Samus Aran returns in two new Metroid games

For Nintendo fans who grew up playing the original 1980’s 8-Bit console, Metroid was a definite staple and classic that helped pave the way for some video game conventions and mechanics that are still used until this day.

As a science fiction adventure title that combined Mario’s platform jumping and non-linear exploration that was seen in The Legend of Zelda, the game was a critical and commercial success, inspiring a bevy of sequels that helped evolve the franchise to new grounds and directions.

One particular spin-off series, Metroid Prime, dared to change the formula by making it a first person adventure game, and it worked to critical praise: it became one of the greatest video games ever made and getting two more sequels as a result of its success.

With this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo once again featuring just a highlight presentation of Nintendo’s upcoming games in lieu of a full-on press conference, the company had a lot to prove in their first E3 following the launch of the newest platform that is the “Nintendo Switch”.

One of the most requested titles by fans was a new Metroid game, which did not get any announcement or tease in any capacity last year when the company was busy promoting their brand new hybrid console that gamers could use at home or on the go.

That all changed with this year’s Nintendo Spotlight presentation, as one of the Switch’s upcoming new games will be a fourth entry into the Metroid Prime series with “Metroid Prime 4”. Just a teaser of the official title and logo was shown, but it was enough to send 3D Metroid fans into a frenzy.

On the other hand, Nintendo decided to give another surprise after their Spotlight presentation by introducing a second Metroid title during their “Nintendo Treehouse” livestream presentation. Coming for the Nintendo 3DS will be a 2D sidescroller Metroid title called “Metroid: Samus Returns” – which will actually come out this year on September 15.

As a reimagination of the Gameboy classic “Metroid II: Return of Samus”, the new title is co-developed by Nintendo and Mercury Steam – the latter company having worked on Konami’s Castlevania: Lords of Shadow titles from previous years.

It’s definitely a good time for Metroid fans, and those who have been waiting to see Samus Aran return to active duty. — TJD, GMA News