Although it was initially announced way in the mid-2000s for Nintendo DS,Metroid Dreadwas cancelled due to technical limitations. Then, the title was revealed once more atNintendo’s E3 2021 showcase, set for release a few months later. Although there had been rumors of a new 2DMetroidgame leading up to this, few could have anticipated the surprise of whichMetroidgame was coming. To see a project long thought dead be revived is something of a miracle, and an exciting treat for long-time fans.
UnlikeSuper Mario Bros.orThe Legend of Zelda,Metroidhas had a hit-or-miss track record for Nintendo. Despite a dedicated fanbase and mostly positive reception to its titles, sales numbers haven’t always been there for theMetroidfranchise. From this perspective,Metroid Dreadwas something of a gamble for Nintendo, but this risk paid off in a big way. The game was the fastest-sellingMetroidtitle in series history, and it also went on to win numerous awards. Taking a big swing with the right talent is proof that other properties in Nintendo’s massive library deserve another chance.
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Many previousMetroidentries couldn’t crack one million sales, and lukewarm reviews on certain titles hardly helped.Metroid: Other MandMetroid Prime: Federation Forceboth underperformed, hurting the overall reputation of the franchise. Years already go by between new games, and having a few misses in a row seemed like the final nail in the coffin for Samus Aran.
Combine this with thetroubled development ofMetroid Prime 4, and things weren’t looking up. This is why the revival ofMetroid Dreadcame as such a welcome surprise. To bring back a game originally cancelled in a series that is on shaky ground is something of a gamble for Nintendo. Thankfully, development was handed by MercurySteam, the same studio that deliveredMetroid: Samus Returnsin 2017; a safe but well-made remake ofMetroid 2: Return of Samuson Game Boy.
Metroid Dreadbecame the fastest-selling game in theMetroidfranchiseand went on to win numerous accolades, including Best Action/Adventure game at The Game Awards 2021. This kind of success is unprecedented, and the jolt of life to theMetroidseries is desperately needed. It sends a message that there is still interest in the IP, something which Nintendo has hopefully taken note of moving forward.
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More Variety From Nintendo is a Good Thing
All that being said,Metroid Dread’s successis more important than just for this series. It shows that even though a franchise may be going through a rough time, it shouldn’t be cast aside. Sony’sGod of Warseries is another example. After mixed reception toGod of War: Ascension, it took a few years off to reinvent itself, and the new take on Kratos in 2018 was a massive hit with critics and gamers; often considered one of the finest PlayStation exclusives ever made.
A newSuper Mariogame is always welcome, andBreath of the Wild 2is among the most anticipated games of 2022, but there is so much more Nintendo could do. One look at theroster inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateshows how many IPs the company has that aren’t be taken advantage of. Each of these series taps into a particular genre or style, so making use of them would add further variety to the Switch’s first-party lineup.
This is not to suggest Nintendo should just makes games for the sake of it, but it cannot be ignored that there are a lot of big names collecting dust. It is just a matter of finding the right team and vision to bring these franchises back to life, as seen with MercurySteam and its efforts onMetroid. Another notable example isNext Level Gamesbeing handed the reigns to theLuigi’s Mansionfranchise after more than a decade. It has delivered successes with bothLuigi’s Mansion: Dark MoonandLuigi’s Mansion 3.
Nintendo has proven its continued prowess this generation, as bothSuper Mario OdysseyandThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildare considered among the best in their respective series. It would be a wonder to see that extra push to send other notable franchises likeStar FoxandF-Zeroback into the limelight. Hopefully the success ofMetroid Dreadconvinces Nintendo to not be so wary of its “lesser” franchises, and give them more opportunities to shine.
Metroid Dreadis available now on Nintendo Switch.
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