | id=SNS-RI-USA}}

Samus proceeds to return to her gunship through the planet's tunnels. Along the way, she finds a Metroid egg. A Metroid hatchling floats out of the broken shell and imprints onto Samus, thinking that she is its mother. Unable to commit to her mission of extermination, Samus spares its life. She exits the tunnels while the Metroid helps clear the way. Reaching the planet's surface, Samus and the infant Metroid board the gunship together.

File:Game-Boy-FL.jpg's greyscale display.]]

Metroid II was developed by Nintendo Research & Development 1 (Nintendo R&D1),{{cite web |first=Rus |last=McLaughlin |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/15/ign-presents-the-history-of-metroid |title=IGN Presents The History of Metroid |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=August 24, 2007 |access-date=February 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930032113/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/15/ign-presents-the-history-of-metroid |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=live}} and produced by Gunpei Yokoi; they both also worked on the previous Metroid game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was directed by Hiroji Kiyotake and Hiroyuki Kimura, and designed by Makoto Kano, while Takahiro Harada serving as the main programmer.{{cite video game | title = Metroid II: Return of Samus | developer = Nintendo R&D1 | publisher = Nintendo | date = November 1991 | platform = Game Boy | scene = staff credits}} Metroid II marked a "new high point" for handheld game consoles, with graphics that were almost as good as the 8-bit graphics in games for the NES.{{cite news |access-date=February 19, 2009 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19940505/1908869/inside-moves----when-you-have-to-come-inside-you-can-jam-with-the-nba-play-ball-with-ken-griffey-jr-or-fight-evil-metroids-with-the-hot-new-video-games |title=Inside Moves -- When You Have To Come Inside, You Can Jam With The NBA, Play Ball With Ken Griffey Jr. Or Fight Evil Metroids With The Hot, New Video Games |work=The Seattle Times |date=May 5, 1994 |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |author-link=Steven L. Kent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415212605/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19940505&slug=1908869 |archive-date=April 15, 2015 |url-status=live}} The game features enhancements from its predecessor that include easier controls which allow Samus to crouch while firing at the same time, and jump while shooting straight down to attack anything below her. The game utilizes the cartridge's battery-backed memory for saving the player's progress. In the 2004 interview for the Nintendo Dream magazine, Kiyotake revealed that the planet SR388 was named after the Yamaha SR400 motorcycle.{{cite interview |magazine=Nintendo Dream |script-title=ja:やればやるほどディスクシステムインタビュー(前編) |first1=Yoshio |last1=Sakamoto |subject-link1=Yoshio Sakamoto |first2=Toru |last2=Osawa |first3=Hiroji |last3=Kiyotake |subject-link3=Hiroji Kiyotake |pages=96–103 |date=August 6, 2004 |issue=118 |language=ja |publisher=Mainichi Communications Inc.}}

The Game Boy's black-and-white graphics resulted in changes to Samus's gear that eventually became permanent. In the original Metroid, color was used to differentiate between Samus's Power Suit and her Varia Suit (an upgraded version), but without color on the Game Boy, the two suits would have appeared similar, requiring the developers to develop a visual indicator for players to determine which suit Samus is wearing. They also updated her Varia Suit, adding round metal shoulders that have been a part of the suit in every Metroid game since.{{cite web |access-date=February 18, 2016 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-history-of-metroid/?page=2 |title=The History of Metroid |page=2 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc |date=October 23, 2007 |author=Robinson, Andy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030006/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-history-of-metroid/?page=2 |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |url-status=live}}

