Is the Metroid series dead?

[Big-Cat]

There are two separate problems for Starfox and F-Zero. F-Zero has the problem where most of the ideas that could be applied to F-Zero are put over to Mario Kart where it will sell. Can't say I blame Nintendo for that one quite frankly. That being said, F-Zero needs a new "identity" with it's gameplay. Perhaps a more aggressive racing game. Anybody remember the motorcycle minigame from Final Fantasy VII? That could be an inspiration.

Starfox has a lot of potential with its lore and characters but they aren't really expanded on for who knows what reason - and when's the last time we had an indepth anthro/furry-centric videogame series that wasn't Sonic? The gameplay is another matter. Most people will say that it should just go back to Starfox 64. Well, we got that with the remake so now what? I don't know about you, but that just isn't enough for me and doesn't explore the potential the series has. I wonder if, along with the famous scrolling levels, we have more all ranged mode levels (but not necessarily boss fights), more intricate ground levels (imagine the stealth levels), different character abilities, etc. So much potential in this series that it's silly.

 

[finalark]

There are two separate problems for Starfox and F-Zero. F-Zero has the problem where most of the ideas that could be applied to F-Zero are put over to Mario Kart where it will sell. Can't say I blame Nintendo for that one quite frankly. That being said, F-Zero needs a new "identity" with it's gameplay. Perhaps a more aggressive racing game. Anybody remember the motorcycle minigame from Final Fantasy VII? That could be an inspiration.

I feel like that originally Mario Kart was supposed to be a more "casual" racing game that was more suited for parties while F-Zero was for fans of more traditional racing games. Sadly, it seems that most people just lump Mario Kart and F-Zero together as "racing games" and call it a day. I don't think F-Zero needs to change its game play, Nintendo just needs to find a way to reach out to fans of traditional racing games and make an actual push with marketing.

Starfox has a lot of potential with its lore and characters but they aren't really expanded on for who knows what reason - and when's the last time we had an indepth anthro/furry-centric videogame series that wasn't Sonic? The gameplay is another matter. Most people will say that it should just go back to Starfox 64. Well, we got that with the remake so now what? I don't know about you, but that just isn't enough for me and doesn't explore the potential the series has. I wonder if, along with the famous scrolling levels, we have more all ranged mode levels (but not necessarily boss fights), more intricate ground levels (imagine the stealth levels), different character abilities, etc. So much potential in this series that it's silly.

I feel like this is what Nintendo was trying to do with Assault. While the ground segments were rather clunkly I personally loved Assault (note that I played it many years before I even touched Star Fox 64, so I didn't have an idea of what Star Fox was "supposed" to be like, but that being said, I still prefer it). I wish Nintendo would revisit that kind of game play and expand upon it. Sadly, Star Fox has the same issue that every single Nintendo franchise ever has in that it has a very vocal minority who throw a ***** fit when a game isn't exactly like the N64 entry in the series. These people are why Nintendo is hesitant to try new things.

 

[Deleted member]

At worst, Other M is a setback for the series, but it's not the end of the world.

If we should be concerned about any series, it's Starfox and especially F-Zero.

I have only played Star Fox 64, Star Fox Adventures and F-Zero X, so I have not a lot of experience in those series.

But as for them, if they are not that exploited, I think it's maybe because it's much more difficult to find new ideas to those genres (3D Rail Shooter for one and Futuristic Racing for the other).
They also don't generate as much influence to video games in general as Metroid or Zelda.

 

[Big-Cat]

I feel like this is what Nintendo was trying to do with Assault. While the ground segments were rather clunkly I personally loved Assault (note that I played it many years before I even touched Star Fox 64, so I didn't have an idea of what Star Fox was "supposed" to be like, but that being said, I still prefer it). I wish Nintendo would revisit that kind of game play and expand upon it. Sadly, Star Fox has the same issue that every single Nintendo franchise ever has in that it has a very vocal minority who throw a ***** fit when a game isn't exactly like the N64 entry in the series. These people are why Nintendo is hesitant to try new things.

Purists are definitely a problem for a lot of Nintendo games in general. It's great when the games are a "back to form" to the previous games like Link Between Worlds while adding something new. However, it often seems like when they want to try any radical changes, it gets met with a lot of backlash, much like Wind Waker's graphics which has ironically become to be very well received and has aged well.

I have only played Star Fox 64, Star Fox Adventures and F-Zero X, so I have not a lot of experience in those series.

But as for them, if they are not that exploited, I think it's maybe because it's much more difficult to find new ideas to those genres (3D Rail Shooter for one and Futuristic Racing for the other).
They also don't generate as much influence to video games in general as Metroid or Zelda.

