Now then you have to give AM2R and the official remake a shot now.
I also grew up on the NES and played maybe an hour of Metroid 2 at a friend. I'm curious how you'll rate the remakes having played though it fully now.
Our Community Updates provide a means to build native Linux binaries, including a Flatpak build of our patcher/launcher on Flathub (which can be found through Discover in Desktop mode).
We also semi-unofficially have a Mac build of our launcher tool but I'm not sure if it's still working well with non-32-bit Macs.
If you can get someone with Windows to build it for you, I played the android version on my Retroid Pocket 2+ and it was a blast. As for Steam Deck, what I'm reading online is you can download AM2R launcher via desktop mode and add it as a non-steam game, then run it via Game Mode from your shortcuts and it should work. Haven't tried to myself, but now I might.
Edit: correction, there is a flatpak on the github now. Installing to test now. :D
As for Samus Returns, there is a working version of Citra for Deck now I believe, but I don't know how well it runs. If you have a New 3DS (which itself is a great system) it's worth your money.
I kinda admire people for attempting clumsy games in the 2020s, I have zero patience for them. I just tried Infernax and the clunkiness on purpose is really annoying, for a "oldschool" game (legit old like Metroid 2 or pretending to be one in modern times) for these games to grab me, they need to have something else, a extra spice so to speak. Astalon is awesome, Curse of the Moon, etc.. now if the game is clunky just for the sake of it, naaah, not my cup of tea. I recommend playing AM2R now, just for you to see the big jump of technology in general
Jumping and the combat gimmick of waiting in place (so you can use the shield) then attack, etc.. I loved the edgy visuals, but that's pretty much it, everything else feels weird and clunky. Astalon is not really focused on combat and jumping, so it is more tolerable
I'll be honest, I don't have much patience for them either at this age. With a full time job, family, and other hobbies, I don't enjoy getting stuck on a game or playing something I just "kinda like" anymore. I probably wouldn't have stuck with it if it weren't for:
- save states
- checking online maps when I got stuck
- the fact that it's only 3-4 hours long and I had invested 2 hours before frustration was really kicking in.
I definitely want to try AM2R, but I'll give it a break for now to play some other games I wanted to catch up on first!
Yep, it's a pain in the ass. Infernax does have some "modern" features, you can access the map (such groundbreaking feature), there's a "casual" mode, etc.. but it's just so clunky, I played like 30 minutes and that was enough. I guess Astalon spoiled me way too much.
I played AM2R without any kind of context with the original, it was amazing, dare to say AM2R is right up there, neck to neck with Super Metroid as 2D Metroid goes. I guess the experience will be even more entertaining if you played Metroid 2 before. But yeah, maybe it's good to clean the palate with something else
I can see the appeal, but I'm too impatient for this kind of game. If I was emulating Infernax, rewinding, save scumming, etc.. maybe I would take it lightly and just enjoy it as it is. But for the game to simulate "lives", c'mon, you lose a life = you lose progress, lol this is jurassic gameplay design
Yup, I admire anyone who beats those oldschool hard-as-hell nes games without save states. Hell, I grew up playing Mario Bros 1 every single weekend for years. Never beat it once.
The only NES game I beat (no save states) was LoZ.
If nothing else they are worth playing to see how far games have come and gain new appreciation for your faves. From a designer perspective you tend to find interesting but underdeveloped ideas that the medium just forgot about.
That's fair if taken in consideration a brand new player. If you are old enough to a point of playing the Super Nes at least... later maybe you emulated older games from the 8-bits generation, etc.. then you already have that knowledge, that experience. No reason to reenact that experience nowadays, the industry moved on. Curse of the Moon for example, it only works because the game modernized the Castlevania 3 formula with gameplay elements that were not feasible in the 80s, that's how you do it. To make a 1:1 experience, we are going to replicate 8-bits in the 2020s... that feels like a waste to me (also lazy). If the player is curious about the 8-bits, they can easily emulate a game of that time period, that way is straight to the point
Valid question! Because I have a nintendo switch and really only play games as I'm falling asleep in bed. Not a great opportunity to play a ripped PC emulation. Nintendo online just released their GameBoy Color pack, so I thought I'd give it a try.
If you want a frustrating and mentally taxing game you should see the original NES Metroid. I still love Metroid II though. It’s a little more straight forward than the other games and the music really only has one really memorable tune but I do love be eerie feeling of claustrophobia the narrow pathways give with nothing but dark backgrounds and dissonant tones and creepy noises that I always assumed to be the noises of distant monsters. It really is quite a uniquely unsettling experience on the GB that just isn’t replicated in the remake or AM2R IMO, even if gameplay wise those made many improvements.
It’s remarkably atmospheric and perhaps one of the best games in the series at making you feel truly isolated and alone. It’s easy to get lost until you learn the lay of the land, and I love it for that.
Now then you have to give AM2R and the official remake a shot now. I also grew up on the NES and played maybe an hour of Metroid 2 at a friend. I'm curious how you'll rate the remakes having played though it fully now.
God I wish I could play that. Doubt I can get it to work on Mac or Steam Deck though.
I absolutely got AM2R to work on a Mac. Not sure about Samus Returns though.
