It's been a cold nine years but finally Metroid fans may rejoice - intergalactic heroine Samus Aran has hit the GBA in full 2D glory. While Metroid Prime on Gamecube took the series in a new direction (and dimension), Fusion expands on the magic of Super Metroid (the 1994 Super Nintendo classic). As the true successor to the SNES original, it does a fantastic job of polishing what many already considered perfection. I have never played my GBA this much since… well, ever.

The story starts out simply enough - Samus is assigned to a scientific research team en route to SR388. On the surface she's attacked by something new and unfamiliar - an X parasite. She's nearly killed from the inside but is saved by a vaccine containing the DNA of the only known predator of the parasite, you guessed it, a metroid. The result is a new X-proof suit and Samus is sent off to investigate the parasite with it.

Fusion introduces some new elements to the series. First off, a much greater emphasis is placed on plot and storytelling, delivering it to the gamer through cut-scenes, dialogues and even monologues. We get to see what Samus is thinking from time to time, which adds a lot more to the game than you might think. Secondly, Fusion is somewhat linear. Although you are free to explore and find secrets, you're actually taking orders this time. In other words, you always have an objective, a mini-guide if you will. Your ship's computer, Adam, tells you where you need to go and what you need to do. This can be seen as a good or bad thing depending on your play style.

When destroyed, enemies leave behind the parasite that infected them. If collected, Samus' suit can absorb these parasites and they provide her with energy or ammunition. Bosses infected with larger parasites give Samus her abilities back: beams, missiles and so on. However, there is one beast that she simply cannot slay - the SA-X, a clone of Samus at her prime but controlled by the X. This uber adversary adds a whole new edge to the Fusion universe. Encounters with the SA-X make for entertaining experiences as you find yourself running from an enemy for once.

Those familiar with the series will find that Samus has a few new tricks up her sleeve. She can now hang off cliffs and pull herself up - it's about time! Diffusion and ice missiles spice things up a bit as well. Series mainstays like the morph ball, power bombs and screw attack are all present. Personally, I was hoping for more new abilities for my favourite Space Xena but it's nothing that would change my opinion of the game.

The gameplay is very deep and fast-paced throughout. As Samus acquires new abilities she can open up new areas, secret or not, discovering new enemies and power-ups galore along the way. The basics of the game include jumping and shooting mechanics, which are enjoyable and fluid thanks to the excellent controls. My one complaint is of the length of the game; it's a little short, especially if you don't stop to find and smell the roses. However, I did have plenty of incentive to play it over and over again to find all the secrets and just for the sheer fun of it all.

Of course, no adventure would be complete without looking pretty. Fusion succeeds again in the visuals department. Cut-scenes treat you with top quality art - Samus has never looked better. Even the in-game aesthetics are exceptional; Samus is animated very well, running, jumping and firing whilst enemies spring to life, coming in all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and colours. Bosses in particular prove that the GBA is a 2D champion. Though you often end up paying little attention to the minor details while you're playing, if you do, you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Rounding off the package is the soundtrack and sound effects. Once again, Fusion gets it right. Atmospheric and non-intrusive, the music fits the Metroid theme well - simply haunting in the best way possible. The sound effects are exactly what they're supposed to be and everything sounds just right. Blasting monsters comes together perfectly with that extra delicious groan of pain added in. This is the kind of game you want to use headphones for, because with stereo things just get better.

If you're looking for the next Metroid, this is it right here. While Prime is amazing in its own right, Metroid Fusion is where it's at for the veterans of the series. This is the complete package - great graphics, dazzling audio and brilliant gameplay. It's a little short but certainly long enough for a portable game. Buy it. Play it. If you don't, you're missing out, take my word for it. It's been a very long, painful wait, but Fusion has turned out to be one of the best (if not the best) Game Boy Advance games out there.

Reviewed by AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).