METROID THREAD

Let's kick things off with SUPER METROID: ASCENT, a full hack that takes the classic gameplay of the SNES release we all know and love and cranks it up to 11 with a fresh coat of paint, new mechanics, and a whole new level design. The hack is divided into three massive zones, each with its own unique vibe, puzzles, and challenges. You start at the bottom of a planet and, as the name suggests, ascend your way to the surface. The hack's all about exploration, puzzles, and a bit of tough love, expect bigger rooms, harder challenges, and a stronger focus on brain-teasers than the original game. Oh, and don’t forget the custom music, stunning visuals, and some wild new mechanics. But beware: once you leave a zone, you can’t go back, so make sure you’ve grabbed everything you need before moving on!

Alright, let’s break it down. This is one of those hacks that’s been hyped to the moon and back, and for good reason. It’s like SUPER METROID on steroids, but with a psychedelic twist. The visuals? Absolutely stunning. Every room feels like a work of art, with vibrant colors, intricate tiling, and effects that’ll make your eyes pop. It’s like the devs said, “Let’s make this alien planet look fabulous”. The custom music slaps too, adding to the immersion and making each zone feel distinct.

The gameplay is where this hack really shines. It’s still SUPER METROID at its core, but with a heavier emphasis on puzzles. And not just any puzzles, these are clever, well-designed, and sometimes downright devious. You’ll need to master new mechanics like the revamped Shinespark (which is slower but way more controllable) and the Boost Ball (a game-changer for movement). The hack also introduces some cool new features, like healing/damaging zones and weapon upgrades that feel fresh without straying too far from the METROID formula.

Now, let’s talk about the zones. Each one is massive, open, and packed with secrets. The non-linear design means there’s often more than one way to solve a puzzle or progress, which is awesome for replayability. However, the lack of backtracking between zones is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps the game focused and prevents you from getting overwhelmed. On the other hand, it can be a bit stressful if you’re a completionist and miss something important. The per-zone item percentage tracker helps, but it’s still a bummer when you realize you’ve locked yourself out of 100%.

The difficulty is definitely a step up from vanilla SUPER METROID, but it’s not unfair. You’ll need to be comfortable with advanced techniques like wall jumps and bomb jumps, and some of the puzzles will test your patience. That said, a few players found certain enemies to be damage sponges, and the final boss can be a bit of a slog if you’re not properly equipped.

The hack isn’t without its flaws tho. Some players felt the open-ended design could be a bit too much, leading to moments of confusion or frustration. And while the visuals are gorgeous, the color schemes in some areas (looking at you, Zone 2) can be a bit overwhelming or hard to parse. There’s also the occasional lag in certain rooms, and a few soft-lock spots that can ruin your day if you’re not careful. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s damn close.

Combat is mostly vanilla, with a few tweaks here and there. Enemies hit hard, and you’ll need to be careful with your resources, as ammo and energy tanks are scarce. Boss fights are a highlight, with Ridley being a particular standout. He’s tough, but fair, and the fight feels epic in a way that few SUPER METROID hacks manage to pull off.

The hack’s biggest strength is its atmosphere. Auriga feels like a living, breathing world, and the environmental storytelling is some of the best in the hacking community. You’ll find yourself immersed in the lore, piecing together the history of the planet and the events that led to Samus’s arrival. The ending, while divisive, is a bold choice that ties everything together. If you’re a fan of sci-fi horror, this is a must-play. Just be prepared for a journey that’s as challenging as it's rewarding.

Next on our list, is METROID: ROGUE DAWN, an unofficial prequel to the original METROID game, diving into the events that led to the infamous theft of the METROID capsule by the Space Pirates. You play as Dawn Aran, a rogue human agent trained by Ridley, sent on a mission to retrieve a mysterious biological specimen from a Federation research crew orbiting planet SR388. This hack reimagines the NES classic with entirely custom graphics, music, level design, and new mechanics, while fixing many of the original game's flaws. It’s a fresh take on the METROID formula, offering a new story, new challenges, and a new protagonist in a familiar yet alien world.