Metroid: Other M, is a sci-fi shooter starring bounty hunter Samus Aran. She is on a mission to save a ship that has sent out a distress call. It’s part of the Metroid series.
Click a title to learn more about each topic.
Story & Themes
This game takes place after several other Metroid games and makes some references to previous plot points.
br>
Samus Aran, bounty hunter, responds to a distress call from a nearby ship. When she arrives, she encounters her old military platoon, who have also responded to the signal. The ship is crawling with monsters, and Samus and the military personnel must destroy the monsters and attempt to find the crew of the ship.
br>
Notably, this is the first Metroid game in which Samus Aran has a voice. Periodically the player experiences flashbacks or inner monologues which reveal parts of Samus's past.
br>
Other M uses a combination of first- and third-person perspectives.
Heads Up!
Violence This game involves lots of fighting with futuristic weapons, largely against monstrous aliens.
Scary Imagery There are lots of scary monsters in this game, but playing it won't make most teenagers feel too nervous.
Sex & Nudity Samus Aran is frequently shown in her skin-tight "zero-suit."
Discrimination Other M has been criticized for misogynistic and inconsistent treatment of its lead female protagonist. The game includes several flashbacks and inner monologues which reveal information about Samus's past and current emotional state. These moments were controversial for fans because Samus was often portrayed as in a deep emotional distress, instead of stoically kicking butt like usual. Additionally, the player must watch lengthy animations of Samus in a skin-tight "zero-suit" instead of her usual bulky armor.
b>
Further, in past games, Samus is treated as an incredibly well-known and admired military asset. Despite this, in Other M, Samus takes orders from a male commander who generally treats her as if she is getting in his way and doesn't know what she's doing.
Conversation Starters
- Why do you think Samus isn't trusted to know more about the situation, given her illustrious military record?
- Why do you think we see so many shots of Samus in her skin-tight suit, but none of the other characters wear skin-tight suits?
- Do you think that having emotions makes a character weak? Why or why not?
- Were you annoyed by any of the characters in this game? Why?