Overview and Gameplay
Samus Aran investigates the Biologic Space Laboratories station after surviving infection by the shape-shifting X parasites. Guided by mission briefings from Navigation Rooms, she explores six environmental sectors, restores lost abilities, defeats infected organisms, and opens routes through the interconnected station.
Progress comes from Federation data downloads, Core-X rewards after major battles, and hidden upgrades. New beams, missiles, suits, movement abilities, Morph Ball tools, and security access let Samus enter sealed rooms and return to earlier areas for additional items.
Controls And Mechanics
The directional pad moves Samus, aims, crouches, climbs, and controls Morph Ball movement. A jumps, while B fires the equipped beam or places bombs in Morph Ball form. L aims diagonally, and holding R prepares missiles before firing with B. Start opens the map and status screens.
Energy reaches zero when Samus is defeated. Energy Tanks raise maximum health, while Missile Tanks and Power Bomb Tanks expand ammunition capacity. Absorbed X parasites restore energy or ammunition. Save Stations record progress, and Recharge Stations refill supplies.
Completion records clear time and item-collection percentage, which influence the ending images.
Version Notes
The North American release uses the standard Western difficulty. The later Japanese edition added Easy, Normal, and unlockable Hard settings, plus a gallery for collected ending images.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 2002
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Original platform: Game Boy Advance
- Alternate title: Metroid 4
