The Metroid franchise has left an indelible mark on gaming, blending exploration, atmosphere, and sci-fi storytelling across both 2D and 3D formats. This ranking dives into the evolution of the series, highlighting how each entry contributes uniquely to the universe. From underwhelming spin-offs like Federation Force and Hunters to masterpieces like Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion, the journey through Samus Aran’s adventures showcases a legacy that helped define genres such as “Metroidvania.” The list also reflects on gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and the lasting impact of each title, offering insight into why some entries stand tall while others falter. Whether you're revisiting classics or preparing for the upcoming Metroid Prime 4, this guide provides a comprehensive look at the highs and lows of one of Nintendo’s most iconic series.

Early Experiments and Missed Opportunities in the Metroid Universe

This section explores games that, despite ambitious goals, failed to capture the essence of what makes the Metroid series special. Titles like Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Metroid Prime Hunters struggled with design choices, outdated hardware limitations, or misaligned tones that prevented them from resonating with fans. Even Metroid: Other M, which aimed to bridge the gap between Prime and the mainline saga, ended up feeling disjointed due to repetitive plot elements and unbalanced gameplay mechanics. These early experiments highlight the risks of expanding a beloved franchise without staying true to its core identity.

Metroid Prime: Federation Force was intended to expand the lore beyond Samus by introducing a squad of mech-piloting marines. However, it suffered from bland level design, uninspired art direction, and shallow first-person shooter mechanics. While it did move the Prime storyline forward by addressing the aftermath of Phazon’s destruction, the overall experience felt disconnected from the tone and quality expected of a Metroid title. Similarly, Metroid Prime Hunters attempted to adapt the Prime formula to the Nintendo DS but was hindered by the system’s technical constraints. Despite featuring a competitive multiplayer mode and a unique cast of bounty hunters, its clunky controls and awkward pacing made it a forgettable entry. Meanwhile, Metroid: Other M introduced third-person action and deeper storytelling, but its narrative felt recycled and inconsistent with earlier entries. Though it offered improved exploration and combat mechanics using the Wii Remote, many players found it lacking in cohesion and innovation compared to other Metroid titles.

Masterpieces That Defined the Metroid Legacy

At the top of the rankings sit the titles that not only captured the spirit of Metroid but elevated it to new heights. Games like Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion redefined side-scrolling exploration and atmospheric storytelling, while the Prime trilogy showcased groundbreaking innovations in first-person gameplay. These entries set benchmarks for their respective subgenres, influencing countless other games and cementing Metroid’s place in gaming history. Their seamless blend of immersive environments, tight controls, and compelling narratives continues to resonate with players today.

Super Metroid stands as a pinnacle of 2D game design, praised for its intuitive map system, fluid movement, and richly detailed world. It expanded on the foundation laid by its predecessors with features like directional shooting and a dynamic inventory interface, making exploration more engaging than ever before. Its story, though rooted in familiar themes, brought emotional weight through its portrayal of the baby Metroid and the final confrontation with Ridley. Decades later, it remains a gold standard for platformers and exploratory gameplay. On the other hand, Metroid Fusion refined the 2D format with modernized mechanics, a haunting atmosphere, and a gripping narrative centered around the X parasite. Its ability to evolve the series’ lore while maintaining accessibility made it a standout title. The Prime trilogy, particularly the original Metroid Prime, demonstrated how a first-person perspective could enhance immersion without sacrificing the series' signature sense of isolation and discovery. With the recent remaster of the first Prime title and anticipation building for Metroid Prime 4, these games continue to inspire both longtime fans and newcomers alike, proving that the best entries are those that honor the past while pushing creative boundaries.