Nintendo of America Opens the Teaser Site for Metroid Prime: Federation Force

I've beaten every single Metroid game other than Pinball and Hunters (i'm not too sure if i care to) and i don't get the backlash... It doesn't look like it'll be anywhere near my favourite Metroid game but i really like the idea of expanding the series and creating a spin off. Just because they are making this doesn't mean they won't or aren't making a main line game in the Metroid/Prime series. I could really do without the Chibi style and i wish there was a real single player mode, but I expect it'll be a good game.

I know from experience that Metroid fans can be very fickle, as Other M is an excellent game that people hate for a couple of stupid moments in the story and because it isn't a Prime game. Gameplay wise it was really good and essentially a 3D version of Fusion. The combat in it was the best in the series. It's certainly not the best game in the series but to suggest it's anything other than a very very good game is ridiculous. The problem for it is all the 2D games are masterpieces and the Prime games are too, but it's still flat out excellent.

@CreamyDream I think that not only should you refrain from judging the game until you've played it, but you should also refrain from condemning the design aesthetic until you've seen it running on its intended platform.

The 3DS is a handheld, for one thing, so it has a small screen that isn't really conducive to a shooter with a lot of action. The simple character designs with their exaggerated proportions will go a long way towards making it easier to track your character on screen amidst chaotic action, I think. And moreover, the 3DS displays in 3D, so things that might not necessarily look good on your computer or phone can actually look great when they're in motion on the actual 3DS. Just take a look at a game like Super Mario 3D land. Screen shots and videos of that game look pretty horrible. But when it's actually running in 3D, it looks great, and all of the design choices start to make sense.

Anyway, I just think it's the sort of game that will actually be better when you play it, both in its design and in the way it plays, so I'm keeping an open mind.

@CreamyDream I second that. From what weve seen so far, it looks shockingly similar to Metroids DS outings from a purely technical standpoint.
Especially if you put it in direct comparison to some of the 3DSs more graphically vivid games, like Kid Icarus for instance.

That said, i dont really care how well it plays, as its another multiplayer focused title and i generally dislike those. Monster Hunter being the only real exception there.

So yeah, not hyped in the slightest.

@CHET_SWINGLINE I wholeheartedly disagree.
To name a few: Resident Evil Revelations / Mercenarys 3D
Metal Gear Solid 3 - Snake Eater 3D
Kid Icarus Uprising
Ironfall
Monster Hunter 3 / 4

All games that look, technically and artistically, a lot better than Federation Force.
There is no technical reason they had to go with such low-poly super deformed models and still have such a bad texture work going on.

And even the multiplayer aspect isnt an argument, when Monster Hunter also manages 4 player twitch reaction gameplay with some really detailed models and a rather high entity count going on.

I could stomach the chibi look, really, but this game just looks cheap. And for a franchise that has been ignored for so long, thats rather disappointing.

@Kevlar44 The reasons you mention for people hating Other M are highlights, but not all of the reasons. I heavily dislike OM because while it tries to follow the Metroid formula of being isolated and exploring, it completely failed another key element which was force the player to think for themselves in order to progress. Every single time you hit a roadblock, the game announced what you had to do and practically did it for you. It was mind-numbingly easy and disappointing. The fighting was half auto-aim (at least) which, again, held your hand because all you really had to do was press A to damage enemies. Many of the item expansions were "hidden" in plain sight with crystal clear paths on how to reach them. Again, hand-holding.

@CreamyDream Definitely agree—when you consider how stellar Metroid Prime: Hunters looks with increased internal resolution, this game is a visual abomination. It's likely it wouldn't be so poorly received if the art direction didn't favor the 'chibi' aesthetic in (what's supposed to be considered) one of Nintendo's more mature series.

I hope more metroid games are announced!! 30 years after all

@Kevlar44 I enjoyed hunters

Metroid hunters on DS makes this game look very bad.

@CreamyDream should have made a sequel to hunters, instead.

The game looks just as bad as I remembered it but it does seem like it'll play well. Still, New Super Mario Bros Wii and Halo 5: Guardians managed to go co-op without a terrible art style, and Rayman Origins pulled off an excellent new one if I don't say so myself. I might try a demo of this, but I doubt I'll get it.

@Einherjar I never said they HAVE to go that route, I said that in this case I think the game will benefit from having gone that route. It's not a technical reason, and might not be a reason at all. It's just my opinion that a handheld game that focuses almost exclusively on shooting can benefit from a design like this, whether that's their intent from the start or not.

