Metroid Prime
NintendoMetroid Prime is one of the most iconic titles of the GameCube era. Its unique combination of FPS combat and mind-bending puzzles went on to earn legions of fans, two sequels (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption), and a stellar 97 Metascore.
Before Metroid Prime, the Metroid series was strictly a 2D experience. That all changed with this entry, which offers just as much exploration and puzzle-solving as its predecessors but with a fresh new perspective. Nintendo marketed Metroid Prime as a "First Person Adventure" instead of a traditional first-person shooter, making it abundantly clear that fans of the old Metroid games wouldn't be left in the cold and that much of the Metroid formula would remain intact.
Metroid Prime once again revolves on Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who is fighting against Space Pirates and their gruesome, genetic experiments on the hostile planet of Tallon IV. There's a highly nuanced story driving the action forward, and there are plenty of secrets to discover as you roam around the alien environment. You'll also unlock a bunch of new skills as you play that give you access to previously locked areas and increase your odds of survival. For example, you can use the Morph Ball skill to quickly traverse narrow environments, or you can use the Charge Beam to decimate foes that once posed a serious threat.
After wrapping up all three games in the Metroid Prime trilogy, there are plenty of similar games to pick up next. Metroid Prime 4 is expected to arrive sometime in the future, but until then, you'll have to look outside the series for all your "First Person Adventure" needs.
Here are 10 games like Metroid Prime to play next, listed by Metascore.
BioShock
2K GamesMetascore: 96
Best for: Fans of atmospheric FPS games
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BioShock takes place in the underwater dystopia of Rapture. What was once a thriving metropolis of innovation eventually fell prey to increasing wealth disparity and rampant use of the gene-altering serum, ADAM. You'll play as Jack, an airplane passenger that gets stranded at sea and winds up at the gates of Rapture. What follows is a chilling romp through the fallen city, and you'll need to use a variety of powerful weapons and special powers to survive. The combat, atmosphere, and narrative are all master class, making BioShock a game that all FPS fans will enjoy.
"BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters." — IGN
Half-Life 2
ValveMetascore: 96
Best for: Fans of old-school, iconic shooters
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Don't let its release date of 2004 scare you. Half-Life 2 is one of the most iconic FPS games of all time, thanks to memorable characters, its chilling atmosphere, and tense gameplay that gives you a wide degree of freedom to deal with enemies at your discretion. Part of what makes the game so much fun is the physics system, which allows you to smash objects to pieces with a crowbar or send enemies flying with gigantic explosions. Half-Life 2's combination of gameplay and story are top-notch, and Metroid fans will find a lot to love about its intriguing world.
"Nothing less than a revolution in the gaming industry that will keep gamers busy for years to come, just as the original did." — CPUGamer
Dead Space
EAMetascore: 89
Best for: Fans of horror games
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Step into the shoes of Isaac Clarke, an engineer sent to repair a damaged ship floating through space. However, when Isaac arrives at his destination, he's met with a ship that's overrun by hostile alien forces. You'll use a variety of makeshift weapons to literally cut through your enemies, unlocking new skills and abilities as you go. Besides offering engaging third-person combat and plenty of exploration, Dead Space is an unrelenting horror game. But if you're looking for a sci-fi epic that's reminiscent of Metroid Prime (and you don't mind a few scares), this is one to put on your list.
"Space is an artistic nightmare clearly designed for survival horror fans by a passionate and dedicated team of like-minded gamers." — GamePro
Titanfall 2
EAMetascore: 89
Best for: Fans of giant robots
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Titanfall 2 is a fast-paced FPS with a surprisingly nuanced story to tell. Its single-player mode follows a solider stuck in enemy territory, and you'll need to master more than an arsenal of firearms to make it out alive. You'll also need to learn to pilot a gigantic robot called BT-7274. Objectives can be approached in a variety of ways, letting you sneak by undetected or rush in guns blazing. Once you've wrapped up the solo campaign, you can check out a robust online mode. It's not as popular as it was at launch but still offers hours of frantic gameplay.
