Samus Aran#In other media

{{Redirect|Samus|the genus|Samus anonymus{{!}}Samus anonymus|other uses}}

{{Infobox character

| name = Samus Aran

| series = Metroid

| image = Samus Aran.png

| image_upright = 0.9

| alt = A person in a big, futuristic-looking powered suit with a helmet. The right arm is a large firearm. The shoulders are particularly large, bulky, and rounded.

| caption = Samus Aran as she appears in Metroid Prime Remastered

| firstgame = Metroid (1986)

| creator = Makoto Kano

| designer = Hiroji Kiyotake

| voice = {{Collapsible list|title=Various

|Metroid Prime series|Jennifer Hale{{cite magazine|author=Nintendo Power staff|date=May 2009|title=Power Profiles 26: Jennifer Hale|magazine=Nintendo Power|issue=241|pages=76–78}}|Vanessa Marshall {{Small|(death scream)}}{{cite web|url=https://shinesparkers.net/interviews/clark-wen/|title=Interview: Clark Wen|publisher=Shinesparklers|date=May 28, 2018|access-date=September 29, 2024}}|Super Smash Bros. series|Alésia Glidewell{{cite web |access-date=February 26, 2010 |url=http://www.alesiaglidewell.com/bio.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209091531/http://www.alesiaglidewell.com/bio.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |title=Bio - Alésia Glidewell - Voice Over Artist |publisher=Alésia Glidewell}}

|Metroid: Other M|Jessica Martin {{Small|(English)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-voice-metroid-other/707254?type=flv|title=Exclusive Voice of Samus Interview|publisher=GameTrailers|date=November 8, 2010|access-date=December 8, 2010|archive-date=November 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113080040/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-voice-metroid-other/707254?type=flv|url-status=live}}

|Ai Kobayashi {{Small|(Japanese)}}{{cite video game | title=Metroid: Other M | developer=Nintendo | developer2=Team Ninja | developer3=D-Rockets | publisher=Nintendo | date=September 2, 2010 | language=ja | platform=Wii | scene=Theater Mode: Chapter 26/Staff credits | quote=Japanese Voice [...] Samus Aran: AI KOBAYASHI}}

|Metroid Dread|Nikki García{{cite web |access-date=October 12, 2021 |url=https://twitter.com/nikkigarcia_es/status/1447664815254786058 |title=Nikki García on Twitter |quote=Samus Aran doesn't say much, but when she does, she really means it. I am so lucky to have voiced such a strong character and I am LOVING your reactions. Thank you, thank you so much for appreciating my work. You guys are the best. |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011221602/https://twitter.com/nikkigarcia_es/status/1447664815254786058 |url-status=live}}

}}

| species = Metroid and Chozo-infused human

| weapon = Power Suit

| origin = Colony K-2L, Earth
Raised on Zebes

}}

{{Nihongo|Samus Aran|サムス・アラン|Samusu Aran|lead=yes}} is the protagonist of the video game series Metroid by Nintendo. She was created by the Japanese video game designer Makoto Kano and introduced in the first Metroid (1986) for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Raised by the birdlike Chozo and infused with their DNA, Samus is an ex-soldier of the Galactic Federation who became a galactic bounty hunter. She uses a powered exoskeleton that is equipped with an arm cannon that fires directed-energy weapons and missiles. She executes missions given to her by the Galactic Federation and the Chozo, and is tasked with hunting various antagonistic forces, including the Space Pirates and their leader Ridley, the cybernetic supercomputer Mother Brain, the energy-draining X Parasites and Metroids, and the rogue Chozo warrior Raven Beak.

Samus appears as a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series. She also features in other media, including films, manga series, and a comic book continuation of the TV series Captain N: The Game Master. As one of the earliest female video game protagonists, Samus is noted for her role in establishing positive gender representation in video games, though her portrayal in Metroid: Other M received criticism.

Concept

Samus Aran was conceived by the scenario designer Makoto Kano and designed by Hiroji Kiyotake. She first appeared in the first Metroid game, Metroid (1986), for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Metroid co-creator Yoshio Sakamoto said an unknown member of the development team suggested making Samus a woman midway through development, which the team voted in favor of.{{cite journal |journal=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) |pages=96–103 |date=August 6, 2004 |issue=118 |language=ja |publisher=Mainichi Communications Inc.}} The Metroid instruction manual refers to Samus as if she were male to obscure her real sex until the surprise reveal at the end of the game.{{cite web|date=October 15, 2007|title=The History of Metroid - Part One|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=173735|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403005819/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=173735|archive-date=April 3, 2008|access-date=March 4, 2009|work=Computer and Video Games}}

Her appearance outside of her suit was based on Sigourney Weaver in her role as Ellen Ripley from Aliens, and actress Kim Basinger's roles from 9½ Weeks and My Stepmother Is an Alien.{{cite book |title=Super Metroid strategy guide |language=ja |publisher=Nintendo |url=http://www.metroid-database.com/sm/interview.php |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221044/http://www.metroid-database.com/sm/interview.php |archive-date=April 8, 2014 |df=mdy-all}} Sakamoto noted that during the course of the Metroid series, developers constantly try to express her femininity without sexually objectifying her.{{cite web |access-date=February 24, 2009 |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/488/488084p1.html |title=Metroid: Zero Mission Director Roundtable |publisher=IGN |date=January 30, 2004 |last=Harris |first=Craig |archive-date=March 5, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305194808/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/488/488084p1.html |url-status=live}} The name "Aran" was taken from Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the birth name of the Brazilian football player Pelé.

