"Samus Aran and her cool warrior persona, the exploration element, and the various elements of surprise."
According to series overseer Yoshio Sakamoto, these tenets are the consistent components of any game that carries the name 'Metroid'. As producer on the freshly announced Metroid Dread, the veteran Nintendo developer has guided the course of this action-exploration franchise for three-and-a-half decades now. Yes, incredibly, 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of Samus' debut in the original Metroid for Famicom Disk System (and later NES).
"Her cool persona and integrity as a warrior has been a very important point for us to maintain and do justice to," Sakamoto continued via an interpreter during a group Zoom Q&A session we attended the morning after the E3 reveal. It's been 19 years since Metroid Fusion on the GBA, and this upcoming installment in the 2D adventures of the galaxy's greatest bounty hunter is billed as a conclusion to a five-game series that includes the 8-bit original, plus Metroid II: Return of Samus on Game Boy (remade for 3DS by Spanish studio MercurySteam — more about them later), the sublime Super Metroid on SNES, the aforementioned Fusion, and now Dread.
The Past
The previous entry on GBA sacrificed the scale and grandeur of its home console predecessor for a more linear experience which suited shorter play sessions on that portable platform. According to Sakamoto, Metroid Dread will return to the more open approach of Super Metroid, and while the demo of the game we watched was largely limited to sections already showcased in the Nintendo Treehouse stream, it's easy to see the influence of Super Metroid's larger environments here.
Beginning in Artaria, the areas we've seen of Planet ZDR look rich, vibrant and varied. The condensing mist billowing over the platforms in the opening area, for example, add real texture to that cold metallic environment. The clean, hard edges of platforms visible upon destroying specific blast-able blocks — a staple of the franchise — stand out more than ever against from the textured splendor of the moodily lit surrounding area, but overall the increased visual fidelity of this Switch entry sets the tone very effectively.
While Sakamoto cites a return to the "more open" style of Super Metroid (yay!), MercurySteam's first foray into the franchise — 2017's 3DS remake of Metroid II — is the other major influence on Metroid Dread. That game's defensive melee strike makes a return, but it's supplemented here by a slide and dash melee which immediately opens up opportunities for a more aggressive playstyle, with much faster and combat than was possible in any previous 2D Metroid.
Following the success of Samus Returns, Sakamoto tells us that it was Nintendo which propositioned MercurySteam to partner up and revive this long-standing project. Despite the distance between Japan and the Spanish studio, not to mention the difficulties posed by the pandemic, Sakamoto spoke of how confident he felt in finding the right collaborator in MercurySteam, saying "we were perfectly in tune".
The chronology and story elements of Dread were finalised relatively recently following the start of this partnership, and a recap 'prologue' of the story up to now (similar to the equivalent in Super Metroid) will bring newcomers — or players whose 2D Metroid lore might be a bit rusty after 20 years — up to speed.
The Present
Dread's narrative might have only come into focus in this latest development phase, but the core concept of Samus encountering a 'dreadful' opponent remains from the project's inception years ago. The "evolution of graphics" and the improved performance of modern consoles is what enabled the team to execute his original vision for the game, Sakamoto told the group. It's a title that "inherits the core [concepts of the series]... but leverages all our past experience and learning up to now".
The game is a 60FPS experience, so any frame counters out there can rest easy if you've only seen 30FPS footage online. As we watched the pre-Q&A demo, it was odd to think that this is the first high definition game in the series, and even at 30 FPS the smoothness of the experience manages to impress. That fluidity extends to movement and animation, too. We got a sense that this still has the heart of Metroid, but — in terms of flow and movement — it's got some Dead Cells in its veins now, which will make getting around these environments just a little more fun than before.
A slower, more methodical style of play is certainly viable, and Sakamoto is keen to stress that great effort has gone into giving Dread a good balance between accessibility for newcomers and the challenge that series veterans expect, and that "the core of the game remains the same regardless of which Metroid game you play". Good news for fans worried that this entry might deviate from the gameplay style they've grown to love over three-and-a-half decades, then. Still, it's immediately obvious that Samus has never moved this slickly before, and the ability to really take the fight to enemies 'on-the-fly' looks to be a significant update to the more contemplative combat from previous games.
