The action-adventure seriesMetroidhas been a first-party staple ofNintendosince its 1986 debut. The planet-hopping adventures of Samus Aran and her encounters with Metroids, abandoned space stations, and awe-inspiring worlds have proven a long-standing success in both 2D and 3D iterations.To say the franchise has been influential may be understating matters; after all, the entire genre of Metroidvania games has come to widespread popularity thanks to it. As of March 2023, the franchise has sold over 21 million copies, and the most commercially successful entry came in 2021’sMetroid Dreadfor theNintendo Switch.
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There may be gamers out there hoping to make a start in this revered and iconic franchise but are unsure where the jumping-in point lies. Depending on theMetroidentry they choose first, they will either be faced with a challenging gaming experience or something surprisingly easy.
7Metroid: Other M
Something of a red-headed step-sister to the series,Metroid Other Mwas an attempt to take the franchise in a direction that wasn’t exactly met with enthusiasm. Set betweenSuper MetroidandMetroid Fusionona derelict spaceshipthat Samus must investigate, the story is much more about Samus’s relationship with her commanding officer, Adam Malkovich.
While the story and depiction of Samus may not have received praise,Other Mis an engagingthird-person-action adventure titlefor the Nintendo Wii with superb visuals and some novel touches. Most impressively, it utilized a control system using only the Wii Remote with just its two buttons, the D-pad. Players could also turn the Wii Remote lengthways for first-person sections.
6Metroid Prime Remastered
The initial release ofMetroid Primewas a wholesale and celebrated success in 2002 on the Gamecube. Come 2023, a high-definition remaster was shadow-dropped on the Nintendo Switch, and an all-time classic First Person experience appeared perfected.Metroid Prime Remasteredis a release of such quality that many commentators raised the question of whether it was closer to a full-blown remake than a remaster. The world of Tallon IV looks majestic with modern lighting, textures, and rendering all at a locked 60fps.
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Thanks to tech wizardry,Metroid Prime Remasteredruns at only 900p, but most players wouldn’t know by looking at it. The only downside to the original was an unusual control scheme that the Remaster replaces with dual stick industry standard and a list of customization options. Ironically, this may have made the game just that little bit easier; nevertheless, it is a must-have for Switch owners and a breathtaking remaster of a truly great game.
5Metroid Fusion
AsMetroid Primewas released in 2002 and took the industry by storm with a 3D debut for the franchise,Nintendoalmost simultaneously released a handheld entry, sticking to the 2D roots of the series.Metroid Fusionis a side-scrolling action platformer that manages to introduce atmosphere and tension, the like of which previous games in the series had never seen.
A simple premise is brilliantly executed, as Samus must investigate a space station infested with mysterious life forms known as X, and she soon finds herself stalked by it.Fusionwould win awards and praise for the gameplay, atmosphere, and graphics rendered on the Gameboy Advance, and it would becomeone of the most beloved games on the platform. The only drawback forFusionis its length and linearity; it’s a near storybook and cinematic experience, and it isn’t particularly long.
4Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Unquestionably the most accessible entry in thePrimeseries,Metroid Prime 3: Corruptiontook the formula of the first two games, upped the action, and added motion controls for an unforgettable experience. Released on the Wii in 2007,Corruptiondocuments the final series of showdowns withnemesis Dark Samusacross the planets Elysia, Bryyo, and Norion.
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Many reviewers would callCorruptionthe best entry in theMetroid Primeseries. Its introduction of voice acting and an additional layer of immersion with motion controls, not just for Samus plasma beam but for puzzles and interactions throughout the game, brought a whole new layer to the experience. Comfortably one of the best-looking titles on Wii,Corruptionis not to be missed, and in comparison with its labyrinthine predecessor, the challenge of the game is not daunting.
3Metroid Zero Mission
If there is one thing that Nintendo learned way ahead of the rest of the industry, it is how to remake its own titles to outstanding success.Metroid Zero Missionis a 2004 Gameboy Advance release thatremade the 1986Metroidfor modern sensibilities. Updated gameplay and graphics gave theNESgame a new breath of life, and the addition of further content added so much more.
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The core game of the original is intact here: Samus explores planet Zebes dealing with Metroids and space pirates while discovering power-ups for suits and abilities. Yet the remake throws in additional areas, extra items, and bosses as well as story elements not found in the original game.Zero Missionis trulyMetroid2.0 with so much of what had been learned from later releases being used to make the original even better. That said, the game itself is quite short, and the challenge it offers to players isn’t overly intimidating.
2Metroid Prime Pinball
A clever utilization of the Nintendo DS dual-screen form factor,Metroid Prime Pinballis a fine entry in the genre. Riffing on Samus’ Morph ball form, which was revolutionized withPrime’s 3D debut, the game is essentiallyMetroid Primebut in pinball form, and it is an enjoyable mashup. The dual-screen presentation undoubtedly gives this game a rare feel of verticality that genuinely compliments the feel of an actual pinball game.
Enemies throughout the franchise appear across the screen and players must guide Samus' Morph Ball to destroy them for points. This is a well-designed, short, and sweet pinball game that fans of the franchise will likely get a kick out of. It’s also one of the easiestMetroidgames ever released.
1Metroid Prime Hunters
While being close to a tech demo of the Nintendo DS capabilities,Metroid Prime Huntersis an engaging and surprisingly capable entry in the franchise. Incredible for the time,Huntersreplicates the first-person visor view of the Gamecube entries at a very capable 30fps. Using the DS touch screen and stylus to aim, players guide Samus on the handheld through a gauntlet ofbounty hunter encountersin the Alimbic Cluster.
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Released in 2006,Metroid Prime Huntersreceived industry praise for its innovation and the rare instance of a quality FPS experience on a handheld. Chronologically taking place betweenPrimeandPrime 2: Echoes, and introducing many new weapons to the series, fans should be sure to check out this one, especially if they want their first experience with aMetroidgame to be an easy one.
