Metroid II: Return of Samus Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action-Adventure / Platformer
Metroid
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1986 |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Platformer |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Weekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours) |
| Series | Metroid |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 28 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, Metroid is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo. It blends action-adventure and platformer elements.
It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Arkanoid, Dragon Quest and Ikari Warriors. Among the 68 NES action-adventure games in our database, it ranks #2 by legacy score.
It is part of the Metroid series. The series also appears on other systems with Super Metroid (SNES) and Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy). Nintendo also made Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES.
Metroid is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a game you can finish in one short session
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Metroid is like
Action-adventures blend real-time combat with exploration, puzzles and item collection. You open up a larger world gradually as new tools let you reach places you couldn't before.
Tip for newcomers: Keep a mental (or paper) map of locked doors and unreachable ledges; most action-adventures expect you to come back once you find the right item.
Metroid cheats & codes
127 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Minimum Energy Of 30 | SXSGNVSE |
|---|---|
| Infinite Rockets On Pick-Up | SZUILUVK |
| Gain 10 Rockets On Pick-Up | ZENSXLIE |
| Gain 15 Rockets On Pick-Up | YENSXLIE |
| 255 Rockets On Pick-Up | NNNSXLIE |
| Start With Over 1,600 On Life | NYXGVPLE |
Metroid walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Metroid.
If you like Metroid, the Matrix also picks…
Metroid Fusion Classic
Super Metroid Classic
Rygar Classic
Metroid: Zero Mission Classic
Bionic Commando Classic
Takeshi no Chōsenjō Classic
The Goonies II Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Metroid FAQ
When did Metroid come out on the NES?
Metroid was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986.
Who made Metroid?
It was developed by Nintendo.
Is Metroid multiplayer?
No. Metroid is a single-player game.
How long does Metroid take to play?
As an action-adventure game, Metroid typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Metroid on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.