11/11/05
Download page updated
A quick update today as I've added an Echoes wallpaper to the Download page, along with an image of Super Metroid's splendid Japanese box art. Enjoy!
11/10/05
Art page updated
After a long delay and a lot of movement in the world of Metroid, this site has finally been updated! Metroid Prime 2's old news now that we've got Metroid Prime 3 on the Nintendo Revolution to look forward to, but the changes it brought to 3D Metroid remain worthy of consideration. It is with that in mind that the Art page has been updated, hopefully the first in a series of updates while we wait for more information on upcoming titles.
10/20/04
Ilovebeams.com
Nintendo's not letting themselves fall behind in marketing Metroid Prime 2, and its most recent efforts include a 15 second TV teaser (available for download from IGN) and the thinly disguised UFO/Conspiracy website Channel51.org. As if that weren't enough, they've registered an as of yet unknown number of sites that poke some not-so-subtle fun at Microsoft's recent Halo 2 alternate reality game website, ilovebees.com. Some of the currently known links are below, and all currently feature the same content. It'll be fun to see where Nintendo takes this in time, but in the meantime we have something to browse while we wait!
9/7/04
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes E3 and Demo Impressions
At last, an update! Of course all you Metroid fans already know that Echoes was revealed and displayed during all of E3 mid-May, and since then many varied nuggets of information have been released by multiple magazines and websites, and Nintendo even gave us a demo! Who'd have imagined that?! All of this has given us many things to discuss, and I've no shortage of thoughts on what's been revealed. Though we've been given just a very limited preview of what's to come, I think we've had enough to derive some conclusions and certainly impressions. For the purpose of this update, I'm assuming you've all kept yourself informed and aren't afraid of SPOILERS, since they won't be hidden. Those behind and wanting to catch up can check out these links:
Let's take some time to look over what we've seen and what we know of Metroid Prime 2 thus far in a similar format to how this site was structured.
The Art: I'll make little mention of the graphic quality here. Yes, the graphics have improved. We're not talking a Doom 2 to Doom 3 leap, or even a Quake 2 to Quake 3 leap in graphics quality, but even in the short demo you'll find lots of small touches that show how the technological aspect of the visuals was not ignored. Coronas now adorn lights, animated objects are sprinkled throughout the environments to good effect, and animated textures and texture effects are seen frequently throughout the demo. Prime's engine churned out impressive visuals, and Prime 2 certainly looks to follow suit.
The art itself, on the other hand, is certainly worth discussing. As in Prime it all still looks great. The pseudo-Zebesian look of the new pirates is sure to please those disappointed in the more generic humanoid look of Prime's adversaries, and Samus' ship has now been remodeled to resemble Super's look as well! Could this be a sign that this new planet's art direction will steer closer to an ostensibly strange and alien look? Unfortunately it's too early to say at this point, but there are signs. While some areas of the light world in the demo are reminiscent of Tallon (in other words, rather earthy), others are liberally dotted with interesting details, like giant insect nests, tangled webs, and glowing red structures that lend these areas a nice alien feel. The dark world is another story. A shattered sky hangs over black and purple rock while strange organic totems sway around you. It's quite the sinister locale, and the thought that at least half of Prime 2 will be created with a similar style in mind is certainly cause for hopeful anticipation.
The Music: So, if the art shows some nods to Super Metroid, does the music also suggest a return to that game's haunting and atmospheric musical approach? Well, maybe, maybe not. On one hand, the new title screen music is a pleasant surprise. Backed by moody chorals that were too sparingly used in the prior game, the first half of this melody is a mellow Prime-style synth whistle melody, while the second half is a haunting choral melody of unexpected beauty, the likes of which might give a frustrated fan of Super Metroid's music hope for Prime 2. Additionally, the Prime trailer shown during the E3 conference (available from the IGN link above) features a rousing orchestral score punctuated by subtle electronic elements as opposed to being dominated by them, which may also be a good indication. On the other hand, most of the music in the demo itself retained Prime's deliberately synthetic sound, and though much of it remained rather ambient and subdued, the same could be said of the original E3 demo for Prime, and that tone shifted drastically later in the game. While it's still early in the game and there's little to go on, my initial impression of the demo is that it doesn't really suggest a return to the more atmospheric orchestral style that the same composer once used to create one of the richest, most powerful and timeless scores in all of gaming for Super. His current approach seems more contemporary and rather suggests a continuation of Prime if anything (whereas Prime was sadly not a continuation of Super's approach). There are hints that this might not be the case throughout the entire game, but just how profound any changes to the musical approach in Prime 2 are remains to be seen.