Not that your melee skills will be much help against the E.M.M.I., the white-panelled robotic enemies that patrol certain areas and hunt Samus if they sense her nearby. These machines might evoke the recent trend of Mr. X/Lady Dimitrescu-style 'Terminators' who can't be dispatched by conventional means, but in practice the E.M.M.I. (or the ones we've seen so far) are more like watchdogs — a mashup of Breath of the Wild's possessed Guardians and a clambering General Grievious from Star Wars.
As they track you, a red ring around Samus' waist indicates imminent danger unless you hightail it away, while yellow means they've heard you and they're searching the vicinity. This visual feedback is elementary design, of course, but indicative of the thought and care put into making this game approachable while putting you "on edge". Background elements such as orange thermal fuel pipes light up once activated and guide you through the level to your next destination, and you fill in your map in the same way as in previous games. Again, following coloured pipes through a stage is elementary game design, but invaluable to players with poor memories who might otherwise be overwhelmed by the sprawling levels and tension. Being pursued by the love child of General Grievous and a Portal turret is bound to disorientate you.
And despite the E.M.M.I. being positioned as the relentless 'big bads', they are vulnerable to weapons, just not Samus' conventional complement. Temporarily charge up your arm cannon at a special station (which are obviously few and far between) and you'll temporarily be able to take one down with a steady aim. It's also possible to counter their (unexpectedly shocking) one-hit-kill attacks when they've got you pinned, although we're told the counter timing differs on a per animation basis, so pulling it off and scrambling to safety will take some serious skill.
The audio adds another integral layer, with the E.M.M.I.s' menacing 'chirp' instilling the eponymous dread effectively and the ambient soundtrack couples with the new visuals to deliver the series' trademark tense atmosphere. Despite the relentless threat of the E.M.M.I., Sakamoto stresses that, in his opinion, this isn't a "horror" game. The patrolling E.M.M.I. is just one element, with the series' exploration and boss battles also present and correct.
Metroid Dread looks to be the 'real deal'; a game from a team that knows this series inside out, a team who gets that despite a deluge of 'Metroidvanias', there's still nothing quite like Metroid
It's the same core, but with a slightly different 'essence', then. "I feel that you need to change a little bit of the essence [...] to provide something new," Sakamoto says. From the brief look we've had of the game — little more than you can see in the Treehouse videos, if we're honest — we came away with the impression that Metroid Dread looks to be the 'real deal', so to speak; a game from a team that knows this series inside out, a team who gets that despite a deluge of quality 'Metroidvania'-style games released in the intervening years, there's still nothing quite like Metroid.
From what we've seen so far, at least, Metroid Dread earns that '5' in its pre-title sequence.
The Future
That this new game is said to be a 'conclusion' to a 35-year-old story (with a "fitting ending" according to Sakamoto) puts a question mark on where the series — specifically the 2D branch — might go from here.
During the group Q&A, many questions proposed by attending journalists (which were then selected by Nintendo of Europe and relayed to Mr Sakamoto) were, as you'd expect, quite similar. Despite it being tough to know if our questions were being amalgamated with others, the phrasing of the final one posed to Sakamoto-san was definitely ours: This game is positioned as the 'conclusion' to a five-game story arc. What does that mean for potential future 2D Metroid games featuring Samus Aran?
"Samus' adventure will continue," Sakamoto replied. "And how it will continue? Well, first things first, I believe that when you clear Dread, you will have a clearer idea."
Well, that the franchise would continue wasn't in doubt, but it's good to hear that this particular branch of the series has a future and that Samus will remain a part of it. As Sakamoto said at the top, the iconic bounty hunter and a sense of exploration and discovery are at the very core of the series. We've waited so long for Samus to return with a brand new 2D adventure; let's cross our fingers that we don't have to wait quite so long for the next one.
And as for Metroid Dread? It's looking like it may actually be worth the two-decade wait. You can't ask for more than that.
Comments 94
It really does look fantastic. Now let us have a classic save option! Not much dread if you have checkpoints before the EMMI sections.
I'm glad Sakamoto moved away from the character portrayal of Samus in Other M and return to what she does best, cool, efficient and good at her job hunting hostile aliens. Since Dread will be a conclusion to the story arc of Samus and the Metroids, the next game won't be called....Metroid?
the game is currently the best selling switch game and overall game on amazon currently, safe to say its gonna sell a great amount
October couldn't come any sooner. I will definitely marathon play Metroid 1-4, AM2R, Zero Mission, and Samus Return in September in preparation for this game.
