Which Metroid Games Should I Play First?
The Metroid series has been a beloved part of the gaming community for decades, with a rich history of games that have captivated players with their atmospheric worlds, intense action, and deep storytelling. With so many games in the series, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll explore the best order to play the Metroid games, highlighting the key games to focus on and the ones you can skip.
The Essential Games
To fully understand the Metroid series, it’s essential to play the following games in order:
- Metroid (NES): This is the game that started it all, introducing players to the iconic character of Samus Aran and the Metroid universe. Play this game first to get a sense of the series’ origins and to understand the basic mechanics of exploration and combat.
- Super Metroid (Super NES): Considered by many to be one of the best games of all time, Super Metroid is a masterclass in game design, atmosphere, and storytelling. Play this game second to experience the series at its peak.
- Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance): Released in 2002, Metroid Fusion is a prequel to Super Metroid and provides a fresh perspective on the series. Play this game third to continue the story and explore new gameplay mechanics.
Other Games to Consider
While the essential games above are a must-play, there are other Metroid games that are worth exploring:
- Metroid Prime (GameCube): A first-person shooter that explores the Metroid universe from a new perspective. Play this game if you enjoy FPS games and want to experience the series in a different way.
- Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GameCube): The sequel to Metroid Prime, Echoes offers a unique storyline and new gameplay mechanics. Play this game if you enjoyed the first Prime game.
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii): The final game in the Prime trilogy, Corruption offers a more action-oriented gameplay experience. Play this game if you want to experience the Prime series’ conclusion.
Games to Skip
While all Metroid games are worth playing, there are a few that can be skipped:
- Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy): While this game is a classic, it’s not as well-regarded as some of the other games in the series. Skip this game unless you’re a die-hard fan of the series.
- Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo DS): A spin-off game that combines pinball with Metroid gameplay, Prime Pinball is not essential to the series. Skip this game unless you’re a fan of pinball games.
The Order to Play
Here’s a suggested order to play the Metroid games:
- Metroid (NES)
- Super Metroid (Super NES)
- Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance)
- Metroid Prime (GameCube)
- Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GameCube)
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii)
Conclusion
The Metroid series is a rich and complex universe with a wide range of games to explore. By playing the essential games in order, you’ll get a deep understanding of the series and its characters. While other games in the series are worth playing, the essential games provide the foundation for the series’ story and gameplay.