Quite frankly, only so many series have had as much of an influence on video games like Metroid or Zelda. That's not the fault of F-Zero and Star Fox.

I would say though that they are indeed harder to exploit than Mario or Zelda.

 

[thebaum64]

The only reason why I'm even remotely worried about Metroid is that I've seen long-running video game franchises be brought to a grinding halt by one bad game (Alone in the Dark, anyone?). That being said, I'm sure we'll see more of Samus in the future. Especially since in the 00s the success of Prime made her a Nintendo staple alongside Link and Mario. Between 02-10, Nintendo put out two Metroid games on every single console that was current during those years (Prime 1 and 2 for GCN, Zero Mission and Fusion for GBA, Pinball and Hunters for DS, Prime 3 and Other M for Wii). Personally, I think that right now Nintendo is trying to figure out exactly what the hell they're supposed to do with the series, since Other M got mixed reactions as best.

As you said, it's poor F-Zero and Star Fox we should be worried about.

ya what ever happened to star fox other than in super smash bros they have nothing these days...

 

[Deku_Don]

I can see us hearing something about a 3DS Metroid before a Wii U one. Also I too hope Star Fox comes back from the grave already, been meh since adventures (bar the remake).

 

[Deleted member]

<---- A bit my reaction when I've seen Metroid getting more recognition with Fusion being released soon as one of the first GBA VC games and getting included to NES Remix.

 

[Firus]

I'm excited to see Metroid getting some attention in that regard with the Wii U VC (especially since Fusion is one of my favorite games of all time and I've played through it a bunch of times), but I'm frustrated with the treatment the series is getting. Other M was mediocre gameplay-wise and featured an odd focus on combat with the whole dodging system, a lot of arbitrary difficulty through stupid things that did not feel justified ("run through a volcano before Adam approves use of the Varia Suit!") and plot-wise I just can't even consider it canon.

I hope the franchise isn't dead, but I mean...the last handheld game we got was in 2006, and the last console game was in 2010. I feel like the severe criticism Other M got has made Nintendo back off from the franchise, which is unfortunate because I don't think it's that hard to realize why the game received criticism.

Honestly, just give me Super Metroid remade in 2.5D on the 3DS and I'll be happy, I just want something to revive my hope in the series, since it's my favorite video game franchise. Hopefully its continued appearance on VC means they're planning something for it, still.

 

[nessokman]

It isn't dead, a while back they said Retro was a top choice for the next game.

 

[etecoon]

a lot of arbitrary difficulty through stupid things that did not feel justified ("run through a volcano before Adam approves use of the Varia Suit!") and plot-wise I just can't even consider it canon.

The ONLY halfway decent explanation for that game that I've seen is that it is in fact a fever dream, hence a lot of the weird beat-you-over-the-head symbolism(BOTTLE SHIP), Samus being over emotional and possessing none of the poise or level headed decision making that you'd expect of the galaxies greatest warrior(as well as being inconsistent with her behavior in every other Metroid game), the plot generally being nonsense...or hey, Anthony being twice Samus' height when Samus is 6'3", I'd like to see the logical explanation for that!

The next Metroid game ignoring Other M's existence would be the best way to go forward with the series, maybe with some kind of subtle nod to it while making it clear that the events of the game didn't actually happen

 

[IsmaR]

The next game would probably be either after Fusion or after Prime, so that wouldn't be an issue either way.

 

[SkywardStriker16]

Metroid Prime 4? PLEASE. If they reveal a new Metroid game for E3, or at least tease one I'd be very very happy.

And there's no way Metroid's dead, especially after Reggie's Samus pin thingy. Plus, this is Nintendo's only FPS out right now so...

Metroid Warfare?

 

[HeroMystic]

I could rant all day on how much I hate Other M, but I'll downsize it by saying it didn't really have the elements of a metroid game and did loads of fan pandering, which resulted in a lack of creativity. The gameplay itself was okay at best, but the controls were a piece of ****. Don't get me started on the story.

That said, I'm confident in saying Metroid isn't dead. However, we end up with the problem where Metroid has never done well in Japan past Super Metroid, and has been relying on sales from other countries. Since Other M was hyped and advertised like no tomorrow (it's the only Nintendo game I vividly remember the TV commercial for), they may take the poor sales as a sign that Metroid needs to go to the backburner.

When talking about Starfox, I'm surprised no one here hasn't noted Starfox Command for the DS, which has what every "purist" has been suggesting (no foot missions, arwing only, purely a shooter game), yet that only sold under a million copies. Simply going back to the roots isn't going to solve Starfox's problem. It's biggest problem has always been poor execution, especially when you look at Starfox Assault, which I personally find to be a decent game within it's own merits.

