20 Times Metroid Infiltrated Other Games
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VOICE OVER: Josh McLean
WRITTEN BY: Josh McLean
Welcome to MojoPlays! Today we'll be using our speed boosters to look at a whopping 20 times Metroid and its famous bounty hunter infiltrated other games. For this list, we'll be looking at crossovers within other video game series that "Metroid" isn't ordinarily a part of. Be it costumes, cameos, or references! Our list includes Samus' ship and a baby Metroid in "Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze" (2014), Samus-themed costumes in "Skullgirls" (2012), a "Metroid" mini-game in "FNaF World" (2016), and more!
Script written by Josh McLean
Samus Aran. Feared by pirates. And, loved by the fashion industry... Apparently. Players using a Samus amiibo can unlock the "Galactic Visor", or "Bounty Hunter Boots" as wearable accessories in this fashion simulator. So that proves it. Zero suits? So “in” right now. Plus, I’m using this as evidence that Samus is canonically a celebrity in Nintendo lore.
Besides Metroids appearing throughout WarioWare microgames, the final reward for Level 4 of the final chapter in “Wario Land II” is a blue metroid larva! Now, we know that’s selling for a preeeetty penny, what with it being extinct and all. Samus won’t be too happy about this one.
Samus's Gunship can subtly be seen in the background of the “Busted Bayou” in “Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze”... And thank golly it’s there, as I don’t see how this Donkey Kong Country of apes is going to fend off the Metroid hatchlings seen in the underwater levels, such as the “Amiss Abyss”. At least we have our answer as to where Samus has been between Metroid releases. Does she ever rest?
It just goes to show how widespread and impactful the Metroid series has been for developers across the world, as Samus’s influence very likely inspired this Swedish-based action game’s hero, “The Metal Warden”. She is able to charge shots from her arm cannon, morph into a ball, do a damaging high jump, and just generally give off badass-woman Samus vibes. Plus, it’s a fine example of how Mrs Metroid’s kit can be used in other styles of gameplay.
Hold on. Pirates? Using a Varia suit? What is this, Metroid Prime Hunters?! That said, this unlikely crossover in one of One Piece’s 2D fighters is just too perfect. “Link - Zoro” I'm looking at you! Plus, if you squint hard enough, it’s almost like watching a Metroid anime on your DS.
Alright, you got me. I AM that player who will pick a character ‘cause of the pretty colours. In this case, Lt. Rosa Morales from Blizzard’s big MOBA suits up her armour with a Samus-inspired orange paint job, complete with green arm cannon accents and visor. Always nice to recognize a fellow gamer on the battlefield!
Ever wanted to take Z-S-S laser whip into some serious combat? Now’s the chance! And hey, Link is on this 3DS hack and slash, and he just so happened to get his own Dynasty Warriors spin-off game. It’d only be natural if it came full circle with a Metroid one…Hold up, that’d actually be so cool if you could play as the other Hunters and even Ridley against swarms of aliens! Could you imagine?
Samus either made a bunch of friends at the Namco office during the Smash days, or renting a zero suit out is easier than you’d think. The Tekken women can all dish out a beating while wearing this flexible fit.
Alright you got me AGAIN. I AM that player who will pick a character ‘cause of the pretty colours...Even more so for niche and semi-obscure references! In this 2D fighter, you can unlock three Samus-themed palette swaps for Robo-Fortune & Parasoul, one of which is a nod to the secret code from the first Metroid, “Justin Bailey”, who will let you play as a green haired, pink clad, zero suit samus. I’m in!
I don’t know who was driving, but somehow the DOA cast finds themselves in a Metroid Power Plant. And what better place to fight your fellow ninja. Really? Ridley himself makes an appearance as a stage hazard, and where the lizard goes, Sammy goes.
