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's Metroid Prime really stuck the landing, often heralded as one of the best games to ever release on the GameCube.
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.
10 2D Is The Best: It Came First
Like everything today, it owes a debt of gratitude to what came before. Metroid Prime would 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 gameplay ended up radically different, it still captures the vibe established by the older games.
9 3D Is The Best: Higher Average Metacritic Score
The Metroid Prime series, in general, is highly-venerated. The biggest blight against the 3D games is Metroid: Other M for 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 Metroid isn't scored on the site, a title which often ranks among the greatest games ever made.
8 2D Is The Best: Super Metroid
One victory the 2D games will always have over its brethren is Super Metroid. This 1994 SNES classic is still held in high regard and is one half of the namesake for the Metroidvania genre. Games age faster than other forms of entertainment, but Super Metroid is still a blast to play today.
7 3D Is The Best: Ages Better
Other than Super Metroid, the other older 2D games are not quite as accessible. The original Metroid on the NES is extremely unforgiving and difficult to navigate, while Metroid 2 is hindered by the Game Boy's technical limitations.
The Metroid Prime trilogy, on the other hand, feels fresh today for those who have the ability to play it either on their GameCube or Wii. They eschew first-person shooter genre conventions, which helps them stand out and prevents them from becoming outdated.
6 2D Is The Best: Platforming
The 2D games have a bigger focus on platforming than the Prime series. 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 while Metroid was not a member of the genre, some of the goodness rubbed off on the old sci-fi title.
5 3D 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 and Metroid Prime was 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.
4 2D 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, with Other M stumbling out of the gate. Its reputation has not improved with age, either.
3 3D Is The Best: Scan Visor
In addition to simply looking better, Metroid Prime introduces the Scan Visor, which allows the player to assess most objects in the environment and learn more about them.
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.
2 2D Is The Best: More Challenging
For those who like a decent challenge, the 2D games will deliver. The older Metroid titles 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 the Prime games or Other 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.
1 3D Is The Best: More Unique
Countless titles have drawn inspiration from the 2D Metroids to the point of a genre being dubbed "Metroidvania." However, few have put this idea into a first-person perspective like the Metroid Prime series. Because of this, the 3D games remain more unique and special. Maybe one day a wave of first-person games with gameplay similar to Metroid Prime will pop up.