Metroid: Samus Returns—amiibo functionality

Hi folks!

Sam from Treehouse here with a quick update about the Metroid: Samus Returns game.

At E3, Metroid creator Sakamoto-san revealed the Metroid and Samus amiibo figures that’ll be released as a set alongside the game. Back then, we had to stay silent on the functionality front, but that wait’s officially over.

Each amiibo figure unlocks two different types of content: one that’s available right away, and one that’s available only if you scan that amiibo after you’ve finished the game. (Don’t forget about that second round of scans!)

Keep reading for the full rundown.

Samus Aran

This new amiibo figure depicts famed bounty hunter Samus Aran in the iconic crouch from the cover of the original Game Boy release Metroid II: Return of Samus.

If I ever have the money to invest in some serious cosplay, this suit of armor WILL be mine… Sam(us), GO!

Scan this amiibo to unlock an Aeion reserve tank that serves as an emergency backup power supply—run completely out of Aeion energy, the shared pool from which Samus’s new Aeion abilities draw power, and this tank automatically replenishes a set amount. It’s not a critical upgrade by any means, but it’s handy if, for example, you’re in the middle of a brutal late-game Metroid battle and your Lightning Armor absorbs one too many hits. This reserve tank can itself be replenished by grabbing a Big Aeion Orb—these are special items that completely refill your Aeion energy supply and are much larger than the Aeion Orbs dropped by enemies. Big Aeion Orbs reappear after a certain amount of time, so you can use them repeatedly.

Beat the game at least once and then tap this amiibo to unlock a gallery of artwork from the original Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus. (Galleries can be reached via the Options menu.) There’s no specific in-game benefit to this content, but it’s a pretty sweet little blast from the past.

Metroid

Here we have a Metroid in its uber-adorable juvenile form (granted, my calibration for cuteness is a bit…atypical?), lovingly crafted from squishy plastic for optimal tactile satisfaction. (Seriously, you may not even realize you need to squish a Metroid, but once you do there’s no going back.)

The translucence of the broken container and Metroid catch light in really interesting ways.

Scan this amiibo to use the Metroid Marker function, which gives you a look at where the next Metroid you need to hunt down is hiding—a Metroid icon will appear on your map, and once you’ve defeated that Metroid you can tap this amiibo again to see where the next one’s hiding. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend using this feature unless you’re really stumped—a big part of the fun of classic Metroid gameplay is how your skin crawls when you stumble across an unexpected molted husk and your heart starts to race when your Metroid Detector springs to life with increasingly frantic chirping. …Will there be a Metroid behind the next door? The one after that?! Suspense is a huge part of the fun. But having this amiibo handy as a last resort for tracking down Metroid might come in handy.

Beat the game at least once and then tap this amiibo to unlock Fusion mode, the game’s hardest difficulty mode. It’s the ultimate test for hardcore fans, and as an added bonus you get to play as Samus in her Fusion suit in Fusion mode.

This game also supports the Samus and Zero Suit Samus amiibo figures from the Super Smash Bros. series. Gotta love the classics.

Samus (Super Smash Bros. Series)

Scan this amiibo to unlock a missile reserve tank. Run completely out of missiles, and this tank automatically replenishes your supply by a set amount. This upgrade isn’t critical to gameplay, but it can certainly come in handy, particularly if you’re someone who’s a little…er…free and easy with your missile supply or a little off with your aiming. This reserve tank can itself be replenished at an Ammo Recharge Station.

Beat the game at least once and then tap this amiibo to unlock a gallery of artwork from this release. It’s pretty nifty to compare the concept art from this title with the original game’s concept illustrations if you’ve unlocked them with the new Samus amiibo as well.

Zero Suit Samus (Super Smash Bros. Series)

If it’s been a while since you played Super Smash Bros., be sure to put her somewhere close at hand on launch day!

Scan this amiibo to unlock an energy reserve tank. This reserve tank automatically refills your energy meter by a set amount, keeping you alive for just a little bit longer if your main energy (aka life) pool runs out. Be sure to get Samus to safety before this reserve supply is depleted too! This reserve tank can itself be replenished at an Energy Recharge Station.

Beat the game at least once and then tap this amiibo to unlock the Sound Test feature. This’ll enable you to listen to BGM tracks from the game.

Long story short, these new and existing amiibo offer up some nifty functionality. Plus, they’re pretty sweet sculpts and are a nice addition to a toy shelf even if this sort of optional content isn’t your thing. amiibo functionality unlocks pretty early in the game—start up a save file, get some gameplay under your belt, and an onscreen message will alert you when amiibo functionality unlocks.

These amiibo don’t lock to a specific copy of the game, so if you’re not able to find these amiibo at a retailer near your right away, please keep in mind that a friend’s amiibo figures will work for you too. (Sharing is caring, folks.) But if you happen to pick them up, I hope you enjoy them. If you get that little Metroid, give it a little squish for me. ^_^

Professional squish courtesy of Scott O., my Metroid partner-in-crime from Treehouse AV.

—Sam R.