@WeilsR Metroid also means "Great Warrior" in Chozo, so even if the series doesn't have the Metroid creatures, the name still fits!
This is some serious fan service from Nintendo. MP4 taking a long time...ok let’s give them something even more anticipated in the meantime. Plus, there’s gonna more!! Metroid is thriving
sure, Fusion was more linear than Super Metroid. However I found Fusion alot less linear than Samus Returns since you went back and forth between the six sectors plus the main area while in Samus Returns once you were done with one area you never really went back unless for the near-end optional item collecting (thus no storyline reason to ever go back). One of the things I didn't like about Samus Returns.
Loving everything I'm seeing and hearing so far.
Despite the intro cutscene providing the story so far I would really appreciate being able to play Fusion (and Zero Mission) on the Switch in advance so I can see for myself. Fingers crossed we get GBA games on Switch Online soon 🤞
I don't have the emotional attachment to Metroid as I do other Nintendo franchises. But this looks like it's going to be a really well-done game and would certainly keep it on my radar if it sticks its landing
Not a metroid person so I just noticed how sharp the visor is on Samus’ helmet. Looks cool.
To the article even though I am not into the franchise, I am just glad Sakamoto didn’t give up. He seemed kinda gut punched by the other M reception (not making a comment here or there about the game and don’t care to hash it out) and that had to be disheartening. Hopefully this new entry will allow him to tell the story he wants to tell and appease fans.
This is the only game I want to get and the Amiibos.
@Citano I'd say that's down to the source material - the Gameboy game also has you going area by area killing Metroids so it is also a bit linear in that way.
I don't mind linearity though - all of the games do have a sequence. I think people disliked that fusion told you exactly where to go rather than let you figure it out. I didn't mind it though - still one of my top GBA games.
@Slowdive
Yep I wish they would remake all the 2D Metroids as well as release Samus Returns on the Switch.
I would definitely buy all of them.
@WeilsR Given that Samus may in fact be the last Metroid now, that may be where the title comes from.
...also... I just realized this means that Metroid can now in fact crawl.
@Splodge the direction thing with Fusion was part of the story though, with Samus herself questioning the motives behind those giving her these orders. Not to mention the 2nd half of the game where you are asked to go to one sector but end up somewhere else completely and getting alot more upgrades and 'Adam' scolding Samus for going too far.
Else yeah bit less hand-holdning would be nice. I found ZM had a good balance of free exploration while also giving hints on where you should go next.
So it will just change to the name of the next target/villain? Something along those lines, I assume.
Very excited for this, it's time for all the fans who have been asking for a new Metroid game to show some support and with the combination of a Metroid drought and the hungry fanbase the Switch has will hopefully give the series the success it needs to continue. It's time for Metroid to shine in the limelight a little bit I think.
i cannot wait for this game. buy this game people if we want this franchise to continue buy this game. i definitely want more metroid games.
It looks so shiny, love it. Been a while since we saw a more ‘mature’ game from Nintendo.
Mother Brain gets resurrected...
...that will be the only fitting conclusion to this storyline.
You can’t beat Super Metroid, that is one of the greatest games of all time. Definitely looking forward to Dread though.
Everything about this game looks great! Definitely the best reveal of E3, and now, my most awaited game of the year. Bring it on!
@Ghost_of_Hasashi That's a whole lot of Metroid 2.
It's "Samus's". You're welcome, I know everyone loves a Grammar Nazi.
60 fps FTW! Definitely a buy for me! I hope it will sell remarkably well. Switch is my favorite console/portable. 2 zeldas and 1 more to come and 1 Zelda spinoff. 2 metroids, 1 fire emblem, Mario, ring fit adventure (yes, why not) and so many more!
Great news, now please port Metroid 2 Samus returns
if this game and Prime 4 don't sell well then forget about seeing anything Metroid/Samus related for a good decade
@Ghost_of_Hasashi AMAZING NEED NOW
And, wy not Samus Returns over AM2R
Metroid Dread comes across to me as the Luigi's Mansion 3 of 2021, if that makes any sense - a new installment in a smaller Nintendo franchise that doesn't follow the deviations the last game made closely (Fusion's linearity, Dark Moon's mission-based structure) and is poised to do very well. I don't think I've ever seen Nintendo seem so proud of one of their games; I'm sure they really wanted to get Dread out there, and even get the feeling that it would've happened even if Samus Returns tanked. I wouldn't be surprised if Dread is a critical and commercial success that ultimately leads to Nintendo acquiring MercurySteam in a similar vein to what happened to Next Level Games
Yes, continue with a Turrican crossover
I wasn’t impressed with what I saw. Idk. After 19 years I expected more.
