Best Metroid Prime Games, Ranked

As a longtime fan of the Metroid series, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing some truly remarkable games throughout my gaming journey. Among them, the Metroid Prime trilogy stands out as a pinnacle of excellence in both narrative and gameplay.

After the occurrences of Super Metroid, interstellar bounty hunter Samus Aran took a break from her adventures, as Nintendo struggled to translate her space journeys onto the N64. However, when it was appropriate for Samus to come back, Nintendo commissioned Retro Studios to create Metroid Prime for the GameCube. It was unconventional for Nintendo to let another studio work on their intellectual property, but experiences like Prime and The Minish Cap by Capcom demonstrated that the outcomes were worth it.

The “Prime” games have perfectly demonstrated the process of transforming a 2D game franchise into 3D, maintaining the elegance, essence, and authenticity of the side-scrolling games while pushing them into a fresh dimension. Since the initial release of “Metroid Prime” in 2002, over two decades ago, there have been numerous sequels, spin-offs, and a forthcoming title set to debut on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

7 Metroid Prime Pinball

DS Title Is A Competent Pinball Game And Not Much Else

Best Metroid Prime Games, Ranked

Platform: DS
Developer: Fuse Games
Release Date: October 24, 2005
Genre: Pinball

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the intriguing backstory of how Metroid Prime Pinball came to be. When Metroid Prime was unveiled in 2002 and Samus’ iconic ball-rolling ability stole our hearts, it seemed only natural for Nintendo to explore this concept further. In the wake of Metroid Prime‘s success, they thought up an underwhelming pinball game as an addition to the Metroid franchise, releasing it on DS in 2005.

Metroid Prime Pinball isn’t a terribly bad game; instead, it’s an adequately designed pinball experience tailored to the Metroid Prime platform. The tables are visually appealing, and integrating Samus’ Morph Ball ability into a pinball setting is enjoyable. However, it’s essentially a niche title that has been overshadowed by the growing number of releases in the Prime series.

6 Metroid Prime: Federation Force

Disappointing Co-Op Shooter Set In The Metroid Universe

At a point when fans were eagerly requesting a new installment in the Metroid series, Nintendo’s reaction fell short of expectations. In contrast to the anticipation, Nintendo unveiled Metroid Prime: Federation Force during E3 2015 which was released on the 3DS a year afterward as a cooperative multiplayer shooter game.

Regrettably, Federation Force failed to deliver an enjoyable experience as either a solo Metroid title or a compelling cooperative shooter. The storyline was ill-conceived, and certain design aspects left room for improvement. It’s unfortunate because the idea of a multiplayer shooter in the Metroid universe holds potential, but unfortunately, Federation Force fell short of meeting that expectation.

5 Metroid Prime Hunters

Handheld Entry Keeps The Spirit Of Metroid Prime Alive On The DS

An internal Nintendo studio developed Metroid Prime Hunters since Retro was occupied with Echoes at the time. The game falls between the stories of Prime and Echoes, offering Metroid fans an engaging experience on the go. Despite being a DS title, the final product was notably impressive.

Hunters utilizes a stylus for aiming and navigates with the d-pad. Although it has some inconsistencies, the game’s quick tempo largely compensates. Compared to the other two handheld Prime games, such as 2016’s Federation Force, Hunters effectively adapted the console experience most successfully.

4 Metroid Prime

Samus Returns In Spectacular First Metroid Prime Title

In the 1990s, Samus Aran took a break from the limelight. However, she made an impressive comeback with “Metroid Prime” for GameCube in the early 2000s. This game was a massive success and helped establish Samus as a superstar in the gaming world once again. “Metroid Prime” is still regarded as one of the most groundbreaking games of its time, marking the first instance where players experienced the action from behind Samus’ visor, immersing them in a first-person shooter experience.

But, what really made Prime special was how it deftly transferred the game mechanics from Samus’ 2D exploits into 3D, as this first-person adventure game features a brilliantly interconnected map, outstanding combat, and a sense of discovery that is unmatched. The deeper exploration of the Chozo mythology is also perfectly handled, as it delves deeper into Samus’ roots. Seeing loose elements from previous 2D entries brought together into something cohesive is absolutely marvelous.

3 Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Spectacular Third Entry Sees Samus Face Off Against Her Dark Counterpart

The first two “Metroid Prime” games were released on GameCube, but the third installment, titled “Metroid Prime 3: Corruption,” was designed specifically for Wii. This game maximized the unique control features of the Wii console in an exceptional way by requiring players to use the Wiimote for aiming and shooting.

In this rendition: The outcomes of the previous game, “Echoes,” unfold as Samus confronts both a Phazon contamination and Dark Samus in an epic third installment of the “Prime” series. This part of the game remains engaging, with the accurate Wiimote aiming enhancing the intricately designed map and flawless battle sequences.

2 Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Outstanding Sequel Introduces Dark Samus

After the phenomenal achievement of “Metroid Prime,” Nintendo assigned Retro Studios the responsibility of creating a follow-up. In the unfixed interval since the initial game, “Metroid Prime 2: Echoes” follows Samus as she explores the mysterious planet Aether. Throughout her adventure, Samus moves between the dark and light realms to advance further.

In “Echoes,” Samus’ traditional weapons are exchanged for a collection specialized in light and darkness, reflecting the game’s fundamental themes. Moreover, this title boasts an enjoyable multiplayer experience, a novelty for the franchise. Its engaging visuals, meticulously crafted battles, and ominous narrative harmoniously come together, making “Echoes” a standout achievement on GameCube.

1 Metroid Prime Remastered

Incredible Remaster Of First Prime Game Is One Of The Switch’s Greatest Titles

While we’re all eagerly anticipating the release of Metroid Prime 4, Nintendo decided to keep fans engaged by remastering the original game for the Switch in 2023. The result was a flawless adaptation of this classic GameCube title, showcasing its timeless beauty and brilliance anew.

The revamped version of Metroid Prime, titled Metroid Prime Remastered, preserves the original game’s awe-inspiring moments with enhanced graphics and the familiar fast-paced combat system. A perfect addition to the Switch library, it boasts stunning visuals whether docked or in handheld mode. Additionally, this edition offers new accessibility features, bonus content including artwork and soundtrack galleries, and an upgraded heads-up display (HUD). Metroid Prime Remastered represents the best way to experience one of gaming’s greatest titles and the finest entry in the esteemed Metroid Prime series.

2024-07-18 03:33