#zettel #gaming/metroidvania # Metroid Fusion's Linearity Compared to Traditional Metroidvania Games works because the game is more focused on the horror elements The linear progression of this game is ok, if only because the game is designed for it. the devs wanted to ensure the player felt fear during specific portions of the game, which meant that they had to feel powerless during certain moments, or potentially as if they were being stalked in others. This is why, however, Metroid Fusion's linearity isn't a problem in my eyes. If the game were linear without a major plot then that would be annoying. But Fusion manages to capture emotions through its linearity. Compare this to [[Metroid Zero Mission]] which doesn't have any major beats when you go form Chozo Statue to Chozo Statue. These statues are to guide the player from one power up to the next, and along the way the player fights Kraid and Ridley. However, while Zero Mission is technically open-ended, the game is essentially obvious where the next place to go is (which is not a bad thing!). Fusion takes its linearity and fills the gaps created from the lack of exploration wonder with moments of horror, isolation and tenseness, which come from controlled gating of the player to be in certain places at certain times. I do find the lack of exploration until the end of the game a little obnoxious because I really want to try out some new things like shinesparking in old zones that I don't get to do until the game opens up near the very end. You don't get lost, for better, or for worse, which allows for a more controlled gameplay experience, (see [[Metroid Fusion is a Horror Game]]). This is compared to a game like [[Kirby and the Amazing Mirror]], a near Metroidvania game that is designed to make the player get lost. It's one of many great Metroidvania, exploration, etc. games that are present on the Gameboy Advance. Metroid Fusion's Linearity also allows me to say that [[The Hardest Stretch of Metroid Fusion is When the Power Goes Out and You Cannot Heal]], and every person who has beaten Metroid Fusion will understand what I mean.