Rue's Archive

Metroid (1986) is Getting its Own Hand-Drawn Game Guide

Brinstar East- preview of Philip Summers’ colorful, detailed, artwork for his upcoming Metroid guide.

 

Artist Philip Summers, whose hand-drawn game guides are some of my favorite homages to the games I grew up playing, is releasing an NES Metroid guide sometime this year. Philip’s Twitter account has been offering some previews, and even its own teaser trailer, for what is shaping up to be a another spectacular visual feast.

 

 

If you’re interested in acquiring a physical guide, make sure you follow Philip’s Twitter account for further updates and a release date because his past guides have sold out VERY fast! In the meantime, make sure you check out his other awesome NES guides for: Zelda, Ninja Gaiden, & Contra.

 

 

 

Metroid Prime: Samus Helmet Statue Launch Stream from F4F

 

First 4 Figures has just announced their latest Metroid Prime product, a massive Samus Helmet Statue!

 

 

Below is the YouTube launch stream link that becomes active on March 2, 2021.

 

 

F4F is also giving you a chance to  win your own Samus Helmet statue!

It’s awesome to see F4F continue to give Metroid some love.

 

Lego ideas Metroid set has reached its goal of 10k Supporters!

 

The Lego ideas Metroid Set, that we were excited to promote last May (at 873 supporters) has reached its goal of 10,000 supporters! Not only has this project reached its goal, but it has evolved into an amazing, all-in-one, package that pays homage to the history of Metroid with an assortment of creatures and ship designs.

 

To start, it will now be possible to create Samus’ Gunship from Metroid Prime & Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, all in the same set!

 

Metroid Prime Gunship

 

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Gunship

Ridley has been included!

Yes! Lego Ridley can hold Samus too!

 

…and a few of his other iterations:

Samus’ design has been revamped (ZSS now included!):

Other Cool Extras:

 

So what happens now? According to the Lego ideas website, the Metroid set will now go to expert review in which, I’m assuming, they will approach Nintendo to see if they give the green light to make the project a reality. Regardless of what happens, the success of this project sends the message to Nintendo that dedicated Metroid fans are on the ready to support their favorite bounty hunter, when she’s given the proper love & attention to detail that this project has demonstrated throughout.

 

The best of luck to stellar designer L-DI-EGO! For a more detailed account of the project, from its conception to now, visit its official Lego ideas site here. Also, make sure you check out the awesome HD pictures, of creator L-DI-EGO’s designs and work, at his Flickr account.

 

 

Metroid Game Anniversaries!

Greetings fellow Metroid aficionados, the month of November brings us much to celebrate!

 

 

 

 

With Metroid Prime (GC) launching on November 17, and Metroid Fusion (GBA) just one day later, on November 18, the year 2002 turned out to be quite an eventful one for Metroid fans.  2002, that’s 18 whole years ago! My, how time flies! What made the launch of these Metroid games extra special was that fans had been waiting 8 whole years for a new Metroid game; Super Metroid having been the last game in the series, released in 1994. To have two, amazing, Metroid games released a day apart was beyond glorious. Samus’ first foray into 3D was a resounding success for Nintendo & newcomer Retro Studios. Metroid Prime would go on to become one of the most highly revered games ever with its faithful transitioning of the series into 3D and Metroid Fusion quickly became a fan favorite with the iconic SA-X villain reversing Samus’ role of the hunter and making her the hunted.

 

 

 

One of the new suits introduced in Metroid Prime 2, the Light Suit assists Samus in enduring the hostile environments.

Thanks to the popularity and sales of the first Prime game, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GC) released just two years later on November 15, 2004. Not content to do the same game twice, Retro Studios took cues from The Legend of Zelda and created a Dark/Light world mechanic, they also ramped up the difficulty and introduced some of the most memorable (and difficult!) boss battles ever, for the Metroid series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, while we wait patiently for the next installment in the Metroid series, lets dust of those controllers and give these worlds a revisit. See you next mission!

 

 

Artist Spotlight: Thormeister

Today, we bring you an interview with artist Thormeister who caught our attention with the chibi-styled, Metroid-themed, “Dr. Chozo” comics.