Classic Moves: Well, well, some of Samus' classic moves are back, including the almighty screw attack! Questions remain as to how it's to be used though. You might have noticed in some developer interviews that its status as an offensive move was put into question, something odd for a power up called the screw attack! Nevertheless, this confusion apparently occurred because the screw attack seems to represent two power ups in one: it is screw attack and modified space jump. That's right, now Samus can jump indefinitely in the air! Due to Retro's environmental design choices (i.e. abundant open areas) the move can no longer gain height, but it's still a marked improvement over the 'space jump' in Prime. As neat as this is, it's not going to satiate fans who still wanted to screw attack at and through enemies as an electrified uber-weapon, which is why confirmation of attack status for the screw attack in a recent Game Informer feature comes as a relief. Whether it'll still be the ultimate badass power up remains to be seen (GI quotes developer Mark Pacini's example of the screw attack opening up opponent for follow up attacks), but at least we'll see these two sorely missed upgrades return to 3D in some form. Additionally, Samus can wall jump again! Retro has confirmed that certain specially designed areas will allow gamers to wall jump. While the fact that this move has been limited as well may seem disappointing, it's still good to see Retro focusing on returning some classic gameplay elements to the mix.
The Gameplay: At this point the most apparent change in this category is one which might strike a bittersweet chord in Metroid fans: the new light and dark beams. In what is perhaps a concession to Prime's flawed separate beam mechanic and its artificial incentives to force switching, Retro Studios has opted to replace that system with new ammunition based weapons. Instead of reverting to the upgradable system that the last three 2D Metroid games have used, it appears these beams will act not as upgrades but more like separate weapons in a first person shooter. The light/dark properties of the weapons correspond to opposite enemy susceptibilities in order to strike a sense of balance, while ammo management will force you to limit the use of your best weapon for the situation. Sure, these modifications do a better job of justifying separate primary weapons than Prime, but if this doesn't sound like the Metroid combat you know and love, you're not alone. This change threatens to alter the dynamics of combat far beyond what the separate beams in Prime already attempted and perhaps in a way that isn't necessarily best for Metroid's action/adventure brand of gameplay and its fans.
Some have argued that ammo management has been present in Metroid since the beginning, and in that they are right. However, there is a big difference between placing limits on secondary weapons and placing limits on primary weapons. Missiles served as supplements to a primary beam that was the weapon of choice through nearly the entire game. These new beams weapons will almost certainly not play a similar role. Regular enemies will be built around these new beams, and that will force you to constantly alter your weapon choice as you manage your 'bullets'. No matter how you feel about this new emphasis on strategic combat, it's clearly a departure from the Metroid norm. Instead of supplementing Metroid's brand of gameplay, these new beams seem to supplant it.
However, the demo does little to show just how profoundly this beam mechanic will truly affect the game. Retro have repeatedly stated that the ammo management won't be intense, and indeed ammo is plentiful throughout the demo. Additionally, the development team have repeatedly thrown hints that we'll see more than just light and dark beams. Since the fourth beam is rumored to be another weapon built around the light/dark theme, it's possible that Samus' unlimited power beam will be augmented with the classic combinable beam properties as it has been in the 2D games. Though right now we must take it only as rumor, if that is the case these new weapons may indeed revert to a supplementary role as the game progresses, and combat may be closer to the classic Metroid way than is apparent at this point. It's too early in the game to tell, but we'll know for sure in a couple of months. Judgement in this category yet remains open.
Samus also has some new visors to tinker with, and both appear to be interesting new additions with definite possibilities for exploration... if the overly powerful scan visor is toned down that is. Though the method of using the scan visor has been modified slightly, one situation in the demo where it highlights a part of the floor that didn't really need highlighting for us to know it was breakable shows that its unfortunate role as secret-spoiler has possibly not been addressed. Hopefully this was simply done to keep the demo flowing, since it'd be a shame to see the new visors as underutilized in exploration as thermal and X-ray were in Prime were because of it.
