Best Metroid Games, Ranked

What is the best Metroid game?

The Metroid franchise is an extremely popular one in the world of Nintendo. We loved the unique mix of exploration, platforming and sci-fi action. But with so many quality Metroid games to choose from, it's hard to identify which one is best.

We'll be diving into the world of the Metroid universe to understand which games are best, in order. We'll take a peek at everything from graphics and gameplay mechanics from the NES classics to brand new releases like Metroid Dread.

So buckle up, we'll be going on a space journey through the world of Brinstar.

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12. Metroid Dread

The newcomer on the list is Metroid Dread. A fantastic throwback to the 2D Metroid games. We loved the new abilities like the Phantom Cloak that turns Samus invisible and gives an element of stealth to the challenging gameplay it takes on.

The Nintendo Switch hardware is a perfect 60FPS all the way through, with very little slowdown ever found within this epic gameplay experience.

Coming in at 10 hours to complete the main storyline, there’s lots to see here in Metroid Dread. With tons of goodies along the way to pick up if you’re a completionist, you can be searching for hours for that last missile pickup.

We absolutely adored Metroid Dread and it makes for quite the gameplay experience.

11. Metroid Prime: Federation Force

Metroid Prime: Federation Force has a cooperative multiplayer mode in which up to four players can work together to fulfil goals. Including a variety of weapons and skills, you'll be busy working together to complete missions and defeat enemies.

Metroid Prime: Federation Force's graphics are spectacular and bright, bringing the Metroid universe to life. Featuring an incredible soundtrack that sets the tone for each mission and adds to the overall immersive experience.

While Metroid Prime: Federation Force may not be for everyone, it does give you a really unique perspective on a multiplayer experience that anyone should check out.

10. Metroid Prime Hunters

One of Metroid Prime Hunters' highlights is its multiplayer component, which allows players to compete against one another in a variety of game types. The single-player campaign, on the other hand, might feel tedious at times, and the controls may take some getting accustomed to.

Metroid Prime Hunters has excellent sound design. The game includes an immersive music that serves to set the tone for each level, as well as clear and enjoyable sound effects.

Metroid Prime Hunters' graphics are excellent for a Nintendo DS game. The environments are detailed and well-designed, as are the character models.

We enjoyed Metroid Prime Hunters' entire gameplay experience from start to finish.

9. Metroid: Other M

Metroid: Other M is designed to be played with the Wii Remote held horizontally, with the D-pad controlling movement and the A and B buttons controlling shooting and jumping, respectively. In addition, the game has a novel context-sensitive concept that allows you to perform special moves by tilting the Wii Remote in various ways.

Metroid: Other M follows Samus Aran as she investigates a distress signal from a remote Federation station following the events of Super Metroid. Samus' past and relationship with her former commanding officer, Adam Malkovich, are explored more in the game.

Metroid: Other M has stunning visuals that perfectly merge 2D and 3D aspects. The dramatic music adds to the overall atmosphere of the game and is breathtaking each step of the way.

Metroid: Other M has been a contentious title among Metroid enthusiasts. Some gamers praise the game's fresh take on the franchise, while others criticise its linearity and forced story elements.

Some fans are also upset with the game's portrayal of Samus, which they believe is inconsistent with her past appearances in the series.

8. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption features fluid, intuitive controls that allow navigating the game's huge locations and engaging in violent confrontations with adversaries a breeze.

As a Metroid game, you'll be able to upgrade Samus along the way with a variety of powerups and upgrades. Making you truly feel like you're getting stronger as the game progresses.

The plot of the game follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she fights to preserve the galaxy from the terrible virus Phazon. We had a blast playing through the storyline here and surely you will too.

What we liked most about Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is the boss battles, they felt so larger than life and epic. Some people may find the game's retracing and puzzle-solving repetitious and tedious.

The soundtrack of the game is moody and executes the theme to perfection. The sound effects are also well-executed, which contributes to the immersion of the gameplay experience.

You can't go wrong with one of the best Wii games of all time.

7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes' gameplay is extremely similar to the original game. Giving you a unique combination of backtracking, puzzle solving and exploration tactics that must be used in order to progress.

The game adds a new layer of complexity to the gameplay by introducing the concept of light and dark worlds. The game also has a multiplayer option in which takes you on a journey to compete against one another in a variety of game genres.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes has a rich and interesting storyline. Samus Aran is dispatched to examine the planet Aether, which has been divided into two worlds: light and dark.

She must explore the two worlds while combating the terrible animals that inhabit them in order to learn the mystery of the planet's current state.

6. Metroid: Samus Returns

You will be controlling the renowned bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores the planet SR388 and battles the Metroids that inhabit it in Metroid: Samus Returns. The game combines amazing platforming, some deep exploration, and a wide variety of combat, with a range of upgrades and powers to help you proceed through the game's nonlinear levels.

