The Metroid franchise follows bounty hunter Seamus Aram as he explores alien worlds, battling space pirates and Metroid’s. The mixture of action, platforming and search has given rise to the “Metroid Vania” genre. Ranking the Metroid games often includes Super Metroid and Dread, with the highly celebrated Metroid Prime series also topping the charts.
Based on gameplay, origination, legacy and fan reception, the top Metroid games consistently include Super Metroid and Metroid Prime. While Metroid: Other M and Metroid Prime: Federation Force typically end up at the bottom of most lists, these are the primary criteria for ranking the Metroid Games.
14. Metroid Prime: Hunters (DS, 2006)
Metroid Prime: Hunters focused more on its multiplayer mode, which was designed in the style of fast-paced arena shooters like Earthquake III. Its online functionality was revolutionary on the Nintendo DS. The single-player drive was secondary and offered a simple experience compared to other Metroid Prime titles. All of this reflects its place in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid Prime: Hunters is generally careful to be the lowest-rated game in the main Metroid series. It’s not well-received due to its difficult controls, repetitive single-player campaign and multiplayer-focused design. This explains its place in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
13. Metroid Prime: Federation Force (3DS, 2016)
Metroid Prime: Federation Force was designed as a spin-off from the view of the Huge Federation Marines. The helpful mission-based shooter, distinct art style and tonal shift moved the gameplay away from classic search. This reflects its unique position in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force was announced at E3 2015. It was critically celebrated by fans as a helpful and mission-based spin-off. It departed from the single-player search gameplay of the main Metroid series. Its unique position is reflected in Ranking the Metroid Games.
12. Metroid: Other M (Wii, 2010)
Metroid: Other M was a major leaving for the series. It features full voice acting and a linear, cinematic style story. It features a blend of 2D and 3D mechanics, simplified controls and new battle features. Its unique position is seen in Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid: Other M (Wii, 2010) received mixed reviews from fans. It offers a different experience, with changes to Samus Aran’s classification and a departure from traditional exploration and player agency. Its unique position is highlighted in Ranking the Metroid Games.
11. Metroid Prime Pinball (DS, 2005)
Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo DS, 2005) offers a unique experience that departs from the franchise’s traditional gameplay. The exploration and battle are transformed into a pinball game, featuring two screens and a “Metroid-ball” version of Samus Aura. It holds a unique place in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid Prime Pinball is a spin-off game, developed by Fuse Games and released by Nintendo for the DS on October 24, 2005. It presents the world and mechanics of Metroid Prime in a pinball format, featuring six different tables and 2D mini-games. Ranking the Metroid Games has it as a unique experience.
10. Metroid (NES, 1987)
Metroid (NES, 1987) is a milestone game in gaming, pioneering the “Metroid Vania” type and featuring the first prominent female character, Samus Aran. It offers a strong sense of atmosphere and non-linear exploration in a side-scrolling format. Its importance is highlighted in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
The original Metroid (NES, 1987) suffers from old mechanics and design limitations. The lack of a game map in world navigation, repetitive visuals, technical limitations and some unforgiving gameplay elements make Rain King unique among Metroid games.
9. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GameCube, 2004)
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004) is notable for its darker tone and increased difficulty than its predecessor. The dark either world, challenging puzzles and intense bosses make the game tense and experimental. These aspects make it unique and bold in Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004) is generally considered a strong sequel to the original Metroid Prime. It was noted for its increased difficulty and less accessible design upon release. It was critically celebrated and received a 92 Meta score, making it a standout in Ranking the Metroid Games.
8. Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy, 1991)
Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991) is often praised for setting the franchise’s core mechanics and atmosphere. It changed from the NES’s conceptual experience into a better and more solid game. The game also maintains its prominence in Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991) offers a unique Metroid experience despite the limited skills of the Game Boy. The small dull screen, limited sound and memory limitations create a enclosed atmosphere, but the game’s unique sound and atmosphere make it memorable in Ranking the Metroid Games.
7. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii, 2007)
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007, Wii) stands out for its innovative motion controls and more cinematic scale. A greater focus on story and improved graphics make it stand out in the franchise. The game holds a strong place in the hearts of fans and ranks among the top Metroid Games.
Yes, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is more linear than its predecessors. The player visits several planets serially. Exploration is limited and progression is plot-driven, reducing backtracking and open-world exploration. It is also included in Ranking the Metroid Games.
6. Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS, 2017)
Metroid: Samus Returns is a 2.5D reimagining of 1991’s Metroid II: Return of Samus. Released in 2017 for the Nintendo 3DS, it updated the original game’s exploration-focused mechanics in a modern way. It is also included in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid: Samus Returns is a 2017 3DS game. It is a reimagining of 1991’s Metroid II: Return of Samus. The game introduced a battle-focused progress to the traditional 2D gameplay. New mechanics such as powerful counterattacks and 360-degree free aim make meetings more dynamic. It is included in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
5. Metroid Dread (Switch, 2021)
Metroid Dread (2021) features fast-paced and fluid 2D gameplay. Responsive controls and intense E.M.M.I sequences add to the stealth horror tension. Classic exploration and thrilling combat balance adrenaline with strategic planning. It holds a prominent place in Ranking the Metroid Games.
The modern comeback in 2D Metroid games began with Metroid: Samus Returns in 2017 and was solidified with the critically celebrated Metroid Dread in 2021. Both games were developed in partnership between Mercury Steam and Nintendo, blending classic side-scrolling and modern gameplay. These are key in Ranking the Metroid Games.
So Why Doesn’t Dread Rank Higher?
Metroid Dread is generally highly rated by critics and players, but its linear design, less memorable soundtrack, frequent E.M.M.I. contests and quick-time events often keep it from being on par with classic games like Super Metroid or Metroid Prime. It is featured in Ranking the Metroid Games.
4. Metroid: Zero Mission (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
Metroid: Zero Mission (2004, GBA) is considered the definitive remake of the original NES Metroid. It features modern visuals, maps and mechanics from later games. Samus’s epic story takes a new turn. This game is a must-have for new players and ranks high in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid: Zero Mission is praised for its layered design. It offers a “perfect” balance of freedom and independence. Both new players and experts will enjoy it. This game is ranked among the best Metroid games.
3. Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance, 2002)
Metroid: Fusion (GBA, 2002) is known for its strong narrative focus. It is a significant departure from previous games in the series. Extensive text, character dialogue and scripted events drive the story forward. The game maintains its prominence in Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid: Fusion is highly praised for its unique atmosphere. It combines the isolation and exploration of the series with survival horror and narrative tension. The strong storyline and the threat of SA-X created memorable moments. The game is featured in Ranking the Metroid Games.
2. Metroid Prime (GameCube, 2002)
Metroid Prime redefined the genre as a “first-person adventure.” The nearly whole transition to 3D ordered pure shooting, exploration, isolation and atmosphere. This game holds its own in Ranking the Metroid Games.
Metroid Prime (GameCube, 2002) is a critically celebrated first-person adventure game. It features exploration, environments and immersion. Developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. The game successfully transitions the 2D Metroid experience into 3D and ranks high in the Ranking the Metroid Games.
1. Super Metroid (Super Nintendo, 1994)
Super Metroid (Super Nintendo, 1994) is a genre-defining masterpiece. It established the “Metroid Vania” genre. Its influential design, immersive environments and non-linear gameplay encourage exploration. It is considered one of the greatest video games of all time and is at the top of the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Super Metroid (Super Nintendo, 1994) is widely celebrated for its timeless gameplay and level structure. It set the gold standard for the “Metroid Vania” type. The game is considered a masterpiece that influenced modern design. It is ranked at the top of the Ranking the Metroid Games.
Final Thought
The Metroid franchise has always combined exploration, action and origination. Each game is unique in its style and experience. In Ranking the Metroid Games, classics like Super Metroid and Metroid Prime always rank at the top, while some of the spin-offs receive less approval.
This list takes into account feedback from fans and critics. Each title’s place is based on its gameplay, setting and origination. Ranking the Metroid Games is based on the quality and legacy of the games and highlights the full history of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Metroid game of all time?
Fans often ask which title is the most acclaimed in the franchise, such as Super Metroid or Metroid Prime.
How are Metroid games ranked?
People want to know how games are ranked based on gameplay, innovation, legacy, and fan reception.
Which Metroid games should beginners play first?
Beginners often ask which titles are easiest and most enjoyable to start with in the series.
Are spin-off Metroid games considered part of the main series?
Fans frequently want clarification on whether spin-offs like Federation Force or Prime Pinball are part of the main series.
Why doesn’t Metroid Dread rank above Super Metroid?
Players often ask why Metroid Dread doesn’t rank higher than classic favorites in fan and critic polls.
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