Nintendo Developer Hints at Metroid Wii U

[gumby_trucker]

JEMC said:

gumby_trucker said:
a bit off topic, but you know who I wouldn't mind having a go at Metroid? Arika, no kidding.

The whole Zoom-In mechanic in endless ocean 2 seems perfectly fitted to a more "organic" form of scanning, not to mention allowing for some beautiful set-pieces. The visor itself would merely point out that there is a point of interest (like the bright yellow orbs in EO2).

Furthermore, I think they proved with that title that they definitely know how to execute exploration and discovery properly, not to mention mastering the art of building tension and immersion.
They were even able to integrate a long and interesting story into the game without intruding on the gameplay and atmosphere.

The game had upgradeable equipment, nonlinear gameplay, huge complex levels full of nooks and crannies to explore, tons and tons of side-quests, living environments and eco-systems with hundreds of different creatures, and much more.
Perfect Metroid stuff, there.

Incidentally, Wii owners who haven't played the game are really missing out!

Anybody else get that kind of vibe when playing the game?

I have Endless Ocean 1 and 2 and I like them both and I think they are very good games. But what makes them special is their timming, slow, and the fact that they don't push players in the direction the game wants, they just "hint" where could you go.

And while these 2 aspects are very good and in fact are essential for Endless Ocean, they are the exact opposite things that a Metroid game needs. Metroid always tells you where do you have to go and force you to do it in order to advance, and they are also fast, you don't walk from point A to point B, you jump, run and/or roll to get there as fast as possible.

And that's why Arika would have big troubles to succeed, get the right timming in a game is essential, and I don't think they would be able to do it with Metroid.

By "timing" do you mean pacing? as in how fast or slow the game progresses? I'm pretty sure that Arika know how to make fast paced games too, they've made games in the Street Fighter series in the past, as well as Mega Man Network Transmission for GC and other more arcady, action-heavy games. One of the things I like about them as a company is that they really seem to be quite versatile.

As far as just "hinting" at where to go but still giving you several options to explore, isn't that kind of similar to classic Metroid? I thought more exploration was something fans of the series wanted. Regardless, if anything, Metroid is a more linear experience than EO with one main quest, which should make it easier for Arika to develop than a branching side-quest ridden game like EO. They will be able to focus their already high levels of talent on making less content, so the quality should be even higher.

Once again, regarding the running and jumping: Obviously Endless Ocean had slower movement since it was under water, but it's not like Arika couldn't handle a different, more acrobatic move-set. Like I said, they have tons of experience with fighting games.

If I am misunderstanding what you mean by "timing", please correct me and explain what you mean. Also, remember that no matter who is making Metroid, they will be under the supervision of Nintendo to make sure it feels right.

Having said all that, I still think it could be one hell of a game!