In terms of agility, Samus handles almost identically to Prime. That's unfortunate for those of us hoping for a more agile protagonist, but at least it'll provide an immediate sense of familiarity to the gameplay. Aside from the scan visor changes above, there are also subtle changes to how Samus handles mid-air and to how her bombs work, but nothing that'll drastically alter the feel of the gameplay to those already accustomed to Prime. It's worth noting that the morph ball transition seems a bit faster and smoother this time around, though unfortunately we're still not given control of the camera while in morph ball mode. There's also no dual-analog option, though Retro have reportedly considered it. Perhaps in the final build.
On multiplayer: Of course, no impressions of Prime 2 are complete without comments on this debatable addition to the Metroid franchise. From what I've seen and heard of it, multiplayer sounds fun. Not groundbreaking, not mind-blowing, just fun. Most reports mention how the Metroid trimmings give it a particular flavor, but I get the feeling that (unsurprisingly) Prime Deathmatch isn't going to be replacing your multiplayer game of choice any time soon. The other revealed mode, Bounty, reportedly plays much like deathmatch with coin collecting. I'm disappointed that Retro didn't take the Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow route and try to create a unique multiplayer mode that captured the exploratory essence of Metroid, but that likely would have required more originality, time, and resources than this obligatory nod to market sensibilities merited at this time. Still, it does sound like what's there will provide some fun for gatherings of Metroid fans and provide a bit more replay value in that sense, which ultimately was its goal.
It's not over yet...
If you read through all that, give yourself a round of applause! While this takes care of most of Prime 2's major revelations, a few more nuanced details remain unmentioned. Oh, and of course, there's Metroid Prime: Hunters to discuss. Hopefully another update discussing the rest of Metroid's recent revelations will be posted soon, so recharge and return in a few days! As aways, if you have anything to say, feedback is welcome.
4/23/04
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Officially Revealed
Nintendo.com updated their site today with an E3 preview that gives us the first official information concerning Metroid Prime 2 since it was announced. Officially dubbed Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, the game will take Samus to a planet torn into light and darkness to face a mysterious new race. They also give some more details concerning multiplayer, describing it as a contest where "up to four players can battle each other as they search for weapons, grapple across ceilings, and turn into Morph Balls to make their escapes." We might be skeptical around these parts, but it sounds mighty promising. Visit Nintendo.com's Metroid Prime 2 page for more details and pictures! .
4/21/04
Metroid Prime 2: New Pictures, New Weapons, and Multiplayer? Oh My!
Well, I guess the old saying is true: when it rains, it pours! Metroid fans have been surprised this week by a slew of new pictures in the latest issues of Game Informer, EGM, and Nintendo Power. Nintendo's official magazine has the largest number of new screens (of course), but all of them reveal many new things for the upcoming sequel. Those who can't wait until they receive their copies can view scans of the screenshots at fellow Metroid site Samus.co.uk. The most shocking (though not unexpected) revelation is the fact that Prime 2 will indeed have a multiplayer mode. Yes, I know, it's hard to imagine Metroid's unique blend of atmosphere, exploration, and discovery somehow being turned into a multiplaye mode without completely desecrating the franchise's name (and the rather dull screenshot doesn't do much to discourage that), but let's try to remain somewhat optimistic. While difficult, it's possible that Metroid multiplayer will be something more than just generic deathmatch or capture the flag, and instead will be a new, unique, innovative mode that does in fact represent elements that distinguish Metroid. Until we know more we should try to keep an open mind on the subject.
More interesting to those who, like myself, are hungering for a new epic single player adventure were the new gameplay screenshots which reveal many intriguing things. For one thing the HUD has a slightly new look, with colors added to the visor icons and new icons galore. What they mean remains a mystery, but hopefully not for long. Samus' character model has also undergone a few subtle changes, but still looks great. Those wary of SPOILERS might do well to stop reading my following bout of speculation. Those who're open to some juicy pondering, highlight below:
You'll notice that the HUD icons on the right have changed, but the red circle appears to represent the classic power beam. However, the left blue icon and the right green icon appear to represent completely new weapons for the C-stick! In one picture we see Samus selecting the left blue icon; upon doing so the left side of the missile bar becomes highlighted. On another picture we see Samus selecting the right green icon, which then highlights the right side of the missile bar! Thus we come to the logical conclusion: different missiles are now selectable from the C-stick! As someone who was rooting for such a change the notion that it may have happened makes me quite gleeful. However, some things are strange about it. The icons are new, and the arm cannon looks quite different when both are selected: they may well represent new projectile weapons instead of the classic missiles and super missiles. However, it's an interesting revelation that makes me anxious for E3. New visor icons are also seen, but just what they represent isn't seen on the screenshots. Less exciting are screens revealing the return of cut-scenes and one with a rather generic looking humanoid shooting at the screen. What exactly that means remains to be seen.