Samus did not speak in the original Metroid, and in Super Metroid, she only spoke in the prologue. Samus has more dialogue in Fusion and Other M, although the latter received criticism due to what many reviewers described as poor character development and inferior voice acting.{{cite web |last1=Millsap |first1=Zack |title=Why Metroid: Other M Is STILL Controversial, a Decade Later |url=https://www.cbr.com/metroid-other-m-controversial-decade-later/ |website=CBR |date=August 23, 2020 |access-date=16 October 2021 |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110141542/https://www.cbr.com/metroid-other-m-controversial-decade-later/ |url-status=live}} The developers decided to revert to Samus' original concept in later games. In October 2021, producer Yoshio Sakamoto explained the reason why Samus barely speaks in Metroid Dread is "to convey the current situation of Samus or what Samus is thinking right now, this would be better conveyed to the player not through actual words or actual voice, but more with acting or visuals. I want the player to think, 'What is going on? What is Samus feeling right now?' That is why I decided to go this way for this game".{{Cite web|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/metroid-dread-producer-on-having-samus-not-speak-much/|website=Nintendo Everything|title=Metroid Dread producer on why Samus doesn't speak much in the game|date=October 16, 2021|access-date=October 16, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016040320/https://nintendoeverything.com/metroid-dread-producer-on-having-samus-not-speak-much/|url-status=live}} Despite Samus being identified as a bounty hunter, Nintendo later admitted that the occupation was initially chosen because they did not know what a bounty hunter was and simply liked the title, seeing her as an "altruistic" and "motherly" adventurer.{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/21/metroids-samus-aran-isnt-a-bounty-hunter-according-to-nintendo-16508022/|title=Metroid Prime 3 wasn't open world because Nintendo doesn't know what a bounty hunter is|website=Metro|date=April 21, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421114050/https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/21/metroids-samus-aran-isnt-a-bounty-hunter-according-to-nintendo-16508022/|url-status=live}}

=Design=

File:Morfosfera.svg

Samus is typically seen wearing the Power Suit, a powered exoskeleton which protects her from most dangers she encounters and can be enhanced by power-ups collected during gameplay, and is generally a silent protagonist.{{cite web |last1= |date=October 10, 2021 |title=The beautiful silence of Metroid |url=https://www.destructoid.com/metroid-series-beautiful-silence-of-samus/ |access-date=16 October 2021 |website=Destructoid |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016125339/https://www.destructoid.com/metroid-series-beautiful-silence-of-samus/ |url-status=live}} With the Power Suit's Arm Cannon, Samus can fire various energy beams,{{cite web | access-date=February 24, 2009 | url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/851/851622p1.html | title=Stars: Icons - Samus Aran | publisher=IGN | date=February 12, 2008 | last=Schedeen | first=Jesse | archive-date=July 13, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005254/http://stars.ign.com/articles/851/851622p1.html | url-status=live}} charge beams to shoot an extra-powerful blast, or launch a limited number of missiles. The Power Suit can be reconfigured into a small, spherical form called the Morph Ball, which allows her to roll through tight areas, such as tunnels, and use Bombs. Additionally, its visor can be used to scan objects to learn more about them, a feature that has been used since Metroid Prime. Aside from her Power Suit, Samus is also in possession of a Gunship, which is used in the games to save progress and restore her health and ammunition.{{cite video game|quote=Gunship -- (It was given to her after her outstanding work on Zebes) The Gunship after being attacked by an X parasite in Metroid Fusion, crashes into an asteroid belt and destroys the craft ejecting Samus before impact. After that, the Galactic Federation provides her with a new starship.|title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl|date=2008|publisher=Nintendo|developer=Nintendo}}

Early on, instances of Samus appearing without the Power Suit occur mainly in cutscenes, such as post-game screenshots of her in more revealing clothing, which are unlocked depending on difficulty level, game completion, or play time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/metroid-zero-mission/Secrets|title=Secrets - Metroid: Zero Mission Wiki Guide - IGN|date=March 28, 2012 |via=www.ign.com|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308120154/https://www.ign.com/wikis/metroid-zero-mission/Secrets|url-status=live}} Players could control Samus without her suit in the original Metroid using a passcode.{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Daniel|title=Retro: The Anticlimactic Quest To Find The Man Behind Metroid's Most Famous Cheat Code|website=Nintendo Life|date=June 24, 2021|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/retro_the_anticlimactic_quest_to_find_the_person_behind_metroids_most_famous_cheat_code|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610003252/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/retro_the_anticlimactic_quest_to_find_the_person_behind_metroids_most_famous_cheat_code|url-status=live}} Metroid: Zero Mission introduced the Zero Suit, a form-fitting jumpsuit that she wears beneath the Power Suit.{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=July 11, 2011|title=Six Things You Didn't Know About Metroid's Samus Aran|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/22/six-things-you-didnt-know-about-metroids-samus-aran|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109085901/http://wii.ign.com/articles/118/1183695p1.html|archive-date=January 9, 2012|access-date=February 24, 2009|publisher=IGN}} In Metroid: Other M, the Zero Suit is capable of materializing the Power Suit from within itself.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo_bkAi_um4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/uo_bkAi_um4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Metroid Other M All Movie Cutscenes|date=December 18, 2011 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} She is {{height|cm=190}} and {{convert|90|kg}} while wearing the Power Suit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/mea/samus/index.html|title=Return of Samus|website=www.nintendo.co.jp|access-date=September 25, 2016|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113071553/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/mea/samus/index.html|url-status=live}} The Super Metroid Nintendo's Player's Guide describes Samus as {{height|ft=6|in=3}} tall and weighs {{convert|198|lb}} without her Power Suit.{{cite book|url=http://melaniff.com/melaniff/nintendo_files/Nintendo_Players_Guide_Super_Metroid_1994.pdf|title=Super Metroid Player's Guide|publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc.|year=1994|editor=Scott Pelland|page=opposite of page 18|quote=Personal Data — Height 6'3" / Weight 198 lbs.|editor2=Leslie Swan|editor3=Jeff Bafus|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703173536/http://melaniff.com/melaniff/nintendo_files/Nintendo_Players_Guide_Super_Metroid_1994.pdf|url-status=live}}

