Metroid: Samus Returns is a side-scrolling action-adventure displayed in a 2.5D perspective.[1] Players take control of series protagonist Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who explores labyrinthine environments, kills hostile aliens, and collects power-ups to gain access to new areas.[2][3] Samus Returns is a remake of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus;[4] as such, it features a story and structure similar to the original game, but with new controls, visuals, and gameplay.[2][3][5]
The game introduces some features that are new to the side-scrolling Metroid games.[5] Samus can perform a melee counterattack to deal critical damage on foes. In Metroid II, her firing direction was limited to specific angles, whereas now she is capable of firing freely at any angle.[3] Samus also has a selection of new powers, called Aeion abilities, that rely on an energy gauge for their usage. One example of an Aeion ability is the Scan Pulse, which lets Samus scan the surrounding environment for hidden pathways and items. The game also features Teleport Stations, allowing Samus to fast travel between areas.[6] Several abilities introduced after Metroid II are implemented in Samus Returns, such as the Grapple Beam, Power Bombs, and Super Missiles.[7]