How long does it take to beat the first Metroid?

How Long Does It Take to Beat the First Metroid?

The original Metroid game, released in 1986, is a classic example of a side-scrolling action-adventure game that has stood the test of time. As the first game in the Metroid series, it laid the foundation for the beloved franchise that we know today. But how long does it take to beat this iconic game?

Initial Expectations

When Metroid was first released, many players expected the game to be relatively short. This was due to the simplicity of the gameplay and the limited technology of the NES console. However, Metroid proved to be a much more challenging and expansive game than initially expected. The game’s vast, interconnected world and variety of enemies and items required a significant amount of time to fully explore and complete.

Main Objective

The main objective of Metroid is to guide the protagonist, Samus Aran, through the planet Zebes to rescue the last metroid and prevent the spread of the Space Pirates. To achieve this goal, players must navigate through 12 areas, fight numerous enemies, and collect items and upgrades to increase their chances of success.

Time to Beat

The time it takes to beat the first Metroid varies depending on the player’s skill level and playing style. Here are some approximate times to complete the game:

• First Run: 4-5 hours – This is the typical time it takes to complete the game on your first playthrough. The first run is often spent discovering the game’s mechanics, exploring the world, and learning how to use the power-ups and items.
• 100% Completion: 8-12 hours – To fully complete the game, including finding all the items and secret areas, can take several hours longer. This is because the game requires precision and strategy to find hidden paths and secret doors.
• Speedrun: 1-2 hours – For experienced players who have mastered the game, a speedrun can take as little as 1-2 hours to complete. This requires meticulous planning, precise jumps, and optimized routes to reach the end of the game as quickly as possible.

Table: Time to Beat the First Metroid

Difficulty and Challenge

The original Metroid game is notorious for its difficulty, which can be attributed to several factors:

• Procedural Generation: The game’s levels and layouts are procedurally generated, making each playthrough unique and challenging.
• Limited Power-Ups: Samus has limited power-ups and items, requiring careful management and strategy to progress through the game.
• Enemies and Hazards: The game is full of tough enemies, including the infamous Ridley and his minions, as well as hazardous terrain and traps that can kill Samus.

Conclusion

The original Metroid game is a classic that has stood the test of time, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for players. The time it takes to beat the game varies depending on the player’s skill level and playing style, but it typically takes around 4-5 hours to complete on your first run, with 100% completion requiring several hours longer. The game’s difficulty and procedural generation make it a timeless classic that continues to attract new players and enthusiasts.