Last Week in Defunct Games - 3DS VC Catch-Up

What Is It? Much like Metroid II (our other 3DS Virtual Console review of the day), Balloon Kid is the sequel to a popular Nintendo Entertainment System launch game. Consider this a fleshed-out version of Balloon Fight, a Joust-like action game where you float high above the city using nothing but a few balloons. This sequel adds a lot to the formula, including actual levels, a storyline and changing backgrounds. New gameplay mechanics are added to the action as the game progresses, including the ability to dive-bomb and even abandon your balloons altogether. This adds a level of variety not seen in the original Balloon Fight.

Does It Still Hold Up? The gameplay is a bit floaty, but leaps and bounds better than the NES original. The game's level designs are also better, as is the visual (and audio) presentation. There's a lot of gameplay here, though some people may find the game's repetition difficult to deal with after several hours of play.

Is It Worth The Money? I've never been a big fan of Balloon Fight, so I was skeptical about this Game Boy sequel. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, proving that Nintendo's concept was worth exploring. The game does have some gameplay issues, though the floaty controls shouldn't keep you from having a great time with this inexpensive treat. The levels are interesting and there is enough technique to keep you going for quite a few hours. Not the best Virtual Console game, but certainly one worth your $3.

What Is It? There once was a time when Metroid II was the most controversial game in the franchise. Thanks to the release of Metroid: Other M and Metroid Hunters, those days are long past us. But there's certainly something about this Game Boy follow-up that rubs people the wrong way. On its surface it looks like any other Metroid outing, complete with the female lead running around a giant world killing aliens and collecting useful items. The game plays out like a classic horror movie, where the threat of death is always just around the corner. The world is purposely isolated and cold, forcing players to creep through the maze picking off Metroids one at a time.

Unfortunately Nintendo made a few decisions that still anger longtime fans of the series. Instead of featuring an open-world the size of the NES original, the developers opted for a more linear, path-oriented adventure. The game still allows for a lot of exploration, even if the world isn't nearly as interesting this time around. Also a bone of contention is the game's mission, which involves you searching the maze-like world for Metroids to kill. There are a certain number of aliens you need to defeat. Worse yet, that number is always front and center on the screen. There's a sense that you always know what's coming next, ruining some of the excitement of discovery.

Does It Still Hold Up? The graphics here are large and well detailed, even if the backgrounds tend to be repetitive. The game's audio isn't that strong, but isn't bad enough to annoy gamers wrapped up in the solid control and interest paths. The game also features one of Nintendo's better endings, offering a heartfelt finale that needs to be seen.

Is It Worth The Money? Metroid II is a solid action game that shows off what the Game Boy was capable of. At the same time, it suffers from some questionable gameplay decisions. While I would have preferred a less linear sequel, Return of Samus is still a heck of an action game. The graphics are good, the gameplay is top notch and I still had a great time exploring this convoluted maze. Be warned that some purists may balk at the recommendation, but Metroid II is worth at least $4. Just make sure and stick around for the touching ending.