What's your favorite Metroid game, folks? Out of both series. Can include spinoffs too, why not?
Mine has got to be Prime 1, with Super as a close second.
I've been thinking about this lately, and I'd like to give my full ranking of the series! (When there's a remake of a game, I'll include that instead of the original):
10.) Other M
Doesn't feel like Metroid whatsoever to me. Some of it is enjoyable, but doesn't redeem the rest of it.
9.) Prime: Hunters
Never played it, but has to be better than Other M at the very least
8.) Samus Returns
I actually like this one a lot, but IMO it takes the weakest aspects of Metroid II (the linearity & confusing level design) without implementing what made the original game so unique (its atmosphere & dreary visuals)
7.) Zero Mission
Just a really solid game, and still the most replayable Metroid. It feels like a perfect adaptation of the original, but expands it even further with 'post-game' content.
6.) Prime 3: Corruption
The sense of scale and sheer epicness of the grand story really makes this game. Love all the different planets and environments. I even like the way the Galactic Federation is included in the story. Metroid to me though is about isolation and immersion, and so this game never reeled me in as deeply as the others.
5.) Fusion
The most linear Metroid to date, and also includes an AI talking to you for much of the game. This feels like intentional game design though as everything culminates into this interesting government conspiracy plot. The ending of this game is great and really sets up the future of the series.
4.) Dread
A super satisfying blend of gameplay, art direction, sound design, and plot that culminates in the best final boss and ending of any Metroid (although Super does come close). I also personally love the E.M.M.I.s.
Ironically though, this one has my least favorite world or even level design. Hoping Mercury Steam can deliver something that feels less cramped in the next entry.
3.) Prime
There's not much I can say about this one. Retro Studios proved themselves in being able to adapt the 2D formula of the series and expand it with a first person perspective. Being able to scan things is genius, and has me to wanting that same mechanic in every other game I play.
2.) Super Metroid
IMO there's never been another game like Super Metroid. The atmosphere is unparalleled and makes this game still so unique compared to every other Metroid. It also just has all the makings of a classic (iconic world design and areas, memorable boss battles, simple yet moving story). I genuinely think it's a perfect game, and can only be made to be better if it controlled easier. Even then some people prefer Samus' floatiness.
1.) Prime 2: Echoes
I'll admit I can see why many would dislike this game, or see it as frustrating. The reason this is my favorite Metroid game though is because I play Metroid for atmosphere, and immersion. Playing through a dying world adds a lot of intrigue to everything you explore, and each area feels like a legitimate ecosystem:
Agon Wastes feels like the sea floor of a barren ocean, with sand constantly flowing down and filling in the holes. Torvus Bog was once a forest that was destroyed by flooding, but the large amount of water now feeds entirely new plant life. And of course Sanctuary Fortress is just mind boggling with all of its visual details and moving parts: it feels like a living machine.
Also I legitimately love the dark world. Is it annoying to travel through? Yes, but it's also just so grim, and is a reminder of what Aether is destined to become if you don't intervene. The fact that just existing in the dark world kills you is also quite intimidating.
Honestly I could go on forever about MP2 so I'll just stop here