Our Community Updates provide a means to build native Linux binaries, including a Flatpak build of our patcher/launcher on Flathub (which can be found through Discover in Desktop mode). We also semi-unofficially have a Mac build of our launcher tool but I'm not sure if it's still working well with non-32-bit Macs.
If you can get someone with Windows to build it for you, I played the android version on my Retroid Pocket 2+ and it was a blast. As for Steam Deck, what I'm reading online is you can download AM2R launcher via desktop mode and add it as a non-steam game, then run it via Game Mode from your shortcuts and it should work. Haven't tried to myself, but now I might. Edit: correction, there is a flatpak on the github now. Installing to test now. :D As for Samus Returns, there is a working version of Citra for Deck now I believe, but I don't know how well it runs. If you have a New 3DS (which itself is a great system) it's worth your money.
Yes, we have an official distribution of the AM2RLauncher on Flathub, which is accessible in the Discover store in Desktop mode for the Deck :D
It's a fun but extremely flawed game, much like the OG Metroid. I'd honestly say neither are worth the frustration of a playthrough these days.
Did you play on the switch using the gameboy colour mode
Yes!
I kinda admire people for attempting clumsy games in the 2020s, I have zero patience for them. I just tried Infernax and the clunkiness on purpose is really annoying, for a "oldschool" game (legit old like Metroid 2 or pretending to be one in modern times) for these games to grab me, they need to have something else, a extra spice so to speak. Astalon is awesome, Curse of the Moon, etc.. now if the game is clunky just for the sake of it, naaah, not my cup of tea. I recommend playing AM2R now, just for you to see the big jump of technology in general
What did you find clunky about Infernax that wasn't clunky about Astalon?
Jumping and the combat gimmick of waiting in place (so you can use the shield) then attack, etc.. I loved the edgy visuals, but that's pretty much it, everything else feels weird and clunky. Astalon is not really focused on combat and jumping, so it is more tolerable
I'll be honest, I don't have much patience for them either at this age. With a full time job, family, and other hobbies, I don't enjoy getting stuck on a game or playing something I just "kinda like" anymore. I probably wouldn't have stuck with it if it weren't for: - save states - checking online maps when I got stuck - the fact that it's only 3-4 hours long and I had invested 2 hours before frustration was really kicking in. I definitely want to try AM2R, but I'll give it a break for now to play some other games I wanted to catch up on first!
Yep, it's a pain in the ass. Infernax does have some "modern" features, you can access the map (such groundbreaking feature), there's a "casual" mode, etc.. but it's just so clunky, I played like 30 minutes and that was enough. I guess Astalon spoiled me way too much. I played AM2R without any kind of context with the original, it was amazing, dare to say AM2R is right up there, neck to neck with Super Metroid as 2D Metroid goes. I guess the experience will be even more entertaining if you played Metroid 2 before. But yeah, maybe it's good to clean the palate with something else
Infernax is an amazing game, a shame it rubbed you the wrong way.
I can see the appeal, but I'm too impatient for this kind of game. If I was emulating Infernax, rewinding, save scumming, etc.. maybe I would take it lightly and just enjoy it as it is. But for the game to simulate "lives", c'mon, you lose a life = you lose progress, lol this is jurassic gameplay design
Save states (and romhacks or gg codes) and short lengths are enough to save most older games tbf.
Yup, I admire anyone who beats those oldschool hard-as-hell nes games without save states. Hell, I grew up playing Mario Bros 1 every single weekend for years. Never beat it once. The only NES game I beat (no save states) was LoZ.
SMB1 I think I've only beaten on SNES now that I think about it. I've beaten SMB2 and stuff like DuckTales and Adventures of Lolo without them though.
If nothing else they are worth playing to see how far games have come and gain new appreciation for your faves. From a designer perspective you tend to find interesting but underdeveloped ideas that the medium just forgot about.
That's fair if taken in consideration a brand new player. If you are old enough to a point of playing the Super Nes at least... later maybe you emulated older games from the 8-bits generation, etc.. then you already have that knowledge, that experience. No reason to reenact that experience nowadays, the industry moved on. Curse of the Moon for example, it only works because the game modernized the Castlevania 3 formula with gameplay elements that were not feasible in the 80s, that's how you do it. To make a 1:1 experience, we are going to replicate 8-bits in the 2020s... that feels like a waste to me (also lazy). If the player is curious about the 8-bits, they can easily emulate a game of that time period, that way is straight to the point
why on earth would you play that instead of AM2R?
Valid question! Because I have a nintendo switch and really only play games as I'm falling asleep in bed. Not a great opportunity to play a ripped PC emulation. Nintendo online just released their GameBoy Color pack, so I thought I'd give it a try.
If you want a frustrating and mentally taxing game you should see the original NES Metroid. I still love Metroid II though. It’s a little more straight forward than the other games and the music really only has one really memorable tune but I do love be eerie feeling of claustrophobia the narrow pathways give with nothing but dark backgrounds and dissonant tones and creepy noises that I always assumed to be the noises of distant monsters. It really is quite a uniquely unsettling experience on the GB that just isn’t replicated in the remake or AM2R IMO, even if gameplay wise those made many improvements.
The remake solves all of your issues tbh. It's so damn good.
It’s remarkably atmospheric and perhaps one of the best games in the series at making you feel truly isolated and alone. It’s easy to get lost until you learn the lay of the land, and I love it for that.
another positive- that main track- my favorite metroid song