History Characters / MetroidTheMetroids

-->''"Our scanners have detected the remains of Dark Samus, who has revived herself within our Phazon storage. Surely, we are cursed. The fiendish shrew consumed all of the Phazon, then wiped out a third of the crew in a matter of minutes. Now she moves at will through the halls of Colossus, using her witchery to beguile the minds of my men. We are unable to call for aid, and only a few of us remain to stand against her. All is lost."''
--->-- '''Captain's Log'''

[[folder:Metroid Prime]]

!!Both incarnations

!!Metroid Prime

!!Dark Samus

[[folder:The Most Powerful Metroid '''(HEAVY SPOILERS)''']]
!Samus Aran
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/metroid_suit.png]]

After receiving an infusion of the Baby Metroid's DNA to save her from being consumed by an X Parasite at the start of ''VideoGame/MetroidFusion'', Samus Aran gains an increasing number of Metroid abilities. By the time of ''VideoGame/MetroidDread'', her abilities have grown to the point Raven Beak deems Samus Aran "[[UltimateLifeForm the most powerful Metroid of all]]".

For tropes concerning Samus see Characters/MetroidSamusAran.
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[[center: [-[[Characters/{{Metroid}} Main Character Index]] | [[Characters/MetroidSamusAran Samus Aran]] | ''' Metroids''' ([[Characters/MetroidMetroidPrimeAndDarkSamus Prime]]) | [[Characters/MetroidSpacePirates Space Pirates]] ([[Characters/MetroidMotherBrain Mother Brain]] | [[Characters/MetroidRidley Ridley]]) | [[Characters/MetroidXParasites X Parasites]] | [[Characters/MetroidGalacticFederation Galactic Federation]] |\\
[[Characters/MetroidTheChozo Chozo]] ([[Characters/MetroidRavenBeak Raven Beak]]) | [[Characters/MetroidBountyHunters Bounty Hunters]] | [[Characters/MetroidOtherAntagonists Other Antagonists]] | [[Characters/MetroidOthers Others]] | [[Characters/MetroidNoncanonicalCharacters Noncanonical Characters]]]]-]

The ultimate Phazon-mutated Metroid, capable of integrating technology into itself. By assimilating Samus's Phazon Armor it metamorphosed into Dark Samus. See Characters/MetroidMetroidPrimeAndDarkSamus for both Prime and Dark Samus.

[[folder:The Most Powerful Metroid '''(HEAVY SPOILERS)''']]
!Samus Aran
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/metroid_suit.png]]

After receiving an infusion of the Baby Metroid's DNA to save her from being consumed by an X Parasite at the start of ''VideoGame/MetroidFusion'', Samus Aran gains an increasing number of Metroid abilities. By the time of ''VideoGame/MetroidDread'', her abilities have grown to the point Raven Beak deems Samus Aran "[[UltimateLifeForm the most powerful Metroid of all]]".

For tropes concerning Samus see Characters/MetroidSamusAran.
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!!Natural [=SR388=] Strains

[[folder:Alpha Metroid]]
[[quoteright:241:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/alpha_metroid.png]]
-> Debut: ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus''

The first instar of Metroids past the famous larval form.

* AttackItsWeakPoint: {{Averted|Trope}} in ''Return of Samus'', where the Alpha Metroid's entire body is vulnerable to missiles. PlayedStraight in ''Samus Returns'', where it is only vulnerable to attacks aimed at its mouth and the nucleus on its chest.
* FourLeggedInsect: Despite their insectoid appearance, Alpha Metroids only have four legs.
* InsectoidAliens: The Alpha Metroid vaguely resembles a pill bug.
* KillItWithIce: Subverted in ''Return of Samus''. The Ice Beam has no effect on them like it does with the larvae, though thankfully they can be damaged by missiles without having to freeze them. Played straight in ''Samus Returns'', where their nucleus can be damaged by the Ice Beam in case you run out of missiles.
* LampreyMouth: As of their revamped design in ''Metroid: Samus Returns'', Alpha Metroids have radial mouths lined with huge fangs.
* PlayingWithFire: ''VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns'' lets some Alpha Metroids use fire to drop projectiles and bolster their own defenses. Though getting [[AchillesHeel frozen]] somewhat inhibits this ability so they can only use one or two fire-based attacks while their weak-point is coated in ice.
* PowerupLetDown: In ''Return of Samus'', the Alpha stage is weaker than the larvae. Despite now being immune to the Ice Beam, Alpha Metroids are slower, cannot latch onto their prey, and can be normally killed by missiles without needing to be frozen first. This makes Alpha Metroids a lesser threat to Samus and a lesser challenge to players when compared to the highly dangerous larval Metroids. Fortunately, this trope is {{averted|Trope}} in ''Samus Returns'', which removes the Ice Beam immunity but makes up for it by making the Alpha Metroids' shell impervious to any missile that is not [[AttackItsWeakPoint aimed at its mouth or nucleus]], and Alpha Metroids now display [[ShockAndAwe electric]] or [[PlayingWithFire fire]]-based abilities that make them considerably more dangerous.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: In ''Samus Returns'', Alpha Metroids have red eyes.
* ShockAndAwe: ''VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns'' lets Alpha Metroids use electricity to drop projectiles and bolster their own defenses. Though getting [[AchillesHeel frozen]] somewhat inhibits this ability so they can only use one or two electrical attacks while their weak-point is coated in ice.
* WaveMotionTuningFork: In ''Metroid: Samus Returns'', Alpha Metroids charge energy bolts between their three tusks before firing them.

