Best Metroid Games For New Players

Highlights

Metroid: Zero Mission is a good starting point, an incredible remake of the debut game that reinvigorates the classic series.
Metroid Dread offers a good challenge that welcomes newcomers and challenges veterans alike.
Super Metroid on the SNES makes for a perfect entry point with its best platforming, shooting, exploration, and boss fights.

Metroid is a distinctive video game franchise with an unconventional release pattern. Following the success of critically acclaimed titles such as Super Metroid and Metroid Prime, it often disappears from the industry scene, only to resurface later. This erratic absence leaves fans pondering where is the best place for newcomers to join the series. The debate between starting at the beginning or diving into Metroid Prime mirrors similar discussions in other franchises like Yakuza and Final Fantasy.

In the realm of video games, the Samus Aran series has traversed an impressive journey from two-dimensional to three-dimensional graphics. Spanning side-scrolling platform adventures to first-person perspectives, this iconic bounty hunter’s tales have left an indelible mark on the industry. With such a rich and diverse history, selecting a title as a newcomer might seem daunting. However, these games provide the most authentic portrayal of Samus’ character development and showcase the series’ enduring impact over the last three decades.

6 Metroid Dread

First New Metroid Title In 20 Years Is An Excellent Starting Point

As a devoted fan of the Metroid series, I can tell you that the words “Metroid Dread” hold significant weight beyond being just the name of a game. This title carries deep meaning for us loyal fans, as it traces its roots back to the early stages of development in 2005 as a follow-up to “Fusion.” However, its production faced numerous hurdles and was put on hold multiple times until Nintendo breathed new life into it in 2021 for the Switch. For those newcomers eager to explore the Metroid universe, “Dread” offers an exceptional starting point.

Metroid Dread presents an engaging difficulty level, aligning with a fundamental principle of this game series. It’s not overly harsh, but instead demands solid intuition and dexterity from players. This balance makes it both an intriguing hurdle for veterans and a welcoming introduction for newcomers. It stands out as one of the best games in the franchise, now playable on Nintendo Switch.

5 Super Metroid

SNES Classic Makes For A Perfect Entry Point

Super Metroid, the final installment in the series before it went on hiatus, was a fittingly spectacular conclusion. This classic 2D action-platformer game remains among the best in its genre to this day. Newcomers to the franchise will appreciate that they don’t need prior knowledge of the first Metroid game to jump in. An engaging opening cutscene sets the stage for an immersive gaming experience.

For those unfamiliar with the iconic world of Metroid, Super Metroid is a must-play game for its exceptional platforming, shooting, exploration, and boss battles. This SNES classic showcases the bravery and compassionate nature of the protagonist Samus Aran, drawing in newcomers to this captivating series. Conveniently accessible on Nintendo Switch, there’s no better time to delve into this unforgettable adventure.

4 Metroid: Samus Returns

Remake Of The 1991 Game Boy Game Is A Great Place To Start

As a huge fan of classic video games, I can’t help but feel that Metroid 2: Return of Samus was long overdue for a remake. Although its monochrome aesthetic holds a special place in gaming history, the original Game Boy title could definitely benefit from a modern makeover. Luckily, Nintendo heard my call and entrusted MercurySteam to bring Metroid: Samus Returns to life on the Nintendo 3DS back in 2017.

For those new to the franchise or wanting to revisit its roots, “Metroid Samus Returns” is an engaging 2.5D action game that pays homage to the series’ beginnings. With a welcoming entry point for newcomers and no prerequisite knowledge of the initial installment, it sets the stage for an authentic Metroid experience.

3 Metroid Fusion

Bite-Sized GBA Game Eases Players Into The World Of Metroid

In 2002, Nintendo was deeply immersed in the “Metroid” craze. It wasn’t just “Prime” that graced us with Samus Aran that November 18th; “Metroid Fusion” also made its debut on the same day for the Game Boy Advance. This game remains an excellent introduction for newcomers to the series.

Metroid Fusion stands out in the Metroid series for its more structured progression system and intensified narrative focus. In place of the open-ended exploration found in other games, it follows a mission-based approach, making for a tighter, more harrowing experience. This game tells the gripping story of Samus Aran’s struggle to free herself from the clutches of a powerful parasite that resembles her iconic suit from Super Metroid. Newcomers to the series will find this compact, horror-infused tale an excellent introduction, easily accessible on the Nintendo Switch through Game Boy Advance emulation.

2 Metroid Prime Remastered

GameCube Masterpiece Is One Of The Best Ways To Experience Metroid For The First Time

Though there were attempts to introduce Samus’ bounty-hunting adventures on Nintendo 64, she was absent during the entire fifth generation of video game consoles. It wasn’t until 2002 that she made her comeback in the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime, developed by Retro Studios. Newcomers to the series can easily jump into this intriguing sci-fi universe with no prior knowledge required. The game begins by immersing players directly into the enigmatic world, providing minimal guidance.

This game marked a groundbreaking shift from 2D to an immersive 3D experience, placing players right inside Samus’ helmet. Boasting stunning design and flawless action mechanics, it encapsulates the best elements of the Metroid series in a pristine bundle. Newcomers to Metroid should consider starting with Prime, as it delves deeper into Samus’ Chozo heritage and offers a world that heavily emphasizes exploration over other games. With its availability on the Switch, now is the ideal moment to experience this remarkable game.

1 Metroid: Zero Mission

Incredible Remake Of Debut Metroid Game Is The Best Way To Start

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for Metroid: Zero Mission when it comes to video game remakes. This masterpiece, spearheaded by esteemed Metroid team member Yoshio Sakamoto, is right up there with the likes of Persona 3 Reload and Demon’s Souls as top-notch reboots that breathe new life into gaming classics. For anyone eager to dive into the epic adventures of Samus Aran, Zero Mission serves as an ideal starting point.

Expert: Exploring the origins of Metroid as Fusion and Prime shifted the series’ narrative perspective, Zero Mission offers a remarkable and authentic remake of the initial game. It masterfully refurbishes an experience that may seem a tad cumbersome nowadays, introducing fresh cutscenes and significantly improving gameplay. Given that Zero Mission marks Samus’ early adventures, it serves as the ideal starting point for newcomers to Metroid. Fortunate are we, as this classic has been made readily available on Nintendo Switch Online, making accessibility smoother than ever before.

2024-07-14 07:05