Another Metroid Deserves the ‘Samus Returns’ Treatment Before Prime 4

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Another Metroid Deserves the 'Samus Returns' Treatment Before Prime 4

Key Takeaways

  • The Metroid franchise has seen a resurgence with recent releases like Metroid Dread and the Prime remasters.
  • Leveraging Switch Online and embracing a potential Super Metroid remake can further bolster the franchise ahead of Prime 4’s debut.
  • MercurySteam’s success with Dread could pave the way for a Super Metroid remake from the developer that continues the franchise’s momentum.

As a lifelong fan of Nintendo and the Metroid franchise, I can confidently say that the recent resurgence of this iconic series has been nothing short of exhilarating. From the critically acclaimed releases like Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered, to the long-awaited announcement of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, it’s clear that Nintendo is once again putting its full weight behind this beloved franchise.

It’s undeniable that Nintendo stands out significantly in the gaming world, boasting numerous iconic brands that have made a deep impact on the industry over time. However, not all these brands have consistently been in the limelight, with some taking an extended break from active development. Just a few years ago, the Metroid series was among those seemingly forgotten. But with recent launches like “Metroid Dread” and “Metroid Prime Remastered”, and the upcoming “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond”, the Metroid franchise has certainly been revitalized and is once again grabbing attention.

The surge in popularity isn’t limited to just recent Metroid releases. By making classic games more accessible through Nintendo Switch Online, they’ve made it easy for both long-term fans and newcomers to enjoy these titles. With the main series available on the Switch, save for a few spin-offs and the last two Metroid Prime games, it’s an opportune moment for Nintendo to build on the franchise’s current wave of excitement. A potential way for them to do this is by reinterpreting one of the most acclaimed single video games ever made.

Super Metroid is a Prime Remake Candidate

During most of the 2010s, the Metroid series saw little to no development following the underwhelming critical and commercial performance of Metroid: Other M. After years of waiting, fans were rewarded in 2017 with a refreshing change – Metroid: Samus Returns, a remake of Metroid II, initially released for the 3DS. Despite its unusual timing, as Nintendo also launched the Switch that year, Metroid: Samus Returns served as a revitalizing breeze and a return to form for the franchise, reestablishing it in the 2D realm while advancing on the existing structure of the Metroid series.

Four years on, it transpired that the efforts poured into “Samus Returns” by developer MercurySteam served as a precursor for the long-awaited primary entry in nearly 20 years of the “Metroid” series, titled “Metroid Dread”. In “Dread”, MercurySteam incorporated many elements from “Samus Returns”, such as enhanced combat fluidity, which significantly contributed to its success. The outcome was one of the top games of 2021, the best-selling “Metroid” game ever, and a rejuvenating boost for the entire “Metroid” franchise.

In 2025, Nintendo plans to launch “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond”. To generate excitement for this release, it’s wise for them to delve deeper into the “Metroid” series’ past. If “Samus Returns” signaled the end of the series’ break, and “Dread” transformed a supposed myth into a reality, then remaking “Super Metroid” would be an extraordinary tribute to the franchise’s heritage. “Super Metroid”, which is already renowned as one of the best games ever made, could be reimagined using the engine from “Dread”. In doing so, Nintendo could introduce a new generation to a significant piece of gaming history, presented in a contemporary style.

A Super Metroid Remake Could Bolster the Switch 2’s Launch Lineup

Besides just being a fantastic chance to modernize the classic game, “Super Metroid” remake could significantly enhance the Nintendo Switch successor’s lineup at launch. If “Prime 4: Beyond” is part of its initial games list, incorporating a revamped “Super Metroid” would capitalize on the anticipation for each game. Many Switch owners might be seeking a reason to upgrade following the console’s extended lifecycle, and a remake of arguably the best “Metroid” title with enhanced visuals and gameplay could serve as that incentive.

Super Metroid, widely recognized as one of the best games ever made, could be brought to life for a new audience using the Dread engine. This way, Nintendo can offer a fresh perspective on a significant part of gaming heritage.

MercurySteam demonstrates their deep comprehension of what makes the renowned Metroid series so iconic with games like Samus Returns and Dread. The success of Dread and the apparent resolution of development issues for Prime 4: Beyond promise an exciting future for the franchise. If Nintendo intends to maintain this momentum, allowing MercurySteam to work on a new version of Super Metroid could be one of their wisest decisions yet for the series.

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2024-09-19 14:34