Nintendo did a very good job of undermining the sales by releasing this game this late in the 3DS lifespan. I was clamoring for a 2D Metroid on the 3DS five years ago. Do not even start the narrative that the fans or AM2R are somehow to blame for Metroids horrible mismanagement. It is squarely on Nintendo and nobody else. Also a bit to early to jump to the conclusion that this remake will be better than AM2R.
The last time they made a Metroid game like this it tanked, and that was a great game. Can't blame Nintendo for being reticent to try again.
AM2R isn't to blame, but many fans act like Nintendo stole the idea from AM2R and/or came to the immediate conclusion that AM2R is a superior game. While it's to early to declare either way, AM2R is a good but overrated game below the standards of games like Super, Zero Mission, and Fusion.
Also, based on what we've seen so far, quite a lot more effort is being put into this game. For example:
The maps are far more expanded and detailed than AM2R's. Area 4 is a huge difference. And the maps from Samus Returns are incomplete and will be even bigger when completed.
AM2R just recreates this room, while Samus Returns adds world-building details such as the chozo statue that implies the spider ball upgrade once sat on it but fell off and rolled into crevice where you find it.
https://gfycat.com/WellgroomedWarlikeGrayling
AM2R ruins this scene, Samus Returns does it right.
Things are looking good.
Perhaps not (although I did hear horror stories about LOS 2's development). Regardless, the Lords of Shadow series was developed by Mercury Steam, and they weren't great, so yeah, not a great track record at all. Developers have to have some accountability for the products they create, regardless of the circumstances, no?
Direction is extremely important. The most talented team in the world can turn out shit if they are directed to or not given the proper direction. What Mercury Steam has shown is that they are competent developers who are have some experience making games similar to this type, and with Nintendo directing them they can turn out something great.