```

Your friendly guide to Metroid: Samus Returns on the Nintendo 3DS. Learn about gameplay, plot, development, and more to help you conquer planet SR388.

Hey there! So you're diving into _Metroid: Samus Returns_? Awesome choice! This is a fantastic remake of _Metroid II: Return of Samus_, and it's the first side-scrolling Metroid game in ages. Think of this as your friendly nudge in the right direction as you explore planet SR388.

This game was announced back on June 13, 2017, during an E3 Treehouse broadcast. Reggie Fils-Aime even chatted about why they decided to reveal it there, mentioning how they wanted to make sure fans understood their vision, especially after the mixed reception of _Metroid Prime: Federation Force_.

The story kicks off way back in the year 20X5 of the Cosmic Calendar. A Galactic Federation research team found something... unusual on SR388: Metroids! They managed to grab a sample, but wouldn't you know it, Space Pirates attacked! These pirates, led by the infamous Mother Brain, wanted to weaponize the Metroids. Samus Aran, our favorite bounty hunter, had to step in and stop them on Zebes, which seemed like the end of it.

But nope! The Galactic Federation got worried about the Metroid threat still lurking. They sent an elite squad to SR388, but they vanished. Before they went dark, they sent back data confirming Metroids were still on the planet. The Galactic Federation Council made a quick decision: Samus Aran was dispatched once again to deal with the Metroid menace on SR388.

You'll be playing as Samus Aran, a lone bounty hunter tasked by the Galactic Federation to explore the planet SR388 and eradicate the Metroid species. This is a big deal because the Metroids are a serious threat to the galaxy. You'll be venturing into dangerous territory, facing off against these creatures and whatever else calls SR388 home.

Keep an eye out for any official tweets from Nintendo of America. They announced the game's availability with a tweet saying, "Restore peace to the galaxy & stop the #Metroid threat in Metroid: Samus Returns. Available now for the Nintendo #3DS family of systems!"