Matt from Game Point here. Let me start by saying this: Metroid games are hard. Like, really hard. And they aren’t hard like Ninja Gaiden or Demon’s Souls is hard. Here is the typical situation in a Metroid game. “Okay. I’ve defeated Ripley again and got this cool power-up. Now onto…Time to…hmm.” And that’s it. That’s all you can do. You are given no hint as to where to go next, let alone why you’re going ANYWHERE. And there lies the magic of Metroid. It’s really one of the first true exploration games. Before games like Grand Theft Auto, people had Metroid.

Now I’ve said all of that, because today, we’re talking about Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance. Metroid Fusion, contrary to all of its predecessors, is not that hard of a game. Sure, some of the bosses can be pretty tricky, and there are parts where you will get a little stuck. But in Metroid Fusion, you actually know where you’re supposed to go, as opposed to EVERY OTHER GAME IN THE SERIES. Each leg of the game starts with this computer just ordering Samus around. However, what this does for the game is it makes the story much more engaging. Rather than aimlessly wandering around some nameless planet, we have, for the first time, a real story in a Metroid game, with character development, and plot twists, and aspects (other than gameplay) that make an active effort to engage the player.

So, here’s the rundown: Despite Metroid Fusion being much easier than other Metroids, it still plays to all of the other rules of the series. The power ups are all interesting and useful. You understand why you are getting them, and why you don’t have others in the beginning, all thanks to the story and dialogue. The gameplay is incredibly solid and refuses to disappoint at any section of the game. It should take you anywhere from 2-8 hours to complete, which for a handheld side-scroller, is decent. And, in true Metroid form, you won’t be able to collect everything on your first run, which gives the diehards a reason to keep playing even after you’ve beaten it, or just restart from the beginning.

But now, I have one other thing to say. Space Jumping/Screw Attack. For the love of God, Space Jumping/Screw Attack. This power-up, received a little after half-way through the game, is so flawed and clunky to use, I had to bring it up. There is no way any human being can use this move in the way it was intended to be used. Every time I attempted this move, Samus either was sent flailing into a wall, or barely even made it off of the ground to begin with. Luckily enough, mastering this skill is, in no way, necessary, but it will cause you some minor complications in later boss fights.

So, now on to the report card:

The Pros

Great, traditional Metroid gameplay
Engaging story keeps you from ever getting bored.
Interesting and varying boss fights.
Unique level design
Plenty of tricky spots to leave you guessing (or asking your friend, the internet)

The Cons

Short, with limited re-playability
Space Jumping/Screw Attacks. 

Matt gives Metroid Fusion a score of 8/10.

If you like Mario, you’ll love this game!  It is a great addition to the Mario family of games.  It is a 3-D universe where you explore all types of different planets.  There are many new characters to meet and some new abilities for Mario like being bee Mario and penguin Mario.  For those of you who, like me, liked Mario 64 but thought it was too short, Mario Galaxy is great.  There is just enough challenges to make the game entertaining without making you mad and it will take you longer than a few hours to beat.   It is a game for all ages and all people.  For those who are wary of the 3D Mario games, don’t dismiss this game.  The beginning of the game might make you feel a little ill but keep playing it will get better.  The planets will get bigger as the game goes on.  Just give the game a little time, you will love it.

The Pros:
New Mario suits
New story line
Length of game

The Cons:
The beginning can give you a bit of a headache
Not really two players (one plays Mario and the other collects star bits)

Shawn gives Super Mario Galaxy a score of 10/10

When we began the planning of our new Game Point store we had a lot of ideas of what we could do with it. One of those ideas was to include more lines of products and diversify a little in what items we carry. Since we opened our new location we have greatly increased our novelties selection with many new wall scrolls and plushies, we've kept a steady supply of Monster energy drinks coming and even managed to get a few arcade machines in house. One of the many lines of products that we'd like to begin carrying in 2010 is Magic the Gathering. Well, that's of course if you want us to. Worldwake is newest follow-up to the incredibly popular Zendikar set. Worldwake is set to launch on Feb. 5th and we've been going back and forth trying to decide if adding Magic to our store would be something that our customers would like or even be interested in.

So here's where you come in. If Magic the Gathering is something that you would be interested in then let us know! Send us an email simply saying "Yes, I'd like some Magic at Game Point." and based on how much feedback we get we'll see what we can do about bringing in the Magic. Send your emails to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I can't tell you how many times I get asked what I'm currently playing. Well, for all of those wondering, this is what we're playing!

-Craig-
New Super Mario Bros.
God of War Collection
Half-Life 2

-Shawn-
Mario Galaxy
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Wii Fit

-Brennan-
Far Cry 2
Bayonetta
Puchout!

-Matt-
Metroid Fusion
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Metal Gear Solid
Torch Light (PC)

Happy Holidays from all at Game Point. We hope that you got everything you wanted for Christmas and maybe even a little extra. We want to thank everyone for their continued support in 2009 and for helping make Game Point what it is today. I know its not always easy waiting for a game to come in when you can just drive a couple miles down to another store and pick it up but for that, we are thankful. As i've told countless customers, Game Point is just beginning in its new location. If you asked anyone who can remember back to when we first opened in 2006 they would tell you how much different our old store was and how much better it was when we left it. The same goes for our new location. We are just getting started and I PROMISE you will see great things from Game Point in 2010. We already have a few orders of unmatched magnitude headed this way and when you see what it is when it comes in you should be very excited. With each day, Game Point becomes bigger and better. We reinvest your dollars back in the store to build you a better video game store with exceptional service and selection. If it wasn't for the support of our valued customers Game Point would be just another game store. Game Point is a store that all gamers can be proud of and we'll be proud to serve you in 2010.