In Metroid Fusion, Samus Aran is sent to the Biologic Space Laboratories space station because an explosion has happened there. The station contains X Parasites, viruses that can make a copy of the appearance and memories of living things that they are in. The Galactic Federation plans to capture the X Parasites to do further study of them. Because of how dangerous the X Parasites are, Samus has to destroy the space station to protect the federation from them.
Unlike the other Metroid games, Metroid Fusion focuses more on storyline than on exploration. The gameplay focuses on puzzle solving, platform jumping, and shooting enemies. Players have to find power-ups to get to new areas. Samus is able to absorb X Parasites to regain health, bombs, and missiles. Abilities new to the Metroid series include grabbing ledges and climbing ladders.