Thormeister: I got my start way back in 1994 with doing short stories in several reader-submitted annuals published by Indy comic company Antarctic Press.  After several years of doing that I started my first original series, named “Tales of Marga” which was featured in Radio Comix’s anthology book Furrlough.  This went on until around 2011 when I was selected to be published in Udon Entertainment’s Mega Man Tribute book.  This kicked off a busy time for me, which is still going on today!  Since that book I’ve worked with several Indy musicians including Mega Ran (@MegaRan) doing album covers and t-shirt designs as well working with video game magazines and book publishers such as Nintendo Force Magazine (@nintendoforce), Old School Gamer Magazine (@OsgMagazine), Switch Player Magazine (@SwitchPlayerMag)and Hardcore Gaming 101 (@HG_101).  (I hope this is brief enough!  If not please feel free to edit it where you see fit.)

 

Tell us about your mashup comic. The Metroid series is known for its darker & serious tone. How did you come up with the idea for a lighthearted take on the series?

 

Dr. Chozo and Samus-Chan is a mash-up of two of my favorite things: Metroid and the Dr. Slump manga by Akira  Toriyama.  I just thought it would be fun to have a silly take on Samus’ younger days so I just went with it!  Dr. Norimaki’s absurd inventions and adventures seem to fit in with the Metroid universe considering Samus turns into a ball and hangs out with pirates and space jellyfish.

Can we expect more adventures with Dr. Chozo & Samus-Chan?

 

Dr. Chozo and Samus-Chan is currently running in Nintendo Force Magazine and will be for the foreseeable future, so be sure to catch it there.  I’m currently finishing up a Super Smash Brothers storyline there, and next up will be Samus-Chan’s first meeting with Crocomire.  As you can see, I’m not adhering to the timeline set forth but just having fun with the characters.

What was your first Nintendo system and what was the Metroid game that made you a fan of the series? What was it about the game that appealed to you?

 

My first Nintendo system was the NES, which I received for Christmas back in 1988.  My experience with Metroid started with the first game and it made quite an impact on me.  I had never played a game with such a focus on exploration and finding secrets so this was an eye-opener for me.  I even drew out a map on a giant piece of paper to keep myself from getting lost.  It also blew my mind when Samus was revealed to be girl – the fan art I drew back then I had created before I completed the game depicted Samus as a man so I was more than a little shocked when she popped out of the armor in a bathing suit!  Needless to say, I adjusted my art after that.

You have an extensive catalogue of videgame artwork and a long history of involment in videogame industry media, what do you think it is about videogames that differentiates them from other form of entertainment media?

 

For me, it’s the way games are interactive.  With comics or movies, you are a passive participant.  Video games however are a completely different beast – you can control the outcome of the story making it truly yours and unique to each individual.

The MDB would like to thank Thormeister for taking the time to answer our questions and allowing us to share his art. Make sure you check out the rest of his awesome work at:

https://www.deviantart.com/thormeister/about

 

 

 

 

Metroid Mods add Samus and More to LOZ: Breath of the Wild

Traverse Hyrule in style with these three excellent mods, created by Yainskofso. These Metroid Mods allow new models, outfits and music, from the Metroid universe, to be integrated into the Wii U version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The mods are accessible trough a Wii U with custom firmware, or via Cemu (Instructions at the end of this post).

 

 

Samus Saves Hyrule, in this Awesome Metroid Mod

Features of the Samus Mod:

 

Replaces Samus (without armor) over Link, with voice replacement too

9 costume sets are featured, also dyeables in each color shown in the game:

  • The power suit from Metroid other M over the Ancient armor
  • (this one has a downloable standalone file, for other character usage)
  • The zero suit from from SSB4 and Metroid other M over Of the Wild set
  • The sport outfit from Metroid Zero Mission over the Climber set
  • A Warm Jacket designed from a Metroid other M militar outfit
  • A new design for the Champion tunic based on the Chozo design
  • A custom set based on the female travelers (UMii) over the Hylian set
  • A custom set designed from the Worn set
  • A new designed Barbarian set
  • A custom Switch shirt with 3 designs (WiiU, CemU and Switch) (The download come individually, so you can choice one)

Also, a baby Metroid design replaces the paraglider.

