Just when I was getting ready to go to a different stream, Reggie Fils-Aime comes on stage at the Nintendo Treehouse and shakes what I knew about Nintendo outside of their Direct videos. A new 2D Metroid game has just been announced, ironically enough as a remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus that recently got a fan remake. Metroid: Samus Returns is headed to the Nintendo 3DS this September.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen an official 2D Metroid title, with Other M leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many players. I have always been more interested in the classic approach to the series, even missing out going through the Metroid Prime series. Of course, the announcement of Metroid: Samus Returns follows on the heels of the teaser for Metroid Prime 4, meaning Nintendo seems to be listening to fans.
Metroid 2 was a unique entry in the series, as Samus had to hunt down the metroid creatures one by one. It’s a Game Boy game that was ahead of its time, even with its crude graphical style. This game is also a big turning point for Samus as a character, building on the matronal themes that lie at the core of the franchise. It’s awesome to think that more players will get to experience this crucial adventure for Samus with new gameplay features like new powers and melee combat.
Of course, I can’t talk about Metroid: Samus Returns without mentioning AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake), which was a fan made game that was received really well by its players. Personally, I consider AM2R one of the best Metroid games around, deserving to stand alongside Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion, two of my favorites. From a critical perspective, it will be interesting to see how these two remakes are discussed together.
Either way, I’ll definitely be picking up Metroid: Samus Returns on the Nintendo 3DS when it releases September 15th, 2017. More details about the game will likely be shared as the week develops.