[[folder:Gamma Metroid]]
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gamma_metroid_sr.png]]
-> Debut: ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus''

The second instar of the original Metroid breed.

* AttackItsWeakPoint: Its mouth and the nucleus on its chest. For this reason, the Gamma Metroids frequently use [[ShockAndAwe electric bolts]] to deflect missiles aimed at their weak points in ''Return of Samus''.
* BreathWeapon: Gamma Metroids can spit bolts of electricity or jets of flame.
* CowardlyBoss: In ''Samus Returns'', some will flee to another nearby room through some webbing in the walls after taking a certain amount of damage, forcing Samus to pursue them.
* ExtraEyes: Gamma Metroids have several clustered eyes, three on each side.
* FourLeggedInsect: Despite their arachnid appearance, Gamma Metroids only have four legs.
* InsectoidAliens: The Gamma Metroid resembles a large spider.
* KillItWithIce: Subverted in ''Return of Samus''. The Ice Beam has no effect on them like it does with the larvae, though thankfully they can be damaged by missiles without having to freeze them. Played straight in ''Samus Returns'', where their nucleus can be damaged by the Ice Beam in case you run out of missiles.
* LampreyMouth: As of their revamped design in ''Metroid: Samus Returns'', Gamma Metroids have radial mouths lined with huge fangs.
* PlayingWithFire: ''VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns'' lets some Gamma Metroids use fire to shoot projectiles and bolster their own defenses. Though getting [[AchillesHeel frozen]] somewhat inhibits this ability so they can only use one or two fire-based attacks while their weak-point is coated in ice.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: In ''Samus Returns'', Gamma Metroids have red eyes.
* ShockAndAwe: Gamma Metroids are able to electrocute their prey. While they only use it to block Samus's missiles in ''Return of Samus'', ''VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns'' lets Gamma Metroids use electricity to fire projectiles and bolster their own defenses. Though getting [[AchillesHeel frozen]] somewhat inhibits this ability so they can only use one or two electrical attacks while their weak-point is coated in ice.
* WaveMotionTuningFork: In ''Metroid: Samus Returns'', Gamma Metroids charge energy bolts between their three tusks before firing them.

[[folder:Zeta Metroid]]
[[quoteright:259:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/zeta_metroid_sr.png]]

The third instar of Metroids.

* AttackItsWeakPoint:
** In ''Return of Samus'', its back and the nucleus on its chest.
** In ''Samus Returns'', its mouth and the nucleus on its chest. Additionally, its back can be grabbed with the Grapple Beam during certain attacks, which will leave the Zeta Metroid stunned and lying on its side with its nucleus exposed.
* BreathWeapon: In ''Samus Returns'', Zeta Metroids can breathe jets of flame.
* DroolHello: How the first Zeta is introduced in ''Samus Returns''.
* ExtraEyes: Zeta Metroids have several clustered eyes, four on each side in ''Return of Samus'' and ''Samus Returns'', three in ''Fusion''.
* {{Flight}}: In ''Metroid II'', though this ability seems to have been {{retcon}}ned as of ''Samus Returns''.

