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[nkarafo]

I would love to see a Metroid game done by From Software. Think about it. Nintendo could hype the shit out of that name, they could advertise the game returning to its roots in terms of storytelling and exploration. They'd make a move to get the series back to the original crowd and made a statement to not dumb it down any further.

And From knows its stuff around that. The only question is what they gain out of it other than a better relationship with Nintendo and work experience and a potentially new crowd on a new console.

The core problem with Metroid post-Super is that they didn't identify what was popular about it and why people like it and follow through on those elements.

One of the defining aspects of Super Metroid is that it respected its audience -- It was the original Dark Souls. It respected its audience and delivered story in a minimal style and focused on a sense of isolation and wonder. Rather than identifying these things and expanding on them to please the core audience and even expand the audience, Nintendo has regressed from these things, more and more, with its increasingly vapid and pointless Metroid installations.

I always loved the idea of From Software doing Metroid. But that does way too much sense and companies like doing things that don't make any. The chances of that happening are slimmer than Nintendo doing a great Metroid game themselves, that will sell good.

 

[Oddish1]

Sales wise an advantage the Souls series has is that its on multiple platforms including PC. Another thing is that the Souls series basically sold itself on how hard it was which is something that Metroid probably won't do. I'm not sure what Metroid could sell itself as marketing wise now that I think about it.

 

[fernoca]

Though the Souls series are a success indeed, they're also multiplatform games with a good chunk of sales coming from PC.

So, is kinda weird seeing the comparisons in sales to Prime, which each iteration has been exclusive to a platform, until Trilogy. And still Trilogy bombed all the way to the bargain bins, so is not as if the bad taste Other M left in some (not me, I really liked it even when I can recognize its flaws) had an effect. Prime was already seeing a decline in sales, so Other M not meeting sales expectations had to do more with people not caring for it rather than the quality or ads.

The same could be said about F-Zero GX and a few others. People love blaming Nintendo for "not trying", but during that time F-Zero had two GBA games, an arcade game, a GCN game and an animated series....and people still not bought the games.

In any case, I agree that if anything they should focus at aiming the series to a smaller group. Another Prime game, similar to Alien Isolation, with focus on invesgating, looking for resources, puzzles and survival, rather than more focus on action would be ace.

But as long as whatever they make is fun, I'm there.

 

[Storm Kyleis]

The only 5+ million sellers on GC are Mario, Mario Kart and Smash, the sales comparison is pointless. 2.82m on a console that sold around 21m worldwide is actually good, Dark Souls is out on PC, PS3, 360.

The Metroid franchise is still widely known, a good game with proper marketing could absolutely be successful.

 

[rjc571]

IGN: "What Metroid can learn from Dark Souls"

 

[YourMaster]

Nintendo are wasting a good crisis. The WiiU won't have games that sell 20-30 million copies for obvious reasons. Their best games are very lucky to reach 5 worldwide.

So they shouldn't spend too much effort on providing new entries to their best selling franchises. They do have to support their console if they want to have a chance with their next console, so instead they should experiment more.
Metroid is a prime example on a series that lacks a sense of direction and they don't know how to make it a success. Other M was a great experiment, horrible game, commercial failure, time to try something else.

 

[Jobbs]

IGN: "What Metroid can learn from Dark Souls"

IGN gushed over Other M and how it was a great new path for the series, if I recall.

 

[El-Suave]

With the current install base and lack of third party support the question is if Nintendo can and/or is willing to target a small audience. They pretty much need all their big games to sell to as many owners of their consoles as they can and preferably even grow the install base.

 

[LincolnSixVacano]

I think Nintendo has no idea how to have the series translate into 3d

Why on earth would you think that? They were the first who nailed 2D to 3D transitions on consoles, for a variety of genres. If anyone can do it, it is Nintendo.

 

[toddhunter]

Thoughts?

Opportunity cost is a huge problem for Nintendo. Basically they can only make so many games at a time, so they need to sell them to as many people as possible.

So the best you can look forward to is Metroid's Epic Yarn.

 

[nkarafo]

I think Nintendo has no idea how to have the series translate into 3D

Like the above poster said, they made some of the first (and best) translations from 2D to 3D. It's just that there's something about Metroid that confuses them.

 

[Jobbs]

Why on earth would you think that? They were the first who nailed 2D to 3D transitions on consoles, for a variety of genres. If anyone can do it, it is Nintendo.

It's easy to think that because Nintendo released Other M.

 

[Deleted member 231381]

Like the above poster said, they made some of the first (and best) translations from 2D to 3D. It's just that there's something about Metroid that confuses them.

Prime was a pretty good transition. There are things to work on, like how Samus handles like a tank rather than the speed of the handhelds, but fundamentally all 3 Prime games were stunning. They just needed better support.