Her signature ability to collapse into a ball to travel through tight areas was initially called the Maru Mari, meaning "round ball" in Japanese, and was rechristened as the Morph Ball in Super Metroid. The Morph Ball was conceived by the developers because it requires less effort to animate than "a cyborg crawling on all fours", and the producer for Metroid, Gunpei Yokoi, took advantage of this shortcut.{{cite web | access-date=February 24, 2009 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/15/ign-presents-the-history-of-metroid | title=IGN Presents The History of Metroid | publisher=IGN | date=August 24, 2007 | last=McLaughlin | first=Rus | archive-date=April 28, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428115527/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/15/ign-presents-the-history-of-metroid | url-status=live}} In Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Samus gains telekinetic abilities.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/547784/metroid-prime-4-beyond-psychic-powers-new-suit |title=Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gives Samus a new suit and psychic powers |work=Polygon |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=March 27, 2025 |accessdate=March 27, 2025}}

Appearances

Samus was raised on the mining colony K-2L, and when she was a child, the planet was raided by Space Pirates led by Ridley in an attack that killed her parents and destroyed the colony. The orphaned Samus was then found by a bird-like alien race known as the Chozo, who brought her to their home planet, Zebes. To keep her alive, they infused her with their DNA, granting her superhuman athleticism and a strong resistance to foreign environments. After training her and granting her one of their artifacts, the Power Suit, Samus leaves and enlists in the Galactic Federation. She leaves after a dispute with her commanding officer, Adam Malkovich, but continues to assist them as a freelance bounty hunter afterward.{{cite web|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=August 7, 2006|title=One Girl vs. the Galaxy|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3152658|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011043232/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3152658|archive-date=October 11, 2013|access-date=June 16, 2020|publisher=1UP.com}}

=In ''Metroid''=

Samus first appeared in Metroid in 1986. The Galactic Federation sends Samus to track down the Space Pirates on their home planet of Zebes. Deep within their base, she battles Mother Brain, and escapes just as the base self-destructs.{{cite web | last=Shoemaker | first=Brad | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_metroid/p2_01.html | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003050311/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_metroid/p2_01.html | archive-date=October 3, 2013 | title=The History of Metroid | page=Metroid | website=GameSpot | access-date=April 8, 2014}} She appears again in Metroid II: Return of Samus, where she is tasked with exterminating the Metroid species on SR388. After defeating the Metroid Queen, she finds a lone baby Metroid that imprints on her, and she spares its life. This story is retold in the remake, Metroid: Samus Returns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/11/metroid_ii_return_of_samus_3dsvc|title=Review: Metroid II: Return of Samus (3DS eShop / GB)|date=November 25, 2011|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115052323/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/11/metroid_ii_return_of_samus_3dsvc|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/13/15793854/metroid-samus-returns-release-date-nintendo-3ds-e3-2017|title=Metroid: Samus Returns comes to Nintendo 3DS this year (update)|first=Allegra|last=Frank|website=Polygon|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613194514/https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/13/15793854/metroid-samus-returns-release-date-nintendo-3ds-e3-2017|url-status=live}} Her nemesis Ridley steals the hatchling in Super Metroid, who Samus pursues through Zebes. She finds the baby Metroid fully grown, who sacrifices its life fighting a reborn Mother Brain. She gains Metroid powers and escapes the planet before it explodes.{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-opening-sequence-to-super-metroid-is-a-masterpiece-1672800828|title=The Opening Sequence To Super Metroid Is A Masterpiece|first=Kevin|last=Wong|website=Kotaku|date=July 18, 2017|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130192146/https://kotaku.com/the-opening-sequence-to-super-metroid-is-a-masterpiece-1672800828|url-status=live}} She later appears in Metroid Fusion, where she becomes infected by the X Parasite but is saved by DNA made from the hatchling. She explores a Space Station infected by the parasite and seeks to prevent it from spreading. She discovers Metroids are being grown here, and destroys the space station to destroy both the X and the Metroid.{{cite interview|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0303/32/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721232322/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0303/32/index.html |script-title=ja:メトロイドフュージョン制作スタッフインタビュー |type=Interview: Transcript |language=ja |last=Hosokawa |first=Takehiko |last2=Yamano |first2=Katsuya |last3=Yamane |first3=Tomomi |last4=Hamano |first4=Minako |date=March 2003 |issue=56 |work=Nintendo Online Magazine |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |url-status=live}}