That’s okay. I hope I’m wrong.
I love hype pieces like this, gets me all excited. I'm so pumped for Dread
@Lord that you have a new game, yet are begging for them to waste resources on a port that would end up being a very similar experience to what it is on 3ds, tells me you are unimaginative, & have too much money.
@PikaPhantom luigi's mansion is not a small franchise
This makes me so happy. Metroid is without a doubt my absolute favourite Nintendo franchise bar none. Seeing it already become the best selling Metroid game via preorders on one site, in which I assume only represents one country, is insane.
But no one in the right mind can say Nintendo didn’t try to push this series hard to higher acclaim before. 7 Metroid games between 2002 - 2010, though highly praised, but ultimately little fanfare.
So damn lucky to be getting the likes Samus Returns, Dread and eventually Prime 4, I cannot wait!
I just hope they do not suddenly retcon the fact that as of the ending of Fusion, SAMUS is the last Metroid in the galaxy, something that upended the status quo of Super Metroid something fierce.
@NintendoArchive
Luigi's Mansion was a small franchise for sure. The first was in 2001, it didn't see a sequel till the 3DS. And then 6 years later got another sequel. 3 games in 20 years. That isn't a huge franchise, it's a fledgling one.
Easily game of the show for me, I need this in my Switch now!
@Bret Which is good cause Metroid II is the only game in the franchise I had not beat yet. I would start with the Game Boy version first, then AM2R, and then Samus Return. All will be play through their normal means so the Game Boy version will be play through Super Game Boy 2, AM2R on my GPD Win 2, and Samus Return on my 3DS.
@Ghost_of_Hasashi I really loved Samus Returns. It's actually the only Metroid game I've beaten. Enjoy!
Started playing Sam us returns after the announcement but I just can’t get into it at all, I thinks it’s mostly the grid type world, and the graphics. Played about 10 minutes but had to stop. I did play a few hours back in the day. Am a super Metroid fan. Controversially other m is my fave Metroid, don’t give a damn about story and stuff, but atmosphere and variety and puzzle solving and progress and minimal backtracking is the perfect balance for me. And the combat dodge and shooting was satisfying xx
Could this become the best selling game of the franchise? It would be fun that a 2D game becomes the best selling one, but I certainly hope so! That would mean Metroid is more alive than ever, and that people really WANT games like this.
And Prime 4, of course. That one will sell the most for sure.
@NintendoArchive It used to be, before 3.
Metroid is my second favorite Nintendo franchise, but I had no idea that all the 2d games were part of the same story. I had no idea that there was one big story. I guess I need to replay them and see what the story is?
@Slowdive Please, no more remakes.
It's unnecessary as it is, and most people would take issue with Mercury Steam's new gameplay style in Super Metroid. Best to make new games instead of retreading already familiar territory.
@Dragonslacker1 I can guarantee that Metroid Dread won't be as linear or easy as Other M, Mr. contrarian.
Nintendo's great return to a genre they pioneered alongside Konami. I see a lot of great potential in the Metroid franchise in the coming years.
If Metroid now crawls/slides will there be morph ball in this game? Guess we will have to wait and see.
For Metroid Fans. This is a post I copy and paste but I hope it's helpful to someone interested in more Metroid. Fans have done alot and the series has possibly more great games because of it than anything beyond Mario.
I don't agree with the general sentiment that the first two games have aged that badly. The first 2 games certainly aren't as polished as the newer ones but I think they have some charm still. However fans have certainly made them better with Metroid HD being a terrific improvement hack and Metroid 2 EJRTQ being a quality hack that adds colour. I'd suggest that anyone play them like that. I'd also recommend all to play the two terrific fan games AM2R and Metroid Planets that remake the first two. AM2R has an excellent Reddit community continuing to evolve the game. Metroid Planets has a terrific remake AND reimagining of the first game that unlike Zero Mission stays faithful to the original mechanics. It's not well known but it's astonishingly well polished.
