19 Aug 2017
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MercurySteam originally pitched Metroid Fusion Remake

August 19, 2017

With Metroid: Samus Returns just on the horizon, more details are emerging by the day. One interesting thing to note in the current Game Informer magazine is that developer MercurySteam had originally come forward to Nintendo with a remake of Metroid Fusion, instead being put in charge of a Metroid II remake.

With all of Nintendo’s internal studios busy with other projects, Sakamoto needed to find a development team that could tackle his dream project. Fortunately, one studio had been pounding on Nintendo’s door with a Metroid pitch. After finishing work on a few Castlevania projects for Konami, the Madrid-based developer MercurySteam pitched Nintendo on the idea of remaking Metroid Fusion – the 2002 GBA title where Samus got infected with a parasitic organism. Sakamoto was impressed with the studio pitch and their love for Metroid. He told them no, they couldn’t remake Metroid Fusion… but he did need their help on another remake.

Metroid: Samus Returns launches worldwide on September 15th.

Source: Game Informer Magazine

19 Aug 2017
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The future of 2D Metroid to be determined by sales of Samus Returns

August 19, 2017

The future of classic 2D Metroid rests on the support of consumers, according to the September 2017 issue of Game Informer magazine, in an article with series producer Yoshio Sakamoto. Sakamoto-san expresses that he would love to work on another 2D Metroid title, but it comes down to whether or not fans will be willing to buy Metroid: Samus Returns.

“Through the development of Metroid: Samus Returns, I was able to really grasp the possibility and fun of a 2D Metroid. Like when I finished the first game, if there is another opportunity to make another Metroid, that is something that I would love to do. Of course, that really depends on how much people really want to buy a 2D Metroid.”

Metroid: Samus Returns will release on the 15th September in North America and Europe!

Source: Game Informer

19 Aug 2017
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CPSIA certificate issued for Samus Returns Samus and Metroid amiibo

August 19, 2017

The product certificates, or CPSIA certificates for both the Samus and Metroid amiibo for Metroid: Samus Returns have been released. They show that production of the Samus and Metroid figures took place this past June and July. Hopefully, Nintendo will have learned from past mistakes and the two month production cycle means that there will be plenty of the Samus and Metroid amiibo for us to play with come September 15th.

Source: NinMobileNews, Nintendo Support

18 Aug 2017
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Metroid-related Nintendo Minute to be recorded live at PAX West 2017

August 18, 2017

In just a few short weeks, PAX West will commence in Seattle, Washington. Spanning from September 1st to September 4th, a variety of panels will be hosted that detail topics ranging from gaming history to notable companies talking about upcoming games.

Speaking of notable companies, it appears as if Nintendo is scheduled to host a special panel in which they are recording their next Nintendo Minute live from the event. The recording will take place in the Hydra Theatre on September 2nd from 10am until 11am Pacific Daylight Time. What’s particularly interesting about this Nintendo Minute is that the description mentions new gameplay for Metroid: Samus Returns being showcased.

The panel description is featured below.

Talking Metroid: Samus Returns – Nintendo Minute Live at PAX West

Join us for a live filming of Nintendo Minute! We’ll be taking a look at new game play for Metroid: Samus Returns, showing off some amazing fan art submitted by you and giving away some cool Metroid goodies. Hope to see you there! – Kit & Krysta

They also mention showing off fan art and giving away Metroid goodies, so if you’re available that Saturday, you may want to give it a watch!

Source Official PAX Website
17 Aug 2017
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A closer look at the artwork in the Metroid: Samus Returns opening

August 17, 2017

The opening of Metroid: Samus Returns has some pretty awesome artwork depicting the story of Samus’ first adventure from the original NES title (and its remake, Metroid: Zero Mission). It serves the purpose of introducing players new to Metroid to the character of Samus Aran, the Space Pirates, Mother Brain, and the Metroids. The artwork its stylised like an American comic book and promises to look fantastic when players utilise the 3D slider on their 3DS systems.

