The Metroid video game series is a science-fiction adventure franchise developed and published by Nintendo. The series centers around the adventures of the bounty hunter Samus Aran, who travels to various planets and space stations to defeat the Space Pirates and other hostile alien creatures. The series is known for its exploration-based gameplay, where players must navigate through vast interconnected environments, discover new abilities and upgrades, and defeat bosses in order to progress. The games are also known for their non-linear design, allowing players to tackle challenges in any order they choose. The first game in the series, Metroid, was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, and since then, the franchise has expanded to include multiple sequels and spin-off titles, including the Metroid Prime series, which introduced a first-person perspective and 3D graphics. Metroid has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and iconic protagonist. The Metroid series along with the Castlevania series, has created it's own genre of video games called "Metroidvania".