Metroid: Other M expands Samus's backstory and emotional scope, such as her brief motherly connection to the Metroid hatchling; the deep respect for her former commanding officer and father figure Adam Malkovich; her reignited feud with Mother Brain in the form of the android MB; and overcoming a posttraumatic episode upon once again encountering her arch-nemesis Ridley.{{Cite news|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=June 2, 2009|title=E3 2009: Metroid: Other M Unveiled|work=IGN|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/06/02/e3-2009-metroid-other-m-unveiled?amp=1|url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321111845/http://wii.ign.com/articles/989/989404p1.html|archive-date=March 21, 2012}}

In Metroid Dread, the Galactic Federation receives a video from an unknown source showing an X Parasite alive in the wild on planet ZDR. To investigate, they send 7 EMMI (Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifier) units, but after losing contact with the units, they hire Samus once again as she is the only being in the universe immune to the X. Upon arriving on ZDR, Samus is attacked, left unconscious and stripped of her equipment by an unknown Chozo warrior. From there she travels through the planet to reach her ship on the surface, having to contend with the near invincible EMMI and other threats on the way.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/metroid-dread/metroid-dread-review-astro-dreadnought|title=Metroid Dread Review – Astro Dreadnought|first=Ben|last=Reeves|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118090023/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/metroid-dread/metroid-dread-review-astro-dreadnought|url-status=live}}

=In ''Metroid Prime''=

Samus also appears in the Metroid Prime series, starting with Metroid Prime. She explores the planet Tallon IV, which contains a Chozo colony in ruins and a Space Pirate base. There she learns of Phazon, a mysterious mutagen that can alter the genetic material of any organism. Samus is eventually able to access the source of the planet's Phazon contamination, a meteor impact crater, where she defeats the Phazon-infused creature Metroid Prime. In one ending, the Metroid Prime is shown reforming as a copy of Samus, dubbed in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes as Dark Samus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-walkthrough/1100-6030712/|title=Metroid Prime Walkthrough|website=GameSpot|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017052737/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metroid-prime-walkthrough/1100-6030712/|url-status=live}} In Echoes, Samus is sent to the planet Aether, a Phazon meteor-ravaged planet split into light and dark dimensions. There she battles the Ing, creatures that are able to possess other organisms, and Dark Samus.{{Cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/499105/page_7.html|title=Guides: Metroid Prime 2 Echoes Guide (GameCube)|date=December 12, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041212142127/http://guides.ign.com/guides/499105/page_7.html|archive-date=December 12, 2004}} In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007), Dark Samus infects Samus with Phazon, which slowly corrupts her and further forces her to prevent it from spreading to other planets. By the end of the game, she renders all Phazon inert by destroying its original source, the planet Phaaze, and permanently destroys Dark Samus.

Samus also appears in other Metroid Prime games, including Metroid Prime Pinball, a pinball version of the first Metroid Prime game. She also appears in Metroid Prime Hunters, where she is tasked with either retrieving or destroying an "ultimate power" while dealing with other bounty hunters. Metroid Prime Federation Force has her as a non-playable character, where she needs to be rescued from the Space Pirates by Galactic Federation soldiers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70769-metroid-prime-federation-force-review|title=Metroid Prime: Federation Force Review|website=GameRevolution|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017053950/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70769-metroid-prime-federation-force-review|url-status=live}}

=In other video games=

File:Zero Suit Samus.png|alt=A computer-generated image of a woman wearing a tight-fitting blue suit.]]

Outside of Metroid series. Samus appears as a playable character throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, where she can use her array of weapons in combat against characters from other Nintendo franchises.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-brawl/Samus|title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl Characters: Samus Aran|publisher=IGN|access-date=April 10, 2009|last=Segers|first=André|archive-date=August 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830103554/http://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-brawl/Samus|url-status=live}} She first appears in Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 in her Power Suit. Starting with Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the third entry in the series, Samus gets a second character in the form of Zero Suit Samus, who has a completely different moveset. Both forms appear in every Smash game afterward.{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/that-time-when-snake-rescued-zelda-and-peach-in-super-s-1794001686|title=That Time When Snake Rescued Zelda And Peach In Super Smash Bros. Brawl|website=Kotaku|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023030020/https://kotaku.com/that-time-when-snake-rescued-zelda-and-peach-in-super-s-1794001686|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/8/5595340/shiek-yoshi-zero-suit-samus-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds|website=Polygon|title=Sheik, Yoshi and Zero Suit Samus join the roster in Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS|first=Dave|last=Tach|date=April 8, 2014|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023040609/https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/8/5595340/shiek-yoshi-zero-suit-samus-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-12-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-characters-moves-type-every-character-on-the-super-smash-bros-ultimate-roster/super-smash-bros-ultimate-zero-suit|title=Super Smash Bros Ultimate Character - Every Fighter in Smash Bros Ultimate|website=USGamer|first=Jake|last=Green|date=January 17, 2020|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730002957/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-12-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-characters-moves-type-every-character-on-the-super-smash-bros-ultimate-roster/super-smash-bros-ultimate-zero-suit|url-status=dead}} Super Smash Bros. Ultimate added Dark Samus, whose moveset and model are mostly the same aside from animations and design.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/8/17663916/dark-samus-super-smash-bros-ultimate-echo-fighter |title=Dark Samus is coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as an echo fighter |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=August 8, 2018 |work=Polygon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331160702/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/8/17663916/dark-samus-super-smash-bros-ultimate-echo-fighter |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Samus makes cameo appearances in the games Galactic Pinball (1995), Super Mario RPG (1996), Kirby Super Star (1996),{{cite web |access-date=February 25, 2009 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/096/096588p1.html |title=Smash Profile: Samus Aran |publisher=IGN |date=July 13, 2001 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807075238/http://cube.ign.com/articles/096/096588p1.html |url-status=live}} and Kirby's Dream Land 3 (1997),{{cite video game |title=Kirby's Dream Land 3 |developer=HAL Laboratory |publisher=Nintendo |platform=Super NES |date=November 27, 1997}} and a non-playable appearance in Dead or Alive: Dimensions by Metroid: Other M co-developers Team Ninja.{{cite web|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|publisher=Eurogamer|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-24-samus-not-playable-in-dead-or-alive-3ds|title=Samus Not Playable in Dead or Alive 3DS|date=January 24, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2012|archive-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109153806/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-24-samus-not-playable-in-dead-or-alive-3ds|url-status=live}}

