The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video Games›Metroid
Entertainment • Video Games

Metroid

Metroid is a Nintendo video game franchise that began in 1986.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Metroid is a Nintendo video game franchise that began in 1986. It follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she fights Space Pirates and the alien Metroids in a science-fiction setting known for exploration and nonlinear gameplay.

Premise

The Metroid series is set in a science-fiction universe and focuses on Samus Aran's missions against Space Pirates and dangerous alien life forms. The Metroids are central to the plot and give the franchise its name.

Gameplay

Metroid games typically blend exploration, platforming, and action elements. They are widely associated with nonlinear progression and item-gated world design, where new abilities open previously inaccessible areas.

History

The franchise debuted with Metroid in 1986 and became one of Nintendo's best-known series. Over time it expanded into sequels, remakes, and 3D entries such as the Metroid Prime games.

Legacy

Metroid is often credited with helping define the action-adventure exploration style later associated with the term 'Metroidvania'. It remains an influential Nintendo franchise with a long-running fan base.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the game Metroid, first released in Japan in 1986.
  • The series centres on Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who protects the galaxy from Space Pirates and Metroids.
  • Metroid is known for combining action-adventure gameplay with exploration and backtracking.
  • The series has expanded into multiple mainline entries, spin-offs, remakes, and the Metroid Prime subseries.
  • The title comes from the fictional Metroid creatures that appear throughout the series.
🍁
Canadian context

The series has a strong place in the broader Nintendo ecosystem that is popular among Canadian players, especially through Nintendo home consoles and handhelds commonly used in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Metroid?
Metroid is a Nintendo action-adventure video game franchise that began in 1986 and stars Samus Aran.
Who is the main character in Metroid?
The main character is Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who protects the galaxy from Space Pirates and Metroids.
Why is the series called Metroid?
The name comes from the fictional Metroid creatures, which are central to the series' story and setting.
What is Metroid known for?
It is known for exploration-focused, nonlinear gameplay that combines action, platforming, and adventure elements.
When did Metroid first release?
The first Metroid game was released in Japan in 1986, with later releases in North America and Europe.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid
    Supports: Franchise overview, creator, premise, and gameplay style
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid
    Supports: Series origin in 1986, main character Samus Aran, and naming based on Metroids
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid_(video_game)
    Supports: Original game's 1986 release and status as first game in the series
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Metroid_media
    Supports: Series scope, platform releases, gameplay characteristics, and franchise significance