In our penultimate feature for the year, we are pleased to share eight top facts you didn’t know about the Metroid series! There are lots of secrets most fans know, like the secret conversation in Metroid Fusion or the Geemer that looks like Samus in Super Metroid, but did you know that there are Parasites in Metroid Prime named after the Three Stooges? Or that Super Metroid originally had a marketing slogan or even subtitle? Or that Samus shares a Japanese voice actress with Thomas the Tank Engine and Ellen Ripley? We have investigated a number of mysteries over the years and compiled them into this feature, in the hopes of sharing these secrets with a wider audience. Let us know your favorite facts on our social media platforms, and who knows? In the future we may uncover more!
Community Spotlight: Skylar
Our final Community Spotlight of 2022 is now live! This month, we are highlighting the talented artist Skylar, who became a fan of the series through Metroid Dread. As she started posting her artwork online, she quickly gained attention and fans of her work. The piece that’s in the spotlight header image is one of her most popular, and for good reason. Skylar is studying to become a professional video games artist, and we are excited to see her art in a game someday!
Lost Metroid games detailed in new DidYouKnowGaming? video
DidYouKnowGaming? has released a new video today that covers lost Metroid games that have been rumored for years. Narrated by vinesauce, the video reveals the results of DYKG’s investigations into whether and how far Metroid 64 got into production, as well as “Project Valkyrie”, the prototype that Next Level Games was developing, for which concept artwork was leaked online in 2014. (Disclosure: I proofread the script for the Metroid 64 portion of this video at DYKG’s request). Additionally, former Metroid Prime engineer Paul Tozour reveals an XCOM-like spinoff he pitched at Retro Studios for the first time, Metroid Tactics. Quite a few Metroid games have never seen the light of day, so it’s always fascinating to learn about what could have been.
You can watch the video at the link below.
Source: DidYouKnowGaming?
Feature: Prime: Metroid Reimagined Review
Last Friday November 18th, Outset Initiative released a visual album called Prime: Metroid Reimagined, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Metroid Prime. Our team member Naner wrote a review of the album, sharing his thoughts about its unique take on Prime’s iconic music. In the absence of official recognition by Nintendo of Metroid Prime turning 20 years old, Prime: Metroid Reimagined ensured the date did not pass us without celebration. You can check out Naner’s review at the link below, with the album embedded so you can hear it for yourself.
Feature: Metroid Prime’s 20th Anniversary
Today is a momentous occasion, as it is the 20th anniversary of Metroid Prime! To celebrate, the Shinesparkers team has come together to pay tribute to both Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion as they enter their second decade of existence. These games revived the Metroid series back in 2002 after an eight year hiatus following Super Metroid, and have consistently remained some of the fans’ favorite Metroid games.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Fusion and Prime as they turn 20. Chime in on our social media pages, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Feature: Cook Like a Bounty Hunter
Today I’m thrilled to share a new feature I’ve been working on all year long: Cook Like a Bounty Hunter! I love cooking, and decided to combine that with one of my other passions in life, Metroid. I’ve developed and tested seven recipes themed around Metroid, from Samus Arancini to Phazon Alfredo and X Parasite Jellies. If you make any of these, do let me know how they tasted! I think you’ll really enjoy them.
Community Spotlight: Bonbon
We’re back with another Community Spotlight! This month we’re featuring Bonbon, an incredible Metroid cosplayer from Japan. Besides making amazing Power Suit cosplays, like Dark Samus and the Metroid: Samus Returns Gravity Suit, Bonbon has worn them to film reaction videos, including to the announcement of Metroid Dread. He’s currently hard at work on what might be the world’s first Proteus Ridley cosplay, which we can’t wait to see!
Armature Studio bought by Meta Platforms
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has acquired Armature Studio and three other game development studios, and absorbed them into its Oculus Studios brand. Armature was founded by three former Retro Studios developers in 2008; as most of you know, Retro created the Metroid Prime Trilogy, and is currently making Metroid Prime 4. Armature released ReCore in 2016, which was described in marketing as made by “the makers of Metroid Prime”, and had a few similarities with Prime as well. Many former Metroid Prime staff at Retro have gone on to work for Armature.
It is currently unknown what game Armature will be working on next as part of Meta. They most recently worked on an Oculus VR port of Resident Evil 4.
Source: Eurogamer
Interview: Patrick English
Today we are incredibly happy to share an interview with Patrick English, a former Environment Artist on Metroid Prime: Federation Force for the Nintendo 3DS. Patrick modelled and textured a variety of environments across the planet Talvania, as well as the tutorial for the game. He goes on to share information on his inspirations and influences, and fan feedback to the game. We want to say a huge thanks to Patrick for taking the time to work with us on our very first Metroid Prime: Federation Force interview!
Metroid Icons available on Nintendo Switch Online
Icons from the Metroid series can now be obtained as part of the Nintendo Switch Online application, allowing you to customise your profile icon with various sprite artwork from the original Metroid NES. Samus, a Metroid, and Ridley are currently available, costing 10 platinum points each. They will only be available until next Monday, October the 3rd, so get them before they’re gone!