"Classic NES Series: Metroid" is a classic game in every sense of the word: nothing from the legendary original was changed and the game can serve as nostalgic oldie for the elder amongst us or as gimmick for the hardcore collectors who have finished the newer games from the series.

From the start of the game is becomes clear we're checking out a classic from the NES-age. Even on a simple platform as the GBA the graphics look old. There aren't many animations on the screen and also the use of colors may seem a bit odd.
Also the design of the different area's in the game is rather monotone. This however immediately gives a nice nostalgic atmosphere that comes with an old-skool action game like this, but one of course can't call it appealing.
The music and sound, again completely original, have survived time a bit better.

Before taking a look at the gameplay, a short lesson in game history: for the first time you can get on with Samus Aran, an interstellar mercenary who only gained recognition in our parts with Metroid Prime and its successor, Echoes. Her mission this time is to prevent the evil plan of some space pirates and you'll have to fight hard to get rid of the dangarous "metroids" on the planet Zebes and save the galaxy.

Just like the later Metroid games this oldie is an action-adventure. At the start you're armed with nothing more than a small gun and you need to explore a dangerous world, collect new weaponry (as the maru-mari that gives you the ability to roll up to get through small corridors, rockets or an ice beam) and of course bash a large number of enemies and some fun bosses. Beware as your moves are relatively limited: you can shoot straight ahead or up, no ducking allowed (and be sure: you'll curse for that) and your health goes down faster than a speeding bullet. Once your health is returned to zero, the game is over and you can start again. This will happen more than often, amongst other things because of the difficult assignments and the tons of platform puzzles (read: jumping nightmares), and if you think Mario is difficult, you'll have a hard nut to crack here.

Next to the possible frustration due to the difficulty level, a lot of gamers will not look forward to the many returning and endless searches for the next passage. There's no mini-map, no clues, no nothing to know what to do or where you are. Also when you suddenly can jump higher because of an upgrade you'll will often have to return to a previous part to see whether you now can reach a part that you couldn't before.

An equal amount of patience will be necessary to shoot at everything at least once to check whether some hidden entrance is present. By now you'll know that a large amount of time constists out of exploration and navigation of the world, something we also already know from Metroid Prime.

The conclusion of this game can be put simple: Metroid used to be a topgame in its time and is definitely worth the money and playing time as a collectible. However, you'll need tons of patience to finish it as the frustration- and difficulty levels will get very high.
Also the graphics and music won't make you feel any better and true collectors will probably rather want to buy the real NES version and let this one laying around in the stores.
An extra tip: Metroid: Zero Mission is a remake of this game but with some adjustments that make the game more playable.
Only for hardcore gamers, people who want to complete their Metroid collection, or anyone who likes a real old-skool challenge.