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Metroid Rogue Dawn is simply one of the best ROM hacks I have played of any game, let alone of Metroid.

It also fixes the problems with the regular Metroid that can make that game very tedious, especially for newbies or if you haven't played it in a long while. Missile and life refill stations, as well as starting with full health when you save and restart, fix the farming problem. A map (in thumbnail AND a scrollable version when you pause!) makes routing and exploring fun and exciting to uncover secret areas. The weapons stack so you can have your wave and ice beams both! In another nod from Super Metroid, the wall jump and spring balls are added items and the controls for them are executed perfectly. The game gives your final time and completion percentage, something the original hadn't implemented. Besides the original bosses with new graphics, a brand new boss was added that has a very fearsome attack.

If I have one critique, the open aesthetic of the graphics sometimes made it hard to tell what you could walk on or pass through and what you could not. This was most noticeable in the last area, where I was finding myself blindly jumping around trying to figure out what I could move through or on. Some more filled in graphics or cues would have been helpful. Otherwise the music, sound and graphics were excellent.

In my first playthrough, I finished in around 3 and a half (in-game) hours with 73% items found and zero deaths. It requires much less backtracking than some Metroid games, is a little more linear, and not too tough if you're a bit experienced in Metroid's gameplay. Unlike some of the more difficult hacks it doesn't require any bomb jumping. I found it to be very enjoyable and I will definitely start a new campaign and work to get a sub-hour completion someday.

Overall this is one that simply must be played to be believed. It's a phenomenal achievement and stands as an entirely new Metroid title rather than a simple hack of the original.

Honestly, I can't describe it. If we talk in full, then - it's just a clean rework of the original, with its own features, interesting presentation, music and graphic approach. In short: 99% of the game was Reworked, but the engine was left unchanged. But the fact that if you take a proet and give it to professionals, it will not just be a HACK, BUT a NEW GAME. Maybe there are disadvantages, but the advantages are outweighed ENORMOUSLY.

Recommend and award the status: "NEW GAME"

Almost as good as Super Metroid, with just a bit more personality. The music and the artwork are top-notch. I can't recommend this one enough.

It's been a little while since I finished the game, but Rogue Dawn has become one of those rare phenomenon hacks that sticks with me in some shape, and why shouldn't it? This has probably been one of the best NES hacks I've ever played.

WORLD: So this game takes place on SR388. If anyone played Metroid 2: Return of Samus, then they are well aware that the planet was a very hostile, unforgiving place, and it's no different here. While we see other places and not just the planet's vast network of underground caverns, the world is still a vast labyrinth of wastelands, vicious caverns with lava and bones, a Chozo Ruin under constant deluge of rain, and even a thick jungle. There's several other areas as well, but each one seems so meticulously crafted that it's hard to believe this was merely an NES game. Every area, with exception of the Federation Ship, looks dark. While this may be a limitation of Metroid's limited toolset, it's fitting and gives each area a foreboding sense of danger. All in all, this is a new experience on SR388 and it's amazing.

GAMEPLAY: Classic Metroid gameplay at its finest. Everything is just about the same as before, but thankfully there's areas to fully replenish all of Dawn's energy as opposed to needing to grind up all your energy (and probably lose just as much in the process). There's plenty of secrets to find, and it's worth it to do so in order to increase your max missile count and energy tanks. But one of the more impressive things is a secret cross-over world and even a hidden Metroid word search puzzle! How many times can you say THAT about a Metroid game? :P

FUN: Oh so very much yes. Granted, it's easy to get lost in this game, especially with how confusing the Federation Ship and secret world locations are, but there's thankfully an in-game map for the regular locations to help out. But despite the limited toolset, the game feels huge and like there's so much to explore, not to mention the occasional bits of dialogue and such that makes this game feel like there is an attempt at story within. And the music....man, the MUSIC....I could sit and listen to it for long periods of time...

