Metroid: Samus Returns introduces free aim, melee counter and more special abilities

Free aim and melee counters are just some of the new abilities players will have in Nintendo’s new 3DS game, Metroid: Samus Returns.

Yoshio Sakamoto, an executive officer at Nintendo and co-creator of Metroid, explained in a video that the goal was to evolve the traditional gameplay and combat system seen in Metroid 2: Return of Samus, released in 1991 for the Game Boy, while still ensuring that it kept the defining traits of Metroid alive. One of the examples Sakamoto uses is the free fire option, which allows players to stand still and fire their weapon at a 360-degree angle. If they would prefer to play more traditionally, however, players can still run while shooting in one direction.

The melee counter is another gameplay mechanic being added to the game that Sakamoto said is one of the most recommended for players. If the X button is pressed at just the right time, Samus is able to parry the attack and stun the enemy, giving her just enough time to unleash an attack on the unsuspecting enemy. The challenge comes with hitting the X button at precisely the right moment to get it to work.

Nintendo

Sakamoto added that because this is a full remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus, there are new items that are being introduced in Metroid: Samus Returns which were never in the original. For example, Samus Returns will have something called “Aeion abilities.” Aeion is a special energy and when Samus equips it, she can power up a number of her abilities at once. If Samus uses it to power her fire, she can unleash a machine gun attack and fire multiple shots repeatedly.

All of the new items and abilities available in Metroid: Samus Returns can be seen in action in the video above.

Metroid: Samus Returns will be released on Sept. 15 for the 3DS.