《銀河戰士》（Metroid）是由任天堂於1986年首次推出的動作冒險遊戲，最初登陸於紅白機（Famicom Disk System）和NES平台。由橫井軍平、坂本賀勇等人設計，融合動作、探索與科幻元素的經典之作，同時也奠定「類銀河戰士惡魔城」此類型作品的基石。以其非線性的關卡設計、神祕的氛圍以及當時創新的玩法，帶來獨特的冒險旅程。

背景設定在遙遠的未來，銀河聯邦在太空中致力於維護和平。然而，宇宙海盜奪取名為「銀河戰士」（Metroid）的神祕生物，並將其帶回名為「Zebes」的星球，企圖利用這種寄生生物作為武器，對銀河聯邦展開威脅。這些銀河戰士擁有吸取能量並快速繁殖的能力，一旦被武器化，將對整個銀河系構成致命威脅。

銀河聯邦派出被名為「薩姆斯·亞蘭」（Samus Aran）的賞金獵人，她的任務是潛入Zebes星，摧毀銀河戰士並消滅宇宙海盜的頭目—母腦（Mother Brain）。然而，在這場任務中，薩姆斯的過去逐漸被揭示，她的勇氣與智慧將受到極限挑戰。值得一提的是，在最後會發現令人震驚的事實：薩姆斯·亞蘭其實是女性，這在當時的遊戲界是極為罕見的設計，挑戰性別刻板印象，也讓這角色成為遊戲史上的經典。

採用橫向捲軸模式，在迷宮般的Zebes星中探索。配備強大的動能炮（Arm Cannon），隨著遊戲進行，解鎖更多武器與能力，例如飛彈（Missile）、炸彈（Bomb）、以及著名的「螺旋球」（Morph Ball）形態，能夠變形滾入狹窄的通道。其非線性舞台設計是其最大特色之一。探索巨大的地圖，尋找隱藏的升級物品與關鍵路徑，同時面對各種敵人與陷阱。因為不提供明確的方向指引，要記住地圖結構，通過反覆嘗試來推進進程。這種自由探索的設計在當時的遊戲中非常罕見，帶來高度的沉浸感與成就感。

戰鬥方面，應對來自不同敵人的攻擊，包括在地圖中出現的小型敵人，以及兩大重要頭目：克雷德（Kraid）和雷德雷（Ridley）。最終，她將與母腦進行激烈的決戰。挑戰性十足，需要靈活運用武器與能力，並掌握敵人的行動模式。Zebes星的地圖分為多個區域，包括布林斯塔（Brinstar）、諾弗艾爾（Norfair）、以及母腦所在的圖林（Tourian）。每個區域都有其獨特的地形與敵人設計，並透過不同的視覺風格與音樂營造出獨特的氣氛。

音效與配樂是其重要特色之一，由田中宏和創作的背景音樂以低沉與神祕的旋律為主，完美地強化孤獨感與緊張氛圍。與此同時，部分區域選擇無配樂的設計，僅以環境音效表現星球的壓抑感與未知的危機，讓人更加投入於探索過程。謎題設計主要圍繞隱藏的路徑與道具，許多重要的升級物品被巧妙地藏在牆壁後方或需要使用特定能力才能到達的地方。這種設計激勵玩家仔細探索並實驗不同的能力，從而形成高度互動的遊戲體驗。

在發售後獲得廣泛的讚譽，特別是在日本和北美市場。評論家與玩家一致稱讚其創新的非線性關卡設計與緊張的氣氛。儘管難度被認為對新手玩家不太友善，但熟練的玩家會享受到遊戲提供的深度挑戰與探索樂趣。女性主角設定也成為當時的亮點之一。在遊戲史上，女性角色多數是被拯救的對象，但薩姆斯·亞蘭作為強大且獨立的角色，突破此刻板印象，對後來的角色設計產生深遠影響。然而，由於當時的技術限制，也面臨部分批評，例如地圖缺乏標記功能導致玩家容易迷路，以及某些區域的敵人難度設計過於懲罰性。但這些問題並未影響整體評價。

