As the gaming world anxiously awaits the release of the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4, it is the perfect time to take a trip down memory lane. Consider exploring the earlier games in the series to echo the nostalgia or induct new players into the captivating world of Metroid.
1. Metroid (1986)
The game that started it all, Metroid, was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It introduced players to the iconic female hero, Samus Aran.The game was groundbreaking at the time for its non-linear gameplay and the big reveal that the player’s character was a woman - a rarity in the mostly male-dominated video game industry at the time. Experiencing the original Metroid is an absolute must to understand the roots of this prosperous franchise.
2. Super Metroid (1994)
Super Metroid, launched for the SNES in 1994, is arguably one of the best games of the original series. Known for its atmospheric storytelling and intricate level design, Super Metroid focuses on exploration over combat.It’s a very influential game in the ‘metroidvania’ genre, inspiring countless developers with its nonlinear open world and grand sense of isolation.
3. Metroid Prime (2002)
The frist installment of the Metroid Prime Series,Metroid Prime is a 3D first-person viewpoint game,a departure from earlier Metroid games’ side-scrolling style. Despite the change, it was praised for its detailed world, elaborate lore and successful translation of the Metroid spirit into 3D. It’s the closest thing to Metroid Prime 4, providing the foundation for understanding what is to come.
4. Metroid: Zero Mission (2004)
A remake of the original Metroid, but for the Game Boy Advance, Metroid: Zero Mission offers a more streamlined experience. It maintains the story of the first game but enhances it with more modern gameplay mechanics. The graphics had a significant upgrade, and additional content enhances the narrative significantly. Zero Mission also introduces sequence breaking, now a core of Metroid gameplay for fans. This is a great way to experience the first-ever Metroid game within a more contemporary mold.
5. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007)
The last entry in the Metroid Prime trilogy, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, was the series’ debut on the Nintendo Wii. It utilized the console’s motion controls to offer a unique first-person shooter experience. Corruption brought a conclusion to the Phazon arc, shaping up much of the history preceding the events in Metroid Prime 4. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle and a fun game in its own right.
These essential Metroid games not only provide hours of engaging gameplay but each offers unique elements that make them stand out in their own right. They are essential in helping us understand and appreciate the evolution of the series and prepare us for the compelling adventure that Metroid Prime 4 promises to be. If you haven’t played them yet, now is the perfect time to delve into Samus Aran’s world.