Believe it or not, there’s an even greater threat to the universe than the metroids, trust me. Thankfully he’s on the side of good, and he’s just a cute little fella’! During the events of “Kirby’s Dream Land 3”, get this, Samus isn’t the only metroid slayer! As Kirby must canonically defeat a metroid to progress and obtain all the “heart stars”. Ms Aran will appear to reward Kirby, after he uses his ice powers on the aliens, much like the tactics employed by her own “ice beam”. All we’re missing is some Kirby DNA in the genetic cocktail that is Samus, as he doesn’t appear to take any damage from the larvae… Could be useful…
So you’re a developer looking to incorporate your favourite Nintendo heroine into your roguelike tower defense game? Well, an “anagram” may be the creative licensing choice for you! Sara Numas, a blond bounty hunter in a blue jumpsuit, as a matter of fact, is the fastest character in the game. Who also comes equipped with a SWORD, and a personality just as sharp. Obviously, she is one of the best choices for players looking to cull through a group of monsters. Sounds familiar!
The self proclaimed “Metroidvania” action platformer and brawler, honours its heritage with numerous “Choozo” statues, with of course, no relation to that of the “Chozo”... I mean other than serving the exact same purpose of upgrading the player character with new techniques and powers… being identical in appearance. If I've learned anything throughout the course of this video, it’s that Metroid’s appeal outweighs its potential risk of copyright. We love to see it.
So you want to play Metroid, but as a cutsie robot bear? FNAF has got you covered. No “ifs”, “ands” or “buts” about it. This not so “mini” game is a recreation of the original Metroid, even going as far to include similar death animations and colourful projectile power ups. And yes, just like Metroid II, there’s a sequel… Starring a zero-suit chicken… Cool.
While it’s not quite “Samus in a haunted mansion catching ghosts”, it is the zero suit appearing once again to defend from spectral attacks. At this point we could just make a “who wore it best” video for the zero suit alone. Anyway, to obtain, simply photograph 200 ghosts on your “ghost list” and enjoy the new sci-fi fit! Seriously, are these characters just buying this thing online or...?
Removed from a cutscene entirely is this interaction between Samus and a barista at the Starbeans Cafe during “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga”. The sprites can still be found within the game of a few unused animations, including of course, Samus finally getting her coffee from the player. Even though that moment didn’t come to be, she can still be found taking a nap in ”Super Mario RPG”, or leaving her helmet behind in “Paper Mario: The Origami King”. Girl just needs a cup a’ joe, is that so much to ask?!
Metroid & Tetris share quite the history together! After all, Samus has to play something during her interspace travel flights. Recently, Tetris 99 featured a “Dread” themed board starring an EMMI and chozo symbols, as Metroid music plays. But if we are to take a look back, the 1989 NES version gave us: Samus playing an upright bass… For some reason…
You have to see the clip to know why this is so amazing. A costume based on the original Power Suit’s design can be unlocked called what else but “Galactic Bounty Hunter”. It takes elements from modern and retro designs to the point where Bayo feels she stepped out of a unique Metroid title. Even better, this outfit changes attack and shooting animations to be fired from the arm cannon almost exclusively and returns in Bayonetta 2 with the included morph ball feature.
Samus’s gunship… But as a car you can drive around. Are you so insanely sold yet?! The Switch version of this vehicular soccer hybrid game includes the exclusive battlecar with additional Fusion suit colour scheme and unique rocket boost called the “wave beam”. This right here is too cool for school. Now give us a physical. I need it.
Alright, no more messing around. Samus has had enough monsters in her series, so she brings out the big guns for this one. Yup, this isn’t a mod, that really is an arm cannon the size of Kraid! And it is. AWESOME. Players can mix and match Samus’s hair, boots, or suit to fit their personal monster hunter, while adding sound effects and music from Metroid into their game, to take on the exclusive quest dubbed: “Special Mission”. Ultimately, I ADORE this DLC for taking the reins off Samus and letting her go buck wild with giant anime swords, bow & arrows, and of course that massive cannon.