There's also a considerable amount of awesome mods/hacks on Metroid Construction, especially for Super. Super has the terrific mod Project Base that creates a more modern experience and Fusion has the quality Sequence Breaking mod that opens the game up. Aside from that there are all new experiences. Here's the best hacks that create all new games based on my experience. There's many others worth playing as well but this is a great start.
Metroid 1:
Rouge Dawn
Incursion
Over the Moon
Super Metroid:
Hyper Metroid
Ascent
Escape 2
Vitality
Ancient Chozo (Similar to Super but different and gorgeous enough to recommend on it's own)
Nature (Vanilla, means it has little to no graphical or mechanical changes)
Recovery (Vanilla)
Hidden (Vanilla)
Retroid (Metroid 1 remake in the SM engine)
Y Faster (Speedrun)
Y Faster 2 (Speedrun)
Super Zero Mission (Hard)
Eris (Hard)
Redesign Axeil Edition (Hard)
YPX (Hard)
Cliffhanger Redux (Very Hard)
Zero Mission:
Scrolls 6 (Haven't played it, heard good things)
Also there are some real cool randomizers:
A Link to the Past and Super Metroid combo randomizer
Zelda 1 and Metroid 1 combo randomizer
Varia Randomizer for Super Metroid
Metroid 1 Randomizer
Zero Mission Randomizer
Fusion Randomizer (In Beta)
It's really quite amazing what fans have done for the series. Even the first two Prime games have randomizers. And despite what people may say even Other M is a decent game, albeit with a silly story and some clunky mechanics. Thankfully there's a mod for it too called Other M Maxximum Edition that fixes most of the common complaints.
Removed - trolling/baiting; user is banned
@NintendoArchive you don’t become a Lord unless your loaded!
Metroid Dread looks pretty great based off what we've seen from the trailer. I hope it can recapture some of the haunting sense of isolation of Super Metroid. I still think that game has the best music/atmosphere of any Metroid game to date.
I'm a bit concerned it's MercurySteam again, I found all that tedious waiting to use the brandish move to defeat even basic enemies really slowed down the flow of gameplay. While it was less necessary later on, it still wasn't a particularly good addition to the combat IMHO.
I also seem to recall lots of rapid button bashing being needed to wear some enemies and bosses down too, which I found quite hard on those small 3DS buttons.
That said, I am really excited by this as I love most of the 2D Metroid games.
@Slowdive I don't think it's a game that can be remade unless they do something dramatically different like put it in 3D. I think the "clunkiness" as you put it is actually one of it's best features as the control over Samus is exceptional in the precision it allows. The ability to do expert tricks like short charging, mochballing, and midair morph allow for exceptional replay value. That doesn't even mention the utility of wall jumping, arm pumping, blue suit, crystal flash, and many more interesting and dynamic tricks. It's controls are easy to approach but nearly impossible to master, you call it clunky but I'd call it nuanced and infinitely interesting. It's not as immediately approachable as it could be but that's what Zero Mission is for. I wish more games had the depth that Super does in it's controls, it's why the game keeps getting better and better for veterans like me.
So i played for an Hour Metroid 2 Remake today after i stopped four Years ago (i am 6 Hours into the Game).
I hate the Counter Mechanics that you have to use even on the smallest Enemies.
It is annoying and i will not buy Dread since it shows that it will keep them.
@Ghost_of_Hasashi I'm gonna do the same but once Prime 4 comes out and of course include all the Primes into my marathon (yes, even Hunters).
Thank you for the great article! That was a very fun and informative read. I can't wait for this game. I hope we get Sakamoto at his best here. His best is incredible. Unfortunately, Other M is on his resume so it isn't a totally sure thing. Nevertheless, I am optimistic.
Good to know this won't be the end of 2D Metroid despite concluding the current story arc.
As someone who liked Other M and Samus' portrayal in that game, I'd love to see more Metroid games in that 3D play style. I really loved her voice acting, and I connected with Samus on a more personal level in Other M.
I am going to sit here in a meditative state until October. BRB.
@Slowdive I say no again, because the controls are fine in Super Metroid and they haven't been fully reinterpreted in other games ever since. It's probably the only Metroid game that has fully customizable controls that let you map each button to where you want it. You even have the option to disable the "moon-walk" movement. It's also the last Metroid game that has a sprint button.
