Welcome to VC Weekly, N-Europe's guide to the wonderful world of Nintendo's download service. Written by Sam C Gittins.

Yes it's finally here! Super Metroid has landed on the Virtual Console mere weeks before the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 3 : Corruption, what better time to revisit Samus' finest 2D hour? Anyway enough from me and on with the games!

Available for download this week we have...

• Super Metroid
• Probotector II : Return of the Evil Forces

Points: 800
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Released: 1994
System: SNES

A game so iconic that it needs no introduction and yet it's so awesome that it demands one; Super Metroid has long been considered by many to be the definitive game in the long running series. Featuring all of the elements that made the previous two installments so successful, adding a glorious colour palette, a fully functional map / inventory screen and so much more made possible by capitalising on the capabilities of one of Nintendo's most successful systems; the SNES.

Set soon after the events of Metroid II it all begins with Samus escorting a single infant Metroid (the last remaining example of it's species) to an intergalactic research centre where it was planned for it to be researched with the hope of utilising it's energy storing capabilities for the benefit of Earth. Upon her later return though she finds that all the crew are dead and the Metroid sample hidden away in a room at the back; it's at this point that the Dragon-like Ridley swoops in, snatches the hatchling and flees to the planet Zebes the home of the original Metroid.

Naturally our favourite intergalactic bounty hunter doesn't stand for this and so Samus suits up, boots up and takes pursuit in her gunship to the planets surface where the adventure truly begins. From this very point the true essence of Metroid is captured; alone on a planet inhabited by various vicious indigenous lifeforms you must run, jump, shoot, spin, roll,bomb and even screw your way through the subsequent sub areas which the planet is composed of.

Right from the start, controlling Samus is nothing short of mesmerising, immersing and impressive; you always feel in complete control thanks to the well honed programming which amazingly manages to incorporate an astounding array of upgrades which you accumulate during your expansive environmental exploration. You will find yourself progressing through this game in a way which just does not compare to anything else out there, at the start you will encounter ways which are inaccessible for reasons unknown but as you traverse alternative terrain you will most likely find an upgrade or item which will then make you think "oh I get it now" and it's this element which sets the game apart.

You can be wandering about in nonchalantly in Norfair, reach a dead end wandering what to do next, plant a bomb in a certain place while in morphball mode and then end up in uncharted territory below. All of the distinctive varied locations have a wonderful atmosphere of their own, each is lavishly lacquered with painstaking attention to detail in both the surrounding area and the accompanying sprites; an instance of particular note is the corpse of trooper surrounded by small organisms feasting on flesh which once approached proceed to hurriedly scurry away.

An accompanying soundtrack which is as much an aural achievement in it's own right as it is the masterful mood-setting melody which it's intended to be. Indeed these subtle nuances are merely the candy atop a carefully crafted cake; it's the cream layer that is the beautifully balanced boss battles, frantic fire-fights, patience praying puzzles and the unrivalled feeling of isolation which makes this a truly epically enjoyable experience.

So much brilliance which encompasses much of Nintendo's true magic is contained within this brilliant behemoth sized adventure that really has to be played in order to truly appreciate it. Super Metroid is an example of the rare breed; a "true game" such is the simple satisfaction of merely playing it and the exorbitant elusive feeling of elation accumulated from the smallest bit of progression ensures that it is worthy of such a title.

Verdict : An exceptional unrivaled example of an exploration game.

Points: 500
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Konami
Released: 1992
System: NES

Contra as it's perhaps more commonly known was a decent example of the "run n gun" genre when it was first released and as such it earned itself a cult following; so naturally Konami decided to follow up with this the inevitable sequel.

Essentially it's the same, you control the original protagonists who resemble Arnie from Commando and Stallone from Rambo who then basically go on a riotous rampage through several scrolling sections, engaging enemies and fleeing from fire.

Obtainable offensives include mega machine guns, spread-fire shotguns and rock-ard rocket launchers for passing out pain. Run, gun, jump, dump is essentially the key here as you progress through the limited linear levels.

Boss battles are brutal and are a somewhat testing trial by fire as you run around, shoot, cover, run, shoot and then find the bosses weak point, attacking it for massive damage. While it's all quite trying overall it's somewhat easier than the first and features more of the essentially easier overhead sections throughout.

Overall it's a solid effort which plays well, looks nice, sounds great and does what it says on the tin. Providing both an accomplished arcade action experience with a dulled down difficulty level this is a suitable starting point for noobs to the series and a satisfying shooter for veterans as well.

Verdict : An easier yet more engaging experience than the first.

Sam will return in VC Weekly #35... So until then, enjoy the rest of the week and Game On!

Sam Gittins
[email protected]