Metroid is a popular video game franchise created by Nintendo that follows the adventures of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter tasked with defeating space pirates and alien creatures. The series is known for its exploration-based gameplay, atmospheric storytelling, and iconic power-ups, such as the Morph Ball and various beam weapons. The first game, released in 1986, set the stage for a rich universe filled with lore and memorable characters. Over the years, Metroid has expanded into various sequels and spin-offs, influencing many other games in the action-adventure genre and earning a dedicated fanbase worldwide.