Metroid Database.com

The MDb's godhead and producer, TJ, has descended from heaven once again to bring our attention to an excellent Gamasutra interview with Retro Studios CEO Michael Kelbaugh about the history of Retro Studios and the development cycle of Metroid. It is a very informative interview that really shows that despite how bad things were at the studio, Nintendo saw the promise in them and helped get things on track to create the masterpiece known as Metroid Prime. There are more Miyamoto anecdotes and postmortem analysis of Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2. And yes, you really didn't suck when you thought Metroid Prime 2 was "too damn hard."

I also find Kelbaugh's discussion about the differences between Japanese and American gamers interesting - how the Japanese don't mind getting lost and enjoy having to find their way through a maze while Americans "prefer to know where they're going" and "find no pleasure in finding their way." Of course this isn't true of all American gamers, as there are plenty of us here who enjoy the feeling of being lost in the labyrinthian depths of Zebes in the original games and stumble upon something new and interesting. Or at least this is the description we use when we talk about it. And by the way, if you want anything to do with the games industry, subscribing to and keeping up with Gamasutra is a great way to start.

While we're at it, I'd also like to draw your attention back to the wonderful series Music 4 Games ran on Metroid Prime 3's soundtrack. They had a three part "audio journal" of the game as well as a really awesome interview with Metroid Prime 3's composer, Kenji Yamamoto.. It's definitely worth reading through as he talks a lot about his composition process. In particular, he discusses his concept of the Metroid music philosophy, particularly through discussions with Hirokazu "Hip" Tanaka and how the music should remain dark from the beginning to the very end when you have the beautiful, relieving credits music playing like an ephiphany. While it would be nice to see how he works with other Metroid composers like Minako Hamano and Masaru Tajima, I guess we'll have to settle with his revelation that he thinks about composing music while riding his motorcycle to and from work! Too bad he didn't tell us what kind of motorcycle he drives!

Be sure to also check out Music 4 Games's three part audio journal of Metroid Prime 3 here, here, and here. Oh yeah, and if you're still playing Super Mario Galaxy, be sure to check out their Super Mario Galaxy Audio Journal.

Until next time...
Captain Commando