Metroid: 25 Greatest Boss Fights RANKED

Even though Samus has gone head-to-head with Ridley nearly a dozen times, the flying serpent has never been more daunting than in Metroid Prime. This incarnation, Meta Ridley, soars across the sky, casting missiles and lasers at you every time he approaches. Although it looks like you have plenty of warning when he's approaching, this metallic dragon is so swift, it's a nightmare to hit him efficiently. As a result, you have to play the long game and rely on patience to defeat this space beast.

After his wings have burned off, Meta Ridley won't be able to fly away, making him seem like an easy target. But nothing could be further from the truth. Once he's grounded, Ridley's attacks are unpredictable and more dangerous. Just to add insult to injury, his weak point becomes smaller.

When it looks like you have plenty of health left, you still should never get cocky. With a few precise shots, Meta Ridley can (and will) kill you very quickly.