We are delighted to share another interview! We spoke with Jacobo Luengo Gomez, a Game Designer for Metroid: Samus Returns and the Principal Game Designer for Metroid Dread. What better way to mark the third anniversary of Dread’s release? Jacobo had a lot to say regarding the development of Dread, what it felt like working on such a long-anticipated title, and his feelings on the Metroid series generally.
We hope you enjoy the interview!
The latest entry in our series of features on the races of Metroid is now available on Shinesparkers! Team member Quadraxis has written the second of a two part feature about the Thoha, Mawkin and Zebes Chozo that had a presence on SR388, ZDR and Zebes before their respective civilizations collapsed. Quaddy studies their history, technology and traditions, with the Mawkin being the most violent form of Chozo who sought galactic domination. We hope you enjoy reading this feature, as it’s a real treat for Metroid and Chozo fans alike!
Today we have another interview to share with you! This time, it’s with the original Co-Founder and CG Technical Supervisor at Retro Studios, Cid Newman! Cid worked on Metroid Prime in its infancy, performing motion capture, creating an early face for Samus based on Cindy Crawford, and designing the HUD. Aside from answering our questions, he had some of his original documents from back in the day to share, and a never before seen screenshot of an early version of Metroid Prime! (circa 2001) It was truly an amazing find. We hope you enjoy the interview!
Metroid Mania (or Metroidmania in Europe), a recurring Spirit Board event in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, is back! This event first took place in 2019, and returned in 2022 and 2023. Now, it’s back on once again starting tomorrow and lasting until August 12th. This is your chance to collect Metroid-related Spirits, such as the Queen Metroid, Omega Ridley, Gandrayda, and more, so don’t delay!
A group of talented artists in the Metroid community have come together to create a fanzine themed around the relationship between Samus and Adam, Sector Zero. It is available for free on Gumroad and includes artists we’ve featured in our Community Spotlights, such as Dana Nicole, Domus Populi and Pajarona. You can get yourself a copy at the link below.
Source: Gumroad
Nikki García, the voice of Samus in Metroid Dread, recently voiced Leah in the new Metroidvania game Eden Genesis. The development team, Aeternum Game Studios, gifted Nikki a drawing of her wearing a version of Samus’s Varia Suit, which she posted on Twitter/X, as well as her filmed reaction. It’s a beautiful piece! You can see Nikki’s reaction at the link below.
Source: Nikki García
Nintendo Switch Online has added icons for Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, including two based on Metroid! They cost ten Platinum Points each, and are available until August 14, 2024. Grab them while you still can!
The results of our poll to discover Shinesparkers readers favorite Metroid game of 2024 are now available. After 618 votes, find out how each game ranked at the link below.
First 4 Figures have announced their latest Metroid statue, based on the Gravity Suit in Metroid Prime. Preorders will open on August 8, 2024. It will be their second Gravity Suit statue. You can access their website at the link below to register your interest.
Source: First 4 Figures
It is the very great pleasure of Shinesparkers to share an interview with Ai Kobayashi, the voice of Samus Aran in the Japanese version of Metroid: Other M! As far as we know, this is her first interview about the game. We asked her to share her memories from the recording process, her personal feelings regarding Samus, and how she became a voice actress in the first place. This is a real treat for fans of Other M. We hope you enjoy it!
An extra special thank you goes to Wata Ridley and Darts for their help translating between English and Japanese. It would never have been possible without them.