Metroid II was released in North America in November 1991.{{cite video game|title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl|developer=Sora Ltd.|publisher=Nintendo|date=March 9, 2008|platform=Wii|version=1.0|level=Nintendo Chronicle|quote=Game Boy — 11/1991 Metroid II: Return of Samus}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | title = Game Boy (original) Games | publisher = Nintendo of America | access-date = October 18, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003181232/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | archive-date=October 3, 2008 | url-status=dead}} This was followed by the release in Japan on January 21, 1992,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gameboy/action/metroid2/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802013215/http://www.gamespot.com/gameboy/action/metroid2/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Metroid II: Return of Samus Release Summary |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-date=August 2, 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |script-title=ja:ゲームボーイ |language=ja |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/index.html |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317065341/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/index.html |archive-date=March 17, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=13507 |access-date=March 13, 2015 |script-title=ja:メトロイドII まとめ [ゲームボーイ] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918205351/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=13507 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead}} and in Europe on May 21. It has shipped 1.72 million copies worldwide by late 2003.{{cite report|title=2004 CESA Games White Paper|date=December 31, 2003|publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|pages=58–63}} Nintendo included the game in its Player's Choice marketing label in North America in 1993. It was re-released through the Nintendo Power service in Japan on March 1, 2000. Metroid II, along with other Game Boy games such as Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge, and several others were released on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service in 2011.{{cite web |access-date=August 19, 2011 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-ii-mario-land-2-mega-man-and-more-coming-to-3ds-eshop-this-year/ |title=Metroid II, Mario Land 2, Mega Man and more coming to 3DS eShop this year |publisher=GamesRadar |date=August 17, 2011 |author=Elston, Brett |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102053235/http://www.gamesradar.com/metroid-ii-mario-land-2-mega-man-and-more-coming-to-3ds-eshop-this-year/ |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |url-status=live}} It was released in Japan on September 28,{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27948/japan-eshop-round-up-09282011 |title=Japan eShop Round-Up (09/28/2011) |first=Danny |last=Bivens |publisher=Nintendo World Report |date=September 28, 2011 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501232510/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27948/japan-eshop-round-up-09282011 |archive-date=May 1, 2015 |url-status=live}} and in North America and Europe on November 24.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/11/nintendo_download_24th_november_2011_north_america |title=Nintendo Download: 24th November 2011 (North America) |first=James |last=Newton |work=NintendoLife |publisher=Gamer Network |date=November 24, 2011 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818022652/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/11/nintendo_download_24th_november_2011_north_america |archive-date=August 18, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/11/metroid_ii_returns_to_3ds_vc_in_europe_this_thursday |title=Metroid II Returns to 3DS VC in Europe This Thursday |first=James |last=Newton |work=NintendoLife |publisher=Gamer Network |date=November 21, 2011 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906111649/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/11/metroid_ii_returns_to_3ds_vc_in_europe_this_thursday |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live}}

File:AM2R-Return-of-Samus-Logo.png, was released in 2016.|alt=The logo for AM2R]]

An unofficial fangame remake of Metroid II, AM2R, short for Another Metroid 2 Remake (the name being a reference to all of the other Metroid II remakes being produced at the time),{{cite web |access-date=February 19, 2009 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/03/not-just-another-metroid-2-remake/ |title=Not just Another Metroid 2 Remake |work=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=March 19, 2008 |last=Caron |first=Frank |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028020721/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/03/not-just-another-metroid-2-remake/ |archive-date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live}} was developed by Milton Guasti, under the pseudonym DoctorM64.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo-gamer.net/2012/02/16/metroid-ii-return-of-samus-returns-we-meet-the-man-out-to-reboot-samus-game-boy-adventure |title=Metroid II: Return of Samus… returns! We meet the man out to reboot Samus' Game Boy adventure |page=1 |author=Castle, Matthew |date=February 16, 2012 |website=Nintendo Gamer |publisher=Future plc |access-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218205835/http://www.nintendo-gamer.net/2012/02/16/metroid-ii-return-of-samus-returns-we-meet-the-man-out-to-reboot-samus-game-boy-adventure |archive-date=February 18, 2012 |url-status=dead}} AM2R updates the game's appearance by drawing upon the visual designs of Super Metroid, and features gameplay modeled after Metroid: Zero Mission. It includes elements such as a map system, minibosses, stackable beams, and a log system with non-intrusive narrative. After years of development, AM2R was released in August 2016 for Windows, coinciding with the thirtieth anniversary of the Metroid series.{{cite news |url=http://kotaku.com/brilliant-fan-remake-of-metroid-ii-arrives-just-in-time-1784929739 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808153241/http://kotaku.com/brilliant-fan-remake-of-metroid-ii-arrives-just-in-time-1784929739 |first=Mike |last=Fahey |title=Brilliant Fan Remake Of Metroid II Arrives Just In Time|date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=August 7, 2016 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/08/08/this-metroid-2-fan-remake-celebrates-metroids-30th-anniversary/ |title=This Metroid 2 fan remake celebrates Metroid{{'s}} 30th anniversary |first=James |last=O'Connor |work=VG247 |publisher=Videogaming247 Ltd. |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808212135/https://www.vg247.com/2016/08/08/this-metroid-2-fan-remake-celebrates-metroids-30th-anniversary/ |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live}} Shortly after the game's release, the download links on AM2R{{'s}} official website were removed after Nintendo sent DMCA notices to websites hosting it,{{cite news |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/8/12404100/metroid-2-fan-remake-am2r-copyright-claim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809013237/http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/8/12404100/metroid-2-fan-remake-am2r-copyright-claim |title=Metroid 2 fan remake finally released, quickly hit with copyright claims |first=Allegra |last=Frank |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-08-08-metroid-2-fan-remake-launches-much-to-nintendos-chagrin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808220229/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-08-08-metroid-2-fan-remake-launches-much-to-nintendos-chagrin |title=Metroid 2 fan remake pleases fans, but not Nintendo |first=Jeffrey |last=Matulef |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live}} although Guasti said that he still planned to continue working on the game privately.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/08/fan-made-metroid-2-remake-celebrates-series-30th-year-before-nintendo-does/ |title=Fan-made Metroid 2 remake celebrates series' 30th year before Nintendo does |author=Machkovech, Sam |date=August 7, 2016 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808163326/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/08/fan-made-metroid-2-remake-celebrates-series-30th-year-before-nintendo-does/ |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live}} In September, the game's development ended after Guasti received a DMCA takedown request from Nintendo.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/nintendo_of_america_issues_takedown_request_on_am2r_ending_the_project |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904161506/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/nintendo_of_america_issues_takedown_request_on_am2r_ending_the_project |title=Nintendo of America Issues Takedown Request on AM2R, Ending the Project |first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |work=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network |date=September 2, 2016 |archive-date=September 4, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |url-status=live}} Several journalists have enjoyed AM2R, frequently calling it impressive and commenting on the improved visuals compared to those of Metroid II.{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/this-metroid-2-remake-is-hot-hot-hot-and-you-can-play-the-whole-thing-now-378973.phtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808205617/https://www.destructoid.com/this-metroid-2-remake-is-hot-hot-hot-and-you-can-play-the-whole-thing-now-378973.phtml |first=Zack |last=Furniss |title=This Metroid 2 remake is hot hot hot and you can play the whole thing now |work=Destructoid |publisher=ModernMethod |date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=August 7, 2016 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live}}

