《銀河戰士2：薩姆斯的回歸》（Metroid II: Return of Samus）是由任天堂於1991年為Game Boy推出的動作冒險遊戲，也是該系列的第二部作品。延續前作的故事，並在掌上遊戲機平台上發展系列的探索和戰鬥核心，為系列宇宙的世界觀打下重要基礎。在許多方面進行改進，特別是關於劇情的深度與角色能力的進化。

故事發生在初代事件之後，銀河聯邦得知銀河戰士（Metroids）的危險性，決定徹底根除這種威脅。他們派出多次遠征隊到達銀河戰士的母星SR388，卻都無功而返，甚至全軍覆沒。迫於無奈，聯邦再度請求薩姆斯·阿蘭（Samus Aran）協助，這位傳奇的賞金獵人被指派到SR388展開滅絕銀河戰士的任務。

薩姆斯深入SR388星球的地下迷宮，逐漸消滅銀河戰士的不同形態，包括幼體（Larva）、α形態、β形態、伽瑪形態、Ω形態，最後直面強大的銀河戰士女王（Queen Metroid）。然而，在消滅所有銀河戰士後，發現一個剛孵化的銀河戰士幼體。這隻幼體將薩姆斯當作母親般依附著她，最終她選擇帶著這隻幼體離開SR388，而不是將其殺死。這舉動為後續的故事埋下伏筆，也展現薩姆斯不僅僅是無情的戰士，還擁有深刻的人性。

由於Game Boy的技術限制，採用較為簡化的畫面表現，但在操作和遊戲設計上進行多項創新，擴展玩家的能力和遊戲深度。動能炮（Arm Cannon）在本作中加入新功能，並引入多種全新的能力，提升在探索與戰鬥中的靈活性。新增以下核心能力：

•蜘蛛球（Spider Ball）：能夠沿著牆壁和天花板移動，極大地擴展可探索範圍。

•跳躍球（Spring Ball）：能在螺旋球（Morph Ball）形態下進行跳躍，減少對炸彈跳躍的依賴。

•等離子光束（Plasma Beam）和波動光束（Wave Beam）：提供更強大的射擊能力，能夠穿透敵人或障礙物。

採用以滅絕銀河戰士為核心的目標系統，整個地圖被設計為一系列互相連接的區域，每個區域都有特定數量的銀河戰士需要擊敗。當消滅一組銀河戰士後，地圖中的熔岩會下降，解鎖新的探索路徑。這種設計在當時被認為是相當創新的，並且有效地引導未來的進程。戰鬥中，需要面對各種銀河戰士形態，它們的攻擊模式隨著進化而變得更加複雜和危險，迫使玩家靈活運用能力和武器。同時，依然保留非線性探索的核心元素，需要仔細尋找隱藏的通路與升級道具，例如能量罐（Energy Tanks）與飛彈儲存槽（Missile Expansions）。

SR388的環境設計更加壓迫和孤立，雖然受限於Game Boy的單色畫面，但通過簡潔的像素藝術和獨特的地形設計，營造出壓抑且神秘的氣氛。音樂與音效由田中宏和負責製作，其簡單而富有實驗性的背景音樂完美契合SR388的荒涼感，增強整體的沉浸感。

與前作相比，關卡結構更加集中於垂直和水平的深層探索，地圖的設計雖然簡單，但擁有多種隱藏的路徑與秘密物品，激勵玩家深入探索。此外，蜘蛛球能力的加入為垂直關卡設計帶來更多可能性，可以到達以往無法觸及的地方。銀河戰士女王的最終決戰是遊戲中的亮點之一。她龐大的體型與強大的攻擊手段使這場戰鬥充滿挑戰，要利用所有能力和策略才能取勝。當年在發售後獲得普遍的好評，特別是在探索與戰鬥機制上的創新得到玩家和評論家的讚譽。許多人認為，該作對薩姆斯角色的塑造更加立體，並通過引入母性情感的劇情元素，使故事層面上達到新的高度。然而，也因某些限制而受到批評，例如Game Boy硬體的單色畫面導致區域辨識度較低，且地圖系統缺乏視覺化的呈現，容易讓人迷路。儘管如此，仍然被認為是系列的重要里程碑，其成功為《超級銀河戰士》（Super Metroid）的誕生奠定基礎。

多年後，任天堂於2017年推出本作的重製版本3DS《銀河戰士：薩姆斯歸來》（Metroid: Samus Returns），為原作的故事與玩法注入現代化的表現與設計，進一步鞏固《銀河戰士2》在系列歷史中的地位。總的來說，該作不僅延續系列的經典風格，還成功地為其宇宙觀增添更多層次，使其成為遊戲史上的經典之一。

Metroid II: Return of Samus is a 1991 action-adventure game developed by Nintendo for the Game Boy and the second installment in the Metroid series. Building on the story of its predecessor, the game expands the series’ exploration and combat mechanics while laying a crucial foundation for the Metroid universe on a handheld platform. With enhancements in narrative depth and character abilities, it became a significant milestone for the franchise.

