Summary
There’s no question that Nintendo is a juggernaut within the gaming space, with countless intellectual properties that have left a lasting impression on the industry. Not all of those properties have received the same attention, however, with many falling into dormancy for an extended amount of time. As recently as a few years ago,Metroidwas considered one of those forgotten brands. Now, releases likeMetroid Dread,Metroid Prime Remastered, and the impending release ofMetroid Prime 4: Beyondhave thoroughly brought the franchise back into the spotlight.
It’s not just newMetroidtitles that are responsible for this resurgence either. Nintendo has leveraged Switch Online’s retro offerings to make classic entries far more accessible for longtime fans and series newcomers. It’s possible to play through all five mainline titles on the Switch, with only a few spin-offs and the last twoMetroid Primegames absent on the console. Now thatMetroid Prime 4: Beyondfinally has a release window, it’s the perfect time for Nintendo to capitalize on the franchise’s current momentum, and it could do so by reimagining what’s considered one of the greatest single video games of all time.
Super Metroid is a Prime Remake Candidate
Throughout much of the 2010s,Metroidreceived little to no attention after the critical and commercial disappointment that wasMetroid: Other M. After years of patience, fans finally received some respite in the form of 2017’sMetroid: Samus Returns, a remake ofMetroid IIreleased forthe 3DS. While its timing was peculiar, with Nintendo pushing the release of the Switch that same year,Samus Returnswas both a breath of fresh air and return to form that brought the franchise back to its 2D roots while innovating onMetroid’s existing foundation.
Four years later, it would turn out allthe work that developer MercurySteam put intoSamus Returnswas a bit of a proof of concept for the first mainlineMetroidentry in almost 20 years,Metroid Dread. MercurySteam took much of what it introduced inSamus Returns, including more fluidity in combat, and applied it toDread. The end result was one of the best games of 2021, the best-sellingMetroidgame of all time, and a riotous resurgence for theMetroidbrand as a whole.
WithMetroid Prime 4: Beyondslated for release in 2025, Nintendo has the opportunity to build anticipation by furthering its efforts to recognizeMetroidhistory. IfSamus Returnsserved to endMetroid’s hiatus, andDreadmade what was once considered a myth into a reality, then aSuper Metroidremake would be the ultimate homage to the franchise’s legacy.Super Metroidis already considered one of the greatest games of all time, and by remaking it usingDread’s engine, Nintendo could give a new generation an opportunity to experience a pivotal piece of gaming history through a modern lens.
A Super Metroid Remake Could Bolster the Switch 2’s Launch Lineup
In addition to simply being an excellent opportunity to bringSuper Metroidinto the modern age, a remake could work wonders for theNintendo Switch successor’s offeringsat launch. IfPrime 4: Beyondis included among its initial list of games, adding aSuper Metroidremake into the mix would allow each game to feed off the excitement of the other. Many Switch owners will also be looking for a reason to upgrade after the console’s rather long life cycle, and a remake of what’s widely considered the bestMetroidtitle on new hardware with improved visuals and gameplay could do the trick.
Super Metroidis already considered one of the greatest games of all time, and by remaking it usingDread’s engine, Nintendo could give a new generation an opportunity to experience a pivotal piece of gaming history through a modern lens.
MercurySteam showed that it thoroughly understands what makesMetroidthe iconic franchise that it is withSamus ReturnsandDread. Things were already looking good for the series afterDreadproved to be a hit, and now thatPrime 4: Beyondis seemingly out of its development nightmare, there will be many opportunities forMetroidto continue riding high over the next year. If Nintendo does plan to keep the momentum up, letting MercurySteam have a go atSuper Metroidcould be one of its best decisions for the franchise yet.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
The galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter Samus Aran will embark on a new mission in Metroid Prime™ 4: Beyond, coming to Nintendo Switch in 2025.