 

[nkarafo]

Prime was a pretty good transition. There are things to work on, like how Samus handles like a tank rather than the speed of the handhelds, but fundamentally all 3 Prime games were stunning. They just needed better support.

Prime was made entirely by Retro though. Although i believe that the first person perspective was Miyamoto's idea (because he wanted the visors) so in that case, i'd say Nintendo did contribute.

 

[jimboton]

YES. The small group (about 2 million 'small' if Souls figures are anything to go by) that would enjoy a game about being lost and immersed in an alien world.

 

[eXistor]

Absolutely. Metroid doesn't need to sell millions. It needs to be pure 100% unfiltered Metroid purely for fans of the series. That's still a significant group btw. Those fans will sing its praises for years to come and it creates so much goodwill for Nintendo. I really don't get why they just don't do this. It's not like they'll lose money over it if done correctly, in fact, if indeed done well, it could become somehwhat of a dependable seller for years to come.

 

[FLAguy954]

Metroid could absolutely be a commercial success in a similar way as Souls have if the developers of it understood its roots, understood its fans, and understood why its fans like Super Metroid. Unfortunately, they don't and never have and never will. Perhaps more sadly, they don't aim to. They don't care to have a niche success like Souls. They wanted to force Metroid into their Nintendo mold and its fans just never wanted that.

This is how I feel, word for word. Nintendo just has no fucking clue on how the handle the series and we have over a decade of data to prove it.

 

[Greddleok]

I think Nintendo has no idea how to have the series translate into 3d

Are you kidding? Did you play Metroid Prime?

 

[mStudios]

It's easy to think that because Nintendo released Other M.

Team Ninja, Nintendo was in charged of the story, not gameplay as far as we know?

 

[nkarafo]

Are you kidding? Did you play Metroid Prime?

Retro made Prime.

Team Ninja made OtherM.


We need an EAD 3D Metroid game to see if Nintendo themselves can pull it off.

 

[tbd]

Souls/BB is basically GTA V compared to Metroid and far away form being niche at this point. And I also think it's a little offensive to the Metroid franchise to compare it to Souls which I think isn't half as good in any way, shape or form.

Retro made Prime.

Team Ninja made OtherM.


We need an EAD 3D Metroid game to see if Nintendo themselves can pull it off.

Retro is Nintendo.

That's enough GAF for me today

 

[Supermanisdead]

Nintendo doesn't have the userbase to make Metroid really smash anymore. A shame because it's one of their best series.

 

[tokkun]

Should Metroid cater to a small target group like the Dynasty Warriors series?
Should Metroid cater to a small target group like the Eurotruck Simulator series?

The problem is that if it turns out that you are not in the small group they are catering to, you may not even enjoy the games. What you really want is for Metroid to cater to a small target group that includes you, right?

 

[nkarafo]

Should Metroid cater to a small target group like the Dynasty Warriors series?
Should Metroid cater to a small target group like the Eurotruck Simulator series?

The problem is that if it turns out that you are not in the small group they are catering to, you may not even enjoy the games. What you really want is for Metroid to cater to a small target group that includes you, right?

Or cater to the small group that likes.... Metroid?? Like the same group they were targeting when they released Metroid, Metroid 2, Super Metroid, Metroid Prime 1,2,3? Sounds reasonable?

Basically, the same target group they were aiming for the whole duration, until Sakamoto decided to go mainstream with OtherM. If i, personally, am in that group or not is completely irrelevant.

 

[Cleve]

It sure should, as long as it's the classic 1/2/super/fusion/zero style.

 

[Supermanisdead]

Should Metroid cater to a small target group like the Dynasty Warriors series?
Should Metroid cater to a small target group like the Eurotruck Simulator series?

The problem is that if it turns out that you are not in the small group they are catering to, you may not even enjoy the games. What you really want is for Metroid to cater to a small target group that includes you, right?

If he's a fan of the series before Other M, then hell yes. Other M and Federation Ball or whatever are not the direction the series needs to be headed.

 

[Greddleok]

Retro made Prime.

Team Ninja made OtherM.


We need an EAD 3D Metroid game to see if Nintendo themselves can pull it off.

That's irrelevant. The key is that 3d metroid has already been perfected. How could Nintendo not know where to take it when it's already been there?

 

[Vital Tundra]

They just need to pull the trigger and make a Prime style game and a 2D one. Baffles me they made a spin off chobified co-op game after so long. If it's good, it will sell. Metro if isn't some Japenes game with a terrible title that sells 300,000 in the west. It can produce a good number. Nintendo just has to actually swing the bat.

Retro made Prime.

Team Ninja made OtherM.


We need an EAD 3D Metroid game to see if Nintendo themselves can pull it off.

Really? Really???

