Why is Metroid a Girl?

Metroid is a girl because series co-creator Yoshio Sakamoto conceived of the idea of making Samus, the protagonist of the game, a woman midway through the first Metroid’s development, which the development team voted in favor of, and this twist was intentionally hidden from players until the end of the game by referring to Samus as if she were male in the instruction manual. The revelation that Samus was a woman was a groundbreaking moment in the gaming world, especially given the time of the game’s release in 1986, and it has since become an iconic part of the Metroid series’ identity.

Introduction to Samus and the Metroid Series

The Metroid series, with Samus Aran as its protagonist, has been a cornerstone of gaming culture since its inception. Samus, with her powerful Power Suit, has become an iconic character, symbolizing strength and independence. The series has explored various themes, including isolation, self-reliance, and the blurred lines between human and alien technology.

FAQs About Metroid and Samus

General Questions

1. Is Metroid a boy or a girl? Metroid, specifically Samus Aran, is a girl. This was a surprise reveal at the end of the first Metroid game, completed under specific conditions.
2. When was it revealed that Metroid was a girl? The reveal occurred when players completed the first Metroid game in under five hours, leading to a sequence where Samus‘s helmet was removed, showing her to be a woman.
3. Is Metroid Dread a woman? Yes, Metroid Dread features Samus Aran as the protagonist, who is a woman.
4. Why is Samus called Lady? Samus developed a reputation for giving a thumbs-down when referred to as a lady by Adam, indicating her understanding of mission orders but also her independence and refusal to be demeaned by the term.

Lore and Character Development

5. Was Samus originally a girl? Samus was conceived as a woman midway through the development of the first Metroid game, a decision supported by the development team.
6. What disorder does Samus have? Samus appears to suffer from PTSD, as hinted at in various games and media, including a reaction to Ridley in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
7. Is Samus still human? Samus was born human but has undergone significant biological alterations, including being infused with Chozo DNA and later Metroid DNA to cure an X Parasite infection.

Game Specifics

8. Is Metroid Dread creepy? Yes, Metroid Dread is considered one of the scariest games in the series, largely due to the E.M.M.I. units that relentlessly pursue Samus.
9. Why is Metroid Dread controversial? Metroid Dread faced accusations of poor working conditions during its development, though these claims were disputed by the developer.
10. Why was Metroid Dread cancelled? An earlier version of Metroid Dread was conceived for the Nintendo DS but was cancelled due to technical limitations.

Biology and Technology

11. Why did the baby Metroid get so big? The Baby Metroid grew to a gigantic size on Zebes due to the planet’s climate and atmosphere, which differed from its native SR388.
12. Is the baby Metroid alive? The Baby Metroid comes to Samus‘s aid in the final battle against Mother Brain but is subsequently destroyed, leading Samus to avenge its death.

Gameplay and Design

13. Why does Samus look like a man? Samus‘s appearance in her Power Suit was initially misleading, with the instruction manual using male pronouns to obscure her gender until the game’s ending.
14. Is Metroid Dread a flop? No, Metroid Dread has been successful, becoming the best-selling Metroid game with over 2.9 million copies sold.
15. Is Metroid Dread OK for kids? Metroid Dread is rated T for Teen and contains elements like shooting and explosions but no blood or gore, making it suitable for mature younger players but potentially scary for some due to its intense chase sequences and themes.