Huntress

The Metroid series makes a return in a game that is shaping up to be received much better than than 2015's Metroid Prime: Federation Force in the aptly titled, Metroid: Samus Returns, an official remake of the 1991 GB title, Metroid II: Return of Samus. The Metroid remake hits the 3DS on September 15th and to help tide you over, the Pixel Mixers latest album happens to be Metroid-centric.

Huntress is a free digital album consisting of 30 tracks, which covers Metroid, Metroid II: Return of Samus, Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion. The music of most of these games is pretty well known but if any games could use some more remixes, it's Metroid II and Metroid Fusion, so I'm happy to see those games get coverage in this album. Metroid II in particular has music that teeters on being more noise and ambiance but there are a few really good themes in that game like Surface of SR388 and the Hatchling Theme, which is easily the most important moment in Metroid II as it sets the stage for the events of Super Metroid. Both of the aforementioned themes have very good arrangements on this album, I'm especially glad to see the later theme get some much needed love.

 As for other games represented here, Kraid's Lair is present and accounted for with a sweet jazz arrangement. One unexpected theme was the famous Power Up jingle. I never expected a jingle to get a 1:22 track dedication but it was a nonetheless, a pleasant surprise. What is sure to be a favorite for anyone is the Mother Brain metal arrangement. It isn't the only metal track on here by a long shot, but it will just might be the best and that is saying a lot. Swampy Caverns carries the same peaceful, yet creepy vibe and the use of an actual flute really makes it pop here.

There's a lot to like about Huntress. It covers all of the 2D Metroid games, it has metal and jazz (two genres I love) and it still sounds very much like Metroid music. The wait for Metroid: Samus returns is nearly over and if you need more Metroid arrangements to listen to, you'd do well to download Huntress. You can't beat the asking price, which is free.

Huntress