=In other media=

Samus is featured in a series of comic books called Captain N: The Game Master, published by Valiant Comics in 1990, based on the animated series of the same name. In the comic series, set before the events of Metroid, Samus is portrayed as brash, money-hungry, and fiercely independent, and title character Kevin Keene is depicted as her love interest. Samus also appears in various print adaptation of Metroid games.{{cite web | title=Funny Pages | website=1UP.COM | url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3135108 | url-status=dead | access-date=October 16, 2008 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723134748/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3135108 | archive-date=July 23, 2012 | date=July 23, 2012}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.metroid-database.com/manga/listing.php?vid=9 |publisher=Dreamwave Productions |title=Metroid Prime |magazine=Nintendo Power |date=January–March 2003 |issn=1041-9551 |issue=164–167 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212025532/http://www.metroid-database.com/manga/listing.php?vid=9 |archive-date=December 12, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}

Samus appears as the main character of the 2003–2004 manga series Metroid, telling her backstory up to the events of Metroid. Adapting Samus' soldier background as previously provided in Captain N: The Game Master, the series was written by Kouji Tazawa and illustrated by Kenji Ishikawa.{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3491722|title=Part 1|language=ja|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212004436/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3491439|archive-date=February 12, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3491439|title=Part 2|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 1, 2009|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212153034/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3491722|archive-date=February 12, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://kodansha.cplaza.ne.jp/e-manga/club/manga/metroid/vol01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030204084502/http://kodansha.cplaza.ne.jp/e-manga/club/manga/metroid/vol01/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2003|title=Part 1|language=ja|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 4, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://kodansha.cplaza.ne.jp/e-manga/club/manga/metroid/vol01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030204084502/http://kodansha.cplaza.ne.jp/e-manga/club/manga/metroid/vol01/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2003|title=Part 2|access-date=December 23, 2008|publisher=Kodansha|language=ja}} Samus is featured as a mentor character in the manga series Samus and Joey and its sequel series Metroid EX. Famous across the universe as the "Guardian of the Galaxy", Samus trains a young boy, frontier planeteer Joey Apronika, as her successor.{{cite web|url=http://www.metroid-database.com/manga/listing.php?vid=7|title=Comics & Manga Listing|publisher=Metroid Database|access-date=February 3, 2016|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215001233/http://www.metroid-database.com/manga/listing.php?vid=7 |archive-date=February 15, 2016}}

In the 2015 short fan film Metroid: The Sky Calls, Samus is portrayed by actresses Jessica Chobot and America Young.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/02/samus-aran-comes-to-life-in-metroid-the-sky-calls-live-action-short-film|title=Samus Aran Comes to Life in Metroid: The Sky Calls Live Action Short Film|first=Cassidee|last=Moser|date=November 2, 2015|work=IGN|access-date=October 17, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017060418/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/02/samus-aran-comes-to-life-in-metroid-the-sky-calls-live-action-short-film|url-status=live}}

Promotion and reception

Figures based on the character have been produced by various manufacturers. Samus is one of the twelve original amiibo released in November 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/12/1/7316277/samus-aran-amiibo-ebay-nintendo|title=A Metroid amiibo just went for $2,500 on eBay|website=Polygon|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=December 1, 2014|access-date=September 14, 2021|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914084140/https://www.polygon.com/2014/12/1/7316277/samus-aran-amiibo-ebay-nintendo|url-status=live}} Nintendo Life suggested that Samus is a mascot character for the Metroidvania genre.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/talking-point-is-shovel-knight-now-a-retro-gaming-icon|work=Nintendo Life|title=Talking Point: Is Shovel Knight Now A Retro Gaming Icon?|last=Banks|first=George|date=2024-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626164230/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/talking-point-is-shovel-knight-now-a-retro-gaming-icon|archive-date=2024-06-26|url-status=live}}