E3 2004 will be taking place between May 11-13. Metroid Prime 2 is expected to be revealed at Nintendo's pre-E3 conference on May 10.
4/7/04
John Woo Options Metroid for the Big Screen
Popular movie site Hollywood Reporter today reported that veteran filmmaker John Woo has optioned the rights to a Metroid movie. According to the site the film is currently planned for release by 2006. John Woo is certainly a respected name within the movie industry, but as a fan I can't help wonder just how this will affect the franchise. In any case visit the link above for more details, and let's hope the video game movie curse can and will be broken.
4/4/04
Prime 2 Rumors and Possible Release Date
As E3 nears more information on the 3D Metroid sequel is popping up. However, since none of it comes from Nintendo it should be taken with a grain of salt as mere rumor. The first intriguing tidbit comes from a French source, Puissance Nintendo. What follows is a rough translation of the news bit as performed by my limited French skills and some web help, so there may be (and there probably are) mistakes. I apologize to any fluent French visitors who may be offended by them, but it was the best I could do. [Because what follows is still just rumor I chose not to hide the text. However, if it's true then this may be considered SPOILERS, so skip the next three paragraphs if you're looking to avoid them all.]
A playable demonstration of Metroid Prime 2 circulated two days ago within Nintendo. Is it the one we will see in E3? For the moment no one knows (fingers are crossed) but this demonstration caused much noise and was truly impressive. The technology will be the most advanced on the 128 bit Nintendo, pushing its limitations...
New special effects were developed by Retro Studios. These programming "visual effects" are drawn from the latest and freshest library source on the GameCube. The lead programmer explained in the last private meeting before E3: "the fact that Metroid Prime is an FPS allows a polygon gain because one does not model the hero, which allows a new management of the visuals. This enabled us to insert the latest special effects developed at Nintendo. There is almost no drop in animation which was our principal concern (...) The atmosphere will be more supernatural and the player will identify even more with Samus' conscience. What she will see will perhaps be only the fruit of her imagination... The programming takes much time and to promise a release for 2004 is a very difficult bet."
If Samus consciousness is really deteriorated by mirages or hallucinations, it will be a first on consoles to be confused by an FPS. But where Retro Studio will stop?! Waiting for the new demonstration will be very very difficult! What a year!
While part of this is mere speculation, it's undeniably interesting stuff with distinct possibilities. The notion that Prime 2 may not make a 2004 release is disheartening, but because Nintendo needs this high-profile game out this year I'd actually be very surprised if it didn't come out this year.
In addition to this intriguing blurb, sharp eyed Metroid fans may have noticed that retailer EBWorld.com updated its site with a tentative ship date for Prime 2. It's currently labeled as shipping on Saturday November 14, 2004. An odd date for a game to ship certainly, but retailers generally don't make up these release dates on the fly, so there's a chance that this may actually be the currently scheduled day.
Finally, those unwilling to wait until E3 for their Prime 2 fix might be slightly soothed in just a couple of weeks. The May issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly anticipates a preview of Metroid Prime 2 in its June issue, which should be reaching subscribers in mid-April and newsstands later in the month. Screwy magazine lead times aside, could this provide confirmation of the above rumors? We'll certainly know soon enough!
3/23/04
Metroid Prime 2 News
As E3 nears more information on the next 3D Metroid game is beginning to trickle out. One of these tidbits comes courtesy of gameindustry.biz. There they report that Metroid Prime 2 will definitely be at E3 and that Nintendo will showcase a one-level demo of the game in their pre-event conference. Another incredibly juicy bit comes from IGN, who claim that their inside sources have not only suggested a greater emphasis on third person morph ball segments, but that there will be a new advanced third person camera that gamers can trigger! Make of that what you will, but it's certainly an interesting development. Head to both those sites for more details on Nintendo's E3 showcase.