 

[Zip.]

Wouldn't count the series out yet, it's only been 3 1/2 years since Other M.

 

[verysleepywolf]

@ HeroMystic StarFox Command would have been fine as a spinoff game but as a core entry it really sucked. The fact that just about the entire game was dumbed down Fire Emblem with all-range mode made it suck in my opinion. Truthfully the best direction for a new StarFox game is to provide as much on-rails shooting as possible with flashy scripted events and very elaborate bosses. Would prefer the varying routes that 64 had but a more linear approach like Assault could work too... but Assault was just sooo friggin short and had almost no replay value. The secret routes that 64 had kept it fresh, interesting and replayable. I think it would be well recieved if they made a new StarFox game with the variable routes, and added maybe an in-depth RPG esque upgrade system for your Arwing between missions.

As for Metroid I think that saying the franchise is dead would be severely pessimistic. Other M definitely was not the right direction for the series, they should really maintain the story as a background element instead of something in the foreground that completely restricts the player's exploration by requiring we go from point A to point B and make no detours. Since Metroid is already a series that only appeals to hardcore fans they should just stick to what makes the series tick and invent new mechanics to keep it interesting. I thought the whole system with the X was great in Fusion but that game was far too linear and didn't have the same sense of freedom that the revered Super Metroid had. The Prime games were great at being linear while feeling nonlinear in that they actually forced you to poke around a bit in order to find where you should go.

I hope they make another Prime-like Metroid game on Wii U, and make 2-D Metroids on the 3DS. That opinion seems pretty unanimous.

 

[Claire Diviner]

Not sure if this was brought up, but if anyone remembers, Fusion ended in a cliffhanger that remains unresolved. How will the Galactic Federation treat the destruction of the research center and an entire planet (SR388)? How will they address Samus in this regard? Who the hell were those silhouetted men during the scenes where they would speak to Adam, and what their overall role is in the story?

My point is Fusion left an ending that remains unresolved and if Nintendo really wanted to, they can actually continue the story from there in an actual sequel rather than a bunch of midquels, as great as they were.

 

[N0ble1]

Not sure if this was brought up, but if anyone remembers, Fusion ended in a cliffhanger that remains unresolved. How will the Galactic Federation treat the destruction of the research center and an entire planet (SR388)? How will they address Samus in this regard? Who the hell were those silhouetted men during the scenes where they would speak to Adam, and what their overall role is in the story?

My point is Fusion left an ending that remains unresolved and if Nintendo really wanted to, they can actually continue the story from there in an actual sequel rather than a bunch of midquels, as great as they were.

This is why we need a Metroid V.

 

[Deleted member]

Wouldn't count the series out yet, it's only been 3 1/2 years since Other M.

It's already too damn long.

And it will be 4 years next August...

 

[Malkior7]

I would say Metroid is very much alive considering it has already been said that there is a 2D style metroid and a prime style Metroid in the works

 

[Firus]

I think that more says "Maybe all hope isn't lost yet," not "Metroid is very much alive." I think "very much alive" requires a solid game confirmation at the least.

 

[finalark]

I think that more says "Maybe all hope isn't lost yet," not "Metroid is very much alive." I think "very much alive" requires a solid game confirmation at the least.

I think "very much alive" means that Nintendo at least publicly mentions it and promotes it. Hell, I think Kid Icarus is more "alive" than Metroid at this point.

Actually, do we have any video or photographic evidence that these supposed games in development even exist? Like screen shots, a teaser trailer or anything? As far as I know, we only have Nintendo's word for it.

 

[Depressed Gengar]

It's been 3 1/2 years. That's NOT dead. I'm not even sure if I'd call that "dormant".

 

[praline]

Didn't Nintendo say a 3DS and Wii U Metroid were in the works?

 

[R0Y]

Between Super Metroid in 1994 and Metroid Prime and Fusion in 2002, there was a more than 8 year absence. Given Other M's reception and bombing I think we're in the midst of another Metroid drought.

 

[LancerStaff]

Major Metroid fan, okay? Don't shoot the messenger...

To put it bluntly, Prime 4 from Retro is a pipe dream. Many of Retro's workers wouldn't stick around if 4 was their next project, and a bunch even left because their only option was making 3.

Sakamoto is still in control of the franchise, according to Nintendo Land's Iwata Asks. (The NL guys were asking if they could put the HP gauge on the back of the suit, of all things.)

