Released in 1986 (JP) / 1987 (US) for the NES, Metroid is a genre-defining action-exploration platformer from Nintendo. You play as Samus Aran, a mysterious bounty hunter sent to the planet Zebes to take down the Space Pirates and eliminate the dangerous alien organisms known as Metroids. Unlike most games of its time, Metroid dropped you into a massive, interconnected world—with no map, no direction, and no mercy. It’s all about exploration, upgrades, and atmosphere. What makes Metroid a legend: 🔍 Non-linear world—explore and backtrack with new abilities 🧠 Atmospheric isolation—a lonely, alien tone rarely seen in 8-bit games 🔫 Iconic power-ups—Morph Ball, Missiles, Ice Beam, and more 👩 Gaming’s first major twist—Samus is a woman (if you beat it fast enough!) 🎵 Haunting soundtrack that changes as you descend deeper 🧱 Hidden paths, secrets, and breakable walls everywhere 🦾 Precursor to “Metroidvania” games alongside Castlevania II Metroid laid the groundwork for decades of exploration-driven games, and its blend of sci-fi horror, power-based progression, and minimal storytelling still resonates today. This video includes the classic title screen music, gameplay from early areas of Zebes, and highlights of Samus’s 8-bit arsenal.