Metroid Prime most certainly:

What Prime has perfected (In my opinion) is the idea of exploration. Not only are we just physically exploring the landscape of Tallon IV, but gaining depth to the lore of the series as a whole. When Metroid transitioned to 3D, not only did it have to expand upon the series, but expound upon the idea as well.

Visually, Metroid Prime is simple, but beautiful: Each of the areas are designed around a theme. Green canyons, snow packed mountains, deserty and desolate ruins and even the temporary science and military facilities of the Space Pirates. For it's day, Prime was a beaut.

One of my favorite aspects is the visor system that was introduced to the series. Fairly basic, but util Thermal and X-Ray visors provided new layers of depth to enemies and surroundings. The Scan Visor not only provided the key to solve puzzles, but the depth that I talked about earlier. Scanning provided concise, but interesting tidbits to the game (usually one or two lines at first) that didn't distract. Later, if you wanted to search your index, There was a more in-depth description as well as a 3D model for your viewing pleasure.

Speaking of the lore, there's a lot to find out. Across Tallon IV there are strange walls that speak about a mysterious Hunter. Space Pirate computer provide scientific data about their exploits and their whole reason for being there in the first place ( Did we really know why in Super Metroid?).

Now because Prime already has the base of Super Metroid to work off of for some pieces, maybe it shouldn't be weighted as heavily, nevertheless, each piece is very unique and perfectly adapted to the area in which it appears as well as providing the feeling of loneliness. Take my two favorite tracks for instance. The first one is The Downed Frigate Orpheon. What comes to mind with this piece: The fluttering keystrokes (Pardon my lack of technical terminology) reminds us of the escaping bubbles coming from the drowned frigate as well as the lone siren call producing an eerie solitary feeling. The Second one Phendrana Drifts Depths Is a little more of an energetic piece. This song occurs around the second time we explore Phendrana, bypassing the wonder we experienced the first time around and getting down to business. Both of these pieces reflect the attitude that is being created as we play through this game.

Like I said earlier about the lore, Enemies had motivations for what they were doing. Main Antagonists had more of a reason than

Overall, Prime is the better game because not only did it maintain the Status Quo, but expanded it positively in every way.