Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

The highly acclaimed Metroid Prime laid the groundwork for great expectations for its sequel, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Surprisingly, Retro managed to live up to that high level, developing a sequel that expanded on Prime's foundation and added a new light and dark mechanism that also had an influence on the plot. Echoes, like the 2D Metroid games and the original Prime, had a carefully organized setting brimming with surprises to discover and explore as you grew Samus' arsenal of skills.

It even offered a somewhat well-received multiplayer option, which may have inspired the decision to produce the much less appreciated Metroid Prime Hunters two years later for Nintendo DS. Though some criticized the late-game key search, which many considered artificial padding, it was widely acknowledged as a worthy successor to Prime.

Retro attempted to distinguish itself from its predecessor by emphasizing storyline and innovative gameplay concepts. To promote the game, Nintendo devised a viral marketing campaign that comprised various websites written as if they were set in the Metroid world. Critics praised the game's single-player mode, praising its visuals, mood, and soundtrack, however, the game's steep difficulty and multiplayer mode were received with criticism.

Release date: 2004

Platforms: GameCube, Wii

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