Metroid is a game that holds a special place in gaming history. It was revolutionary for the time and spawned a lot of successors. Additionally, it was such an influential series that it gave rise to a whole new genre of the best Metroidvania games that we have today. For this new genre half-credit also goes to the Castlevania series, but for now, our focus is on Metroid. So in this list let us take a look at the top 10 best Metroid games of all time.
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Best Metroid Games to Play
For this list, I have taken only one version of each game. By that, I mean Metroid Zero mission is the remake of Metroid and as such follows the same story. So I haven’t repeated such games so each story only takes one entry.
Also, in this list, I have mentioned the best games in the series according to my preference. There is a chance you might find the number one game to be some other title. Or the list of these games in some other order. That is completely fine as you can still enjoy the games in your order of preference. So without further ado, let’s get into the list.
10. Metroid Prime Pinball
This game was developed by Fuse Games for the Nintendo DS. The game doesn’t have much of a story other than collecting 12 Chozo Artifacts. These artifacts are used to get into the Artifact temple where you have to defeat the Metroid Prime. While the game is fun to play, it can be considered just a Metroid-themed pinball and nothing more. And hence ranks in the 10th position in this list.
9. Metroid Prime: Hunters
Prime Hunters is an FPS game for the Nintendo DS inspired by Metroid Prime. Nintendo Software Technology Corporation developed this game and set it between the events of Prime and Prime 2: Echoes. In this game, you follow Samus Aran as she explores the Alimbic cluster. You have to prevent the Alimbic’s ultimate power from getting into the wrong hands. While the story might be interesting, it is quite a short one as compared to many others in this series.
8. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
This is the second game in the Prime trilogy and is also known as Metroid Prime 2: Dark Echoes. It was published for the Nintendo Gamecube and developed by Retro Studios. The game continued its first-person perspective from the original Metroid Prime. It is a unique game due to its introduction of the light and dark concept. The game on its own is very good. Furthermore, the real reason it is hated upon is due to the high standard it falls short on meeting set by Metroid Prime.
7. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was developed by Retro Studios for the Nintendo Wii. This and Prime 2 can be considered interchangeable in this list. Since both of these games came after Metroid Prime, they had a lot to fill in. This game was unique due to the new control mechanism of the Wiimote and Nunchuck. What is interesting about this game is you can use the Wiimote to move Samus’s Arm. That added a bit to the first-person immersive experience.
6. Metroid: Samus Returns
While the above-mentioned games in this list were first-person or pinball. This is a game that goes back to its roots. The 2D side scroller-style game we love and grew up with. This game is a remake of the Metroid II: Samus Aran. The famous melee counter was introduced in this game along with other features. It follows the story of Samus being sent to SR388, the planet which houses all the Metroids. And, her mission is to exterminate every single Metroid from the face of the planet. If you have a 3DS you should pick it up as this is a game that is not to be missed.
5. Metroid Dread
The latest game in the series at the time of writing this article. It is developed by MercurySteam for the Nintendo Switch. The same developers who developed Metroid Samus: Returns. This game has a treat for the fans as it brings back some familiar bosses like Kraid. The addition of EMMI following you throughout is also an interesting thing for the game. This is a beautiful game that captures a good boss fight feel. If you have a Nintendo Switch then this game is definitely worth buying.
4. Metroid Prime
This is the game that revolutionized itself by introducing the first-person mode. It was developed by Retro Studios for the Nintendo Gamecube. It gave players a whole new perspective for exploring different planets. The game was so loved by the fans that it was difficult for its successors to fill in the big shoes. The game takes place between Metroid and Metroid 2. This game is an example of what high-risk high reward means as it broke the standard side scroller gameplay but still managed to please everyone.
3. Metroid Fusion
This game was developed by Nintendo for the Gameboy Advance. It is a special entry as it too did something new. While Metroid Prime was ambitious with its 3D first-person gameplay. Fusion took a different and more linear approach. Unlike the usual Metroid games where you can explore any area in any order, this game had a more specific way of getting things done for you. It has a great story and it has some amazing boss fights. If you ever get a chance to play this game go for it.
2. Metroid Zero Mission
This game is the remake or rather a retelling of the original Metroid. It was developed for the Gameboy advance. This game stays true to its roots by letting you explore the game unlike the linear approach by Metroid Fusion. Zero Mission was also the game where Samus’ zero suit was introduced. It has iconic bosses like Kraid, Ridley, and the Mother Brain. This is the best way to enjoy the original Metroid game.
1. Super Metroid
This list of best Metroid games of all time can never be complete without this game. Ask any fan of the series and the answer will be the same. Super Metroid is the best game in the series. It was developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo system. This is the game that was a big reason for the creation of the whole Metroidvania genre.
Super Metroid is the game where you can really experience the feeling of being trapped on an isolated alien planet. For a game developed in 1994, it accomplished much and still serves as an inspiration to many modern games. It truly is worthy of being called a masterpiece.
That sums up this list of the top 10 best Metroid games of all time. If you liked this feature and are playing Metroid Dread then be sure to check out how to counter EMMI and how to beat Kraid in Metroid Dread.