It has the right amount of challenge with how it wants the player to tackle each fight and it's the one Metroid game that allows to sequence break the most if you're skilled enough to be able to do so. It's why most people still love this game, because speedrunning it is more fun than any other Metroid game even if you're not a speedrunner.
If Mercury Steam alongside Sakamoto made a remake of this game, then they would considerably tone down the challenge and completely simplify the controls. They would add in that "parry" move which would make most enemies/bosses a cake walk, they would restrict the player from being able to get into places they weren't supposed to and add more road blocks there which would make for a more linear experience even if the player wanted to sequence break on a second playthrough.
I have nothing against Mercury Steam or Sakamoto and I look forward too and thank them for making the next 2D Metroid game, but I really don't want them to go back and fix something that doesn't need fixing especially in this day and age where the the game industry is oversaturated with remakes, re-releases, and lazy ports. I honestly think that if they made a remake of Super Metroid that it wouldn't sell well because of how much it would divide fans and that in term would cause negative word of mouth to be spread, thus ruining the game's chances of reaching financial success.
And in all seriousness, why remake Super Metroid?
nearly every Metroid game is very similar in structure to Super Metroid that it would be a waste of resources to make a remake. Would you remake the Mona Lisa painting if you could? Why bother since everyone will know that you're just making an imitation of something that already exists and has aged well over time.
Im so disapointed they hired those Mercury guys again.
They try fool us into thinking that getting hit by Samus's arm cannon inflicts more damage than getting hit by one of her orange glowing bullets.
And then, there are the telegraphs the ennemies send you to let you know they are comming to justify the use of this new move..... at leats if it just stunnned them a bit.
@GrandAlex64 There are some enemies that don't do that and some need to be dealt more damage. These are only the starting area enemies that are weak and are pretty easy, we still haven't seen any new complex ones. Plus, there's a difficulty selection if you think this isn't challenging enough.
Great interview. There are a few reasons I want Metroid Dread (and Prime 4) to succeed: I love the series and want more of them made, but also I want more mature IPs from Nintendo. Metroid and maybe certain elements of Zelda are more mature, and Nintendo also publishes games that are more mature IPs even if they aren't technically Nintendo first party (Fatal Frame, Bayonetta, Astral Chain, No More Heroes III). I get it, the cute games like Mario and Pokemon make them the most money, but I'd also just want some more mature IPs overall from them.
@Atticus-XI The AP Stylebook disagrees with you, and most authorities say either form is acceptable. You're welcome.
@Nontendo_4DS I amicably disagree - "Samus" is a singular proper noun that calls for apostrophe "s" regardless of the word ending in "s". Now ... I am aware some sources dispute this, but they seem to be more modern and have essentially acquiesced to everyone continuing to improperly use this construction. It feels like "they" essentially threw up their hands and said, "ok, we give up, keep doing it wrong."
But here's the thing - no one "does grammar right" these days anyway, so - despite my bad effort at humor - arguing about it (or trying to educate) is an exercise in futility. Our schools don't force kids to learn this stuff properly anymore and so the Gods of Grammar just adopt the wrong usage because that's what the damn people are going to do anyway. What's worse, "professional" journalists don't bother to proofread their work. I know that they're all trying to beat each other to the punch, but that's no excuse for style and grammatical errors. Just one example: I read Paul Tassi regularly and like his work, but the guy just doesn't proof his columns. This site, however, consistently publishes quality, well-proofed copy.
Don't get me started on the overuse/incorrect use of "curated" and "fraught", or the use of modern internet slang in headlines. Yes, I'm old-fashioned and I believe I have previously provided notice to avoid trespassing on my lawn.
@JasmineDragon Thank you! I should probably expose my bias towards favoring "old-style" grammatical rules. See my other comment, but I firmly believe that modern grammar guides simply acquiesce to commonly employed incorrect usage. See, now everyone can say they're right!
It's easy to just conflate this with Returns when you're not paying attention but this looks to be the real deal.
"Following the success of Samus Returns"
That game barely sold 500,000 copies. What are you talking about?!
@WeilsR They've said an end to a story, not specifically the Metroids. The Metroids aren't the only arc going in the main series. Could be the end of the Ridley, given his presence and impact on Samus. Could be a finality for the Chozo, given we don't know if they are actually extinct or not. Could be the end of the Federation. Could be the end of the Space Pirates.