MY RATING: 10/10 I almost never give a perfect score to anything, mostly cause even games I really really like, I can find some flaws in them. Yeah, this game has a few of them in that like Metroid, it's easy to get lost and run in circles, but that's part of the appeal when the world is so wonderfully crafted and it has a soundtrack that blows you away. And the story serves as a pretty impressive prequel to the Metroid plot, even if it's not clear what Dawn's relation to Samus is. This is such a perfect blend of retro and modern that try as I might, I can't really say anything bad about it. So take a walk on the dark side with Dawn Aran, because you're missing out if you haven't tried this yet.

At long last, I've FINALLY gotten around to trying this.

I checked the other reviews to see if there were any lingering issues within the mod not fixed. Everything seems to be working just fine in 2020 :)

There is so much to go over so I'm going to make this review short and sweet.

This mod makes the game feel brand new while still honoring the original Metroid in many ways. I don't know if this is MMC3 or still that MMC1 but this mod has set a huge precedent for future Metroid ROM hacks to follow and, in honesty, makes this a good thing to go by.

If you want to spend lots of time wondering around a new landscape while new challenges, and secrets, await then this mod is for you.

Hands down the best thing I've ever played from start to finish :)

Recommended is an understatement. This is an absolute MUST play.

I just finished this and I am stunned. I've still got the adrenaline pumping from the last scene...

This is truly next level stuff here. Not only is this probably my all time favorite hack, but it's one of my favorite 8-Bit generation games period.

4:23:17 with 79 Percent complete. No save states. No FAQ.

Play this one like we did old school. You won't be let down. That last scene will give you a major adrenaline rush when you don't cheat yourself of the full experience using save states.

Music and Graphics are a 10/10. Storyline for a non-RPG NES game is 11/10. Really love how they were able to fit in some story elements with the original Metroid framework. It's Metroid, but so much better.

Oh... and Crossword Puzzles aren't fun, Grim Picker. :)

Thanks so much for sharing this with the world Grimlock, Optomon, snarfblam and the rest of the team. You gave us something that was better than 99% of the official NES releases right here.

The story is pretty amazing. You play as Dawn Aran (coincidence? I think not!) a agent of Ridley tasked to recover the Metroids from the Federation before the events of the first game. (There is even more but I won't spoil the ending) The music, the tileset and the graphics make the entire game creepy like the Aliens movies. And that feeling of loneliness I can only find it in the original games (especially Super Metroid) which has these Aliens vibes more than the others installment. This interpretation of SR388 is certainly the closest to the original compared to AM2R and Samus Returns. What can I say? Great job, my favorite hack of Metroid 1 and of Metroid in general (even if I'm still waiting for the upcoming X-Fusion hack by Metaquarius)

Metroid - Rogue Dawn is a first in Metroid mods in many ways. It does its research and ties directly into the overarching main story of the series-very plausibly, I might add-and the game stars not only an entirely new heroine, but someone in league with the enemy. You play as the only human on the side of the Space Pirates, Dawn Aran. Set in a haunting take on SR388, the homeworld of the Metroids, you are tasked by General Ridley to steal a Metroid sample from the Galactic Federation Scientists. How will your Zero Mission fare?

Gameplay:

Rogue Dawn is very much a standard Metroid adventure. Dawn, being infused with many different non-human DNA, is well-equipped and functions much like Samus does-with a few surprises. There are a couple of new power-ups to find, some new cosmetic differences, and it feels like Dawn jumps a bit smoother than Samus did in Metroid I.

Traversing SR388 is a standard ordeal. You look for new upgrades and expansions, kill enemies, and hunt down your ultimate goal. Combat is made a bit easier from the get-go by having Dawn start out with the Long Beam and Morph Ball, and the new power-ups aid in traveling across the hostile planet world.

One of the things that really makes Rogue Dawn shine above the original game for NES is its save system. That's right, we have three battery-powered saves as opposed to passwords, which adds an unspeakable amount to overall playability. Also, if you get lost on SR388, Grimlock and Snarfblam have kindly implemented a map of the entire planet when you pause the game. Most convenient!

Music:

Optomon's music is absolutely stunning; beautiful and alien, peaceful yet laced with a hint of danger. It feels right at home when placed alongside the Metroid Prime trilogy, and easily competes with the original game. There's nothing else to say here, other than give a listen to the NSF soundtrack bundled in with the patch download.