You can view the opening artwork from the game below:

Source: RogersBase, CND

17 Aug 2017
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C A Z A D O R A – A Super Metroid Music Tribute album out now

August 17, 2017

PixelQuemado have released their second video game compilation album, focusing entirely on Super Metroid. Their first album was a collection of remixes from various different games, such as Super Mario, Doom and Metroid too, but this is their first fully dedicated effort.

Artists such as YZYX, ThePlasmas, Pokérus, and more, bring us a 17 track tribute produced over several months. It is available for download here where you can name your own price for the album. You can also watch a preview video sampling some of the tracks in the album.

Source: PixelQuemado

13 Aug 2017
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Metroid Tribute Album “Huntress” by Pixel Mixers out now

August 13, 2017

Musical group Pixel Mixers have just released a Metroid tribute album called Huntress. The free non-profit album contains thirty tracks from the classic 2D Metroid games and features over an hour and half of music.

The group originated from a community called Gametabs where Project Director Hashel organised video game covers and tribute albums. Eighteen months ago, Hashel branched off and created his own community with the aim of supporting and growing together as musicians. With the support of Ro Panuganti and the VGCover community on Reddit, Pixel Mixers was born! Together they have created several video game focused projects and their community continues to grow.

Huntress was created as the result of a community poll to choose their next album, and Metroid came out on top. While Huntress focuses exclusively on the classic Metroid titles, the group are open to the possibility of creating a Metroid Prime themed album in the future. A trailer for the album can be viewed below, and you can download the album here.

Source: Pixel Mixers

13 Aug 2017
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Feature: Our hopes for Metroid: Samus Returns

August 13, 2017

Shinesparkers relaunched almost a week ago with a shiny new look! In an effort to introduce some of our new team members, a few of us gathered together to share our hopes and expectations for the upcoming Metroid: Samus Returns. You can check it out in the new Features page, which we hope to build up over time.

What are your hopes and expectations for Metroid: Samus Returns? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to keep an eye on our website for more of these features as we continue our journey!

13 Aug 2017
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Samus Returns Ranks High in Famitsu Most Wanted

August 13, 2017

Popular Japanese video game magazine Famitsu has announced its most wanted Nintendo games for the week 27 July – 02 August by its readers. Metroid: Samus Returns has ranked highly in the list, coming in at number four. It has recently surged upwards through the charts from eleventh and ninth in previous weeks.

  1. Super Mario Odyssey (Switch) – 522
  2. Pokémon Ultra Sun Moon (3DS) – 385
  3. Xenoblade 2 (Switch) – 298
  4. Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS) – 214
  5. Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey (3DS) – 199
  6. Fire Emblem Warriors (n3DS) – 182
  7. Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 (3DS) – 179
  8. Fire Emblem Warriors (Switch) – 174
  9. Jake Hunter: Ghost of the Dusk (3DS) – 91
  10. Next Fire Emblem (Switch) – below 78

Source: Japanese Nintendo

11 Aug 2017
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Fans come together to support Operation Samus Returns

August 11, 2017

A campaign that originated between Spanish Nintendo fans on YouTube to promote the upcoming Metroid: Samus Returns has taken to social media to promote their cause. Operation Samus Returns is a movement that intends to raise awareness of the franchise and encourage fans to consider playing games in the Metroid series, including the upcoming Metroid: Samus Returns.

The hashtag #OperationSamusReturns has encouraged fans to share their love of Metroid through fan art, gameplay videos and messages of support. The campaign may have been born in the Spanish community, but it has already reached English-speaking websites and communities. It has even been covered in Japanese websites and blogs!  On the 31st August 2017, the people behind the movement would like to see people create content to share on platforms such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook with their hashtag to see just how many people have got behind the cause.

Below is a video from Spanish YouTube user Alex White who reached out to English speaking fans for their support. We hear you Alex!

This is a cause Shinesparkers can endorse, as it’s a positive message we ourselves attempt to promote. We wish #OperationSamusReturns the very best of luck and we hope that Nintendo will spot the enthusiasm of the Metroid fan community.

Source: MightyRengar, Alex White