@CreamyDream Sure. I just personally don't care as much about the look of a game as I do about the way it feels when I play it, and how much fun or entertainment it can provide through its core mechanics, level design, etc. I don't exactly love the way this game looks, but I've seen some really ugly games that I ended up enjoying immensely. I could even list Twilight Princess as an example of that.

It actually looks great and fun, much like Metroid Prime and a lot better than Metroid Hunters. Sure this will be a perfectly fine game.

Bundle Metroid Prime: Federation Force with the regular sized black New 3DS that North America has been wishing they could have for over a year and I'll buy it.

@Kilroy I don't know if i'd say it "practically did it for you" but it's certainly fairly linear, however it's no more so than Fusion IMO. I do think it's a valid complaint to a degree, i just think it's hard to state it's an issue in that game but not Fusion as well.

The Auto aim was really well done IMO, and combat was certainly much more involved than just pressing "A". The auto aim ensured push over enemies didn't become redundant, while the Melee was a terrific inclusion that rewarded good reflexes and made combat more dynamic. Also despite finding the Missile mechanic of using the pointer very awkward at first i ended up loving it, although i'd prefer the option to move while using it. But really lets be honest, the combat in every Metroid game is rather easy and in comparison to previous iterations Other M definitely had the most challenge.

I do recall some being rather easy, but that honestly the case in pretty much all the titles. A fair amount were cleverly hidden IMO. However in saying that you probably make at least a somewhat legitimate point as i seem to recall 100%ing Other M easier than any other Metroid title (iirc they do offer map hints after beating the game, more so that even Fusion or ZM). Super Metroid was ridiculous as a kid to 100% and i don't think i actually ever did until i was quite a bit older and i had the benefit of exchanging secrets with others, i'm old school and my gaming predates the internet so i never had that advantage as a kid and i don't believe in it now. lol. Also Zero Mission was a pain to find all the secrets in, but i did it. The Prime games i recall being quite easy, the scanning was the only barrier to 100% as some things iirc had to be done in the moment or couldn't be done at all. So yeah fair point but i'd suggest it's quite overstated.

I get some of your complaints but it's not fair to expect it to be a perfect game, it's certainly more action oriented than any other Metroid title and i think it would serve you well to appreciate it for what it is than to hate it for what it isn't. I'd honestly have loved a sequel that took the best of both worlds and allowed for the player to switch between perspectives, or have the game do it for some bosses or some rooms.

@CreamyDream

Oh i agree this game going with the Chibi style is flat out stupid. I also think it was foolish not to add a short 1 player mode as Samus and intertwine the Federation Force gameplay/story with a main line Metroid adventure, even if it is half baked like Hunters allegedly is.

@sandman89

See my issue with Hunters is the single player by all accounts and from what i've seen is rather lackluster, with the main appeal being multiplayer. Obviously i can't do the multiplayer aspect now with the DS servers being shut down, and i'm not sure i care to do the single player enough to "get" the controls which at first blush i really don't like. I do think my control issues are probably just a matter of used to them though. I also think it's kinda bland and ugly, but that's not a deal breaker for me. I'm sure i'll play it I just worry the main appeal of the game has passed me by so i'm far from in a rush to do so. Would you say the single player is a good time?

I'm giving it a fair chance. Here's hoping its an appetizer for something bigger on the horizon.

I want to see more but I am scared how it will do because it relies on the c stick which is not that reliable. I might have to send my new 3ds to Nintendo just to be sure my c stick moves properly (right now it does not respond well and I have to force a direction).

I'm really looking forward to it. It doesn't look like much of a Metroid game, but I think this'll be a very good co op shooter.

I'm sorry,not interested this metroid destroyed entire series,i like to see how samus doing now... i hope next metroid come to NX... Co-op things is worst and definitely didn't my mood.....

The biggest issue I have with this game is that they're forcing a co-op multi-player experience into a single player game, which they tried with Tri-Force Heros and that wasn't exactly a resounding success. And then criminally forgot about the single player mode.

Spin-offs, different control methods is all fine and dandy. But games like Zelda & Metroid are single player experiences and should be kept as such. It's like Nintendo are trying to get in on the multi-player bandwagon using their stronger IPs and it's simple not working. They should look at what they did with Splatoon and realise they can create new IPs and be successful.