Graphics:

The atmosphere of SR388 is top-notch. It's a bit of a shame that Rogue Dawn wasn't able to be released on the NES in its heyday, because it would've been the talk of the town. The graphics are beautiful, full stop. They push the NES to its limits with a gorgeous set of colors and bright, memorable enemy designs. The way Dawn herself is drawn makes feel her like a realistic person in a real world-and that doesn't even factor into the seamlessly animated rain and water effects.

Story:

No one plays Metroid for the story, but due to the effort Grimlock put into writing the game, it wouldn't do to not include a section for it. You are Dawn Aran, a rogue agent of the Space Pirates. You're tasked by General Ridley to infiltrate the Galactic Federation Scientists' research vessel on SR388, and take their Metroid sample for the Pirates' gain. It's unknown, exactly, as to the true nature of Dawn's relation to Samus Aran, galaxy-renown bounty hunter and Galactic Peacekeeper. As you progress through the game, dialogue further explains the story.

While it may have looked more professional to have a scrolling dialogue window like in Metroid Fusion, I understand why it wasn't implemented. One has to understand that, for all its technical marvels, this is an extensive mod of a preexisting NES game, and that it may have not been feasible to include such a detail. But as it is, I praise the Rogue Dawn team for choosing the implemented compromise-the dialogue is able to be entirely ignored and thus you can skip it! Quite a blessing, as it means that you don't have to sit through it all every playthrough, hopelessly mashing the A Button and trying to get back to the action.

Replayability:

Rogue Dawn can tend to be a little short, and that's its only downside. I clocked in my 100% playthrough at 6 hours, 45 minutes, a first for me personally with a Metroid title. However, like Metroid I before it, Rogue Dawn has a New Game+ mode-though this one is a bit different from the first entry. It's still massively enjoyable, though, and it never gets old trying to uncover the many secrets of SR388.

Overall:

Metroid - Rogue Dawn has rightfully earned a solid 9/10, with high praise and recommendation to any Metroid fan. The game isn't perfect, but it's an exemplar Metroid experience that shouldn't be missed.

It's quite changed from any Metroid experience out there so far. Another Metroid 2 Remake (AM2R) is a faithful, upgraded overhaul of a fan favorite; this mod serves to be its own standalone creative project - a unique fan license to expand the universe.

It doesn't try to be splashy or overly bold. Game carries lots of smaller graphics detail, able to recycle lots of tiles to make each sub-region, area feel special. Broken ladders, damaged tiles, local wildlife. Each room somehow feels inviting but different enough, that you haven't been to a similar room. And each "stage" is almost completely different from the others - layout and structure. Each environment lets you know where you are.

Terrain engine is wonderful. You can walk around lots of non-rigid shapes, explore hidden routes and sometimes even enjoy getting lost. Just to see where the world takes you. When it plays tricks on you, you have to get sharper mentally to navigate the puzzle.

There's just enough in-game story to explain some of the basics. Written with large screens that convey shades of emotion. Good choice given the engine.

Gameplay isn't overly frustrating. Doesn't throw buffed bosses or monsters at you. Tries to be fair while avoiding moments that can insta-kill or situations that basically demand your death.

Music is carefully composed. No heavy overtures or style of "too many notes". Not aiming to be simple or strongly memorable like Castlevania or Mega Man. Or hardware intensive bit-banging like a Rob Hubbard SID track (C64 Commando - main theme, game over). The theme changes per location and has variety of instruments, not resorting to the same audio tricks either. Leaves plenty of room to play sfx, and doesn't drown out the action or visual attention. I actually liked this part the most, because it doesn't remind me of any style: nes, gameboy, c64, dos, amiga.

Main technical headline is: they played by the rules of 8-bit Metroid. Overcame many of its limitations. And still accepted what was reasonably possible. Three experts can achieve a lot within the fuzzy edge of boundaries.

Overall, yes. Worth one full play.

This is a hack that exudes quality and attention to detail! There is no part of this hack that is lacking in any way. It creates a whole new game experience while at the same time keeping the familiar "feel" of the original intact, which can be a serious challenge with hacks as extensive as this one.

