Through the decades, one of Nintendo's most enduring characters, Samus Aran from the Metroid series, has enjoyed a variety of suit designs that were as varied as the alien worlds she explored. Being unique in Nintendo's pantheon, her changing armor sets her apart from the consistency seen in iconic outfits like Mario’s overalls or Link’s green tunic.
Every mainline Metroid game presents Samus in a new suit on its cover, each with its own interpretation and artistic flavor. From the classic bulk to sleek modernity, these suits are not just cosmetic; they represent the technological marvels and alien influences that intersect within Samus's odyssey. Here, we rank these box art suits from the least favorite to what we consider the best representation of the space-faring bounty hunter.
Starting with Metroid II: Return of Samus, the eighth-ranked suit maintains a prototypical look. Its massive shoulder pads and skeletal torso are iconic but have a rudimentary design compared to later permutations. This suit appears primitive, enhanced minimally by the artistry of its time.
Next on our list is the Chozo Suit, pioneered in the original Metroid. This iconic suit, devoid of the later-famous shoulder pads, is markedly alien and subtly colored. Deriving little from the 8-bit in-game sprite, it was nonetheless beautifully reimagined in 2004's Metroid: Zero Mission.
The Super Metroid design, while nearly identical to its predecessor, claims the sixth slot for simply appearing better: well-defined, more imposing, and displaying a harmonious color palette. Surpassing games prior, it was a visual leap that felt congruent with the game’s own evolution.
Metroid: Other M features the fifth-ranked suit, portraying Samus in a stream-lined version of her armor. Its reduced shoulder pad clutter and vibrant green visor stand out, especially on Japanese box art, and doubtlessly influenced her look in the Super Smash Bros. series.
The Metroid Prime Trilogy introduces a fourth-ranked, more grounded suit, reflecting the series' shift to a more realistic art style while preserving its iconic elements. The Prime design became a familiar staple, sporting distinct shoulder ridges and allowing players to glimpse Samus' humanity under the helmet.
The Metroid: Samus Returns armor, a reimagining of the original Game Boy title’s suit, presents drastic changes, from its huge shoulder pads to its helmet reminiscent of Mandalorian helmets. Its daring design took third place, combining neat abstraction with a look of intimidating fortitude.
The runner-up is the Metroid Fusion suit. Unique and organic, the X parasite's impact on Samus radically altered her look, creating an insect-like, colorful design distinct within the series. It remains not only stylish but symbolic, underscored by the infection and transformation theme.
Topping our list at number one, the Metroid Dread suit is an amalgamation of mechanical and organic aesthetics, balancing signature elements from older suits and incorporating fresh designs with a splash of vibrant color. The helmet in Metroid Dread has a sleek, avian appearance, hinting at Samus’s connections to the Chozo legacy, and represents a pinnacle in the character's visual evolution.
From the simplest pixels to sophisticated art, Samus Aran's suits have undeniably progressed, encapsulating not just a character but a history of design that parallels technological advancement. Each suit across Metroid's storied lineage reflects a time, a place, and a new stage in Samus's endless journey, celebrating the artistry that has kept fans captivated for decades.
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