Metroid Database.com

Hey guys. Infinity's End here with a few bits of news. While things are nearly silent on the Metroid game front, we at the Metroid Database are still dedicated in bringing you every ounce of Metroid-related news possible.

For those that are into Metroid apparel, my awesome girlfriend just brought to my attention that Hot Topic is selling two cheap Metroid Prime 3 shirts for under $5 in their clearance section. So make sure to go over there quick and get them before they sell out! (Unfortunately, they are out of XL.)

On June 18th, EA/Maxis released Spore Creature Creator for the Windows and Mac platforms. You can also download the free trial version, which still gives you many options to make your own creatures. Of course, myself and other fellow MDb board members have been recreating all of our favorite creatures from the Metroid series. Maybe once the full game comes out, the MDb might dedicate a section to downloadable Spore creatures so you can create your very own planet Zebes. And feel free to visit the thread dedicated to the fan-made Metroid spores by all our talented members.

Last but certainly not least, a very small update to those that are curious about Von Richter's ambitious Metroid: SR388 project. The game is coming along very smoothly, as new art assets are being created every day. There are some brilliant and talented people helping out with this game, and you can rest assured that we will be creating the absolute best Metroid experience possible for you guys. For the official word, head over to Von's Destructoid blog if you are interested.

As we look to the future of Metroid and the Metroid saga, it troubles me greatly to see Nintendo's stance on one of their most cherished franchises in the US. Metroid.com is a shining example of this, as it only brings you to a black screen with "error" at the top, and links to their official Nintendo DS and Gamecube sites. It has been this way for months. Not to mention how they completely disregarded any kind of update to the official Prime 3 website, and it now seems to be taken down completely. Let's not forget how their Japanese site still gets the royal treatment, along with epic 5-page developer interviews by President Iwata himself like the one with the Producer and Assistant Producer of Prime 3, Kensuke Tanabe and Risa Tabata. Unfortunately, a translated version of this interview is nowhere to be seen on the US Wii site, so for now, you can try and make your way through the poorly Google translated version.

Their advertising campaign was also a major disappointment, and it wouldn't surprise me that their apparent lack of faith in the series may force Samus back into hiding for another 8 years. Only time (and possibly this year's E3) will tell. To me, I find it extremely frustrating that Nintendo decides to treat Metroid in this fashion. And I highly doubt I'm the only one that feels this way. IE out.

--Infinity's End