《銀河戰士》的成功使其成為任天堂的主要系列之一，隨後推出多部續作與重製版本，包括《超級銀河戰士》（Super Metroid）和《銀河戰士Prime》系列，進而擴展其宇宙觀與玩法深度。作為遊戲史上最具影響力的作品之一，不僅影響「類銀河戰士惡魔城」類型的興起，也為動作冒險遊戲樹立全新標準。

Metroid was first released by Nintendo in 1986 as an action-adventure game for the Famicom Disk System and the NES. Designed by Gunpei Yokoi, Yoshio Sakamoto, and others, it became a classic that fused action, exploration, and sci-fi elements, laying the groundwork for the "Metroidvania" genre. With its non-linear level design, mysterious atmosphere, and innovative gameplay, it offered a unique adventure experience.

Story and Setting

Set in a distant future, the Galactic Federation strives to maintain peace in space. However, Space Pirates capture a mysterious lifeform known as a "Metroid" and bring it to the planet Zebes, intending to weaponize its parasitic energy-draining and rapid reproduction capabilities. If successful, the Metroids would pose a dire threat to the entire galaxy.

The Galactic Federation assigns bounty hunter Samus Aran to infiltrate Zebes, destroy the Metroids, and eliminate the Space Pirates' leader, Mother Brain. During this mission, Samus's past gradually comes to light, and her courage and intellect are pushed to their limits.

In a surprising twist at the end, players discover that Samus Aran is female, a revelation that was groundbreaking at the time and challenged gender stereotypes in gaming. This twist cemented her as one of the most iconic characters in video game history.

Gameplay and Exploration

The game features side-scrolling gameplay as players explore the labyrinthine planet Zebes. Armed with a powerful Arm Cannon, Samus gains access to new weapons and abilities throughout her journey, such as Missiles, Bombs, and the iconic Morph Ball, allowing her to roll through narrow passages.

The hallmark of the game is its non-linear stage design. Players explore a vast map, uncovering hidden upgrades and critical paths while encountering various enemies and traps. Without clear directions, progression relies on memorizing the map's structure and using trial and error, offering an immersive sense of exploration and accomplishment.

Combat involves facing various enemies, including two major bosses—Kraid and Ridley—before an intense final showdown with Mother Brain. These battles require strategic use of weapons and abilities, as well as mastering enemy patterns.

Planet Zebes and Its Atmosphere

Zebes is divided into multiple regions, including Brinstar, Norfair, and Tourian, where Mother Brain resides. Each area features unique terrain and enemy designs, creating distinct visual styles and atmospheres.

The game's sound design and music, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, are integral to its experience. The soundtrack emphasizes low, mysterious melodies, enhancing the feelings of loneliness and tension. In some areas, the absence of music is replaced with ambient sound effects, heightening the oppressive and enigmatic mood of the alien planet.

Puzzles and Challenges

The puzzles primarily revolve around hidden paths and items. Many upgrades are cleverly concealed behind destructible walls or require specific abilities to access, encouraging players to thoroughly explore and experiment with Samus's arsenal. This interactive design creates a highly engaging gameplay experience.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Metroid was widely acclaimed, particularly in Japan and North America. Critics and players praised its innovative non-linear level design and tense atmosphere. While its difficulty was considered unfriendly to beginners, experienced players appreciated its depth and the satisfaction of exploration.

The decision to make Samus Aran a strong, independent female protagonist was a standout feature. At a time when female characters were often portrayed as damsels in distress, Samus broke stereotypes and influenced future character designs in gaming.

However, the game faced some criticism due to technical limitations of the time. The lack of a map feature made navigation challenging, often leaving players lost, and certain enemy encounters were overly punishing. Despite these issues, the game’s overall reception remained highly positive.

Impact and Sequels

The success of Metroid established it as one of Nintendo's flagship franchises. It spawned numerous sequels and remakes, including Super Metroid and the Metroid Prime series, expanding the series' lore and gameplay depth.

As one of the most influential games in history, Metroid not only catalyzed the rise of the Metroidvania genre but also set new standards for action-adventure games.