Story Overview

Set after the events of the original game, the Galactic Federation recognizes the existential threat posed by the Metroids and resolves to exterminate them. Multiple expeditions to the Metroids’ home planet, SR388, fail disastrously, with all teams wiped out. In desperation, the Federation enlists legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran to eliminate the Metroid threat.

Samus ventures deep into the labyrinthine underground of SR388, systematically eradicating Metroids in their various evolutionary stages, including Larva, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Omega forms, culminating in a confrontation with the Queen Metroid. After completing her mission, she discovers a newly hatched Metroid larva that imprints on her, mistaking her for its mother. Rather than destroying it, Samus chooses to spare the larva and leaves SR388 with it, a decision that sets the stage for future events and highlights her humanity beyond her role as a warrior.

Gameplay and Innovations

Despite the technical limitations of the Game Boy, Metroid II introduced numerous gameplay innovations and expanded player abilities, enriching the experience of exploration and combat. The game added several key abilities:

Spider Ball: Allows Samus to traverse walls and ceilings, dramatically expanding exploration possibilities.

Spring Ball: Enables jumping in Morph Ball form, reducing reliance on bomb jumps.

Plasma Beam and Wave Beam: Offer more powerful attacks, capable of penetrating enemies or obstacles.

Players start with 99 energy points, which can be depleted by enemy attacks or environmental hazards like lava. Energy can be replenished by defeating enemies to collect restorative orbs. The default weapon is a basic laser beam, with options to switch to more powerful, limited-ammo missiles. Progression unlocks items like bombs and the Spider Ball, which are essential for exploring hidden paths and acquiring upgrades.

The game’s mission centers on exterminating 39 Metroids scattered across interconnected areas. Progress is tied to this task: defeating a specific number of Metroids in an area causes lava levels to recede, unlocking new paths for exploration. This objective-driven design was innovative at the time and guided players through the game’s progression intuitively.

Combat and Exploration

The Metroids evolve into increasingly complex and dangerous forms, requiring players to adapt their strategies using new abilities and weapons. The game retains the series’ hallmark non-linear exploration, rewarding players who diligently search for hidden pathways and upgrades such as Energy Tanks and Missile Expansions.

The oppressive, isolated environment of SR388 is amplified by the Game Boy’s monochrome graphics, which rely on minimalist pixel art and unique terrain designs to evoke a sense of mystery and foreboding. The soundtrack, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, enhances the desolate atmosphere with experimental and minimalist compositions that complement the alien world.

Level Design and Boss Battles

Metroid II emphasizes deep vertical and horizontal exploration, with levels designed to challenge players to uncover secrets. The introduction of the Spider Ball opens new possibilities for vertical navigation, allowing access to previously unreachable areas.

The final battle with the Queen Metroid is a standout moment, with her massive size and formidable attacks presenting a climactic challenge. Defeating her requires strategic use of Samus’ full arsenal and abilities.

Reception and Legacy

At its release, Metroid II was widely praised for its innovative exploration and combat mechanics. Critics and players lauded the game’s enhancements to Samus’ character and its inclusion of emotional depth, such as the introduction of maternal themes in the storyline.

However, the game faced criticism for certain limitations, such as the lack of visual differentiation in areas due to the Game Boy’s monochrome display and the absence of a detailed map system, which made navigation challenging.

Despite these shortcomings, Metroid II is considered a landmark title in the series, paving the way for the critically acclaimed Super Metroid.

Modern Remake

In 2017, Nintendo released Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS, a modern reimagining of Metroid II. The remake introduced updated visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and new features that brought the story and gameplay into the modern era, solidifying Metroid II’s importance in the franchise's history.

Conclusion

Metroid II: Return of Samus is a classic that successfully extended the series' core elements while enriching its lore and gameplay. Its innovations and emotional depth left a lasting impact, making it a vital chapter in gaming history and an enduring part of the Metroid legacy.