Metroid Database Bestiary

The Metroid is a mysterious and terrifying life-form discovered on Planet SR-388. This parasite will latch onto its prey using its sharp talons and drain away its life-energy, leaving behind the mummified remains. Once a Metroid has latched on to its prey with all four of its claws, it is difficult to remove with anything but explosives, often killing the victim in the process.

Metroids hatch from eggs and quickly grow to their adult form upon consuming life energy. Their bodies are initially soft in larval form but their gelatinous bodies will gain a protective shell that is impervious to most attacks from beams and missiles. They can only be defeated once this shell is frozen with the Ice Beam and shattered with missiles. Metroids will also reproduce through mimesis if exposed to beta rays for 24 hours, but on the surface of SR-388, they will also molt into more powerful mutations.

SR-388 is believed to be the Metroids’ homeworld. If even a single Metroid were left unchecked, it could multiply rapidly and destroy galactic civilization. The planet’s civilization was destroyed rapidly and mysteriously, and the Metroid is believed to be the cause of this destruction.

Freeze the Metroids with the Ice Beam and shoot them with five Missiles. Stand as close as you can to dispatch them quickly. If you don’t, they will thaw in three seconds. Metroids move incredibly fast on the Game Boy’s small screen, so you must react quickly. Should a Metroid latch onto you, quickly roll into a ball and drop bombs. If you are close to a door, you can move to the next room, and the Metroid will let go. Screw Attacking will prevent you from taking damage and reflect any Metroids trying to grab you. The Metroids’ locations are easy to remember after several play-throughs, so you can anticipate their appearance.

You can spot Metroids in several locations molting into Alpha Metroids, but you only fight them in the Queen Hive.