As a woman in a male-dominated role, Samus has been widely considered a breakthrough for female characters in video games,{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=26 |title=The 50 Greatest Video Game Characters | 26. Samus Aran | Empire |publisher=www.empireonline.com |access-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701104748/http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=26 |url-status=live}} and is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time by critics and fans alike.{{cite news |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx |title=Guinness Names Top 50 Video Game Characters Of All Time |newspaper=Game Informer |first=Jeff |last=Marchiafava |date=February 16, 2011 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=February 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201201521/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/best-heroes-of-all-time?page=9 |title=Best Heroes of All Time |date=January 21, 2010 |publisher=UGO.com |access-date=July 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615015808/http://www.ugo.com/games/best-heroes-of-all-time?page=9 |archive-date=June 15, 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-in-video-games/ |title=The 25 best heroes in games of all-time |work=GamesRadar+ |last=Weber |first=Rachel |date=March 6, 2023 |accessdate=May 29, 2023 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101230637/https://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-in-video-games/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Rougeau|first=Michael|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/01/the-50-greatest-heroines-in-video-game-history/samus|title=50 Greatest Heroines In Video Game History|publisher=Complex|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=March 24, 2013|archive-date=March 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307085900/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/01/the-50-greatest-heroines-in-video-game-history/samus|url-status=live}}{{cite book | title=Introduction to Game Development | last=Rabin | first=Steve | publisher=Charles River Media | date=June 26, 2009 | isbn=978-1-58450-679-9 | page=29}} Samus is one of the first major female protagonists in a video game.{{cite book | title=Guinness World Records 2013: Gamer's Edition | publisher=Guinness World Records Ltd | year=2012 | page=154 | isbn=9781904994954}}{{cite web | url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/namcoxcapcom/namcoxcapcom2.htm#tobymasuyo | title=Obscure Namco characters | publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 | access-date=October 6, 2013 | first=Kurt | last=Kalata | archive-date=September 26, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926182846/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/namcoxcapcom/namcoxcapcom2.htm#tobymasuyo | url-status=dead}}{{cite web | url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2009/10/nintendo_download_13_14_october_2009_japan | title=Nintendo Download: 13-14 October 2009 (Japan) | publisher=nintendolife.com | access-date=October 6, 2013 | first=Sean | last=Aaron | date=October 9, 2009 | archive-date=October 6, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006174808/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2009/10/nintendo_download_13_14_october_2009_japan | url-status=live}} The reveal in the original game has been regarded as a significant moment in gaming by sources such as UGO Networks, Game Informer, and GameDaily.{{cite web|access-date=February 25, 2009 |url=http://www.ugo.com/channels/girlfriends/features/salutetoheroines/samus.asp |title=Salute to Heroines – Samus Aran |publisher=UGO.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616010759/http://www.ugo.com/channels/girlfriends/features/salutetoheroines/samus.asp |archive-date=June 16, 2011}}{{cite magazine|author=Game Informer staff|date=April 2007|title=The Top 10 Video Game Twists|magazine=Game Informer|issue=168|page=20}}{{cite web |access-date=December 28, 2009 |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-nintendo-moments/?page=26 |title=Top 25 Nintendo Moments |publisher=GameDaily |date=December 12, 2008 |last=Workman |first=Robert|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214201904/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-nintendo-moments/?page=26|archive-date=December 14, 2008}} In contrast, Rupert Goodwins of The Independent felt that the ambiguity of who might be in the suit made it "hardly a breakthrough for feminism".{{cite news |title=Samus it ever was|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/video-games-samus-it-ever-was-at-last-a-game-where-a-woman-does-the-zapping-a-sign-of-the-times-or-just-a-gimmick-rupert-goodwins-wonders-1380927.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111093911/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/video-games-samus-it-ever-was-at-last-a-game-where-a-woman-does-the-zapping-a-sign-of-the-times-or-just-a-gimmick-rupert-goodwins-wonders-1380927.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 11, 2012|work=The Independent |date=August 2, 1994 |last=Goodwins |first=Rupert |page=22}} Various critics have discussed Samus' relation to sexuality; she was regarded as being one of the least sexualized female video game characters in the 2007 book Gaming Lives in the Twenty-First Century: Literate Connections, a belief shared by Steve Rabin in "Introduction to Game Development".{{cite book | title=Gaming Lives in the Twenty-First Century: Literate Connections | last1=Hawisher | first1=Gail E. | last2=Selfe | first2=Cynthia L. | last3=Gee | first3=James Paul | date=March 6, 2007 | publisher=Palgrave Macmillan | isbn=978-1-4039-7220-0 | page=162}} Justin Hoeger of The Sacramento Bee appreciated that she was not a character who existed for sex appeal, as well as her "tough" personality.{{cite news | title= Samus Aran returns in two new games | work=The Sacramento Bee | last=Hoeger | first=Justin | date=December 6, 2002}} A writer for the Toronto Star however, felt distaste for the "sexual politics" surrounding Samus, feeling that she was neither a character created for sex appeal, but was also not a "leader in the struggle for video game civil rights".{{cite news |title=A prime example of an action figure |work=Toronto Star |date=December 3, 2002 |page=D04}} Featuring her in their 2004 list of "top ten forces of good" (one section on their list of top 50 "retro" game characters), Retro Gamer regarded her as a "distinct female character [who does not rely] on cheap thrills to capture the attention of gamers".Retro Gamer 2, p. 37. Nevertheless, much of Samus' media reception came from her sex appeal, and she has been included in many video-game lists that rank women by their physical attractiveness.Larry Hester, [http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/06/the-50-hottest-video-game-characters/ The 50 Hottest Video Game Characters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111020716/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/06/the-50-hottest-video-game-characters/ |date=January 11, 2013}}, Complex.com, June 27, 2012.{{cite web |last=Warn |first=Sarah |date=June 21, 2012 |title=25 Hottest Female Video Game Characters |url=http://www.afterellen.com/column/good-game-25-hottest-characters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904160434/http://www.afterellen.com/column/good-game-25-hottest-characters |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=July 16, 2015 |website=AfterEllen}}{{cite web |first=Lisa |last=Foiles |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/top-5-with-lisa-foiles/2647-Top-5-Hottest-Blonde-Chicks |title=Top 5 Hottest Blonde Chicks | Top 5 with Lisa Foiles Video Gallery | The Escapist |publisher=Escapistmagazine.com |access-date=June 19, 2014 |archive-date=January 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103134408/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/top-5-with-lisa-foiles/2647-Top-5-Hottest-Blonde-Chicks |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-characters/|title=50 iconic video game characters|first=Rachel|last=Weber|date=November 8, 2021|website=gamesradar|access-date=November 17, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130073904/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-characters/|url-status=live}}