The general storyline respects the canon of the series and indeed compliments it. The visual aesthetics are very eye-catching and are a joy to behold. The new music and modified sound-effects are equally enjoyable and compliment every section of the game well. The overall refinement and quality of this hack surpasses the original in many ways.

The creators have made something worthy of putting on a resume, not that they'd likely need to. I personally believe the late Gunpei Yokoi would be proud of this grand effort!

In my opinion, this hack is so extensive and yet of such quality that it belongs to a class of efforts that are very rare. The hack "Legend of Link" immediately comes to mind.

If you are a fan of the original Metroid, or any entry of the series, take the time to play this game. It will be time WELL spent!

In 1986 a humble but familiar name that runs the tip of every tongue today made a game. This game is now infamous for making fans both excited and heated at the same time. I of course can only be talking about Samus Aran's introduction to the NES Library of awesome games: Metroid. Several years later in 2016 a new game spawns from said Metroid: a completely new game designed to test the limits of the NES's capabilities and boundaries. This ladies and gents: its Metroid Rouge Dawn!

Graphics: It's 8bit, but it feels so fresh and welcoming. There is a lot to take in from the effects of Kraid's area to the new age look of Ridley's area. From start to finish you feel just the way you should; stranded, lost, amazed, confused, and full of energy for this new world. Not one instant does it feel stale, or old because of it's 8bit look. Instead you feel refreshed to see such an old classic take to new heights.

Gameplay: Get excited for in your face action! Rouge Dawn enhances the "Hide and Seek" aspect of the item hunt, but limits the backtracking to almost nothing. You'll find everything you need in due time, and never have a real moment of confusion after acquiring your first few pickups. You start with; Long Beam, Morph Ball, and within 20 seconds gain your Missile function. By far the best two items to be brought into this hack are Spring Ball and Wall Jump.

Spring Ball allows you to jump while morphed and mid air morph with the added function of increased velocity while dropping down. Wall Jump may sound gimmicky, but it works amazingly! If you have played Super Metroid; you know how to use Wall Jump, and it's so easy.

Progression: As previously stated progression is the name of the game, but how does it play out? Perfectly to be quiet honest! You never have a moment of feeling in need because when you find something you need it then and there for that moment. Each item that was in Metroid returns; Ice, Wave, Bombs, Screw Attack, Varia, E-tanks, Missles, and Hi-jump are all accounted for. Each one unlocks a new piece of the puzzle maze that is Rouge Dawn's story and gameplay.

Secrets/Completionist taunts: Oh boy! When it comes to finding hidden goodies and special rewards for doing so: Rouge Dawn has you covered. There are a lot of hidden throw backs/cameos thrown into Rouge Dawn that are both remarkable and for kicks to boot. If you can turn your inner Completionist on: you can find most of these your first time through an area. It may be a pack of missles, or an E-tank you wanted to get to but didnt know how!

Closing: In short: is Metroid Rouge Dawn worth playing? Oh yes with a side of extra YES! Take it from me personally; as a Beta Tester for Rouge Dawn. It has not only; delivered in Beta, Wowed the community in release, but will continue to wow us for years to come within the casual and speedrunning communities alike. If you haven't played Rouge Dawn yet, and are staring at this review I have one question?

Why aren't you playing Rouge Dawn right now?