I'm actually looking forward to this. I'm not totally pumped like if it was a prime game but I'm certainly willing to approach it with an open mind. And I'm not going to judge the aesthetics until I see the thing running on the intended hardware. Hopefully it'll tide us over until the NeXt metroid.

@Retron
I think you summed it up nicely.

It looks ok, nothing special really. But Triforce Heroes didn't look great either, and it turned out to at least be worth a bit of fun.

As ridiculous as all the spaghettiing out was over a little handheld spinoff, I can't help but at least take some comfort in knowing Nintendo will see and understand- low budget MP games are not what most people have in mind for handheld titles. Monster Hunter is one of the only games that really breaks that tradition.

I like that they're trying new things- the blast ball is a neat concept for sure. But I think this will be the last time we see MP handheld spinoffs for one of their main series for a long time

this game's lookin pretty geefy...

I fear that if this game doesn't sell well, Nintendo may decide against future Metroid installments.

Metroid is my favourite Nintendo franchise (the first Prime game being my all time favourite game, ever). At first I was personally offended by this game, thinking they were destroying my favourite franchise.

But since I have decided to view this as a spin off and separate entity entirely. And now I am pretty neutral as to how it turns out. Not really getting hyped for it, especially with the focus on multiplayer, but if it turns out to be fun and reviews well then I may get it. Not expecting it to be ground breaking.

I'm still hopeful we'll hear about a main Metroid game (3D or 2D) over the course of the next year. If not I may start to get irritable again!

There's no way I'm gonna pay full price for this but I'll keep my mind open and see where this goes.

I want this for the co-op experience, regardless of whether it's a bit of a cash-in on the name, it does look quite fun.

The roadblock for me is that previews are reporting that it's very slow with not a lot happening. As mich as I prefer going in blind, I'm going to have to rely on some reviews before buying this one.

@Kevlar44

Now hold on a minute.

You can't just say "People didn't like Other M because it wasn't Prime". People were skeptical of Prime at first too, but then on the first day, God descended from the heavens and gave us the game's release, and we saw that it was good.

Perhaps because of that, people were generally more willing to give Other M a chance... until they played it, and saw that it wasn't so good. Some solid action setups hindered by a game that felt a bit too linear, interspersed with long, plodding, stupid bits of badly-acted story, fiddly controls shoe-horned into the game by one man against the better judgement of nigh-everyone else on the dev team, etc. I do think it deserves a bit more recognition for those few good moments, but at the same time it absolutely deserves every bit of hate it gets, and I think it's super-dismissive to imply that Metroid fans are just unwilling to adapt to change, when the Prime series shows that it's quite possible to make radical gameplay changes while still keeping in touch with the core of what people love about the series. Other M simply didn't do that, and setting aside whether or not FF will be good at whatever it is it wants to be, it's abundantly apparent that it is NOT a game made for the fans of proper Metroid games. That's not to say somebody can't enjoy classic Metroid and also enjoy Other M / FF, but they would have to admit that they enjoy them for vastly different reasons.

"The force awakens?" Too soon, NL.

It's a well doctored game.

Certain Metroid fans have been asking for years and years to hear more about the federation, and Nintendo is aware that EVERYONE loved the Phendrana Drifts area in the first Prime. And of course online play, co-op, and FPS all have some traction right now.

Will it Blend?

Stay tuned.

I will admit I'm no metroid buff but a multiplayer shooter on a handheld has my interest piqued. If this thing plays well I can see it being a favorite go to for me.

I find it impossible to believe that at no point during this game's development did s single one of the development team, or anybody at Nintendo think 'Man, that art style sucks' or 'Wow, the fans will be so disappointed with this when we unveil it!'

I'm one of the people prepared to give it a go, but I'd dearly love to know how this project was greenlit and given the chibi style it has been.

@TromaDogg
The chibi style for characters has in all likelyhood been chosen due to the 3DS' low resolution and sparse capabilities in animated meshes. I'm not saying it's not a disappointment, but it's likely a compromise.

Realistically proportioned characters would quickly get hard to see in the distance if they had a more slender frame and thinner limbs, due to the low resolution, and they might feel a bit stilted because you'd expect more realistic animation, which would require more bones and more keyframes for the animation.

I'm sure there's a predominantly technical reason for the choice of character designs, as it's the only visual thing to not jive with the other design and concept decisions.

