Ranking Every Metroid Prime Game, Including Spinoffs

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The Metroid Prime franchise represents some of the very best in video games.

Metroid Prime, originally launched for the Nintendo GameCube in 2001, revitalized the Metroid series for a new generation. It was praised for its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and clever combination of the traditional Metroid experience with the action of a first-person shooter.

This would also launch a new series of games within the Metroid universe, resulting in a three-game story on GameCube and Wii, the recently released Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and a number of additional games.

I recently reviewed Metroid Prime 4 and pointed out that even if a Metroid Prime game isn’t perfect, it’s still likely to be enjoyable. That made me wonder – how would all the Metroid Prime games stack up if I ranked them? Let’s take a look and find out!

8. Metroid Prime: Federation Force

The Black Sheep

The only thing Metroid Prime: Federation Force has in common with Metroid Prime is the name.

Okay, so you don’t actually play as Samus in this game. Instead, I’m one of the regular Federation soldiers, and it’s all about teaming up with other players in co-op action on the 3DS. We’re working together to get things done, not being the bounty hunter herself!

It seems Nintendo tried to create a cooperative shooting game for the 3DS and used the Metroid series as a quick way to do it. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t really work – a co-op shooter just isn’t well-suited for the system. The final game is, at best, mediocre and isn’t worth playing.

7. Metroid Prime Hunters

Held Back By Its Controls

While Federation Force was a handheld shooter, Metroid Prime Hunter stands out because it offers gameplay similar to Metroid Prime and, surprisingly, lets you play as Samus Aran herself!

Metroid Prime Hunters really stands out because it successfully brought the feel of the original Metroid Prime to the Nintendo DS. While the second screen was definitely helpful, the biggest challenge was creating a good control system for the handheld.

The game is generally good, but long playtimes caused significant hand cramping, which unfortunately lowered its ranking among the Metroid Prime titles. It’s not a flawed game by any means, but the older hardware it runs on does create some issues.

6. Metroid Prime Pinball

A Fun Distraction

When a popular game series launches and your stores can’t keep up with demand, you need to find innovative solutions!

Looking back, we really should have known Metroid Prime Hunters was going to be a bit of a mixed bag. I remember playing the demo when the DS first came out – it was fun, but also super frustrating. Thankfully, Metroid Prime Pinball was a completely different story – just pure, unadulterated fun!

Don’t expect this to play like other Metroid Prime games. It’s essentially a pinball game dressed up with Metroid elements. That said, I enjoy pinball, and there are definitely less appealing games within the Metroid Prime series.

5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Doesn’t Live Up to the Legacy

It’s no secret that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond had some serious issues with its development.

Originally revealed at E3 2017, Bandai Namco was initially set to develop the game with Kensuke Tanabe. However, after two years, the project restarted with Retro Studios taking over. Even with this change, it took another six years before the game was finally released.

The main problem with Metroid Prime 4 is that while it feels like a traditional Metroid Prime game with a lot of potential, it’s held back by some clashing design choices. It tries to balance an open-world feel with elements like a sometimes-frustrating motorcycle, and a variety of side characters, which don’t quite come together. Thankfully, the boss fights are still excellent.

4. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Still Great

We’re at the point now where it’s time to talk about the original Metroid Prime trilogy.

It’s important to say that none of these games are actually bad, but we still wanted to rank them. With Metroid Prime 3, the developers clearly tried to make the game more accessible to a wider audience. While this makes it very playable, it unfortunately diminishes some of the unique charm that Metroid fans adore.

Honestly, while I really enjoyed it, I think the gameplay could have been smoother. It is a Wii game, so it’s stuck with those motion controls, and they definitely held it back a bit. It’s a good game, but it just doesn’t quite reach the heights of the older titles in the series.

3. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

A Worthy Sequel

Everyone expected the original Metroid Prime to be number one, and for good reason. But it’s also worth pointing out just how good Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is, and how well it delivers on what players hoped for.

Despite some issues with things like ammo, difficulty, and repetitive parts, Metroid Prime 2 is a fantastic sequel. It’s incredibly atmospheric, draws you into its world, and is full of exciting action. Retro Studios really hit their stride, successfully blending fast-paced shooting with the exploration and upgrades that define the Metroidvania style.

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The game also introduces Dark Samus, a compelling new villain for Samus Aran. I think a remastered version of Metroid Prime 2 would be very popular with players if Nintendo were to release one now.

2. Metroid Prime

A Work of Art

Many wondered if the original Metroid Prime’s gameplay would still feel good to play now. Some believed this was the reason Metroid Prime 4 faced so many development setbacks.

Metroid Prime Remastered definitely shows that the gameplay is still enjoyable now, but we’ll discuss that game shortly.

Metroid Prime was a stunning game when it came out in the early 2000s, boasting impressive graphics and detail even without high-definition technology. Remarkably, the 2023 Remaster keeps the core gameplay, art style, and music completely intact, proving the original’s quality. It’s a true masterpiece and still sets the standard for all Metroid games.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

Perfection Perfected

It might seem a bit odd to discuss Metroid Prime Remastered so soon after praising the original Metroid Prime, but here we are.

This game is essentially the same as you remember, but with a few improvements. The graphics have been updated to retain their original beauty, and, more importantly, the controls have been significantly improved, making the game much more user-friendly.

With these changes, Metroid Prime feels like a current-generation first-person shooter, abandoning its earlier, clunkier mix of action and exploration. This makes the timeless gameplay even more enjoyable and removes any past frustrations. It’s simply the definitive way to experience an already fantastic game.

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2026-01-15 18:40