@Atticus-XI I get the feeling we are very much on the same page regarding language in general. It drives me up the wall when things change and we just go along with it, with a comment about "language evolves". On the other hand, language does evolve. But I generally fight the changes until I'm the last man standing, because words matter.
As a fan of Metroid since the NES original. I am so excited to see where this chapter will take the series next. Samus's mission across the stars has lead to so many adventures. I have faith that Dread will be just as amazing as past games.
As for what is next after this. Like Samus, we too are exploring the stars with her, wherever they may take us
I both am looking forward to and dreading the release of this game.
@Slowdive I'm impressed as well, however, I have mix feelings about a Super Metroid remake. The game is literary a master piece in gaming, I don't think there is a need for a remake, but I do love the idea of an HD port, more clear pixels, better sound and more color, or a 2D HD , like a an Octopath Traveler style.
really so happy to see the Metroid series thriving. Gives me hope for F-Zero someday
@Classic603 It sold almost 7 million on the 3ds, the original 2.5 million, 3 has done almost 10 million. no metroid game has reached 3 million, & only 2 came close, one is close to a juggernaut franchise, & the other despite having 10 or so games has never made returns worth talking about, there is no similarity in these franchise in regard to their popularity, metroid fans should practice self-awareness, this game might do 2 mil with the install base, if I was betting.
@the_beaver 3 entries in the luigi's mansion series have outsold the entirety of metroid, aside from a hiatus in the 7th gen, luigi's mansion has been paying dividends, (I don't even like the franchise all that much....at the moment)
2D Metroid is my jam! I have played through Super Metroid and Metroid Zero Mission over 34 times combined. Fusion and 2 also rock. Don't wait so long next time Nintendo. Lol
@NintendoArchive
Nobody is talking sales, I was talking number of entries.
That was a good read. I’m very hopeful for the future of the core games. I’d been wondering if they were just going to let it die. I really hope for all the previous entries to come to Switch, but I’m absolutely sure that will never happen. Oh well, time to hunt on eBay.
I hope that there is a new antagonist instead of having Ridley as an antagonist. If they make Ridley an antagonist in this game, they probably give him a new form with a cheesy name called Dreadful Ridley.
@Classic603 popularity determines what is a big franchise, not the number of entries, & the series has always enjoyed popularity, splatoon was a big franchise from the word go. Don't bother redefining what words mean, Metroid is popular to a niche audience, therefore..... it's not.
@NintendoArchive
Wii Play sold 28 million copies. Splatoon 1(5 mil) and 2 (12 mil) combined are less than that. Comparatively, Splatoon is a niche franchise while Wii Play is a huge franchise then. You can twist any numbers to form any conclusion you want.
Metroid has been a staple of Nintendo since it's debut 35 years ago. Samus was featured in Smash Bros 64. Super Metroid and Metroid Prime are ranked as some of the best games in their respective years. Aside from the few miss steps, Metroid games are typically rated very well.
@Classic603 the Wii software was a huge franchise, & was at its peak far more popular than splatoon, so therefore it is (was) a bigger franchise, no twisting needed, also Wii play was a hardware package, more so than a software one, make better comparisons, also ratings only matter in that they ensure a franchise's enduring popularity, which Metroid doesn't have despite its ratings, I say this as someone who probably enjoys even the missteps of Metroid, so I'm not poo-pooing the games, I'm poo-pooing the delusional fanbase. All they need to do is admit that they like games that are financially irrelevant, I can admit this.
@locky-mavo You are absolutely right. There was a huge marketing push for Prime 1 and Prime 3. Now people could say Prime 1 did not sell because of the Gamecube (I call BS on that one as it sold almost 2million units) it was Prime 3 which had disappointing sales numbers considering the Wii sold quadruple what the Gamecube did. And even the controversial Metroid Other M was not out of step with the rest of the franchise and actually sold more than Metroid Prime 2. So huge sales numbers just alluded to the series despite Nintendo heavily pushing the series at events like E3 and providing it a commercial blitz. The numbers were respectable, but a drop in the bucket compared to other Nintendo franchises.
It's hard to say why Dread is doing so well in comparison to the earlier Metroid games. Maybe the series has finally struck lightening in a bottle of being the right game on the right system at the right time. Or maybe people are more open to Metroidvania games because of the popularity of games like Bloodstained, Hollow Knight, Axiom Verge and others. Let's not forget just 10 years ago the only other franchise like Metroid was Castlevania and that was only on the GBA and DS... and even those were not a sales juggernaut. Konami just made a lot of them because they were cheap to make with reused assets and were profitable for that reason even with okay sales.
