Super Metroid

: 18–19 The player controls Samus Aran as she searches the planet for a Metroid that has been stolen by Ridley , the leader of the Space Pirates . : 5 Samus can run, jump, crouch, and fire a weapon in eight directions; she can perform other actions, such as wall jumping —jumping from one wall to another in rapid succession to reach higher areas. The "Moon Walk" ability, named after the dance move of the same name , allows Samus to walk backwards while firing or charging her weapon. : 8–9 Throughout the course of the game, the player can acquire power-ups that enhance Samus's armor and weaponry, as well as grant her special abilities, allowing them to gain access to areas that were previously inaccessible.

The Morph Ball allows Samus to curl into a ball and roll into tight places; in this form, she can plant bombs once the Bomb power-up is acquired. The Spring Ball adds the ability to jump while in Morph Ball form. : 10–11 The Speed Booster can be used to run at high speeds and destroy barriers and enemies. The Hi-Jump Boots allow for a higher jump, and the Space Jump allows Samus to jump continuously in midair.

: 24 The Grapple Beam can be used to swing across open areas. The X-ray Scope is used to see hidden items and passages. : 12 The heads-up display shows Samus's health , the supply mode for Reserve Tanks, icons that represent weapons, and a map display showing her location and its surroundings. : 7 The inventory screen allows the player to enable and disable weapons and abilities.

While the beam weapons can be combined, the Spazer and Plasma beams cannot be used simultaneously. At the game's end, Samus obtains the Hyper Beam, a powerful weapon generated by the energy given to her by the "super Metroid", the matured version of the larval creature that she seeks. The backup units called Reserve Tanks can be used automatically when Samus's health is depleted. : 14–15 The automap helps the player navigate the different areas, and map computers in each area reveal unexplored areas.

: 13 To save their progress, the player must use save stations located around the planet. : 16 Players can also save and recharge their health and ammunition at Samus's gunship. : 18 Super Metroid has three endings based on the time taken to complete it, which determine whether Samus poses with or without her suit. The best ending is achieved when the game is completed under three hours.

: 119 If the player rescues the Dachora and the Etecoons, friendly creatures encountered by Samus, they are shown leaving the planet in the distance.