GuestLog in

Before I say anything, just go play this hack. It's one of the best I've found so far for Metroid.

Well then, if you really like reading reviews, then read on!

I hadn't played Metroid in a while and was looking for something not too difficult. Basically just a different Metroid world to explore than the original. I feel like I'd stumbled onto something special after playing this hack. The creator had clearly put a lot of time and effort into making this a brand new gaming experience.

Firstly, the graphics. The tilesets have all been redrawn to give a whole new atmosphere to the game. Even Samus herself has gotten some plastic surgery. The only downside is the enemy sprites have not been altered in any way.

Secondly, the gameplay. There's a lot here so let me break it down.

• Puzzles. Right from the start you're forced to think outside the box in order to progress past the first screen of the game. Many other thought/skill puzzles are scattered throughout the map but the important thing is they don't bog down the gameplay. There's enough to keep you interested, but not too many to keep you from why you're really playing Metroid - to shoot aliens and get energy pellets.
• Secrets. Specifically, secret doors. They're always visible, so if you're paying attention while jumping your way through Brinstar, you'll find them. The trick sometimes though, is figuring out how to get to them. This breaks the conventional thought of the game where there's only at most 2 doors to a room (more of course in a vertical corridor). But it really adds something to the exploration and adventure of the game.
• Level Design. I feel this is the most important although very subtle part of a game. 'Captive' takes the gamer on a steadily increasing difficulty level of puzzles and skill, instead of just throwing it all out there at once. There's a very elegant learning curve to it. However, backtracking in the game leaves you wishing you'd drawn a map (which I did when I played it!).

All in all this is a great hack. Though a couple of the puzzles almost require save states. Also, the puzzle where you need to bounce as a ball, sadly I wasn't able to get by without cheating in some bombs. There's some Metroid skills that aren't part of the original game's design that are needed to get past certain parts, which might frustrate some players if they don't know those skills.

But anyways, highly recommended for your average to expert gamer.