* LampreyMouth: Zeta Metroids have radial mouths lined with huge fangs.
* RaptorAttack: In the Zeta phase, Metroids heavily resemble raptors.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: In ''Samus Returns'', Zeta Metroids have red eyes.
* SuperSpit: Zeta Metroids can spit globs of corrosive ooze. In ''Return of Samus'', their spit is as short range, but ''Samus Returns'' lets them spit across the room. In one attack, the Zeta Metroid spits multiple globs in different directions that continue to bounce off walls.
* XenomorphXerox: The Metroids in general have many similarities to the Xenomorphs from the ''Franchise/{{Alien}}'' franchise, but it's most apparent with the Zeta Metroids, especially in ''Samus Returns'' where they look and act almost identically to their famous adult forms.

[[folder:Omega Metroid]]
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/omegametroid.png]]

The penultimate instar of Metroids and the highest most are capable of achieving.

* {{Expy}}: Of the Xenomorph Queen from ''Film/Aliens'', right down to its location deep within the planet, its MamaBear tendencies, and its role as a twisted MirrorCharacter to the protagonist. This is fitting, considering the first game was famously inspired by the original ''Film/Alien''.

* AdaptiveAbility: At the cost of it being unable to reach its natural metamorphosis, Metroid Larvae can adapt to any environment they are in. This is how the Space Pirates were able to cultivate them on Tallon IV, and Phazon-mutated Metroids later make an appearance in ''Corruption''. ''Samus Returns'' implies that the [=SR388=] metamorphosis itself is an adaptation triggered by the planet's Aeion energy.

* ClippedWingAngel: The effect of any Metroid adaptation in another environment, but particularly in the case of the unintended evolutionary cycle caused by imbibing Aeion from SR388. As the Metroid develops into later stages of this cycle, they develop bodies of unbelievable and nigh-on unrivaled power, the usual Omega endpoint being plenty capable of butchering even Samus with ease with its crushing strength and talons. However, in mutating beyond the form the Chozo engineered, they lose something critical: the NighInvulnerable nature possessed of natural "larval" Metroids, becoming susceptible to heavy artillery as that thick, gelatinous mass is dispersed amidst an armored carapace, leaving the nucleus vulnerable.

* DivergingEvolutionaryPhases: Metroids have a "natural" metamorphosis line introduced in ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus'', where Metroids left on SR-388 (or a facsimile like the one in ''VideoGame/MetroidFusion'') change from the basic jellyfish-like larval form to more insectoid and later dinosaur-like instars. On different planets, however, they metamorphosize differently. ''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'' shows that the Zebes strain will grow into larger versions of the jellyfish stage rather than change form entirely. The ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeTrilogy'' also shows how Metroids change in response to consuming Phazon, ranging from the misshapen and long-tentacled Hunter Metroids in ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime'' to the bifurcated and semi-incorporeal Phazon Metroids in ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption''.

* {{Foil}}: To [[ParentalSubstitute Samus]]. A gentle and innocent newborn with a bright future ahead of her until an [[AlienInvasion alien invader]] kills all of its kind except itself. Additionally, the title of "The Last Metroid" applies to both characters, as [[spoiler:Samus essentially becomes a humanoid Metroid by the end of ''Dread'', with the rest of the species still extinct]]. The [[ForWantOfANail main difference]] being that Ridley [[RedemptionRejection spurned Samus's attempts to befriend him]] and became her ArchEnemy while The Baby was HappilyAdopted by Samus and ends up saving her life.

* UltimateLifeForm: In creating a natural enemy for a plasmatic parasite that can assimilate any form of organic matter with no vulnerabilities to them, the Chozo accidentally created the peak of the universal food chain with no equal. There is no naturally-occurring force that can kill a Metroid. Hit it with anything you want, it won't die. It will drain the energy from anything in its path, from an escape craft, to a power grid, to the door power keeping them from whatever terrified soul is behind it. The only vulnerability left to a Metroid is that which every living being in existence is vulnerable to by virtue of ''being'' a living organism: [[KillItWithIce absolute zero temperatures]], which will petrify it and turn it ''just'' brittle enough for a ''missile barrage'' to kill it. Even then, that's a window of ''seconds.''

* TheCameo: Six Metroids make an appearance in ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand3'', in the second stage of the Iceberg level, where they are required to be [[GottaKillThemAll exterminated]] in exchange for the Heart Star. Much like in their native games, they can be defeated only by Kirby's Ice ability. For some reason, they are also incapable of harming Kirby, even when they successfully latch on him.