"Intelligent, creative, and never less than thrilling, Titanfall 2 finally realizes the series' true potential with verve and polish." — GamesRadar+
Doom Eternal
Bethesda SoftworksMetascore: 88
Best for: Fans of fast-paced and ultra-violent FPS games
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Doom Eternal moves at a much faster pace than most FPS games, but it still offers a lot of similarities. Its levels are intricately designed, new skills and weapons are unlocked regularly, and there's no shortage of unique puzzles to solve and deadly enemies to overcome. It's also one of the most violent games on this list. Not only will you be blasting through nightmarish enemies, but you can also pull off some visceral "Glory Kills" that quickly dispatch of your target with a grisly animation. If you don't mind a barebones story and the excessive violence, Doom Eternal is more than worthy of a spot on your hard drive.
"A ceaseless, panicked nightmare that pushes you to point and click with more skill and style than ever before." — PC Gamer
Metroid Dread
NintendoMetascore: 88
Best for: Fans of 2D platformers
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Although the action plays out as a side-scrolling shooter, Metroid Dread offers everything that made Metroid Prime so much fun. That includes challenging bosses, a constant flow of unlockables, and masterfully crafted levels that reward backtracking and exploring every corner. This time, Samus is investigating Planet ZDR after receiving a strange transmission. Upon arrival, she finds a land overrun with deadly robots called E.M.M.I, which add a unique horror element to the otherwise standard (and still excellent) Metroid formula. Longtime fans should be able to dive in no problem, but if you're new to the 2D Metroid experience, you can make use of the Rookie Mode to help lessen the learning curve.
"An intoxicating power climb, top-notch level design, and a fear-inducing hook make this an incredibly compelling and long overdue side-scrolling Metroid sequel." — WellPlayed
Halo Infinite
Xbox Game StudiosMetascore: 87
Best for: Fans of open-world epics
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Halo Infinite is the first game in the series to give you a sprawling open world to explore. You'll have nearly limitless options when deciding how to tackle each objective, as the game doesn't force you to play on its terms. Instead, you can pick off enemies from a distance, sneak around quietly, or jump directly into the action with shotguns and assault rifles. There's also the useful new Grappleshot, which lets you climb vertical surfaces or pull far away objects to your location. Once you wrap up the single player campaign, you can check out the highly popular (and constantly updated) multiplayer mode.
"It's hard not to love Halo Infinite, which is easily the most complete game in a franchise that's long set the bar for gaming." — New York Daily News
Control
505 GamesMetascore: 82
Best for: Fans of paranormal adventures
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Control is a third-person action game that tells the tale of Jesse Faden, Director of the Federal Bureau of Control. The top-secret agency is essentially responsible for researching paranormal activities, and Jesse finds herself up against an enigmatic force that's threatening the entire bureau. New abilities are unlocked as you learn more about your enemy, and you'll need to use everything at your disposal to keep you and your colleagues safe. Exploration, puzzles, skill upgrades, and challenging enemies make Control a game that's simply fun to play, and its impeccable story ensures your effort is well rewarded.
"A treasure trove of storytelling that is supported by great dialogue, intriguing characters, and stellar voice acting." — Gamers Heroes
Metro Exodus
Deep SilverMetascore: 82
Best for: Fans of post-apocalyptic narratives
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: PS4, Stadia, XB1
Metro Exodus is a tense survival game that has you seeking out shelter in the ruins of Moscow. Each of its horrific locales has you scavenging for resources in large, non-linear levels, giving you the freedom to adventure through the wasteland as you see fit. You'll meet a ragtag assortment of characters along the way, many of which are willing to help you live to fight another day. Crafting new gear and embarking on deadly new quests is the heart of the experience, but it's the compelling characters and their haunting stories that earned Metro Exodus its Metascore.
"Pulling its inspirations from across video games, this radioactive romp is the strongest in the series, and one of the best post-apocalyptic games ever made." — PCGamesN
Prey
Bethesda SoftworksMetascore: 79
Best for: Fans of innovative sci-fi games
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Prey is set in the year 2032 aboard the Talos I space station. You'll follow the story of Morgan Yu, a test subject that's fighting to survive after a series of biological experiments go awry. An alien force is now in control of Talos I, and you'll be tasked with exploring the space station as you seek an escape route. New areas and abilities will be unlocked as you play, with multiple ending up for grabs depending on your in-game actions. It's a bit challenging, but Prey rewards those who stick with it by offering a complex narrative, engrossing atmosphere, and tight gunplay that makes moment-to-moment action incredibly satisfying.
"A highly sophisticated game with respect to its gameplay, level design and narrative." — Atomix