4. A Proper Metroid Game
Now, Metroid Prime: Federation Force was not a horrible game. But it didn’t do well with any audience in any region. Between this and previous disappointment Other M, if Nintendo has any interest in keeping Samus around (and they better have interest), it’s time to go back to what works. Innovation isn’t a bad thing at all—Mario might fight Bowser all the time, but finds plenty of time to compete in the Olympics—but there’s also power in refinement. With the critical and commercial success of smaller titles like Axiom Verge and Guacamelee following in the classic Metroid’s footsteps, Nintendo would be foolish not to get a 2D Metroid adventure into production if it hasn’t already. The formula is already there, too. Just as Link Between Worlds was both a sequel and a revival of Link to the Past, a new 2D Metroid can lean on and enhance a look back at Super Metroid. Follow up on the mechanics, change up a few things, maybe even steal the item rental mechanic from Link Between Worlds for new ways to get items to progress. It sure can’t be worse than asking permission to turn on Samus’ heat-resistant suit when in a high-temperature environment. A new classic style Metroid won’t appeal to everyone, but it doesn’t need to. That’s what Mario and Link are for. A proper Metroid follow up would be another overdue outreach of goodwill to a fan base that sorely needs it.
By the way, did you know 2016 is the 30th anniversary of Metroid? You’d be forgiven for not knowing, since it looks like Nintendo forgot, too.
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