Nintendo’s creepy atmospheric science fiction series,Metroid,has been enthralling gamers for more than three decades. Like most older franchises, it eventually had to make the jump into the third dimension. Fortunately, 2002’sMetroid Primereally stuck the landing, often heralded as one of the best games to ever release on the GameCube.
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Because of the high esteem of both the 2D and 3D entries, it is difficult to determine which one is ultimately better. The following list will present convincing arguments for both sides. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and whichever era of the franchise one grew up with.
102D Is The Best: It Came First
Like everything today, it owes a debt of gratitude to what came before.MetroidPrimewould never exist if the older games didn’t pave to way. One could argue that the 2D games are more historically relevant because of this. The whole goal of the 3D entries, after all, was to find a way to translate the series' formula into a new dimension. Although the gameplayended up radically different, it still captures the vibe established by the older games.
93D Is The Best: Higher Average Metacritic Score
The Metroid Primeseries, in general, is highly-venerated. The biggest blight against the 3D games isMetroid:Other Mfor the Nintendo Wii, and even this one still sits in the seventies on Metacritic. The four 3D titles average at around 89, while the 2D entries come in at 81. To be fair, however,Super Metroidisn’t scored on the site, a title which often ranks among the greatest games ever made.
82D Is The Best: Super Metroid
One victory the 2D games will always have over its brethren isSuper Metroid. This 1994 SNES classic is still held in high regard and is one half of the namesake for theMetroidvaniagenre. Games age faster than other forms of entertainment, butSuper Metroidis still a blast to play today.
73D Is The Best: Ages Better
Other thanSuper Metroid, the other older 2D games are not quite as accessible. The originalMetroidon the NES is extremely unforgiving and difficult to navigate, whileMetroid 2is hindered by theGame Boy’stechnical limitations.
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TheMetroid Primetrilogy, on the other hand, feels fresh today for those who have the ability to play it either on their GameCube or Wii. They eschewfirst-person shootergenre conventions, which helps them stand out and prevents them from becoming outdated.
62D Is The Best: Platforming
The 2D games have a bigger focus on platforming than thePrimeseries. To the latter’s credit, platforming still plays a part and it is better than in most other first-person games, but it does not require the same precision as in the 2D titles. Nintendo revolutionized the platforming genre and whileMetroidwas not a member of the genre, some of the goodness rubbed off on the old sci-fi title.
53D Is The Best: More Detailed World
With older 2D hardware there is only so much designers can do when crafting the world. The GameCube had some incredibly gorgeous graphics for the era andMetroid Primewas the first time fans saw this world in such stunning detail. Enemies appeared as the artists intended, instead of pixelated approximations, and the environments felt more alive than ever before.
42D Is The Best: More Consistent
At the time of their releases, the mainline 2D entries all received nearly universal acclaim and lapped up numerous rewards at the end of the year. While the first game may have a lackluster Metacritic score these days, it was a revelation upon its initial release. The 3D games cannot say the same thing, withOther Mstumbling out of the gate. Its reputation has not improved with age, either.
33D Is The Best: Scan Visor
In addition to simply looking better,Metroid Primeintroduces the Scan Visor, which allows the player to assess most objects in the environment and learn more about them.
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This helps figure out puzzles and learn the enemies' weaknesses. It also goes a long way towards uncovering the lore. The world Samus inhabits is often shrouded in mystery, and this is is a solid way to expand the universe without adding needless cinematics.
22D Is The Best: More Challenging
For those who like a decent challenge, the 2D games will deliver. The olderMetroidtitles do not go soft on players. Even with a guide, beating the debut entry will certainly prove an unforgettable challenge. Newer 2D entries lightening up a bit, but they are still harder than any of thePrimegames orOther M. To the other game’s credit, the 3D ones come with a Hard mode, which should give any fan a run for their money.
13D Is The Best: More Unique
Countless titles have drawn inspiration from the 2DMetroidsto the point of a genre being dubbed “Metroidvania.” However, few have put this idea into a first-person perspective like theMetroid Primeseries. Because of this, the 3D games remain more unique and special. Maybe one day a wave of first-person games with gameplay similar toMetroid Primewill pop up.
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