Paul O'Connor, the lead game designer for Sammy Studios and a fan of the Metroid series, remarked that players empathize and identify with Samus because she is often rewarded for indulging in her curiosity.{{Cite journal|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395968|title=A sociological exploration of a female character in the Metroid videogames series|first=Katherine|last=Roberts|date=November 1, 2012|journal=The Computer Games Journal|volume=1|issue=2|pages=82–108|via=Springer Link|doi=10.1007/BF03395968|s2cid=20715260}} The book Videogames and Art noted that in the original Metroid the player is not briefed on Samus's past or future; the only interaction that they have with the character is by being her through gameplay, while bits of information can be gleaned from the handbook and through concept art, adding, "Samus is very rare for the character intimacy gained solely through game play and for her stasis and then drastic change", referring to the revelation that she is a woman.{{cite book |title=Videogames and art |author1=Clarke, Andy |author2=Mitchell, Grethe |publisher=Intellect Books |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84150-142-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/videogamesart0000unse/page/231 231] |url=https://archive.org/details/videogamesart0000unse/page/231}}

Her controversial portrayal in Metroid: Other M received mixed reactions. Unlike other Metroid games, where Samus took full advantage of weapons and abilities available, she deactivated most of them until Commander Adam Malkovich authorized their use.{{cite web |url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/111/1111849p1.html |title=Metroid: Other M Review |last=Harris |first=Craig |publisher=IGN |date=August 27, 2010 |access-date=October 23, 2010 |archive-date=September 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903165551/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/111/1111849p1.html |url-status=live}} G4 considered Samus needing permission to use her equipment and Samus' anxiety attack upon seeing Ridley as "sexist".{{cite web |title=Metroid: Other M Review |url=http://g4tv.com/games/wii/61992/Metroid-Other-M/review/ |last=Heppe |first=Abbie |publisher=G4 Media |date=August 27, 2010 |access-date=September 2, 2010 |archive-date=September 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910072634/http://g4tv.com/games/wii/61992/Metroid-Other-M/review/ |url-status=dead}} According to GamePro, though Other M{{'}}s story and Samus's monologues did not compel them, "it helped contextualize her entire existence" which developed the character to "an actual human being who's using the vastness of space to try and put some distance between herself and the past".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/216283/metroid-other-m/|title=GamePro Metroid: Other M review|publisher=GamePro|date=August 27, 2010|access-date=August 27, 2010|first=Tae K.|last=Kim|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902002356/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/216283/metroid-other-m/|archive-date=September 2, 2010}} 1UP.com{{'}}s Justin Hayward found the portrayal "lifeless and boring" and "nonsensical".{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-review|date=August 27, 2010|title=Metroid Other M Review|publisher=1UP.com|last=Haywald|first=Justin|access-date=March 25, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404053326/http://www.1up.com/reviews/metroid-review|archive-date=April 4, 2015|df=mdy-all}} GamesRadar wrote that Other M painted Samus, widely considered a strong female lead character, as "an unsure, insecure woman who desperately wants the approval of her former [male] commanding officer".{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wii/f/the-anti-awards-2010/a-20110105103251841023/g-20090602105555875007|title=The Anti-Awards 2010|publisher=GamesRadar|date=January 5, 2011|access-date=March 25, 2011}} The A.V. Club echoed the misgivings about her immaturity, petulant behavior, and misguided loyalty.{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/metroid-other-m-1798221536 |work=The Onion |first=David |last=Wolinsky |date=September 6, 2010 |access-date=October 2, 2010 |title=Metroid: Other M |archive-date=October 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011032413/http://www.avclub.com/articles/metroid-other-m,44831/? |url-status=live}} In Metroid Dread, several people noted that Samus never talks as a protagonist.{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/10/18/samus-aran-chooses-not-to-speak-in-metroid-dread-and-that-makes-all-the-difference/|website=VentureBeat|title=Samus Aran chooses not to speak in Metroid Dread, and that makes all the difference|date=October 18, 2021|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019011916/https://venturebeat.com/2021/10/18/samus-aran-chooses-not-to-speak-in-metroid-dread-and-that-makes-all-the-difference/|url-status=live}} Alex Donaldson of VG247 has claimed that the game proves that Samus is cooler than Master Chief,{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/metroid-dread-proves-that-samus-is-cooler-than-master-chief|title=Metroid Dread proves that Samus is cooler than Master Chief|date=October 10, 2021|website=VG247|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019011918/https://www.vg247.com/metroid-dread-proves-that-samus-is-cooler-than-master-chief|url-status=live}} but Ian Walker of Kotaku criticized and said that "Samus doesn't need to be an emotionless robot to be badass".{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/dear-metroid-dread-samus-doesn-t-need-to-be-an-emotion-1847875658|title=Dear Metroid Dread: Samus Doesn't Need To Be An Emotionless Robot To Be Badass|website=Kotaku|date=October 18, 2021|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019011917/https://kotaku.com/dear-metroid-dread-samus-doesn-t-need-to-be-an-emotion-1847875658|url-status=live}}