To start off, I have to say this is one of the most in depth hacks of the original Metroid game I have ever played. In my opinion the graphics represent close to what I call 15 Bit.. While you are playing this game at times you forget that you are playing an NES Game. The Sprites and Background Graphics are very close to the 16 Bit look but can still be recognized at 8 Bit as well. When I first turned on the game I was surprised to see that the prologue referenced a man named General Ridley. I of course figured that this was ether the man that first came in contact with the Space Pirate Ridley and that is how it got its name. But to my surprise as the game went on, Dawn Aran isn't part of the Galactic Federation but stapling this title as the first Metroid game where you play not as the good guy but the villain. In which case gave me the chills to think that my progress in this game literally leads up to the next Metroid Game where I will take control of Samus and basically fight to undo what Dawn has completed in this prequel. I find that amazing that this was thought up and carried out so well. There is even a segment where it questions your natural instinct. You have the choice to either leave things as is ensuring safety to the remaining Federation or choose to take their final chance of being rescued and seal the fate of the remaining Federation Members altogether. Playing through the first time, You are not given any kind of guide as to what choice you should make. So it is just a matter of chance. The music was done by none other than Musical Genius Optomon and it certainly shows. There are some new catchy tunes as well as some remixes from the original Metroid Games. The music sets the tone and gives a great atmosphere and feeling to the sections of both the planet and ship areas. I was a little worried about the boss sprites expecting there to only be two bosses and one final boss, But to my surprise once again the creators of this hack took things to the next level and created a third boss battle. This makes the game even more less like the original Metroid's original design, which I think is very important when it comes to designing hacks. You don't want to create a game where the player feels like they are just playing a copy of the original game with simply different graphics and sprites. Other than that, I did come to a point in the game where I found one of the Easter Eggs that at first gave me a bad impression. But luckily it turned out I played the game in the wrong order. At first I thought the Easter Egg was part of the main game play. But then I found out I just happened to take the secret route directly after the first boss causing an illusion that it was part of the main game play. In which case once I realized the error was on my part, I once again saw the game as an excellent masterpiece. The design of the first area's of the planet give off a perfect aura that gives the player a feeling of nostalgia. When I first landed on the planet I had a moment where I realized the events of Samus Aran have not happened yet and we are in a time before Ridley and Samus battled on Zebes. I don't know exactly how to explain it, But the creators of the this game did a perfect job on making the game feel like it was designed before the events of Metroid versus just writing a story that says or claims that it takes place in the past. When you go through the caverns or stand inside the ship, You just know Samus, Zebes, The Metroid Queen and many other things, simply have not happened yet and you are shaping that future with every move you make. I can't think of anything negative to say about this game except one story element that confused me a little. Dawn's last name is Aran which is the same as Samus's. Did this mean that they are related in some way? I originally had the impression that Dawn was Samus but before she changed her name or something in that nature. Ether way, This is a game that is definitely worth checking out. First impressions may turn you away at times, But I can assure you that if you continue on and give it a chance. It will live up to its name and become known as the best prequel any game creator could have developed! With that said.....Maybe another prequel/sequel some day?? :-)

This is, in short, the best Metroid 1 hack released to date. It's pretty much overhaul from top to bottom. Fans of the game will recognize the engine and some of the gameplay quirks, but other than that it looks, sounds, and feels like a new game.

Everything here is high quality by ROM hacking standards. The graphics are about as good as you can do within the strict limitations of the NES; I especially enjoyed certain new animations. The scoring is excellent and will be loved by any chiptunes fan. The levels are diverse in design and character and span a far greater area than the original game. There are a few new items and some other nice changes (for example, beam stacking). Plotting is pretty much totally original script and doesn't interfere with gameplay at all (a requirement for any serious metroidvania).

It took me about seven hours to finish with 90% items, and would totally be worth multiple replays. SRAM based saving is supported now, so no more messing with long passwords or needing to utilize save states between sessions.

Have fun; I sure did.

At first I thought this was just another graphic/layout hack, but it turns out to be the most impressive hack i've seen of Metroid to date.

Everything works perfectly, the music,the graphics,the layout of the stages. It also has new bosses!.

The change in the graphics gave this game a new and unique atmospheric experience. The music is great,eerie and nostalgic at the same time.

Tiny details abound like skeletons, dead spacemen, debris etc.

You have a complete map from the beginning as in most recent hacks, but traversing it is not as easy as you may think.

This game is challenging.

You'll notice more fluid control of your character, it may feel a bit floaty but its just more agile, this lead to running thru stairs and slopes more seamless as old metroid is more blocky in its room design.

Great work , thanks for this hack , been playing it for about 6 hours straight. 100% recommended

This game really is amazing. I couldn't stop playing it once I started. Played from start to finish in one sitting and had great time. It's very challenging, I love the level designs, the music is fantastic, the upgrades are awesome, the boss fights are great, and very amusing secret areas.

This game is now one of my favorite NES games. Thank you to all involved. Thanks for making me feel like a 10 year old again.