#20: Fashion Icon - New Style Boutique 2: Fashion Forward
Samus Aran. Feared by pirates. And, loved by the fashion industry... Apparently. Players using a Samus amiibo can unlock the "Galactic Visor", or "Bounty Hunter Boots" as wearable accessories in this fashion simulator. So that proves it. Zero suits? So “in” right now. Plus, I’m using this as evidence that Samus is canonically a celebrity in Nintendo lore.
#19: Ultimate Prize - Wario Series
Besides Metroids appearing throughout WarioWare microgames, the final reward for Level 4 of the final chapter in “Wario Land II” is a blue metroid larva! Now, we know that’s selling for a preeeetty penny, what with it being extinct and all. Samus won’t be too happy about this one.
#18: Planet Of The Kongs - Donkey Kong series
Samus's Gunship can subtly be seen in the background of the “Busted Bayou” in “Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze”... And thank golly it’s there, as I don’t see how this Donkey Kong Country of apes is going to fend off the Metroid hatchlings seen in the underwater levels, such as the “Amiss Abyss”. At least we have our answer as to where Samus has been between Metroid releases. Does she ever rest?
#17: Metal Warden - Bloodline: Champions
It just goes to show how widespread and impactful the Metroid series has been for developers across the world, as Samus’s influence very likely inspired this Swedish-based action game’s hero, “The Metal Warden”. She is able to charge shots from her arm cannon, morph into a ball, do a damaging high jump, and just generally give off badass-woman Samus vibes. Plus, it’s a fine example of how Mrs Metroid’s kit can be used in other styles of gameplay.
#16: Straw Hat Space Pirates - One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X
Hold on. Pirates? Using a Varia suit? What is this, Metroid Prime Hunters?! That said, this unlikely crossover in one of One Piece’s 2D fighters is just too perfect. “Link - Zoro” I'm looking at you! Plus, if you squint hard enough, it’s almost like watching a Metroid anime on your DS.
#15: Varia Champion - Heroes of the Storm
Alright, you got me. I AM that player who will pick a character ‘cause of the pretty colours. In this case, Lt. Rosa Morales from Blizzard’s big MOBA suits up her armour with a Samus-inspired orange paint job, complete with green arm cannon accents and visor. Always nice to recognize a fellow gamer on the battlefield!
#14: Hack N' Samus - Dynasty Warriors Vs.
Ever wanted to take Z-S-S laser whip into some serious combat? Now’s the chance! And hey, Link is on this 3DS hack and slash, and he just so happened to get his own Dynasty Warriors spin-off game. It’d only be natural if it came full circle with a Metroid one…Hold up, that’d actually be so cool if you could play as the other Hunters and even Ridley against swarms of aliens! Could you imagine?
#13: Super Smash Namco - Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition
Samus either made a bunch of friends at the Namco office during the Smash days, or renting a zero suit out is easier than you’d think. The Tekken women can all dish out a beating while wearing this flexible fit.
#12: Justin Bailey Swaps In - Skullgirls
Alright you got me AGAIN. I AM that player who will pick a character ‘cause of the pretty colours...Even more so for niche and semi-obscure references! In this 2D fighter, you can unlock three Samus-themed palette swaps for Robo-Fortune & Parasoul, one of which is a nod to the secret code from the first Metroid, “Justin Bailey”, who will let you play as a green haired, pink clad, zero suit samus. I’m in!
#11: Geothermal Duel - Dead or Alive: Dimensions
I don’t know who was driving, but somehow the DOA cast finds themselves in a Metroid Power Plant. And what better place to fight your fellow ninja. Really? Ridley himself makes an appearance as a stage hazard, and where the lizard goes, Sammy goes.