 

 

Transform Link’s motorbike into

Samus’ iconic Ship

 

The Gunship Mod turns Link’s Master Cycle Zero motorbike into Samus’ trademark ride. The Gunship, of course, is limited to the same actions as the Master Cycle and its design is smaller and very reminscent of the Gunship in Metroid Blast from Nintendo Land (Wii U).

 

 

More Metroid Goodness Awaits…

Whether its riding on the sky on a baby Metroid glider, fighting bosses with the iconic Super Metroid boss theme blaring (with the Metroid BGM Mod), or exploring the countryside in the Zero Suit, these awesome mods will further increase the replay value of the classic Breath of the Wild. Thank you Yainskofso for your stellar work!

 

See & Hear the Mods in Action!

Getting Started with Mods

Cemu Wii U Emulator

Mod Installation Instructions

 

The Metroid Mods are separated into three parts:

  1. Samus Mod
  2. Metroid Soundtrack Pack
  3. Gunship Mod

 

 

 

Help Make Samus & her Gunship a LEGO Reality!

 

 

LEGO builder LDiEgo created this elaborate LEGO Metroid set and it gives us a glimpse at the possibilities of the new Nintendo & LEGO partnership. This Metroid set was submitted to LEGO ideas, which is a place where members of the LEGO community can create and share ideas and have LEGO community members support it. If the idea reaches 10,000 supporters it has a high probability of being produced, after expert review, as an official LEGO Ideas set. This Metroid set is currently at 873 supporters. Once it hits the 1,000 supporter milestone, it gets a 6 months extension to reach 5,000 and another 6 months after that, to reach its goal of 10k. With your help, this LEGO Metroid set has the possibility of being a real product!

 

From the LEGO Ideas page:

 

Based on the classic “Metroid” videogame franchise from Nintendo, this building toy features the bounty hunter’s most recognisable vessel, as well as some key elements from the entire series.
  • Carry the jar with the Metroid in suspended animation inside the cargo hold.
  • Move the Technic liftarm to drop Samus inside the gunship to restore health and ammo. Then withdraw the axle at the back to exit the gunship via the lower hatch.
  • Remove the windscreen to access the cockpit.
  • Flaps can be open to reveal some inner details.
  • Modify the exposed intakes to conceal them.
  • Includes two moveable stud shooters.
  • Adjust the three bottom pads to land in any surface.
  • Open the secret door to drop Samus as a Morph Ball.
  • Includes a minifigure of Samus Aran’s iconic Power Suit.

 

Make sure you support this awesome project on the LEGO ideas page and help make it a reality!

 

You can also visit LDiEgo’s Flickr account for more HD photos of this awesome Metroid set.

 

 

Japanese Cosplayer’s Amazing Samus Power Suit

This Power Suit was made in just 3 days! A sample of the process below. Incredible!

https://twitter.com/11Vadu/status/1249357162859515904

Make sure to check out the video, in the tweet above, to see the suit in action.

It looks, surprisingly, light and agile! Amazing work @11Vadu

 

 

SynaMax releases New Music Mod for Metroid Prime (GC)

 

Last July 2019 we posted a story about electronic musician SynaMax tracking down the exact instruments and sound patches used in the Metroid Prime series music. Just yesterday, SynaMax released a music patch for Metroid Prime (GC) that (via the Dolphin GameCube emulator on PC) creatively alters the music for:

 

VS. Metroid Prime (Spider)

Phendrana Drifts

VS. Parasite Queen

Artifact Temple

Planet Tallon IV

Tallon IV Overworld

 

…with more songs to be released as well. Now you may be asking yourself, “why would I change the perfect tracks that Kenji Yamamoto already made for Metroid Prime?” Why? These new tracks sound amazing! Just check out this trailer and see how well they mesh with the game:

 

 

Make sure to check out the video on his YouTube channel for detailed instructions on how to get the music mod running on the Dolphin emulator  and for a direct link to the free patch. Subscribe to his channel and check out his other awesome Metroid remixes and musical alterations. Awesome job SynaMax!

 

The Original Painting used in the Super Metroid Nintendo Power Strategy Guide

 

A bummer that Samus was completely obscured on her own strategy guide. They just lazily slapped that title in there.

 

Twitter user @ArtofNP shared:

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