File:Metroid-Samus-Returns-Logo 1.png, was released in 2017.]]

An official remake of Metroid II, Metroid: Samus Returns, was developed by MercurySteam and Nintendo EPD and released for the Nintendo 3DS on September 15, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Pereira|first1=Chris|title=E3 2017: Metroid 2 Remake Samus Returns Announced For 3DS|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2017-metroid-2-remake-samus-returns-announced-f/1100-6450906/|website=GameSpot|access-date=13 June 2017|date=13 June 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Byford|first1=Sam|title=Nintendo brings back 2D Metroid with Samus Returns for 3DS|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15793896/metroid-samus-returns-nintendo-3ds-e3-2017|access-date=June 13, 2017|work=The Verge|date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=July 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708014811/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15793896/metroid-samus-returns-nintendo-3ds-e3-2017|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| 1UP = D+

| Fam = 25/40

| IGN = 9/10

| GR = 79%

| NLife = 7/10

| rev1 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev1Score = A+{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/1992/02/28/latest-videogames/ |title=The latest videogames |last=Strauss |first=Bob |date=February 28, 1992 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=July 27, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610202921/https://ew.com/article/1992/02/28/latest-videogames/ |archive-date=June 10, 2020}}

}}

Although considered by a few critics to be the weakest game in the franchise and not as well received as the Nintendo Entertainment System counterpart, Metroid II still received generally favorable reviews. Upon the game's release, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu gave it a 25 out of 40 score. Because Metroid II has a single large level instead of multiple small ones, Tim Jones of IGN found the game a "refreshing departure from the norm", which made him feel claustrophobic the further into the game he ventured. He praised Metroid II{{'}}s replay value, considering its non-linearity as the primary reason for this.{{cite web |access-date=January 6, 2009 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/15/metroid-2-return-of-samus |title=Metroid 2: Return of Samus |website=IGN |date=June 14, 1999 |author=Jones, Tim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915155254/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/15/metroid-2-return-of-samus |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |url-status=live}} In their retrospective video on the Metroid series, GameTrailers believed that the game still maintained the high standards set by its predecessor and noted that it also introduced new methods of exploration to the series that have become staples.

Marcel Van Duyn of Nintendo Life writes that Metroid II "expands on the original title quite nicely", and noted that the difficulty was improved over the original Metroid because of the inclusion of "hot spots" that restores health and missiles. On the other hand, Jeremy Parish of 1UP.com was particularly critical of Metroid II, finding the game painful to play and describing it as "something of a dark spot on a brilliant series' reputation", but found the game's premise "ambitious", adding that it provided the series a vital crux, as Samus' actions in Metroid II set the plot for Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion.{{cite web |access-date=January 6, 2009 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-ii |title=Metroid II: The Return of Samus retro review |work=1Up.com |publisher=IGN |first=Jeremy |last=Parish |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529093355/http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-ii |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |url-status=dead}} GameTrailers similarly commented that it told one of the most pivotal chapters in the series' overall plot.