The inclusion of a counter system that allows players to quickly kill adversaries and add a degree of strategy to battle engagements is what we liked best about Metroid: Samus Returns. However, some players may find the game's complexity to be excessively severe, particularly in later stages.

Even though it's a bit on the complex side, we did enjoy our playthrough of Metroid: Samus Returns. The improved graphics and sound bring new life to a classic title, while the counter system adds a new twist to the action.

It's clear to see why Metroid: Samus Returns remains one of the best Metroid games in the franchise.

5. Metroid II: Return of Samus

Metroid II's plot is straightforward but effective. Samus is dispatched to SR388 to end the Metroid threat once and for all. She uncovers a secret conspiracy involving the Chozo, the ancient bird-like race that built her Power Suit, along the way.

The game's ending is especially memorable, as it sets up the events of the following game in the series, Super Metroid.

The graphics in Metroid II's original Game Boy edition are obviously simple, but the remake for the 3DS is a substantial improvement. Backgrounds and environments are richly detailed, and animations are smooth and seamless.

The soundtrack of the game is also noteworthy, featuring memorable tracks that perfectly depict the game's sci-fi mood.

The exploration-heavy gameplay of Metroid II is one of its most popular features. As Samus steadily gains more and more powers, the non-linear structure and upgrades provide a profoundly enjoyable experience. However, one of the game's major flaws is its lack of direction.

You might easily become disoriented or stranded, particularly in the early phases of the game.

Some may argue that Metroid II should be higher on this list but we felt number five is a good spot on our list of the best Metroid games ever.

4. Metroid: Zero Mission

Metroid: Zero Mission keeps the original Metroid's fundamental gameplay concepts while providing new elements such as enhanced graphics, new regions to explore, and new power-ups to gather. The game's controls are snappy and simple to master, making it suitable for both newbies and old series fans.

The gameplay is extremely similar to the original Metroid, with you taking on the role of Samus Aran as she explores the planet Zebes and faces the villainous Space Pirates. However, Zero Mission includes new plot aspects that expand on the game's lore and give Samus greater complexity.

Metroid: Zero Mission has enhanced graphics that vastly improve on the original game. The graphics are vivid and detailed, bringing the game's setting to life in ways that the NES could not. The game's sound design is likewise fantastic, with disturbing music that suits the creepy atmosphere well.

Metroid: Zero Mission is a fantastic game that is well worth your time. It is an exact recreation of the original Metroid, complete with improved graphics, new gameplay features, and an enhanced storyline that improves the game in every aspect.

3. Metroid Fusion

Metroid Fusion offers an extremely unique fast-paced gameplay, a really cool and compelling storyline, coupled with some really outstanding graphics, and excellent sound design are just a few of the things we enjoy about it. We do have a few small complaints about the game, such as its occasionally annoying difficulty spikes and lack of multiplayer possibilities.

Metroid Fusion's sound design is likewise remarkable, with a distinctive music that perfectly complements the on-screen action. The soundtrack in this game is simply outstanding, from the sinister hum of the space station to the explosive noises of combat.

Metroid Fusion has outstanding graphics for a Game Boy Advance title. Character sprites are sharp and well-animated, and the environments are detailed and well-designed.

We loved seeing a fresh experience on the GBA in Metroid Fusion. The way you're constantly on your toes is a fantastic experience.

2. Metroid Prime

The graphics of Metroid Prime were remarkable for their time, with breathtaking 3D settings and character models that still hold up today. Tallon IV ombre soundtrack, written by Kenji Yamamoto, wonderfully compliments the game's ominous mood.

Fans of the franchise were sceptical of the change to a first-person perspective at first, but Metroid Prime's exceptional execution rapidly won over even the most ardent fans. The game became an immediate classic due to its emphasis on exploration, puzzle solving, and immersive environment.

Some of us may find the game's difficulty level to be a little too high, particularly during the epic boss battles you'll take on.

You owe it to yourself to experience Metroid Prime at least once in your lifetime. It's clear to us why it's regarded as one of the best Metroid games of all time.

1. Super Metroid

Super Metroid paved the way for the term Metroidvania. Its non linear design is a pioneer in the genre. No other game had quite the same impact on the video game industry.

The boss battles are huge and epic. Each step of the way as Samus progresses gives you the sense of progression as you upgrade your suit and pick up new abilities.

What we loved most about Super Metroid is the introduction of the Screw Attack. An ability that obliterates anything in sight.

Super Metroid is quite the experience, for casual fans all the way until the most hardcore of speedrunners. It's a gamers game every step of the way.

Recap

Thanks for taking the time to look at our list of the best Metroid games of all time. Here are all of the games that were featured in this article:

1. Super Metroid
2. Metroid Prime
3. Metroid Fusion
4. Metroid: Zero Mission
5. Metroid II: Return of Samus
6. Metroid: Samus Returns
7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
8. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
9. Metroid: Other M
10. Metroid Prime Hunters
11. Metroid Prime: Federation Force
12. Metroid Dread