* UniqueEnemy: In the original North American release of ''Prime'', Fission Metroids only appeared in the Impact Crater. The European and Japanese releases as well as ''Prime Trilogy'' added them to a few rooms in the Phazon Mines after defeating the Omega Pirate.

* ArtEvolution: In ''Return Of Samus'' and ''Fusion'', the Zeta and Omega Metroid is far more Giger-esque in design. They take clear inspirations from [[Film/{{Alien}} Xenomorph]], having an almost biomechanical appearance with a large tubular tail and more tube-like protrusions on their backs. Their heads are elongated and egg shaped and mounted atop their torso. ''Samus Returns'' makes the Zeta and Omega Metroid (and to a lesser extent their earlier stages) closer to a hybrid of insects and reptiles. Both are sleeker, ditching the back protrusions and having more regular reptile tails. Their heads are smaller, less shaped like a humanoid or xenomorph and more like that of a reptile with the head as an extension of the main body. Their limbs are thinner but longer. They retain their original design's chest nucleus, compound eyes and circular lamprey-like mouths.

* FaceHugger: Well, mostly a Head Hugger.

* InsectoidAliens: Alpha and Gamma Metroids fall into this category.

-->'''Pirate Notes:''' [[AC: Metroid dissection continues to produce more questions than answers. Our research teams have isolated the energy conduits that run from the invasive twin mandibles to the energy core in the creature's quadripartite nucleus, but the manner in which the Metroid actually extracts the life force from its prey remains an utter mystery. The victim does not lose blood or any other vital fluids, and yet the Metroid extracts energy; identifying this energy is our central problem. It takes no physical form, and yet without it, the victim dies.]]

%%Expy covered by Xenomorph Xerox

[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tallon_metroid.png]]

* AndroclesLion: A major plot element in the series. In ''Metroid II'', Samus is tasked with exterminating the Metroid species, but stops at killing a newborn showing no hostility toward her. In the extended ending of ''Samus Returns'', [[spoiler:Samus saves the baby from Ridley, and the baby returns the favor shortly afterward when it saves Samus from Ridley]]. In ''Super Metroid'', the baby is kidnapped, and Samus goes to get it back. Samus is eventually reunited with the Metroid, who is now gigantic after being nursed by the Space Pirates. It starts to swallow her, but recognizes her as its surrogate mother, and lets her pass. At the final fight with Mother Brain, the baby sacrifices itself to heal Samus and give her the hyper beam. This episode is the major thematic introduction for ''Metroid: Other M''. Later in ''Metroid: Fusion'', in a posthumous example, after Samus is infected by the X parasite, a cell sample of the same baby Metroid is used as part of the cure that destroys the parasites inside her and saves her life, [[spoiler:which would later enable Samus to outright become a Metroid]].

* PreFinalBoss: [[spoiler:In ''Samus Returns'', while still the Big Bad and a challenging, climactic opponent at the end of the game, is not the Final Boss like in the original. Instead, Ridley shows up at the landing site and becomes the new Final Boss]].

* SuperSpit: An annoying trait of the [=SR388=] Metroids as they develop(at least in ''Metroid II Return Of Samus''. Zeta spit is as short range as you'd expect but Omega spit doesn't just go far, it causes shock waves on the ground that can still damage Samus even if it misses her. And the Queen is even worse (unless Samus has the space jump and screw attack, which can negate the queen's projectiles when used together)

* RaptorAttack: The first phase where this becomes apparent with the Metroids, as they heavily resemble raptors.

* XenomorphXerox: Their iconic jellyfish-like larval forms are basically floating {{Face Hugger}}s, their later metamorphosis stages introduced in ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus'' get progressively more Xenomorph-like (with the redesigned Zeta Metroids in ''VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns'' being nearly identical to them), they have a hive queen, and they were created by the [[{{Precursors}} Chozo]] as bioweapons.

* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The first phase where this becomes apparent with the Metroids, as they heavily resemble [[RaptorAttack raptors]].

* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: Much like how the Zeta resembles a raptor, the Omega resembles an alien ''UsefulNotes/TyrannosaurusRex''.

* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The Zeta, Omega, and Queen Metroids are basically alien dinosaurs.

* BodyHorror: Standard Metroid [[StarfishAliens already look pretty freaky]], but Hunter Metroids nonetheless manage the impressive feat of looking like horribly deformed Metroids.