 

[FloweryMarston]

what the fuck am i reading in this thread

 

[Rambler]

Nintendo 100% needs to go back to square one with Metroid without Sakamoto and Tanabe, period. The series needs new blood, fresh ideas and the people behind it right now have gotten in way over their heads to the point of damaging the brand, particularly Sakamoto.

Can we just get new people in charge of 2D Metroid already? Maybe new people wouldn't make a game as good as Super Metroid but surely it would be better than what we got over these past 11 years because it would actually fucking exist.

 

[nkarafo]

That's irrelevant. The key is that 3d metroid has already been perfected. How could Nintendo not know where to take it when it's already been there?

I wouldn't say the 3D Metroid has been perfected yet. Prime is close but it would probably be better is Samus didn't feel so heavy (i didn't mind but many people seem to mind).

Otherwise, i agree. Nintendo should know that a more nimble moving Samus + Prime would probably be the perfect 3D Metroid game.

what the fuck am i reading in this thread

Elaborate maybe?

 

[Ghost Slayer]

They just need to pull the trigger and make a Prime style game and a 2D one. Baffles me they made a spin off chobified co-op game after so long. If it's good, it will sell. Metro if isn't some Japenes game with a terrible title that sells 300,000 in the west. It can produce a good number. Nintendo just has to actually swing the bat.

I am here, waiting for Metroid 2D after playing Fusion and Zero mission. That's 10 years ago :'(

 

[mStudios]

Nintendo 100% needs to go back to square one with Metroid without Sakamoto and Tanabe, period.

Why? Are we forgetting that he was the one who make all the 2D metroid (which are beyond excellence) and failed only once? again, only one "bad game"(which isn''t bad, just not a good metroid). IN which he wasn't in charged of the gameplay, but only the story.


That's like firing an employee from their job because they made one mistake after years of excellent work.

People need to relax.

 

[HK-47]

I wouldnt call a game that consisently hits multimillion sales as one with a "small target group."

 

[nkarafo]

Why? Are we forgetting that he was the one who make all the 2D metroid (which are beyond excellence) and failed only once? again, only one bad game. IN which he wasn't in charged of the gameplay, but only the story.


That's like firing an employee from their job because they made one mistake after years of excellent work.

People need to relax.

Well.... the story did harm the gameplay. It had to be linear because of the story. Overall progression had to be dumbed down so we won't miss a thing about the story. Items were given to us at the correct moment so we won't be able to mess with the right order of the events. The atmosphere suffered because of the story since so many generic characters had to appear.

So, IMO, it was 100% Sakamoto. Problem is that he still thinks this is the right thing for Metroid as he seems proud for it. Thus, people are worried that he may not care about the backlash. Remember, he made OtherM for a new audience (his own words). That's why people want him to stay away, because they don't want him to do the same mistake.

I wouldnt call a game that consisently hits multimillion sales has one with a "small target group."

It depends on the company and the expectations. Nintendo gets more sales from Mario and Zelda so, for them, Metroid fan base is probably considered small. Probably that's why they agreed to release OtherM in this state? Because they thought it will "reach a new audience"?

 

[Jobbs]

Team Ninja, Nintendo was in charged of the story, not gameplay as far as we know?

Nintendo released it, regardless of who did what development-wise. If I was in charge that shit would never have even seen a crack of the light of day. It'd have been nuked from orbit and wiped from memory before a whiff of it ever got outside closed doors.

This is how I feel, word for word. Nintendo just has no fucking clue on how the handle the series and we have over a decade of data to prove it.

Nintendo pioneered exploration and discovery on NES/SNES. It's sadly ironic how they have become the enemy of those things.

 

[Rambler]

Why? Are we forgetting that he was the one who make all the 2D metroid (which are beyond excellence) and failed only once? again, only one "bad game"(which isn''t bad, just not a good metroid). IN which he wasn't in charged of the gameplay, but only the story.


That's like firing an employee from their job because they made one mistake after years of excellent work.

People need to relax.

The 2D Metroid people have gone 11 years without making a 2D Metroid game. That's ridiculous.

 

[tenderbrew]

I know people don't like Metroid: Other M, but do people really think Echoes and Corruption were bad? I mean those three games together might be one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time, but I see a lot of off-handed comments about how everything has been downhill since the original Metroid Prime.

I guess I just didn't realize this was a sentiment and it's blowing my mind.

 

[orioto]

If there is ONE Nintendo IP that can singlehandedly bring all the non nintendo male gamers to their system, if done right, it's this one. Metroid should be their AAA epic action title, period. it can be fps only or third person to have more platforming aspect, both work.

 

[PKrockin]

More than anything, this thread is making me wonder when people will stop calling the Souls series "niche".

