advancedpillow's Hack Reviews - Metroid Construction

V I T A L I T Y by Digital_Mantra [

Exploration], rated by advancedpillow on Oct 17, 2020 (

)

15% in 1:31

Digital Mantra has pushed what is possible within the medium of Super Metroid with VITALITY. He has innovated the graphics in ways never seen before, cleverly utilizing background/transparency layers to create movement, animation, blending colors, etc (a painstaking and time-intensive process). He has enhanced replay value by decreasing linearity and reliance on items (what is the lowest Capacity you can beat the game with?!), while still subtly guiding the player on the main path. Most of all, he tells a story that affects long after the game ends; like all great Science Fiction, VITALITY sticks with you.

VITALITY is overflowing with environmental storytelling — every room is designed for an in-world reason. Planet Auriga is alive, and has been before Samus arrived. Can you hear the voice of Digital Mantra, guiding you to clues...to secrets...to the lore? Gamers with big imaginations, you will love this aspect!

VITALITY is a masterpiece, on all fronts. And its long road to completion is a massive achievement. It earns a spot on “Best SNES Games of All Time” lists.

Thank you, and congratulations, to Digital Mantra for creating this game! We all now live in a post-VITALITY world, and I for one am feeling inspired. I hope many others feel it too!

Eris by Digital_Mantra [

Exploration], rated by advancedpillow on Nov 28, 2017 (

)

No completion stats.

My personal favorite hack of all time, and, my first. The world feels entirely new, which is a tricky thing for most hacks to accomplish. Feels like it could have been a Super Metroid 2. The level of detail is astonishing. Wait until you see the final areas! Amazing experience.

Metroid + Saving by snarfblam [

Improvement], rated by advancedpillow on Nov 28, 2017 (

)

No completion stats.

Finally. Thank you so much.

SM Redesign: Axeil Edition by Drewseph [

Exploration], rated by advancedpillow on Mar 28, 2016 (

)

74% in 11:45

I played version 1.52. Drewseph has listened to the critiques and now Redesign Axeil has been further balanced for a much fairer experience. It is fun and still difficult, but in a good way. It is no longer truly punishing. Outstanding game. Strap in and get comfy; it's a huge adventure!

Hyper Metroid by RealRed [

Exploration], rated by advancedpillow on May 12, 2015 (

)

88% in 8:16

Flawless. Transcends hacks and becomes one of the best games ever made. I can't put it plainly enough.

V E R T I C A L I T Y by Tundain [

Exploration], rated by advancedpillow on May 05, 2024 (

)

No completion stats.

Super Metroid: Y-Faster by Metaquarius [

Speedrun/Race], rated by advancedpillow on Nov 28, 2017 (

)

No completion stats.

Project Base 0.8.1 by begrimed [

Improvement], rated by advancedpillow on Nov 28, 2017 (

)

No completion stats.

It honors Super Metroid, while, at the same time, reaching legendary status itself. A must-play for any fan of Super Metroid. Just be aware many of the changes make the game way too easy.

Super Metroid Arcade : Endless mode by Lioran, Tewtal [

Quick Play], rated by advancedpillow on Nov 26, 2017 (

)

No completion stats.

Super Metroid: Subversion by TestRunner and AmoebaOfDoom [

Exploration], rated by advancedpillow on Oct 07, 2022 (

)

% in 12:00

Subversion is a technical marvel of Super Metroid hack. You will see impressive things on display here that are not yet done anywhere else. There were many moments where my mouth dropped in excitement and surprise. There were moments that truly blew me away. And there is no taking away from the devs that this is a must-play SM romhack. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you love SM hacks with lots of little puzzles in many, many of the rooms. Most of them were cleverly done, some were just a stop sign, and one was truly an abomination and should have been cut -- getting Screw. My biggest gripes were that it felt like I was playing a theme park designed by the devs, not necessarily exploring an alien planet with its own identity. Subversion does deserve the accolades it gets. It earns them. The custom events were my favorite parts -- remarkable ASM hacking. But overall, I did not enjoy most of my time with the game. That is not to say it is bad, because it isn't; but many of the rooms are bland and not up to the level of ASM hacking seen in the game. The music choices across the board were pretty bad too; I've heard some great custom SM music, like those in Arcade, but all of these did not work for me. The lore log books were great and they are a must read or you will be lost. It is hard to balance that sense of exploration, sense of discovery with simply being told where to go, or what to do, or how to play. I don't think Subversion balanced that too well. For me, there was just too much "tell" instead of "show". I was very impressed with the secret Torizo boss fight. That was outstanding! It is the moments like these, the EVENTS in the game, where Subversion really shines...and there are many, one amazing one which I won't spoil. But everywhere else did not match that quality, at least for me and what I like from Super Metroid hacks. All that being said, you will most likely truly enjoy this one. And despite my gripes, it really should be played by everyone at least once. Great job to the devs and thank you for releasing it to everyone. Your passion comes through and that is something all of us can celebrate.

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