Metroid 30th Anniversary | Top 5 Metroid Games

5. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes uses the same tools as the first title to craft an entirely new adventure. For example, while the visual style is identical, the feel of Aether's mechanical temples and arid landscapes is much different from the vibrant locales of Tallon IV.

Of course, much of the difference can be credited to the game's trademark light/dark dichotomy. Dual-world gameplay may seem a little trite these days, but the developers made the most of it here. Aether's dark world doesn't feel like just a variation of its light world; it feels like a claustrophobic, inherently dangerous "other" that's visibly corrupting its twin, which is perfect, because that's exactly what it is. The fact that the polarised setting is also a central aspect of the game's combat also does a lot to make Echoes significantly more than just a Metroid Prime expansion pack.
- Jordan

4. Metroid: Zero Mission

"Is it necessary?" and "Is it better?" Those are the two primary questions that need to be asked when looking at any remake. In the case of Metroid: Zero Mission, its sheer amount of quality over the original makes it necessary.

It borrows the best design elements from Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion to reimagine the NES adventure for fans new and old alike. Its silky smooth gameplay is only rivalled by its beautiful sprite work and remarkable soundtrack. With new power-ups, new bosses, and new areas to explore, Metroid: Zero Mission makes the original wholly redundant and sets a gold standard for remakes everywhere.   
- Renan

3. Metroid Fusion

In 2002, after an eight-year hiatus, the Metroid series saw the birth of its fourth son. And the series was proud of it, because Metroid Fusion tackled the titanic task of respecting the classic Metroid formula, while having an identity and something new to offer, besides overcoming the unavoidable comparisons - and it succeeded graciously.

All the elements of past Metroid games are there: great level design, fun bosses, awesome exploration, rewarding power-ups and non-tedious backtracking. This time, though, the experience was more guided and action-oriented, sacrificing atmospheric value in the process. Nevertheless, the game provided other well-crafted gameplay elements, the most representative being the horror aspect that running away from SA-X - the way more powerful copy of Samus - brought to the table.

All in all, Metroid Fusion exquisitely blended identity and tradition, action and exploration, giving us one of the best experiences within the Metroid series, and certainly one of the best in the GBA library.
- Camilo

2. Metroid Prime

It seems absurd that there was once a time when Metroid Prime received backlash for being first-person, as such a perspective is perfectly suited for the series' standard mixture of solitary exploration and ranged combat. Retro Studios didn't just reiterate the formula in 3D space, though; they implemented an unorthodox lock-on-based control scheme that emphasised evasion and timing over precision aim, setting the game apart from its classic predecessor and from the straightforward FPS that many feared it would be.

Meanwhile, the indispensable addition of the Thermal, X-Ray, and Scan Visors made the previously unthinkable idea of a 3D Metroidvania a wonderful reality. With combat and exploration figured out, the only thing left to tick off the Metroid checklist was atmosphere, which Metroid Prime accomplished via spectacular sound design and detailed visuals that still hold up 16 years later. It's an excellent reminder that deviations from established templates deserve the benefit of the doubt a lot more often than they get it.
- Jordan

1. Super Metroid

The first two Metroid games did amazing things for the series, and at some point, for the gaming industry. However, their contributions are nothing in comparison to the absurdly huge leap that Super Metroid made.

The Super NES game shows its brilliance from one of the most distinctive and obscure title screens ever, to the plot-heavy final boss fight and thrilling escape. What's in between? Absolutely polished exploration and level design, marvellous boss battles, deliciously detailed presentation, gorgeous and feeling-inducing music, iconic old and new power-ups, enchanting challenge, exemplary backtracking, impeccable controls, and enjoyable pace, all wrapped by an atmospheric feeling that can't be described, only experienced by playing it - just the player, the night and the blue light of the TV.

As a result, we simply have a timeless masterpiece, which is one of the top five SNES games (and that is saying a lot) and one of the best 2D games of all time.
- Camilo