Summary
Metroidis a franchise that operates in a unique pattern. It tends to weave in and out of the industry, and even on the heels of critically acclaimed titles likeSuper MetroidandPrime, will vanish into the ether. And in the wake of these disappearing acts, it leaves behind a legacy of questions surrounding where a new player should enter. Starting at the very beginning vs. jumping intoMetroid Primeis a common question and one that is echoed in other franchises likeYakuzaandFinal Fantasy.
From 2D to 3D, running the gamut of side-scrolling platforming to first-person shooting, this series starring theiconic bounty hunter Samus Aranhas seen and done it all in the world of video games. So the prospect of what game to dive into as a new player can be challenging. These titles offer the most raw and honest examination of not just the character of Samus, but exactly what this marvelous series has and continues to do over the past three decades.
The wordsMetroid Dreadmean a lot more to fans of the series than just the title of a game. It’s animportant piece ofMetroidlore, as this game entered early development back in 2005 as a sequel toFusion, but it was shelved numerous times until Nintendo revived it in 2021 for the Switch. But for anyone looking to experienceMetroidfor the first time,Dreadis a great place to start.
Metroid Dreadoffers a good challenge, tying into one of the core tenets of the franchise. It’s difficult, but not on an extreme level, relying on strong instincts and player skill in a way that both challenges veterans and welcomes newcomers. It’s one of the finest games in the franchise and is currently available on Nintendo Switch.
Super Metroidwas the last game in the franchise before it went dark, but it was certainly one banger of a finale, as it is still one of the absolute best 2D action-platform games of all time. Additionally, it is a great game for new players to experience, as it requires no previous knowledge of the firstMetroidgame, offering an opening cutscene that gets players right into the action.
This iconic SNES game needs to be experienced, and anyone new toMetroidshould look into playing this one first. It features some of the best platforming, shooting, exploration,and boss fights onecan ask for. It shows just how truly brave and compassionate the character of Samus is, something that will hook anyone into this wonderful series.Super Metroidis currently available on Nintendo Switch, making it easy to experience today.
Video game remakes are all the rage these days, but if any game needed one, it wasMetroid 2: Return of Samus. For all of its monochrome glory, the original version of this title on the Game Boy needed a fresh coat of paint. Nintendo took that a step further, hiring MercurySteam to craft a complete remake calledMetroid: Samus Returnsfor the Nintendo 3DSin 2017.
As a remake of an older game in the franchise, as well as being one that requires no previous knowledge of the first game, it’s a perfect place for newcomers.Samus Returnsis a slick, stylish 2.5D action game that recalls the origins of the series, placing new players into a hostile environment that feels fundamentallyMetroid. It’s a rather difficult game, but the new counter mechanic helps balance that out and adds some flavor to the combat that previous entries lacked. It’s a fantastic first start for any new Metroid fan, offering all of Samus' greatest hits in one go.
Nintendo was certainly feeling theMetroidlove in 2002, asPrimewasn’t the only game starring Samus Aran to release on November 18th.Metroid Fusionwas also released on the same day, launching on the Game Boy Advance, and continues to be one of the best ways for new players to start.
Metroid Fusionis slightly more linear than other games in the franchise, utilizing a mission-based design progression system, as well as a heavier focus on the story. It is a tight, harrowing tale of survival asSamus attempts to escapethe grip of a parasite that has all the intimidating power of her suit fromSuper Metroid. This intimate, smaller horror story is a fantastic gateway into the series and is readily available on the Nintendo Switch via Game Boy Advance emulation.
Despite efforts to bring Samus' bounty-hunting exploits to the Nintendo 64, she skipped the entire fifth generation of consoles. She finally returned in 2002, starring inMetroid Primedeveloped by Retro Studios, a game that is still one of the best and easiest ways for new players to start.Metroid Primerequires zero knowledge of the series to enjoy, dropping players directly into this mysterious sci-fi world with very little information.
It made the startling jump from not just 2D to 3D, but put players directly behind the visor of Samus. It is a wonderfully designed, pitch-perfect action game that organizes everything great aboutMetroidinto one pristine package. Anyone who is looking to jump intoMetroidwould do well to start withPrime, as it also leans heavily into Samus' Chozo origins and has a world reliant on player exploration more than perhaps any other game. It is easily available today on the Switch, which means now is the perfect time to play this spectacular game.
In termsof video game remakes,Metroid: Zero Missionis easily one of the greatest to ever do it and stands alongside titles likePersona 3 ReloadandDemon’s Soulsas the best way to reinvigorate a classic. Directed by one of the most prominentMetriodstaff members, Yoshio Sakamoto,Zero Missionis easily the best way for anyone curious about the exploits of Samus to start with.
Designed to explore the roots ofMetroidduring a time whenFusionandPrimewere altering perceptions of the series,Zero Missionis a fantastic and faithful remake of the original. It takes a game that feels a bit clumsy today and updates it in such a brilliant way, featuring new cutscenes and feeling much better to play. As this is the very beginning of Samus' story, playingZero Missionis the best way for one’s first foray intoMetroid. Thankfully,Zero Missionwas recently released on Nintendo Switch Online, making this timeless classic easier to access than ever before.
