It’s quite changed from any Metroid experience out there so far. Another Metroid 2 Remake (AM2R) is a faithful, upgraded overhaul of a fan favorite; this mod serves to be its own standalone creative project - a unique fan license to expand the universe.

It doesn’t try to be splashy or overly bold. Game carries lots of smaller graphics detail, able to recycle lots of tiles to make each sub-region, area feel special. Broken ladders, damaged tiles, local wildlife. Each room somehow feels inviting but different enough, that you haven’t been to a similar room. And each “stage” is almost completely different from the others - layout and structure. Each environment lets you know where you are.

Terrain engine is wonderful. You can walk around lots of non-rigid shapes, explore hidden routes and sometimes even enjoy getting lost. Just to see where the world takes you. When it plays tricks on you, you have to get sharper mentally to navigate the puzzle.

There’s just enough in-game story to explain some of the basics. Written with large screens that convey shades of emotion. Good choice given the engine.

Gameplay isn’t overly frustrating. Doesn’t throw buffed bosses or monsters at you. Tries to be fair while avoiding moments that can insta-kill or situations that basically demand your death.

Music is carefully composed. No heavy overtures or style of “too many notes”. Not aiming to be simple or strongly memorable like Castlevania or Mega Man. Or hardware intensive bit-banging like a Rob Hubbard SID track (C64 Commando - main theme, game over). The theme changes per location and has variety of instruments, not resorting to the same audio tricks either. Leaves plenty of room to play sfx, and doesn’t drown out the action or visual attention. I actually liked this part the most, because it doesn’t remind me of any style: nes, gameboy, c64, dos, amiga.

Main technical headline is: they played by the rules of 8-bit Metroid. Overcame many of its limitations. And still accepted what was reasonably possible. Three experts can achieve a lot within the fuzzy edge of boundaries.

Overall, yes. Worth one full play.