‘So
at this point we have two different types of Metroid games. We have
the Prime style of Metroid game and we have the more traditional
style of Metroid game. We feel that we do need to take care of both
of these styles of play. And the hope is that at some point in the
near future we’ll be able to share something about them’.
Source: metro.co.uk
So it's pretty much a given, that
Nintendo works on new Metroid games. Two to be precise. One
traditional and one prime style. Why do I think that? Because it
would make perfect sense. (Also the blatantly told it to us.) The
traditional Metroid in the same style as Super Metroid would fit
perfectly onto the Nintendo 3DS, while the Prime Style, with it's
fast worlds, would be breathtaking on the Wii-U. Also I'm pretty
happy that they acknowledged the Prime Games after removing them from
the canon in Other M. So why don't we talk a little about the games
and the potential the hold. Why? Because baseless speculation can be
lots of fun.
Metroid 3ds:
For a 3ds Metroid the original Super
Metroid Style of Gameplay would fit perfectly. Also it has been
eleven years since the last true 2D Metroid, Metroid Fusion, was
released. Although Metroid Other M was promoted as a true Super
Metroid sequel and had a good balance between 3D and 2D Metroid style
gameplay, it lacked a lot in terms of exploration. (And don't make me
start on the story).
I'm sure a classic 2D Metroid on the
3ds would make a lot of fans happy. It would have a true back to the
basics kind of feel. But it could also use the new technologies of
the 3ds. Use 3-dimensional backgrounds to give the world depth,
adding a new layer of exploration. Street – and Spot Pass could be
used to send others codec messages to help or troll people. Kinda
like Dark Souls actually.
There are of course many other things
they could ad to this game, but I think we can all agree, that a 3ds
Metroid in the vein of Super Metroid is a pretty safe bet.
Story wise I would like to explore the
roots of Samus as bounty hunter and this game could be a perfect way
to show us her first true Mission.
Metroid Wii-U:
picture source: http://bluefalcon8.deviantart.com/
I think it's pretty clear by now, that
the 3ds Metroid could be awesome, but what about the Wii-U one? As
someone who's first Metroid was Metroid Prime on the Gamecube I don't
have such nostalgic feelings for Super Metroid. It is a great game,
even by today’s standards, but it never overwhelmed me in the way
Prime did. The first time stepping into the cold wasteland of
Phendrana Drifts left me speechless. It was absolutely breathtaking.
And such sights can only be created on the big screen.
Metroid on the Wii-U would also kill
two birds with one stone. First it would add another ''mature'' game
to the consoles library, and second it would give the Wii-U a
first-person shooter (although Nintendos classification of
First-person adventure used for the Prime series fits better) to
compete with the other consoles.
But what should such a Metroid contain
in more detail?
Well first the game should take place
on one planet again. With Metroid Prime I really enjoyed how
connected the whole world felt. Finding new paths that connected the
regions with each other truly felt satisfying. And just think what
incredible panoramas would be possible with the improved hardware
capabilities of the Wii-U. A truly connected alien world full of
secrets and ready to be explored. That is the core of Metroid to me.
Of course this world needs to be
engaging. I don't want a world the size of Japan, when there is
nothing to explore. It is a thin line, but I'm sure that Nintendo is
up to the task. A source of inspiration for how to do such a
connected world could be the first Dark Souls, which I heartily
recommend to anyone.
Storywise I would prefer to continue
after Metroid Fusion. I would like to see how Samus coped with
everything and how she grew as a character from that. Also please
make her a badass again.
Gameplaywise a return to the Prime
style is more than welcome in my book. Backtracking could be toned
down of course, but without cutting out the ''good'' backtracking
through new areas and paths available later in the game with special
upgrades. But something like the artifact hunt in the first game
doesn't need to exist. Also they could incorporate a system, where
Samus only can carry so many upgrades and has to change her suit to
fit the needs of the mission. For exampe: She could have her power
beam, but also her Wave, Plasma, Ice, Sonic, Poison, etc..., beams.
But she can only equip three of them at a time. Each of this beams
could have different upgrades to hunt and find in the fast world. Or
course there needs to be a system, where one can change Samus
equipment without to much trouble. The classic save stations would be
perfect for this job.
So right now we have: A big, connected
alien world with lot's of secrets which you want to explore.
A better Story than Other M. (Which
shouldn't be to hard)
And probably some new gameplay tweaks.
But what about the game pad? As a Wii-U
Game Metroid clearly needs to incorporate the game pad. Luckily the
Metroid franchise offers some natural ways of incorporating it. The
first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the scanner. Scanning
things and having their information displayed directly on the game
pad, would remove a lot of hassle. The player doesn't have to pause
the game every time he want's to read some information. Information
such as a bosses weakspot could also be displayed on the second
screen. Also it would create some feeling of danger, which suits an
unexplored and possibly dangerous alien planet. While you're reading
up on some information your enemies may already surround you. I think
this could create a tense atmosphere befitting for an environment in
a Metroid game.
Another thing which could be
incorporated through the game pad is a closer interaction with Samus
ship. In Metroid Prime 3 Samus could control her ship, but it felt
really indirect and was confined to special scenarios and areas. But
with the Wii-U this could be massively expanded. Being able to call
you shipe at any given Moment in time opens up dozens of new
possibilities. The game pad would work as hub for that, possibly
showing you an overhead map of the surrounding area. It could give
the game a really strategic feel and, if it's incorporated right,
enrich the classic metroid formula.
And last but not least another idea of
mine.
I don't know if some of you are
familiar with Metroid 1.5. If now than here is a link to bring you up
to date: http://metroid.wikia.com/wiki/Metroid_1.5
Metroid Wii-U could pic up on this idea, but instead of a ship I would prefer a full alien planet as location. Think of the world as a gigantic laboratory. This would provide a lot more variety. The main pillar of this concept is, of course, the A.I. Antagonist. The distinctive personalities would ad depth to the gameplay and also make every play through unique. They would force you to adapt to different tactics constantly, probably shaping the planet around you. The ''Killer'' needs a different approach than the ''Child'' if you want to survive. Also here is how the gamepad could be used. Maybe a small part of the A.I. kept it's sanity in tact and with Samus arrival it took the chance and downloaded itself into Samus Varia Suit. Through the game pad the player now takes control of this A.I. Hacking security consoles, changing patrol patterns, manipulating information of the enemy, which prompts the other A.I. personalities to react in different ways, etc...
I think there is a lot of untapped
potential in this idea and Nintend surely is able to create something
truly special from that.
I would love to see a new ''true''
Metroid (I really really can't count Other M) on the Wii-U (and yes I
know that the definition of ''true'' Metroid differs from fan to
fan), and if it would be an adapted version of the Metroid 1.5 idea,
I could die happy.
Exploration
Strange alien worlds
Tactical Combat
These are the three pillars of Metroid
in my opinion. If Nintendo follows those I don't see what could go
wrong.
What would you like to see in a new
Metroid? What are you expectations? It doesn't matter if its on the
3ds or the Wii-U. What are your wishes and hopes for Samus Arans next
adventures?
And as always
Thanks for reading