Reggie's "Of course...Who's to say?" Was quite possibly the most balantly scripted thing I've ever heard anybody say. The "planning" bit sounds like PR garbage trying to get Metroid fans to quit complaining. Sounds like they're "planning" to get started when hell freezes over to me.

 

[IsmaR]

Prime (4) refers to the style of gameplay, which Miyamoto himself (IIRC) confirmed they were interested in expanding on alongside the traditional Metroid formula. It doesn't have to be Retro specifically making it. Heck, it could be EAD working on something like Metroid Prime Hunters 2.

Sakamoto allegedly also said he's leaving the series to work on other ventures.

As for "planning," I would argue they've been "planning" a new Star Fox for what's nearing a decade now. And look how that turned out.

 

[LancerStaff]

Prime (4) refers to the style of gameplay, which Miyamoto himself (IIRC) confirmed they were interested in expanding on alongside the traditional Metroid formula. It doesn't have to be Retro specifically making it. Heck, it could be EAD working on something like Metroid Prime Hunters 2.

Sakamoto allegedly also said he's leaving the series to work on other ventures.

As for "planning," I would argue they've been "planning" a new Star Fox for what's nearing a decade now. And look how that turned out.

Should've explained the first part more. Retro, in specific, won't be making Prime 4. And please don't let the next game be a spin-off.

Haven't heard a word of that. Do you have a link?

They've been planning for a decade, only started recently, and we got some kind of... Thing with Fox in it.

I've already lost most of my interest when I heard aiming and flying were controlled separately TBH.

 

[LIQUID12A]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned what looks like Sylux's ship at the end of Corruption. That's a living, breathing sequel hook. I can understand that most of you want to forget Hunters happened, but since the ship in a Corruption resembled the Delano 7 so much, is entirely possible that a sequel is being made with that cliffhanger in mind. Just a thought.

 

[IanTheGamer]

Nintendo needs to have Retro make Metroid Prime 4 for Wii U, because everything Retro touches turns to gold, and the Metroid Prime games were awesome, they are the kind of games that saved the franchise, they are the games that could fill the FPS niche and appeal to the hardcore Nintendo fans, and the Halo and Mass Effect crowd, especially if they aggressively advertise it, Metroid Prime was the best selling Metroid game ever, and the 2nd best selling GameCube game outselling Zelda and Mario (Mario, the juggernaut of gaming, was bested by Samus), so the potential is there, and how cool would it be if Metroid Prime 4 had online multiplayer, it could be the best selling Nintendo FPS since GoldenEye,

 

[LarsINTJ]

The AAA games industry has come to this, they refuse to sink resources into projects which aren't guaranteed to turn a significant profit even though they had to take such risks in order to become AAA in the first place.

The difference between now and then? There's far more at stake.

They're probably using SSB4 as a way to promote interest in their increasingly niche franchises before releasing other new games - it has worked before. Everyone plays Smash Brothers, it's an assured audience.

 

[finalark]

They're probably using SSB4 as a way to promote interest in their increasingly niche franchises before releasing other new games - it has worked before. Everyone plays Smash Brothers, it's an assured audience.

Not to mention that it worked in the past, Fire Emblem only saw an international release because of Smash Bros. If it wasn't for Marth and Roy's appearance in Melee, FE would have remained an obscure, Japan-exclusive series that only the most hardcore of import gamers and Nintendo fans would be familiar with.

If you go and take a look at most of the characters on the Smash 4 website, you'll notice that most of them are from recent games and have links to where you can learn about what games they have recently shown up in. Nintendo most certainly understands that Smash is an awesome advertising method.

 

[Booster]

I would say it's dead when Nintendo let Team Ninja touch the license, Team Ninja is responsible for Metroid's death with Other M. The M stands for "Metroid Other Mother****ing Developer"

 

[Kamo.]

Team Ninja is responsible for Metroid's death with Other M.

I'm pretty sure most of Other M can be blamed on Sakamoto making dumb decisions and just having an overall bad vision for Metroid.

 

[Slushi Simcabi]

I wouldn't say dead...
More like in a coma, on life support, with hundred of friends and family hoping and waiting that it will either wake up already or make up its mind about living.

Ridley confirmed

Did you all hear something? I didn't...

 

[Tino]

Unless Retro Studios decides to make another Metroid game instead of Team Ninja, then I sincerely doubt it though my only concern is the F-Zero series. There hasn't been an F-Zero game since the one on the GameCube, which was like...what...10 years ago?

