I love Fusion. The computer was a little annoying, but it was fun finding ways to circumvent it. Sequence breaking isn't impossible, but it is more difficult than previous installments. Ledge-grabbing is the best addition to the franchise since spider-ball, IMO. The whole conspiracy story is a great way to continue the metroid conflict; how do we know there aren't more Federation metroid repositories? I can't wait for the next installment. SA-X was creepy as hell (Dark Samus is a pussy next to it), but I think that character's done. I'm curious to know if there will be more X-incedents (MB-X?). Nightmare always gives me trouble. And it was cool seeing all the metroid evolutions, except Queen, in color. (side note, I wonder if M:OM will have other metroid evolutions???!!!! in 3D!!)

People like love Fusion because, despite being linear, it was scary as hell the first time through. I can remember how flipped out I was when I dropped down through the floor after Yakuza-X... And right in front of the goddamn SA-X. Fusion's definitely not the best in the series, but it has its moments.

Odd, yet relevant thought: Think of all your encounters with the SA-X (Up until the curbstomp battle at the end, that is). The echoing footsteps, the helplessness, the being trapped in a room and hoping that it walks away bored or gives you a chance to escape, the implacableness...

That's how the Space Pirates perceive Samus. Fusion let's you experience Samus from their perspective. And it is utterly terrifying.

Think about that the next time you blaze through a room, one-shotting Pirates.

My thoughts exactly. In the back of mind my mind, I'd always think "Man, all that systematic genocide is really coming back to bite her in the ass."

It was nice to experience Metroid from a nearly powerless point of view.

I think most people like fusion because its a nice beginner metroid game
its not to hard to understand, and it still gives the metroid feel
a nice start for a metroid gamer

I agree. In every other metroid game even if you rushed it and took on more powerful foes early you could still win with enough skill. And it doesn't cop out with a one-hit insta-kill. The SA-X actually goes through the process of making you run and fight before you die so it's an actual deafeat rather than an ambush. Thou art made humble before it.
On a slight side note, for a while I toyed with the idea of a fanfic written from the point of view of a rookie pirate being hunted down by Samus, but I just don't have the juice to do it on my own.

Just beat it the other night. I started back in like November, but got stuck on Nightmare and set it aside for awhile because I was frustrated.

But anywhoo, really enjoyed the story. I hope that someday they make a direct sequel to this game. I'm a big fan of the Fusion suit design.

On to Zero Mission!

Great plot + Awesome suits and weapons + epic boss battles = Epic win

I probably just suck, but that last boss pissed the hell out of me. Took me 2 hours to beat him. It was veeery satisfying to see those ending credits. xP

Last boss is actually ridiculously easy.

Ice Missile Immediately start charging (it doesn't even dodge) Immediately fire once charged Dodge the 1-2 screw attacks and freeze him with another Ice Missile Repeat until form 2 Go to the highest ledge on the left hand side and the boss cannot hurt you at all Charge shots and fire them downward until boss dies


It's very nearly infallible. Even if you screw it up you are only losing 2-3 energy tanks before SA-X holds still again for you to freeze it. As long as you never jump very high it won't go into major attack mode.

Yeah the last fight with the SA-X and the OM seemed more of a formality than a challenge. I can't say they weren't important closure-wise though.

I love Fusion too.

I enjoyed the quick pace, the boss fights were frantic and fun, the graphics and sound are even still breathtaking to this day.

I recommend playing using the Gameboy Player accessory for GameCube if you want the best experience. The little GBA/DS screens aren't optimal for Fusion, imo.

Yes! I have that Gameboy Player as well--it's worth getting. The quality of the graphics are even more amazing when blown up onto the screen!

On the flip side, if you get that, you have to deal with the absolute worst controller to play those types of games: The Gamecube controller.


Really, sometimes I marvel at how bad the GC controller can control sometimes in regards to GBA/2D games.

A GBA to GCN link cable can be used to control the game with a GBA (SP). On a side note, I'm shocked Nintendo didn't release a wireless version of that cable, like a WaveBird.

Though personalIy, I liked the GCN controller for Fusion. The control scheme felt surprisingly natural.