New fan reactions
Another page of Metroid fan feedback was added to the Reactions section. That takes care of some of the backlog, with hopefully more to come soon. Thanks for all your input, and keep it coming!
01/12/04
More Metroid Zero Mission at Nintendo.com.
As Metroid: Zero Mission edges closer to its release date more information on it is beginning to trickle out. Or, in the case of Nintendo.com, gush out. They've recently posted four new videos and a host of new screenshots for the game. Head on over to check them out, but beware of spoilers if you do! The videos and pictures reveal quite a few new elements of the upcoming game.
12/20/03
Metroid Zero Mission Preview in Nintendo Power
Subscriber's to Nintendo's official magazine Nintendo Power have been enjoying a special treat in their February issues (which for some reason have begun arriving now in December): a two page preview of Metroid:Zero Mission featuring a slew of new screenshots! The new information essentially confirms Zero Mission's status as a remake (in case anyone still had doubts) but does mention a never before told tale that the game will reveal, among other very interesting tidbits. Here are some interesting quotes from the magazine (Spolers! Highlight to read):
Samus isn't the only traveler searching for the Metroids. A band of Space Pirates has touched down to extract the curious creatures and use them as weapons. Samus must thwart the pirates, but they are wily and will prove to be more trouble than Samus expects.
Plus, if you thought that the original Metroid had a surprise ending, wait until you get passed the Mother Brain in Metroid:Zero Mission. A new twist provides a deeper adventure than ever before.
The planet holds plenty of new threats too, such as the lava-dwelling serpent that acts as the first line of defense in Kraid's lair and the armored larvae that lurks in the deepest sections of Norfair. The Space Pirates are no pushovers either, and you won't always have the Power Suit to protect you.
Those who haven't received the issue should be getting it shortly, while non-subscribers can seek the issue out in newsstands.
Update: Nintendo.com has updated their Zero Mission page with some exciting new details about the game. I've also added put up a Zero Mission screenshot page with some images from the new Nintendo Power. The images are somewhat blurry since they were taken with a digital camera instead of a scanner, but they do show off quite a few nice details to whet your appetite until you're able to get your hands on the actual magazine. Enjoy!
11/12/03
Metroid Zero Mission Release Date Announced
Nintendo of America today updated their official website with some great news for Metroid fans: a solid release date for the upcoming GBA Metroid game! Metroid Zero Mission will be released on February 9, 2004, less than three months from now! Just the thing to tide us over until Metroid Prime 2 gets released later in the year.
10/13/03
Metroid Zero Mission News
A couple of interesting tidbits regarding Samus' upcoming 2D GBA remake have popped up recently. The first is the fact that the game will be in our hands soon! According to IGN.com Metroid Zero Mission is set to be released early 2004, which means the game is just a scant few months away. A few additional details on the game's development are also revealed in Computer and Video Games Interview with Yoshio Sakamoto, manager of the development studio responsible for Zero Mission. In one particularly interesting remark Mr. Sakamoto mentions that:
"I'm more involved in the GBA version of the next Metroid game, Metroid Zero Mission - in the past game we put emphasis on the storyline, but in Zero Mission I want the game to go back to the basics.
More emphasis on the gameplay, exploration, riddle-solving by action, etc. I am asking each individual artist and designer now to come up with many ideas, and I'm going to use that to set certain goals for Metroid Zero Mission."
So, it seems a return to the roots of Metroid is in effect in more ways than one! Sounds like great news for Metroid fans! Mr. Sakamoto is also an advisor to Retro Studios for their work on Prime 2. Is it possible some of this mentality will slip over to them? You never know. Be sure to click on the link above for the full interview.
New Reactions
7/29/03
More Reactions
Several new fan reactions have been added, so head on over to get a glimpse of what other Metroid fans besides myself have to say.
7/17/03
Metroid Prime 2 Teaser Trailer Link
Those of you who still haven't seen Prime 2's teaser trailer can download a high quality direct-feed version of it from GameTrailers.com. Best of all, it's free! Get to it!
New Reactions Added
Some long delayed Metroid fan reactions have been added to the site. Thanks to everyone who sent them in. Those who would like to have their views added should visit the Contact page for the guidelines.
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