@Classic603 you are right and you are wrong. Sales are important to discuss when we are talking about popularity. A franchise can be storied, but if the sales of that franchise are poor then it's not that popular just well known. The Wii-Brand is still widely known to the point if you say "do you remember Wii Sports?" a random person would go "yeah that was so much fun I loved those games!" Splatoon is a very popular franchise in the upper category of game sales as well despite being only two games deep. Companies would kill to have Splatoon's numbers and audience retention. Dragon Age Inquisition a game from a very popular franchise only sold 6million units on PS4, XBone and PC while Splatoon 2 dwarfed those numbers on a single platform.
However, compared to other Nintendo franchises despite Metroid being well known it has never sold more than 2 million units three times and one of those was a pinball game on the DS. The sales were not horrid, but they were not great. However, that does not mean the franchise was close to getting the axe either like Fire Emblem was pre-Awakening. But, we cannot say Metroid was one of Nintendo's staple franchises considering it completely skipped the N64 and Wii U (outside of a digital re-release of Trilogy and VC games) when franchises like Pokemon, Kirby and Donkey Kong were on them and consistently leave Metroid in the dust in regards to sales.
But to @NintendoArchive Classic603 is right that the number of entries a franchise has can help indicate the popularity too. As companies do not make a habit of releasing games for a franchise that does not have an audience. But, to add to your point though just because a fanbase is rabid, vocal does not make the series popular. Until Persona 5 you could find very few people who even knew what Persona or Shin Megami Tensei even was DESPITE there being an entry on like every major console since the Super Famicom. We have to consider both sales and entries when discussing how popular a franchise is. Metroid is a critical darling, but never got the mainstream appeal it deserved and we are seeing that with Dread people are more willing now than ever to give a game like Metroid a try.
@russell-marlow I agree there is no reason to remake Super Metroid. It is perfectly fine the way it was in comparison to the original Metroid and Metroid II which both needed remakes. The original Metroid is almost unplayable unless you have a massive surplus of patience and when they remade it they made it more like Super Metroid and Zero Mission is FANTASTIC and replaces the original. Mercury Steam did an outstanding job with Metroid II giving it a much-needed facelift and I cannot deny Samus Returns is one of the best games on the 3DS which says A LOT! But, Super Metroid does not need to get a remake as the sprits are large and expressive, the environments are still well-thought-out and designed to near perfection. That and the controls are stellar!
Sometimes something just does not need to be remade and Super Metroid is one of those rare occasions.
@Radpal MercurySteam is mentioned throughout the article. They are working on this.
@Wexter time will tell how many people were willing to give Metroid dread a try, amazon preorders only indicate so much.
To people who talk about Super Metroid remake...
FFS not everything needs a remake! Super Metroid is perfect as it is since pixel art like that won't get old. People these days want remakes about absolutely everything. The problem is that most of the time remakes are inferior to the original games. Just look at FFVII remake. The game looks good, but is still 100x worse than the original.
@AvianBlue
The morph ball is there. Saw it briefly from one of the videos of the game.
@Radpal Mercury Steam is not doing Dread alone. They're working together with Nintendo EPD. I'm sure Nintendo will make sure it will be a quality product. Back in the day before Metroid Prime was released, people had the same kind of doubts, since Retro was an unknown western developer. However, in that case also Nintendo was working with Retro Studios to make sure they didn't mess it up.
I have been a fan of Metroid since I played the original way back in 1987! Can't believe that I'll be finishing a story arc that started when I was 8 years old! Crazy!
Dread looks absolutely fantastic! Fusion is the only mainline game that I haven't played so I'll have to get on that soon!
@JasmineDragon Yes, as a lawyer I feel similarly about "well we do it "this way" do we really need a constitutional amendment. My answer is, "Yes, because that what the GD rules say." Taking the wrong road because it is easier is NOT what was intended. Do it correctly and with the right process, or dare I say, Due Process. The Constitution is NOT a living document. And I'm a defense lawyer for the indigent, BTW. Easier doesn't mean throw the rulebook in the trash.
@Nontendo_4DS Hah! Don't worry, I may bark at you, but there are Manhattans and other delights if you want to stop by!
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