In his review of Super Smash Bros., GameSpot{{'}}s Jeff Gerstmann called Samus one of the characters that made Nintendo "what it is today".{{cite web |title=Super Smash Bros. Review for Nintendo 64 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/n64/action/supersmashbros/review.html |publisher=GameSpot.com |access-date=May 11, 2009 |date=February 19, 1999 |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725200955/http://www.gamespot.com/n64/action/supersmashbros/review.html |url-status=live}} IGN ranked her as the third-best character for Super Smash Bros.{{cite web |access-date=February 25, 2009 |url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/844/844916p2.html |title=Super Smash Bros. Veterans' Day |publisher=IGN |date=January 10, 2008 |author1=Pirrello, Phil |author2=Bozon |archive-date=February 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225044621/http://stars.ign.com/articles/844/844916p2.html |url-status=live}} Where Jeremy Parish of Polygon felt her Zero Suit "works as demonstration of the questionable design decisions" for female characters in the Smash series, he regards Samus as "by far the toughest lady in Nintendo's stable of characters".{{Cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=2018-12-03|title=We rank the Smash Bros. (and friends)|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=March 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322075054/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|url-status=live}} Gavin Jasper of Den of Geek felt that Samus stood out among the rest of the cast due to concept, design, and backstory. He also appreciated Zero Suit Samus appearing in the game as a nod to the first Metroid game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|title=Super Smash Bros. Characters Ranked|date=March 7, 2019|website=Den of Geek|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610234650/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|url-status=live}}

In an article in 2015, video-game developer Brianna Wu opined that Samus was a trans woman,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/bbcthree/article/39a1b88f-79dc-4602-8207-f86918afd457 |title=30 years of Samus Aran: a feminist icon? |last=Tappin |first=Steve |date=5 August 2016 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116130735/https://www.bbc.com/bbcthree/article/39a1b88f-79dc-4602-8207-f86918afd457 |archive-date=16 November 2024 |url-status=live}} noting that Hirofumi Matsuoka, who worked on Samus' original design, stated she was not a woman, but rather a "newhalf". Both Wu and others acknowledged it is possible to interpret this brief description as sarcasm, or a genuine indication that Samus is transgender.{{cite web |url=https://www.themarysue.com/metroids-samus-aran-transgender-woman/ |title=Metroid’s Samus Aran is a Transgender Woman. Deal With It. |last=Wu |first=Brianna |last2= |first2= |date=2 September 2015 |work=Themarysue.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130084054/https://www.themarysue.com/metroids-samus-aran-transgender-woman/ |archive-date=30 January 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://gaymingmag.com/2020/01/lgbt-games-history-metroid/ |title=LGBT Games History: Metroid |last=Hart |first=Aimee |date=23 January 2020 |work=Gayming Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219102920/https://gaymingmag.com/2020/01/lgbt-games-history-metroid/ |archive-date=19 December 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/trans-video-game-characters-from-the-80s-and-90s/ |title=From Birdetta to Flea: 12 Trans Video Game Characters From the 80’s and 90’s |last=Reign |first=Eva |date=20 November 2023 |work=Autostraddle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307235205/https://www.autostraddle.com/trans-video-game-characters-from-the-80s-and-90s/ |archive-date=7 March 2025 |url-status=live}} Wu's article sparked debate.{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109160634/https://www.themarysue.com/a-samus-metroid-followup/ |title=Well, That Escalated Quickly: A Samus Followup |last=Wu |first=Brianna |authorlink=Brianna Wu |date=3 September 2015 |work=Themarysue.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150906195536/http://www.themarysue.com/a-samus-metroid-followup/ |archive-date=6 September 2015 |url-status=live}} While stating he believed people should interpret Samus as transgender if they prefer, Erik Kain from Forbes argued that Wu's reliance on Matsuoka's "authorial intent" for her argument was flawed.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2015/09/03/metroid-hero-samus-aran-can-be-transgender-or-not-and-the-world-will-keep-spinning/ |title=Metroid Hero Samus Aran Can Be A Transgender Woman Or Not And The World Will Keep Spinning |last=Kain |first=Eric |date=3 September 2015 |work=Forbes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240314123849/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2015/09/03/metroid-hero-samus-aran-can-be-transgender-or-not-and-the-world-will-keep-spinning/?sh=63992d9d33d9 |archive-date=14 March 2024 |url-status=live}} In a 2023 article including Samus on a list of the top transgender videogame characters, Eva Reign from Autostraddle commented that people arguing against the possibility of Samus being transgender were basing their decisions "off physical characteristics which feels pretty transphobic".