Metroid II: Return of Samus vs Metroid: Other M
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Metroid II: Return of Samus follows the intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she descends into the planet SR-388 to eliminate the Metroid species. The game introduced a non‑linear exploration system and a variety of power‑ups that expanded Samus's abilities. Originally released for the Game Boy in 1991, the title has been re‑released on modern platforms, preserving its pixel‑perfect graphics and atmospheric soundtrack. It remains a cornerstone of the Metroid series, praised for its tight controls and atmospheric level design.
Metroid: Other M follows the iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she uncovers a conspiracy aboard the BSL research station. The game mixes third‑person shooting with classic 2D platforming, delivering a narrative‑driven experience set in a sci‑fi universe. Featuring tight gunplay, strategic melee, and a deep storyline, the title offers both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh take on the Metroid series while staying true to its exploration roots.
- Tight, responsive controls
- Rich sense of exploration
- Memorable retro graphics and audio
- Challenging boss encounters
- Engaging blend of 3D shooting and 2D platforming
- Strong narrative focus with cinematic presentation
- Deep weapon customization system
- High production values and detailed environments
- Limited save system with passwords only
- Repetitive enemy designs
- Screen flicker on original hardware emulation
- Linear level design limits exploration freedom
- Story pacing can feel forced for longtime fans
- Controls feel less fluid compared to earlier titles
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Metroid II: Return of Samus
View all →
Alternatives to Metroid: Other M
View all →
Explore alien worlds and battle corruption in a groundbreaking first‑person adventure.
Explore a split world of light and darkness in a groundbreaking 3D shooter.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMetroid II: Return of Samus is the budget-friendly retro choice focused on exploration, while Metroid: Other M offers a modern cinematic story and 3D gameplay at a higher price.
Key differences
- •Price and Value: Metroid II costs $9.99, whereas Metroid: Other M is priced at $59.99.
- •Perspective and Exploration: Metroid II features a sprawling, interconnected 2D map encouraging backtracking, while Other M blends 3D exploration with 2D side-scrolling and linear level design.
- •Save System: Metroid II uses a password system for checkpoints, whereas Other M is a story-driven game with in-game logs.
- •Critical Reception: Metroid II holds a critic score of 60/100, while Metroid: Other M holds a higher critic score of 78/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
Other M features a robust weapon upgrade system and dynamic enemy AI, while Metroid II offers tight controls and mini-boss Metroid life stages.
Platform availability
Not specified for either game.
Price & value
Metroid II is significantly cheaper at an MSRP of $9.99 compared to Metroid: Other M's $59.99 MSRP.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer features specified.
Content & replayability
Metroid II features a sprawling, interconnected map that rewards thorough exploration, whereas Other M has linear level design.
Difficulty & accessibility
Metroid II carries lower age ratings (PEGI 7, ESRB E) and challenging boss encounters, while Other M is rated PEGI 16 and ESRB T.
Graphics & performance
Other M boasts high production values, detailed environments, and a cinematic presentation, compared to Metroid II's retro chiptune music and screen flicker.
Choose Metroid II: Return of Samus if…
Retro game enthusiasts looking for a classic 2D exploration experience on a budget.
Choose Metroid: Other M if…
Players wanting a cinematic story-driven action-platformer with 3D elements and higher production values.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Metroid II: Return of Samus has an MSRP of $9.99, while Metroid: Other M has an MSRP of $59.99.
Do either of these games support multiplayer?
No, both Metroid II: Return of Samus and Metroid: Other M are single player only.
How do the save systems compare between the two?
Metroid II features a password system to resume progress at key checkpoints, while Other M's save system is not specified beyond its story-driven missions.