Metacritic Ranks Every Metroid Game Including New Release

In an exciting development for fans of the iconic Metroid series, Metacritic has recently unveiled an updated, exhaustive ranking of every game featuring Samus Aran in their extensive database. This eagerly anticipated compilation arrives on the heels of the long-awaited release of 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond', marking a significant moment for the franchise after nearly two decades since its last major 'Prime' installment.

Metacritic Unveils Comprehensive Metroid Game Rankings Following 'Prime 4: Beyond' Launch

Following an extensive 18-year period since the last mainline entry in the 'Prime' saga, the gaming community celebrates the arrival of 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond'. To commemorate this monumental occasion, Metacritic, the renowned review aggregator, has meticulously cataloged and ranked every 'Metroid' title available in its archives. This definitive list is generated from a synthesis of critical reviews, offering a broad perspective on the franchise's trajectory. It encompasses not only the celebrated 'Prime' series but also Samus's classic 2D escapades, various spin-offs, and re-released versions of beloved games. It's important to note that certain foundational titles, such as the original 'Metroid' (NES, 1987), 'Metroid II: Return of Samus' (Game Boy, 1991), and the highly acclaimed 'Super Metroid' (SNES, 1994), are not included in Metacritic's ranking. This exclusion is simply due to their release dates preceding the establishment of the Metacritic platform itself.

Furthermore, an intriguing detail for enthusiasts is that the Metascore for 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' specifically pertains to its 'Switch 2 Edition'. As of now, reviews for the 'Switch' version of the game are still pending on Metacritic. The comprehensive list showcases a variety of scores, with 'Metroid Prime' (GameCube, 2002) leading the pack with an impressive 97, followed by 'Metroid Prime Remastered' (Switch, 2023) at 94. 'Metroid Prime 2: Echoes' (GameCube, 2004) and 'Metroid Fusion' (GBA, 2002) both secured a solid 92. The latest entry, 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' (Switch 2, 2025), holds an 80, positioning it among the more recent releases like 'Metroid Dread' (Switch, 2021) at 88. While Metacritic's rankings are based on aggregated critical reception, alternative perspectives exist; for instance, Nintendo Life's community-driven ratings place 'Super Metroid' at the pinnacle, with the original 'Prime' and 'Metroid Dread' following closely behind. For those eager to delve deeper into Samus's newest adventure, both the 'Switch 2' and original 'Switch' versions are highly recommended, each offering a compelling experience for fans old and new.

The meticulous compilation of 'Metroid' game rankings by Metacritic not only provides a valuable historical overview but also sparks meaningful dialogue within the gaming community regarding critical reception and the evolution of a beloved franchise. It underscores the enduring impact of quality game design and the challenge of maintaining excellence across different eras and hardware. This ranking serves as a testament to the series' legacy, encouraging players to revisit classics and engage with the newest chapter, fostering a renewed appreciation for Samus Aran's timeless adventures.