Van Duyn praised Metroid II{{'}}s visual detail, writing that the foregrounds and the enemies are detailed so players can identify them easily. Jones considered the graphics average, and noted that the walls appeared mostly the same, which confuses players when wandering through identical tunnels. Aside from Samus, Parish complained of the visuals, describing the environment as bland and repetitive, full of monotonous rocks and sand with few details to differentiate the various areas, and enemies as simple and boxy. Parish also found the music "downright painful", which he contrasted with the "moody, atmospheric compositions" the series was known for. Van Duyn similarly commented that the music is the only negative point in the game, and said that the ambient sounds tend to get annoying after hearing them frequently. In contrast, Jones highlighted the music positively, stating that the lack of aesthetic detail boosts the game's distinctive atmosphere, and the music playing at the right times. Jones was also pleased with its sound effects.

In September 1997, 12 Nintendo Power staff members voted in a list for the top 100 games of all time.{{cite magazine|magazine=Nintendo Power|title=100 Best Games of All Time|page=88|date=September 1997|volume=100}} The magazine placed Metroid II at 34th place on their list of top 100 games of all time.{{cite magazine|magazine=Nintendo Power|title=100 Best Games of All Time|page=93|date=September 1997|volume=100}} In their Top 200 Games list, Nintendo Power also ranked the game as the 85th best game on a Nintendo console,{{cite magazine |date=December 2005 |title=NP Top 200 |magazine=Nintendo Power |volume=198 |page=74 |first=Pete |last=Michaud}} and Videogames.com included it in their list of the best Game Boy games.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000126232454/http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/gameboy50/sec9.html |url=http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/gameboy50/sec9.html |access-date=February 19, 2009 |archive-date=January 26, 2000 |title=videogames.com's The 50 Best Game Boy Games: Classic Essentials |website=GameSpot |first=Cameron |last=Davis |date=November 11, 1998 |url-status=dead}} Nintendo Power listed it as the 12th-best Game Boy/Game Boy Color video game, praising it for introducing several staple abilities to the series.{{cite magazine |date=August 2008 |title=Nintendo Power – The 20th Anniversary Issue! |volume=231 |magazine=Nintendo Power |issue=231 |page=72 |publisher=Future US |location=San Francisco, California}} Game Informer{{'}}s Ben Reeves called it the ninth best Game Boy game and noted that it polarized fans.{{cite magazine |title=The 25 Best Game Boy Games Of All Time |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/06/24/the-25-best-game-boy-games-of-all-time.aspx |magazine=Game Informer |last=Reeves |first=Ben |date=June 24, 2011 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419072835/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/06/24/the-25-best-game-boy-games-of-all-time.aspx |archive-date=April 19, 2015 |url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Super Metroid}}

Super Metroid, the third installment of the Metroid series, was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. The game's story takes place after the events of Metroid II, and follows Samus as she travels to planet Zebes in an attempt to retrieve an infant Metroid stolen by Ridley.{{cite AV media |title=Metroid Retrospective, Part 2 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HYNRbq1CmI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/2HYNRbq1CmI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|format=video |publisher=Defy Media |work=GameTrailers |time=0:18–5:40 |access-date=May 19, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Metroid director Yoshio Sakamoto said at the 2010 Game Developers Conference that he was "very moved" by the ending of Metroid II, which motivated him to create Super Metroid.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4333/the_elegance_of_metroid_yoshio_.php |title=The Elegance Of Metroid: Yoshio Sakamoto Speaks |first=Christian |last=Nutt |date=April 23, 2010 |work=Gamasutra |publisher=UBM plc |access-date=March 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512151501/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4333/the_elegance_of_metroid_yoshio_.php |archive-date=May 12, 2015 |url-status=dead |quote=Sakamoto: I came in again after Metroid II came out, so that was the sort of environment that I came into. I think I may have discussed a little bit in my GDC speech how I was very moved by the last scene in Metroid II, and that stimulus became my motivation and inspiration in creating Super Metroid.}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/mea/index.html Official Nintendo Japan Metroid II: Return of Samus website] {{in lang|ja}}
• [https://www.ign.com/games/metroid-ii-return-of-samus Metroid II] at IGN
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20171028134355/http://www.metroid-database.com/game/metroid-2/ Metroid II]}} at the Metroid Database

{{Metroid series}}

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