Samus Aran
A bounty hunter in powered armor and the game's playable protagonist.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad LeftD-pad Right | Move Samus left or right |
|---|---|
D-pad Up | Aim the arm cannon upward |
D-pad Down | Crouch |
A | Jump |
B | Fire the arm cannon |
Start | Pause the game |
Select | Switch the displayed status information |
Control notes
Samus can fire while standing, crouching, or jumping.
The Morphing Ball changes Samus into ball form when the ability is acquired.
How it plays
How does Classic NES Series: Metroid play?
The game uses a side-view perspective across connected rooms on Zebes. Samus explores Brinstar, Norfair, and other regions, defeats enemies, collects energy and missiles, and searches for hidden passages and upgrades.
Progress depends on abilities such as the Morphing Ball, Bombs, Ice Beam, Varia Suit, and long-range weapons. Players return to earlier areas with new equipment, fight Kraid and Ridley, and ultimately reach Tourian for the Metroid nests and Mother Brain. The single-player campaign has no selectable modes.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Classic NES Series: Metroid?
Map the connected rooms mentally and mark suspicious walls, floors, and ceilings; many passages are opened by shooting or bombing specific blocks.
Collect every practical energy tank, missile expansion, and major beam or suit upgrade before entering the final areas. Ice Beam freezes Metroids so they can be hit with missiles, while the Varia Suit and energy reserves greatly improve survival.
Keep missiles for red doors, Metroids, and bosses. In Tourian, conserve health and ammunition, and use the environment to control enemy movement.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Mother Brain
The Space Pirate leader who serves as the final boss in Tourian.
Kraid
A major Space Pirate leader and boss encountered in Brinstar.
Ridley
A Space Pirate leader and major boss located in Norfair.
Metroids
Parasitic organisms captured by the Space Pirates and central to the crisis on Zebes.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Bomb suspicious floors and ceilings, especially in rooms that appear to dead-end.
- 2
Return to earlier regions after collecting new abilities; important expansions are often backtracking rewards.
- 3
Stock up on missiles before entering Tourian.
Community discussion
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