One of the biggest things Nintendo fans were hoping for this E3 was a return to the Metroid franchise, especially after Retro Games’ Metroid Prime trilogy. While Nintendo is releasing a new Metroid game, it turns out it’s for the Nintendo 3DS and not the Wii U. It also features the mini-game Blast Ball we saw ages ago. Lots of fans are angry about the announcement, since Metroid Prime: Federation Force doesn’t resemble a Metroid game in the least bit.
In a new interview with Engadget, the game’s producer, Kensuke Tanabe discusses the focus of the game and why there’s no Wii U version. In regards to the Wii U version, Tanabe says that the resources that would have to be dedicated to the Wii U version were just too much, when the game was originally supposed to be a launch title for the New Nintendo 3DS.
The idea to develop a new Metroid Prime title came along with the New 3DS, with controls suited to the title. Ideally, the plan was for the game to arrive alongside the hardware, but, well, it’s a little late! If I’m honest, we did look into a Wii U version. However, we had to consider the resources it would take, what teams to devote for a Wii U game.
It’s been eight years since the last Metroid Prime game and Nintendo seems particularly pleased with Metroid Prime: Federation Force, though plenty of fans are saying it looks nothing like a Metroid game. How do you feel? Tanabe-san mentions that first-person shooters are not as popular in Japan as they are in the rest of the world, so that’s likely why Nintendo hasn’t focused on the Metroid series until now, so Blast Ball is their attempt to get players who might not like FPS games interested in the Metroid series.
In Japan, first-person shooters lack the popularity of other regions. That’s where Blast Ball comes into it… reducing the skill barrier to get into the game for beginners or gamers not typically interested in first-person shooters. That said, the main story will certainly not feel easy!
Are you going to get Metroid Prime: Federation Force? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
