Tag Archives: Super Metroid

Super Metroid Soundtrack Reimagined: ‘From the Depths of Zebes’ LP Now Available

Super Metroid enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate with the release of “From the Depths of Zebes: Super Metroid Resynthesized” LP. This album offers a meticulously recreated version of the iconic 1994 game’s soundtrack, providing a fresh auditory experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Credit: Pixelcrib

The project is the brainchild of Louisiana-based composer and producer Jammin’ Sam Miller. Miller painstakingly reconstructed the original compositions by sourcing the exact instruments and samples used in the game’s development. He translated the MIDI data into a contemporary studio setting, incorporating modern mixing techniques to enhance the sound quality. Miller explains, “This was made possible by locating the original instrument samples from workstation keyboards and drum machines before they were put into the game and rebuilding the soundtrack from the ground up, applying some modern mixing techniques along the way to lift the veil of 16-bit compression and create an updated listening experience.”  

The album is pressed on biovinyl, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vinyl. Biovinyl replaces petroleum-based materials with recycled substances like used cooking oil or industrial waste gases, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions during production. Additionally, biovinyl is fully recyclable and reusable, aligning with sustainable production practices.  

Credit: Pixelcrib

The LP features 27 tracks, including memorable pieces such as “Theme of Super Metroid,” “Brinstar Overgrown With Vegetation Area,” and “Mother Brain.” Each track captures the atmospheric essence of the original game, blending ambient soundscapes with dynamic synth arrangements that mirror protagonist Samus Aran’s journey through the alien world of Zebes.

For those interested in adding this unique piece to their collection, “From the Depths of Zebes: Super Metroid Resynthesized” is available for purchase through PixelCrib, a retailer specializing in video game music and memorabilia.

In addition to this release, PixelCrib offers other Metroid-inspired albums, such as “Samus & Chill,” which reimagines music from the franchise in a lofi hip hop style.  

Whether you’re a vinyl collector, a Super Metroid fan, or someone who appreciates video game music, this album provides a nostalgic yet refreshed listening experience that pays homage to one of gaming’s most acclaimed soundtracks.

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Metroid Origins: The Birth of Samus Aran and the Start of an Iconic Saga

Introduction to the Galaxy’s Greatest Bounty Hunter

Samus Aran, the galaxy’s most famous bounty hunter, made her debut in 1986 with the original Metroid for the NES. Tasked with infiltrating the planet Zebes, eliminating the dangerous Metroids, and taking down the Space Pirates, her journey became a cornerstone in gaming history. This month, we dive into Samus’s origins, the evolution of her story, and the pivotal games that established Metroid as a genre-defining franchise.

The Galactic Federation and the Space Pirates

Set in the year 20X5, Metroid introduces a galaxy teetering on the edge of chaos. The Galactic Federation, established to foster peace among planets, faces a growing threat from Space Pirates. These marauding criminals steal an alien life form, the Metroid, capable of multiplying rapidly and draining life energy from its victims.

When the Federation Police fail to reclaim the stolen Metroid, they turn to Samus Aran, a mysterious bounty hunter renowned for her skill and resilience.

The Original Metroid: A Groundbreaking Adventure

Developed for the NES, Metroid was a trailblazer, blending platforming, exploration, and atmospheric storytelling. Players guided Samus through the labyrinthine caves of Zebes, searching for upgrades and facing the deadly Space Pirate commanders, Kraid and Ridley. The final showdown with Mother Brain, the Pirates’ cybernetic leader, cemented Metroid’s place in gaming history.

And then came the twist. Players who completed the game quickly were shocked to discover Samus removing her helmet, revealing her true identity as a woman—a groundbreaking moment in gaming that challenged gender norms and solidified her as an icon.

Expanding the Universe: Metroid II and Super Metroid

Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991)

Released for the Game Boy, this sequel shifted focus to SR388, the Metroids’ home planet. Tasked with exterminating the Metroid species, Samus encounters their evolutionary forms, from the Alpha stage to the ferocious Queen Metroid. The game concludes with a twist: Samus spares a baby Metroid that imprints on her, setting the stage for future installments.

Super Metroid (1994)

Considered one of the greatest games of all time, Super Metroid revisits Zebes with a cinematic flair. Samus tracks Ridley, who has stolen the baby Metroid, leading to an emotional climax as the baby sacrifices itself to save her. This installment introduced new abilities, such as diagonal aiming and the grappling beam, and refined the series’ exploration-based gameplay.

Samus’s Origins: The Chozo and Metroid Zero Mission

Over time, the series delved deeper into Samus’s backstory, revealing her childhood on K-2L, a colony destroyed by Space Pirates. Orphaned, Samus was adopted by the Chozo, an advanced bird-like race, who infused her with their DNA and equipped her with the Power Suit.

This origin story was further explored in Metroid Zero Mission (2004), a remake of the original Metroid. The game added new lore and an extended epilogue, where Samus, stripped of her Power Suit, infiltrates a Space Pirate mothership in her Zero Suit.

Legacy and Evolution

Samus’s journey continued through groundbreaking titles like Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion, each expanding the lore and refining the gameplay. In 2017, Metroid: Samus Returns, a remake of Metroid II, revisited SR388 with modern mechanics and stunning visuals, solidifying her legacy for a new generation.

Conclusion: A Hero for the Ages

Samus Aran’s story is one of resilience, tragedy, and triumph. From her humble beginnings on Zebes to her battles against the Space Pirates and beyond, she has become one of gaming’s most enduring icons. With each installment, Metroid continues to captivate players, blending atmospheric storytelling with innovative gameplay.

Source: Exploring Metroid’s Legacy