 

[Kamo.]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned what looks like Sylux's ship at the end of Corruption. That's a living, breathing sequel hook. I can understand that most of you want to forget Hunters happened, but since the ship in a Corruption resembled the Delano 7 so much, is entirely possible that a sequel is being made with that cliffhanger in mind. Just a thought.

Meant to reply to this earlier. I've always thought this could be a great source to start a new Metroid game on because of what the Hunters manual says about Sylux. If I'm remembering correctly, it states that Sylux has some unexplained hatred for the GF and Samus which sets him up perfectly for a villain role. As for the mystery ship, sometimes I'm not so sure I think it resembles the Delano 7 all that much. I definitely see the similarities in the front and back, but I think the hull/body of both ships seem pretty different as well as the color scheme. Though I'd still like to believe that it's Sylux piloting the ship.

About Hunters, I'm not sure it has that bad of a rep. The single-player was definitely lacking and had its problems, but I remember Hunters being advertised more for its multiplayer (Which was pretty good) and not really being hyped up to be the next big Metroid game. I could be totally off on that though considering my memory of the time leading up to Hunters is really blurry.

 

[LasermasterA]

Not sure if this was brought up, but if anyone remembers, Fusion ended in a cliffhanger that remains unresolved. How will the Galactic Federation treat the destruction of the research center and an entire planet (SR388)? How will they address Samus in this regard? Who the hell were those silhouetted men during the scenes where they would speak to Adam, and what their overall role is in the story?

My point is Fusion left an ending that remains unresolved and if Nintendo really wanted to, they can actually continue the story from there in an actual sequel rather than a bunch of midquels, as great as they were.

Totally agree! After the ending of Metroid Fusion, Samus is now basically part metroid, part chozo and part human! She also has to deal with the destruction of the research centre for breeding metroids as well as destruction of the SR388 planet. Nintendo has avoided the topic so far by making midquels and games that occur before Fusion but we need a new sequel, Metroid V!

Plus now she has the fusion suit instead of the power suit which could open up new possibilities with room fro more experimentation!

Plus the series has only been dormant for 3.5/4 years which is hardly anytime compared to other series that Nintendo has messed up with. There was an 8 years gap between Golden Sun 2 and Golden Sun: Dark Dawn which was also not upto par and now that series is also on hiatus.

 

[Jaxas]

I really do hope that there is a 2.5D Metroid in the works on 3DS, as well as a Prime-style on Wii U.
As for Retro, I know that the reason they switched to DKCR was because the studio was done with Metroid for the time being. However, I seem to recall someone at Retro stating that they would be interested in working on a 2.5D Metroid 2 remake; I just hope that we get another core Metroid game, whether 2D or 3D, that's better than the terrible Other M.

With Star Fox having a new game, I'd say that Metroid isn't likely to be that far behind it unless we really are get F-zero'd (I certainly hope not), however I do have a question:
I can't find it after an (admittedly brief) search, however I've heard multiple places that Nintendo chose to make Metroid: Other M canon over the Prime series, as there were things in each of the games that didn't match. Is that true?

 

[LancerStaff]

I really do hope that there is a 2.5D Metroid in the works on 3DS, as well as a Prime-style on Wii U.
As for Retro, I know that the reason they switched to DKCR was because the studio was done with Metroid for the time being. However, I seem to recall someone at Retro stating that they would be interested in working on a 2.5D Metroid 2 remake; I just hope that we get another core Metroid game, whether 2D or 3D, that's better than the terrible Other M.

With Star Fox having a new game, I'd say that Metroid isn't likely to be that far behind it unless we really are get F-zero'd (I certainly hope not), however I do have a question:
I can't find it after an (admittedly brief) search, however I've heard multiple places that Nintendo chose to make Metroid: Other M canon over the Prime series, as there were things in each of the games that didn't match. Is that true?

I don't think Retro has said a thing about Metroid in awhile, and OM is indeed cannon over Prime because of one line. Something like "I've encountered [Ridley] three times before."

 

[LasermasterA]

In the end I will still say that Metroid is nowhere near death as it is still being played as an important franchise to Nintendo, especially that Samus and ZSS have now been split into two characters to make the Metroid reps upto 2. I think both of them are canon with fans preferring Prime over Other M due to many character development inconsistencies we are offered in Other M. In the end, a game after Fusion will be ideal. Would really help give the series a new jolt, especially if Samus discovers some new abilities of this new suit. After all she is the amalgamation of the Chozo's two greatest creations now

Neither are F-Zero or Star Fox (can't really say the latter, it is getting a new game after all), for the same reason as above.

There are other franchises that have become obscure and need revival. My favourite game Golden Sun comes to mind which needs to be revived ASAP.