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Sakamoto Comments on Metroid Dread

by Andy Goergen - March 15, 2010, 8:15 am EDT
Total comments: 10 Source: Joystiq

Sakamoto discusses the research that went into a potential 2D Metroid game on DS.

In an interview with Joystiq, Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto states that Nintendo has looked into putting a 2D Metroid game on the DS, stating that he can't say the idea for the game never existed. The rumored game, which was coyly mentioned briefly in 2007's Metroid Prime 3: Corruption on a computer terminal, was meant to be a full-blown 2D Metroid game on the Nintendo DS, in the same style as Super Metroid. These rumors have been circulating since around 2005.

In the interview, Sakamoto states, "While there actually was a point where some teams were meeting to discuss if it was possible to create a 2D Metroid for DS using a relatively small team size, it's not something that we ever really announced or thought of as 'Metroid Dread'. But whenever people bring out that idea, we recognize that the basic concept is something that we can't say never existed. But at the same time, we can't of course, make any official comment about a Metroid Dread-like project coming out."

Later Sakamoto added, " Our main goal [with Metroid: Other M] is to, as I said earlier, first raise knowledge about the Metroid universe and the Samus character before we start to introduce different elements like online or even going back to another handheld game for the next in the series. So there's nothing coming immediately, we want to think about these new challenges first."

The last handheld entry in the series was 2006's Metroid Prime Hunters, a title that was significantly altered in style compared to the other Metroid games in the series. Samus made two appearances on Game Boy Advance in 2001's Metroid Fusion and 2004's Metroid: Zero Mission.

Talkback

ControlerFleXMarch 15, 2010

I enjoy what Sakamoto-San has been saying about the Metroid series as a whole. A hand held version is too much to think about for now. Nintendo wants to see how does adding more of a story element to Metroid does and if the reception is good, and it will be, then I think we can expect a handheld version to launch with or around the NEXT more powerful Nintendo handheld iteration that will be able to handle more voice acting.

mantidorMarch 15, 2010

The reception to Other M story wise is going to be awful. At the very least is going to divide the fanbase big time. Metroid is and always has been a niche title enjoyed by a small crowd, when you have something like that and try to make it "mainstream" or close to it it never ends up doing well. I wouldn't mind being proved wrong but I don't have much hope.

Ian SaneMarch 15, 2010

What's a little frustrating about this is that a DS Metroid is needed and a Wii Metroid is not.  The Wii has its Metroid game in Metroid Prime 3.  There was no real reason to move the Sakamoto series from the portables back to consoles.  The DS doesn't have a Metroid game (or at least not one anyone actually considers a Metroid game) so there has been demand for Metroid Dread.  No one asked for Metroid: Other M.  It was more of a "oh, another Wii Metroid?  Cool."

They had a good thing going with the original Metroid team making 2D Metroids for portables and Retro making 3D Metroids for consoles.  Two developers, two styles, two types of platforms - it made sense.

There probably isn't going to be another 2D Metroid that uses sprites.  That's kind of a bummer.  Same with Mario.  Same with Zelda.  :(

So now you're upset that they're making the game for the Wii instead of making a DS Metroid, even though you've repeatedly pointed out that you would rather play games on your TV than on a handheld?

PlugabugzMarch 15, 2010

I don't want them to expand on the universe and give answers tot he point where it's just meh. Sometimes not knowing is a better interpretation.

Ian, to me, was bang on when he said that franchises like Metroid and Zelda are inherently complicated and that the reason why people like them in the first place is because of that complex nature. Widen the door so more people can enter but don't soggy the field to ruin who's already playing.

I wasn't totally surprised to see a new Metroid at E3 last year, but I was shocked that it was announced for Wii and not DS. Not that I'm complaining! But especially in the presence of Other M, it seems like the time for a real Metroid on DS has passed -- much like it did for N64. It should be one of the first series explored on the next handheld, though.

Ian SaneMarch 15, 2010

Quote:

So now you're upset that they're making the game for the Wii instead of making a DS Metroid, even though you've repeatedly pointed out that you would rather play games on your TV than on a handheld?


Metroid: Other M is better for me but I wanted to see Metroid Dread because I figured it would use sprites.  And I'm just looking at it from a big picture perspective.  The DS is without a real Metroid game and the Wii is not.  Seems like the DS would be the obvious priority in that case.

Mop it upMarch 15, 2010

I'm happy that Metroid Other M is on Wii and not DS because I don't have or want a DS!

ControlerFleXMarch 17, 2010

Sadly Nintendo has figured out that just pumping out games for old school hard-nosed gamers like us, doesn't flow along with their marketing aproach as of late. We want NEW Super Metroid but Nintendo knows that doesn't equal $ca-ching$. 100,000 sold is not a sucsess for a historic top tier
Nintendo franchise. We have to be ready to deal with that but we should know that they won't completly piss away our beloved Samus.

The DS Metroid time is over... period. DS 2.0 HD plus motion WILL have Metroid announced on it's release schedule. 

Kytim89March 18, 2010

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

I wasn't totally surprised to see a new Metroid at E3 last year, but I was shocked that it was announced for Wii and not DS. Not that I'm complaining! But especially in the presence of Other M, it seems like the time for a real Metroid on DS has passed -- much like it did for N64. It should be one of the first series explored on the next handheld, though.


Yes, the DS 2 should get a 2.5D version as a release title when it comes out.  A handheld Metroid could be looked upon as Nintendo doing what they do best with past titles in the series like Super Metroid. While Other M represents Nintendo taking the franchise into the future. This way fans can have a sense of nostalgia with the series, but also experience its evolution on the wii and its successor.

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