Why a Metroid Prime 4 Retcon Wouldn’t Be Surprising

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Summary

  • Metroid Prime 4 has faced development challenges, possibly leading to a total retcon of the series’ lore.
  • Previous entries like Metroid: Other M saw ignored plot threads, making a retcon possible for Metroid Prime 4.
  • Retro Studios may retcon Metroid Prime 4’s lore after nearly 18 years since the last game, catering to new players.

Beyond” is set to be released in 2025, which coincides with the launch of the new Nintendo Switch 2 console. It marks a return for Samus after almost two decades since the release of “Metroid Prime 3: Corruption“. This highly anticipated game belongs to one of Nintendo’s most cherished franchises and series in gaming history.

It seems that Nintendo and Retro Studios haven’t revealed much about the entire storyline of the upcoming game, Metroid Prime 4. However, given certain hints, it appears plausible that this eagerly awaited sequel might rewrite the established lore to provide a fresh start. After all, the Metroid series has consistently revised its timeline, altered characters, and even left some plotlines unresolved. Given the complex development history of Metroid Prime 4, such a rewrite wouldn’t be unexpected.

Metroid Prime 4 May Retcon the Series’ Lore

Metroid Prime 4 Was in Development Limbo for Some Time and Was Then Rebooted

Since it’s been almost 18 years since the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, there’s a chance that Metroid Prime 4 might revise the storyline from previous games. This could be due to either longtime fans moving on or forgetting the series’ history, or a new generation of players getting ready to jump into the Metroid Prime series with the launch of the fourth game. In this scenario, Metroid Prime 4 may opt to start fresh by disregarding the lore from earlier Metroid Prime games.

Metroid Prime launched in 2002, Metroid Prime 2 in 2004, and Metroid Prime 3 in 2007.

A significant portion of the delay in release is attributed to the challenges faced during the development of Metroid Prime 4, which eventually led to a reset in its production process. This situation could potentially result in a major overhaul or change in direction for the game’s storyline (retcon). When Nintendo unveiled Metroid Prime 4 at E3 2017, it was revealed that Retro Studios, the original creators of the Metroid Prime trilogy, were not participating in its development and had been replaced by Bandai Namco Studios. However, in 2019, the development of Metroid Prime 4 underwent a reset, with Retro Studios resuming control over the project once more.

The Metroid Franchise Is Notorious for Phasing Out Certain Plot Threads

It’s possible that because Metroid Prime 4 is being developed by Retro Studios, it may stick to the series’ storyline. However, the Metroid timeline has not been as rigidly structured as franchises like The Legend of Zelda or Halo. Previous games outside of the Metroid Prime series have introduced plot elements that were either disregarded or reinterpreted based on Nintendo’s decisions about which titles contribute more to the overall story. For instance, the lore from Metroid: Other M was largely overlooked following the releases of Metroid: Samus Returns and then Metroid Dread.

Corruption.

Essentially, it’s possible that during the passage of time since the release of Metroid Prime 3, Retro might opt to revise or rewrite the series’ history (retcon). This would provide a new starting point for novice players, allowing them to join the series without feeling confused or left behind by previous events. At minimum, Retro Studios may have chosen to selectively retcon certain aspects, preserving complex plotlines from the past while making way for fresh narratives tailored for a new generation of Metroid enthusiasts. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unexpected if Metroid Prime 4 were to serve as a kind of reboot for the series and offer a fresh start for a new wave of Metroid fans.

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2025-04-12 15:35