#10: Bounty Buddies - Kirby series
Believe it or not, there’s an even greater threat to the universe than the metroids, trust me. Thankfully he’s on the side of good, and he’s just a cute little fella’! During the events of “Kirby’s Dream Land 3”, get this, Samus isn’t the only metroid slayer! As Kirby must canonically defeat a metroid to progress and obtain all the “heart stars”. Ms Aran will appear to reward Kirby, after he uses his ice powers on the aliens, much like the tactics employed by her own “ice beam”. All we’re missing is some Kirby DNA in the genetic cocktail that is Samus, as he doesn’t appear to take any damage from the larvae… Could be useful…
#9: Sara Numas - Dungeon of the Endless
So you’re a developer looking to incorporate your favourite Nintendo heroine into your roguelike tower defense game? Well, an “anagram” may be the creative licensing choice for you! Sara Numas, a blond bounty hunter in a blue jumpsuit, as a matter of fact, is the fastest character in the game. Who also comes equipped with a SWORD, and a personality just as sharp. Obviously, she is one of the best choices for players looking to cull through a group of monsters. Sounds familiar!
#8: Ancient Choozo - Guacamelee!
The self proclaimed “Metroidvania” action platformer and brawler, honours its heritage with numerous “Choozo” statues, with of course, no relation to that of the “Chozo”... I mean other than serving the exact same purpose of upgrading the player character with new techniques and powers… being identical in appearance. If I've learned anything throughout the course of this video, it’s that Metroid’s appeal outweighs its potential risk of copyright. We love to see it.
#7: Freddy in Space - FNAF World
So you want to play Metroid, but as a cutsie robot bear? FNAF has got you covered. No “ifs”, “ands” or “buts” about it. This not so “mini” game is a recreation of the original Metroid, even going as far to include similar death animations and colourful projectile power ups. And yes, just like Metroid II, there’s a sequel… Starring a zero-suit chicken… Cool.
#6: Samus's Mansion - Fatal Frame series
While it’s not quite “Samus in a haunted mansion catching ghosts”, it is the zero suit appearing once again to defend from spectral attacks. At this point we could just make a “who wore it best” video for the zero suit alone. Anyway, to obtain, simply photograph 200 ghosts on your “ghost list” and enjoy the new sci-fi fit! Seriously, are these characters just buying this thing online or...?
#5: Caffeinated Chozo - Mario Series
Removed from a cutscene entirely is this interaction between Samus and a barista at the Starbeans Cafe during “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga”. The sprites can still be found within the game of a few unused animations, including of course, Samus finally getting her coffee from the player. Even though that moment didn’t come to be, she can still be found taking a nap in ”Super Mario RPG”, or leaving her helmet behind in “Paper Mario: The Origami King”. Girl just needs a cup a’ joe, is that so much to ask?!
#4: Tetrometroid - Tetris series
Metroid & Tetris share quite the history together! After all, Samus has to play something during her interspace travel flights. Recently, Tetris 99 featured a “Dread” themed board starring an EMMI and chozo symbols, as Metroid music plays. But if we are to take a look back, the 1989 NES version gave us: Samus playing an upright bass… For some reason…
#3: Angel Hunter - Bayonetta series
You have to see the clip to know why this is so amazing. A costume based on the original Power Suit’s design can be unlocked called what else but “Galactic Bounty Hunter”. It takes elements from modern and retro designs to the point where Bayo feels she stepped out of a unique Metroid title. Even better, this outfit changes attack and shooting animations to be fired from the arm cannon almost exclusively and returns in Bayonetta 2 with the included morph ball feature.
#2: Gunship Goaltender - Rocket League
Samus’s gunship… But as a car you can drive around. Are you so insanely sold yet?! The Switch version of this vehicular soccer hybrid game includes the exclusive battlecar with additional Fusion suit colour scheme and unique rocket boost called the “wave beam”. This right here is too cool for school. Now give us a physical. I need it.
#1: Metroid: Special Mission - Monster Hunter series
Alright, no more messing around. Samus has had enough monsters in her series, so she brings out the big guns for this one. Yup, this isn’t a mod, that really is an arm cannon the size of Kraid! And it is. AWESOME. Players can mix and match Samus’s hair, boots, or suit to fit their personal monster hunter, while adding sound effects and music from Metroid into their game, to take on the exclusive quest dubbed: “Special Mission”. Ultimately, I ADORE this DLC for taking the reins off Samus and letting her go buck wild with giant anime swords, bow & arrows, and of course that massive cannon.
