For the first time in over seven years, the legendary space bounty hunter, Samus Aran, is returning to Nintendo systems. Announced at E3 2017 during the E3, Nintendo Direct, Metroid: Samus Returns is making its way to the Nintendo 3DS this coming September. For long-time Metroid fans and fans of action-adventure games, the news is not only exciting but incredibly rewarding.
The last Metroid game was released in 2010 as Metroid: Other M for the Nintendo Wii. As a direct sequel to the classic Super Metroid, the game was a collaboration between Nintendo and Team Ninja, a specialized group of video game developers best known for the Ninja Gaiden franchise. The game was met with mixed results, with some praising the new direction of the franchise, but criticizing many questionable decisions that had dismissed the atmospheres and mechanics of previous games. Many parts of the game were panned, including the depiction of Samus Aran, and the lack of independence the player and the protagonist were free to have. Metroid: other M, would gain the legacy of being a significant misstep for fans and Nintendo, leaving the series to lay dormant for several years.
Last year, a spinoff of Metroid Prime was released called Metroid Prime: Federation Force. The game drew immediate ire from fans, creating a toxic cloud for the game that carried itself all the way to release. Federation Force played as a tactical, squad-based FPS for the Nintendo 3DS. Despite its ire, the overall reception was decent as the game feature strong combat mechanics, a solid variety of missions, and online co-op of up to three additional players, which made for a solid combat experience. Despite the ire of the fans, the game hinted at a revival for the franchise, and at E3, in addition to the announcement of Metroid Prime 4, Metroid: Samus’ return was also announced.
Metroid: Samus Returns is a reimagined remake of Metroid: II: The Return Of Samus for the Nintendo Gameboy, released in 1992. The game was a direct sequel to the original Metroid game on the NES. In Metroid II, Samus is sent to Sr388, the homeworld of the deadly alien species known as the Metroid. Her Mission is to eradicate all Metroid on the planet to prevent the space pirates from using and weaponizing the organism. In 1992, the game was praised for its story and setting, while managing to recreate the authentic Metroid experience on the handheld device.
The remake will have players experience a fully-3D environment, merging the classic game mechanics of the original with new gameplay mechanics as well. This includes new items and combat mechanics, such as 360 degree aiming, a mysterious energy resource called Aieon, and a new melee counterattack for physical combat. There will be new content to the levels and layout as well, with plenty of new secrets to fight, among other surprises.
Look for Metroid: Samus Returns, both physically and digitally, on Friday, September 15th, 2017.