 

[pizzacat]

We really comparing the sales of a series that's been in multiple consoles and an exclusive to the highest selling console right now to a bad selling metroid series


Wat

 

[mStudios]

Well.... the story did harm the gameplay. It had to be linear because of the story. Overall progression had to be dumbed down so we won't miss a thing about the story. Items were given to us at the correct moment so we won't be able to mess with the right order of the events. The atmosphere suffered because of the story since so many generic characters had to appear.

So, IMO, it was 100% Sakamoto. Problem is that he still thinks this is the right thing for Metroid as he seems proud for it. Thus, people are worried that he may not care about the backlash. Remember, he made OtherM for a new audience. That's why people want him to stay away, because he will probably do something similar.


It depends on the company and the expectations. Nintendo gets more sales from Mario and Zelda so, for them, Metroid fan base is probably considered small. Probably that's why they agreed to release OtherM in this state? Because they thought it will "reach a new audience"?

Why couldn't be the other way around? Team Ninja dumbed down Sakamoto's story with their gameplay? People just like to shit on Sakamoto, tbh.

Nintendo released it, regardless of who did what development-wise. If I was in charge that shit would never have even seen a crack of the light of day. It'd have been nuked from orbit and wiped from memory before a whiff of it ever got outside closed doors.

Remember what happened to Fatal Frame 4 Where the developer sucked and Nintendo didn't released it overseas?. Fans would be crying either way.

The 2D Metroid people have gone 11 years without making a 2D Metroid game. That's ridiculous.

So all this crying is about Nintendo not releasing a low budget 2D game?

 

[nkarafo]

I know people don't like Metroid: Other M, but do people really think Echoes and Corruption were bad? I mean those three games together might be one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time, but I see a lot of off-handed comments about how everything has been downhill since the original Metroid Prime.

I guess I just didn't realize this was a sentiment and it's blowing my mind.

I loved Echoes almost as much as the 1st Prime. But it had these unskippable cutscenes every-time you went from light to Dark world (or vice versa) making the game more tiresome than it should. Prime 3 was the least good of the 3 IMO, because they focused more on the shooting part of the game and they introduced all this NPC interaction, messing the isolation style a bit.

But it was still pretty good for the most part.

 

[Rambler]

"Hmm New Super Mario Bros sold 20 million copies and I'm trying to make my series more popular with casual gamers. I better take advantage of that by making a 3d platformer/character action game/first person shooter hybrid with unskippable cutscenes."

 

[Ridley327]

The 2D Metroid people have gone 11 years without making a 2D Metroid game. That's ridiculous.

Hey now, it was 15 years between new 2D Mario platformers, so it could be worse!

 

[nkarafo]

Why couldn't be the other way around? Team Ninja dumbed down Sakamoto's story with their gameplay? People just like to shit on Sakamoto, tbh.

Why is it established that Sakamoto didn't have anything to do with the gameplay and it was only Team Ninja responsible for it? Any sources about this?

Sakamoto was the director, he was in charge. OtherM was his big project. And i reckon, his first "big" Metroid game without Gunpei Yokoi bossing him around.

"Hmm New Super Mario Bros sold 20 million copies and I'm trying to make my series more popular with casual gamers. I better take advantage of that by making a 3d platformer/character action game/first person shooter hybrid with unskippable cutscenes."

He probably thought that by making the game cinematic, and having a story full of anime cliches and stereotypes, it will be a very digestible title for the masses.

 

[GlamFM]

All I want is a 2D Metroid for my 3DS.

If nobody at Nintendo is interested there´s an external team perfect for the job..

Get these guys to make it:

 

[tokkun]

Or cater to the small group that likes.... Metroid?? Like the same group they were targeting when they released Metroid, Metroid 2, Super Metroid, Metroid Prime 1,2,3? Sounds reasonable?

Basically, the same target group they were aiming for the whole duration, until Sakamoto decided to go mainstream with OtherM. If i, personally, am in that group or not is completely irrelevant.

If this was just another "I wish they would make a classic Metroid game" thread, then why bring the Souls series into it?

For From Software, the Souls series is a mainstream game compared to its spiritual predecessors like Shadow Tower or King's Field. That is their best-selling series; they are not making some kind of compromise in targeting that audience. They are not taking away resources from better-selling franchises to make Souls games - more like the opposite.

 

[DrROBschiz]

I love that the Souls series is becoming the defacto measuring stick for damn near everything

Warms my heart

 

[HK-47]

It depends on the company and the expectations. Nintendo gets more sales from Mario and Zelda so, for them, Metroid fan base is probably considered small. Probably that's why they agreed to release OtherM in this state? Because they thought it will "reach a new audience"?

I was talking about Souls. I think only two games in the Metroid series have hit over 2 millions sales, maybe a couple others if you count Metroid Trilogy and VC sales.