Ridley is a prominent character in the Metroid video game series developed by Nintendo. He is known as the leader of the Space Pirates and serves as a primary antagonist to the series' protagonist, Samus Aran. Ridley is characterized by his dragon-like appearance, advanced technology, and ruthless nature, making him a formidable foe in the games. First introduced in the original Metroid game in 1986, Ridley has since become an iconic figure in gaming culture. His role has evolved throughout the series, appearing in various forms and adaptations, including his inclusion in the Super Smash Bros. franchise, where he is a playable character.