All of my blegh.. I'm sorry, but as a huge Metroid fan I wish this thing didn't even exist.

@FragRed It's probably what's going to happen. If a small budget game like that can't make back its budget then how could a HD one? The Metroid series has never been profitable anyway and only survived because of passionate people.

If you remove the metroid name from the title as a new IP it looks kind of cool. The problem is the Metroid connection and not the game for me.

I was interested in this game but not really anymore. Would have preferred it on Wii U with better graphics and I prefer wired connections for online games.

It was quite revealing to hear in the last Direct that the game has been so long in development. I haven't much watched the videos or anything. I don't exactly agree with all the negative comments, but it is true that 3DS is capable of so much more just in graphics department.

Can't say much more about this if it will end up like Triforce Heroes in my books or not. I do like the idea of expanding the Metroid universe, it should not be just about Samus Aran, Ridley etc.

Also the Metroid multiplayer football style game was reportedly a lot of fun when it was unveiled in the Nintendo Championships in last year.

@Kevlar44 I never tried the multiplayer ! And it's visually impressive for the ds

I can somewhat stomach the chibi-robo graphics....the thing that turns me off is the multiplayer..................that and there's blast ball.

I'm actually looking forward to this game now. It probably won't sell well, because of all the backlash it got at E3 last year, but I bet it will be a good spin-off game, at least until we get the next Metroid Prime style game.

Metroid Prime is one of my favorite games. I'm not saying this one is going to be good or not, but I can't see myself buying this game. There's just too many games that I want to play and this one doesn't make the list.....Sorry Nintendo.

This is Halo for 3DS.

Admittedly shallow, I wouldn't despise this game so much if it was aesthetically pleasing. I know it's a spinoff, but one of the main attractions to Metroid has always been the aesthetics, atmosphere, etc. FF looks like a cheap, generic cash in with the Metroid name attached. I enjoy the idea that they're going for online multiplayer in Metroid, as I've always felt Metroid could satisfy the shooter crowd with such a mode, and it could potentially bring in a new audience if done correctly. This game honestly should have been Metroid Prime Hunters 2 on Wii U with high poly, non-chibi design.

@Kevlar44 So glad I've finally found someone else that thinks Other M was a good game too.

I am trying to approach this with an open mind but this looks so aged...like a DS game. And the art direction is so bland! I'll wait for the reviews / demo before buying it even if i love Metroid insanely.

^ I enjoyed Other M too.

I actually dislike the multiplayer focus more than the ugly chibi graphics.

Either way, this will be getting none of my money.

this is not metroid, this is garbage at its purest expression

My opinion I think this will be a great game. The creator of Metroid Prime wanted to expand the lore and story of the federation force, which is only mentioned in other titles. I don't mind the design of the game as I think it adds to the worlds. Lets not forget that the 3ds hardware can only do so much, so if the graphics are rendered down then they have more freedom with the world and its scale. As well as other benefits. Of course its not gonna be anyone's top favorite Metroid, but its not meant to be. Its just a multiplayer experience trying to advance the lore of the Metroid universe. And really can you hate it for that? Is their even a reason to hate it? Yes the designs not that great, well this is a 3ds game. Yes its not staring Samus, Shes not the only force against the space pirates in her universe. And Yes this isn't a full force Metroid game, who cares. As long as its fun and advances the lore of the federation force and the way Samus influences them, then the game has accomplished the goal it set out to accomplish. Ofcourse don't judge a game till you play it, but from what ive seen this is looking to be a great spinoff game

@Kilroy the control scheme in OM wasn't great either. Being forced to use the D-Pad to move in a 3D space when they had the nunchuck was just awful.

@dkxcalibur my backlog on 3DS alone is going to take me through the end of the year, plus Bravely Second comes out Friday.

@Mr_Zurkon I thought it was one of the best control schemes to have ever existed, it's amazing. The way you change the position of the wii remote and it changes from first person, that was just incredible, and of the best gaming experiences in history.

The heart of the issue is that after years of silence from the series following a poorly received game, they brought it back with this. It's not very reassuring to bring the series back with a Metroid game about "shootin' aliens wit' some buddies". I doubt the outrage would be anywhere near what it is if Nintendo had announced a proper, close-to-formula Metroid game before or in tandem with the announcement of this game.

