Metroid II isn't what Metroid is any more. In the 20 years since this second installment in the series shipped, Samus Aran's adventures have become much more focused and guided. Map screens, position-orienting beacons and other navigational aids have moved the franchise away from the open and unassisted exploration that defined early efforts like this one -- and that makes Return of Samus all the more shocking to return to. Metroid II is bleak. Lonesome. And really hard to follow...