Are the 2D Metroid Games Really That Good?

0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Metroid (NES)
5:17 - Metroid II
9:34 - Super Metroid
14:15 - Metroid Fusion
19:12 - Metroid Zero Mission
22:22 - Metroid: Samus Returns
26:51 - Metroid Dread
Metroid is one of Nintendo’s most praised franchises, often treated as untouchable because of its legacy and influence on the Metroidvania genre. But being historically important doesn’t always mean a game is still enjoyable decades later. In this video, we take a critical, honest look at every major 2D Metroid game and ask a simple question fans rarely slow down to consider: which entries actually hold up, and which ones get more credit for what they started than how they play today?

This is a full breakdown and ranking of the 2D Metroid series, spanning from the original Metroid on NES to Metroid Dread on Nintendo Switch. Along the way, we examine how Samus Aran, exploration design, movement, combat, atmosphere, and progression evolved across generations of Nintendo hardware. From brutal early experimentation to refined modern execution, each game is judged on both its historical impact and its moment-to-moment gameplay.

We dive into the strengths and flaws of classic entries like Metroid and Metroid II, explore why Super Metroid became the genre benchmark, break down why Metroid Fusion remains one of the most divisive titles in the series, and explain why Zero Mission is often considered the definitive way to experience early Metroid design. The video also looks at how Samus Returns rebuilt the franchise for modern audiences and how Metroid Dread pushed 2D Metroid into a faster, more demanding era without losing its identity.

If you’ve ever searched for the best 2D Metroid game, wondered whether older Metroid games are worth playing today, debated Super Metroid vs Dread, or questioned how much nostalgia influences Metroid rankings, this video is made for you. It’s a long-form retrospective focused on game design, player freedom, difficulty, atmosphere, and why Metroid has survived while so many other Nintendo series changed completely.
   / @domainie