I'm reserving judgment. I'm not a fan of Nintendo ruining Metroids name, but they already have with the Metroid 2.5D Wii abomination with the assassination of Samus character.

Anything with online co-op has my attention. I just hope it reviews well and sounds like fun. Looks promising at the very least.

I have a feeling that this game is going to be a lot better than what most people are giving it credit for, my only concern is how feasible it is to tackle the game solo since my internet sucks. If it is completely within reason I will likely pick this up, heck perhaps me and my bro both will so we can play some local co-op!

I'm all in for the game, I simply just don't care for the chibi-troid style choice. In a serious mood concept like Metroid, I can't see why realistic size characters couldn't be used, but eh... I'll play it anyway.

@BLD When i say "people just don't like it because of the story and it isn't Prime" i'm obviously generalizing. There's always people with more developed opinions on why they dislike something. But my point is every game has flaws, many of Other M's perceived flaws are very similar to what they did in Fusion. Honestly, i don't get how that can be ignored.

I also don't think the Prime example of a gamer's being unsure but then loving it is applicable. When Prime came out there was no standard for a 3D Metroid game, after 3 of them people were clearly attached to the formula and now had expectations for a 3D Metroid. Prime was also very much a return to the series roots in terms of exploration and adventure, as it was very much just Super Metroid 2 in a 3D enviroment. Prime also didn't have any voice acting and rather limited story telling. Other M however had a far less established base game it derived it's structure from, and that's Fusion.

The hate it's received is insanely over the top and ridiculous, with every single short coming or minor complaint being lambasted to justify the generally petty reasons it's disliked. It's fair for someone to not like it, but i have a hard time thinking that having to use a dpad was really that bad or that getting used to the pointer missile controls was gamebreaking. The controls were very good despite some room for improvement and in no way hindered the game.

I'm not saying the game was a masterpiece but there's a reason it reviewed very well and many many less vocal fans really enjoyed it. It's really not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, it's in fact really fresh and inventive. I do think there's a lot that can be improved but that's not unusual for a game that was in many respects very unique and well polished. It's all just my opinion but i do think if it wasn't a Metroid title Other M is a game that would be remembered very fondly for the unique controls, quality combat, terrific graphic and cutscenes, a terrific map layout, and environment. The story and voice acting were sub par but that's about it, IMO everything else was a minor flaw nitpicked to the extreme.

As much open minded and still interested I am in that game.. boy, is that trailer NOT selling it!

I wonder what budget they had... M:oM surely had the biggest one. Just from it's original trailer you can tell. I guess FF is the first 'metroid' game to not have real actors in the commercial? lol

All these comments . . . It'seems NOT a METROID game people! It's FEDERATION FORCE and it merely takes place in the METROID universe. I do not expect it to be a Samsung adventure. I expect to play different. And I believe in Next Level Games. I feel bad that their game is getting bashed before anyone has really played it.

All these comments . . . It's NOT a METROID game people! It's FEDERATION FORCE and it merely takes place in the METROID universe. I do not expect it to be a Samsung adventure. I expect to play different. And I believe in Next Level Games. I feel bad that their game is getting bashed before anyone has really played it.

@Kevlar44 It's incredible the hate that game had. Yes, they kinda destroyed my childhood hero, the writtings were super cheesy with japanese cheese and was a bit more obvious in it's linearity.. but the ambiance of that game, the gameplay, the esthetics, the elegance of Samus jumping around in 3d (finally!) was so perfectly nailed. I thought that only the fp-missile-thing and the overpowered dodging system needed revision, gameplay wise.

M:oM's gameplay recipe deserved another chance... just without the cheese.

@WhiteTrashGuy NextLevel do have a pretty portfolio. Like I've been saying ever since it's announcement, they shouldn't have put 'Metroid Prime' in it's title. It was a marketing push, obviously, but I think it backfired. Metroid fans would've been more receptive to just 'Galactic Federation Force' I think.

Kyoto needs a wakeup call.

No.

I've still yet to see anything I like about the game, other than the names Samus and Metroid (with neither being the focus of the game). I've tried to keep an open mind, but there is nothing there that interests me. The more I see, the less I like.

We all need a demo.

Chibi Metroid? Uh, not close to being sold on this yet.

Can't believe Nintendo is actually this foolish to release a spinoff before a main game. I am disappointed . And seeing the community reaction, Nintendo knows this game will fail on day one.