Metroid Database.com

To add to the Other M coverage, IGN has also interviewed Yoshio Sakamoto. The interview sheds new light on the game, though it obviously restates a few things from the previous 1up Interview. He continues to insist that there will be a lot of exploration in the game and that the game will not be dominated by cutscene interruptions:

• The initial idea for the project arose in 2006 when Mr. Sakamoto first saw the Wii. This means the game has technically been in development for three years - at least in Mr. Sakamoto's head :)
• Mr. Sakamoto was looking for a team that would balance out both teams' weaknesses.
• Mr. Sakamoto emphasized again the importance of adventure to the game. So any fears you have that it's just going to be Ninja Gaiden with Metroids are unfounded.
• A company called D-Rockets is doing the cinematics. They previously did cutscenes for the DOA games.
• There are over 100 people on staff, making this is the largest Metroid project ever (however, a large chunk of that may be the D-Rockets team).
• The game's story will focus on Samus' background and who helped make her what she is.
• He hopes that the new characterization of Samus will allow new players to appreciate Metroid rather than just longtime fans.
• He hopes to create a "seamless and natural" flow between action and cutscenes rather than treat them as "decorations."

Finally, Mr. Sakamoto gives us the game's core philosphy:

"Our goal...is to create the ultimate Metroid experience."

Mr. Sakamoto also delved into everyone's favorite question: whatever happened to Metroid Dread?

"[A]s a concept the Metroid Dread idea does still exist within my mind so maybe sometime in the future I will be able to bring that to you."

NO, this does NOT mean Metroid Dread is 'in development.' It just means he has ideas for it and may eventually put them into game form.

We're also incredibly confused as to why so many people were wondering about 'the other Metroid' in the first place. That was obviously meant to be a reference for the eventually-to-come Metroid 2, not a game made over two decades later.

Until next time...
Captain Commando