Summary
- 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 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 like Super Metroid and Prime, 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 into Metroid Prime is a common question and one that is echoed in other franchises like Yakuza and Final Fantasy.
Easiest Metroid Games, Ranked
The Metroid series is home to some near-impossible challenges; however, some entries stand out for being surprisingly easy.
From 2D to 3D, running the gamut of side-scrolling platforming to first-person shooting, this series starring the iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran has 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.
6 Metroid Dread
First New Metroid Title In 20 Years Is An Excellent Starting Point
Metroid Dread
- Released
- October 8, 2021
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam
- Platform(s)
- Switch
The words Metroid Dread mean a lot more to fans of the series than just the title of a game. It's an important piece of Metroid lore, as this game entered early development back in 2005 as a sequel to Fusion, but it was shelved numerous times until Nintendo revived it in 2021 for the Switch. But for anyone looking to experience Metroid for the first time, Dread is a great place to start.
Metroid Dread offers 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.
5 Super Metroid
SNES Classic Makes For A Perfect Entry Point
Super Metroid
- Released
- April 18, 1994
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- SNES
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
Super Metroid was 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 first Metroid game, offering an opening cutscene that gets players right into the action.
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A staple of the SNES, Super Metroid remains in the heart of many nostalgic gamers. Here are a few titles that may help in reliving its excitement.
This iconic SNES game needs to be experienced, and anyone new to Metroid should look into playing this one first. It features some of the best platforming, shooting, exploration, and boss fights one can 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 Metroid is currently available on Nintendo Switch, making it easy to experience today.
4 Metroid: Samus Returns
Remake Of The 1991 Game Boy Game Is A Great Place To Start
Metroid: Samus Returns
- Released
- September 15, 2017
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
- Platform(s)
- 3DS
Video game remakes are all the rage these days, but if any game needed one, it was Metroid 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 called Metroid: Samus Returns for the Nintendo 3DS in 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 Returns is a slick, stylish 2.5D action game that recalls the origins of the series, placing new players into a hostile environment that feels fundamentally Metroid. 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.
3 Metroid Fusion
Bite-Sized GBA Game Eases Players Into The World Of Metroid
Metroid Fusion
- Released
- November 17, 2002
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo R&D1
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Game Boy, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Platformer, Shooter
Nintendo was certainly feeling the Metroid love in 2002, as Prime wasn't the only game starring Samus Aran to release on November 18th. Metroid Fusion was 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.
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Metroid Fusion is 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 as Samus attempts to escape the grip of a parasite that has all the intimidating power of her suit from Super 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.
2 Metroid Prime Remastered
GameCube Masterpiece Is One Of The Best Ways To Experience Metroid For The First Time
Metroid Prime Remastered
- Released
- February 8, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Retro Studios
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Metroidvania
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 in Metroid Prime developed by Retro Studios, a game that is still one of the best and easiest ways for new players to start. Metroid Prime requires 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 about Metroid into one pristine package. Anyone who is looking to jump into Metroid would do well to start with Prime, 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.
1 Metroid: Zero Mission
Incredible Remake Of Debut Metroid Game Is The Best Way To Start
Metroid: Zero Mission
- Released
- February 9, 2004
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Wii U
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
In terms of video game remakes, Metroid: Zero Mission is easily one of the greatest to ever do it and stands alongside titles like Persona 3 Reload and Demon's Souls as the best way to reinvigorate a classic. Directed by one of the most prominent Metriod staff members, Yoshio Sakamoto, Zero Mission is easily the best way for anyone curious about the exploits of Samus to start with.
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Designed to explore the roots of Metroid during a time when Fusion and Prime were altering perceptions of the series, Zero Mission is 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, playing Zero Mission is the best way for one's first foray into Metroid. Thankfully, Zero Mission was recently released on Nintendo Switch Online, making this timeless classic easier to access than ever before.
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