No gamer needs an in-depth explanation as to why Nintendo is one of the most important companies in the industry. They might not know about other developers outside of Japan who have helped Nintendo make some of their most highly celebrated titles. One such developer is Retro Studios, founded in Texas in 1998 with the intent of making titles for the publisher and the Nintendo GameCube.
Though the company’s output is relatively small for its more than two decades of existence - thanks in no small part to the absurdly long development cycle of the long-awaitedMetroid Prime 4- almost every release has been solid gold. It will be no easy task to rank them all and figure out which one is the best, but this list will do its best. A last thing to note is that re-releases and ports later on will not be included as separate entries, so one shouldn’t expect to findMetroid Prime: RemasteredorMetroid Prime Trilogyhere.
One’s enjoyment ofMario Kart 7will stem mostly from how much they like theMario Kartfranchise. It is a perfect downsizing of the gameplay onto the Nintendo 3DS platform. As good as it is, though, anybody but diehardMario Kartfans are going to want to play it on the go. Even then, most might prefer to stick with the console variants instead of the handheld seventh entry.
With multiplayer requiring multiple 3DS systems instead of only multiple controllers, it makes one of the series' defining features more of a chore to set up. All the same, both Nintendo and Retro are commendable for puttingso much care into a mobile iteration of the franchise.
From here on out it is exclusively all-time greats.Metroid Prime 3was released in 2007 for the Nintendo Wii and takes full advantage of the console’s unique control scheme. Though Retro managed to smoothly integrate the motion controls into the game - a feat many other developers failed at - it loses points for restricting players to this control scheme.
Anyone uncomfortable with theWiimote and Nunchuckeither has to power through their distaste for it or give up on the game. To be fair, the game does not lean on it like a gimmick and shines for the same reason the priorMetroid Primegames do; for its stunning level design, atmosphere, and environmental storytelling.
After threeMetroid Primeentries, Retro’s skill in making games in the particular franchise was clear. No one expected them to be so adept at making 2D platformers, though. The olderDonkey Kong Countrytitles are all-time classics in the genre so the return of the series had gigantic shoes to fill.
They more than succeeded with a Nintendo Wii platformer that fully embraces the original games' vibe, including the intense difficulty. The sheer joy of jumping one’s way through the levels is more than enough to put this game this high on the list, but the art design also deserves special mention. Every platform and hazard feels like it belongs in the world, never appearing random just for the sake of platforming.
Following up a platformer as good asDonkey Kong Country Returnsis a challenge few developers could accomplish, but Retro is already known for defying expectations. They were the only ones able to successfully transitionMetroidinto the 3D space, after all.
The levels are tighter, there is more gameplay variety, and every boss fight is a memorable gauntlet that pushes players' reflexes to the limit.The Nintendo Switch versionalso eases the difficulty a little bit with the ability to play in a more forgiving Funky Kong mode.
Whether one prefersMetroid Primeor its sequel comes down to personal opinion, but gamers are making a good choice by playing either of them.Metroid Prime 2: Echoesis more than just a sequel that adds more to the equation, the new features change the experience entirely.
The parallel dimensions and Dark Samus in particular make the sequel feel like a fresh adventure. There is also a multiplayer mode that lets players take the gameplay from the series into a competitive setting. While this mode is not perfect, it does not hurt the overall package and players can take it or leave it.
Few developers come out of the gate with a game even half as strong asMetroid Prime. Its legacy as a masterpiece is not only because of its quality as a standalone title but also because it proved that series shouldn’t be afraid to switch genres or perspectives when transitioning from 2D to 3D.
Even though it puts the franchise into the first-person perspective,Primeabsolutely feels like aMetroidgame and includes all the hallmarks of the sci-fi property. Its place in gaming history is only more deeply solidified thanks to the Nintendo Switch remaster thatproves how well it holds up today.
