Metroid Database.com

Today on the Wii Nintendo Channel, there is a developer interview with Retro Studios where we get to hear from Michael Kelbaugh, Brian Walker, Mike Wikan, Kensuke Tanabe, and Risa Tabata. It's a really good talk about the design and concepts behind the game, giving us a new look at the Prime series' development process. The most interesting bit by far was Shigeru Miyamoto's question to the development team of, "What would it be like if Samus had a bug's head?" which lead to the development of the different visors. We also learn that Metroid Prime Trilogy will have some new, higher resolution textures (probably mostly in Prime 1, as 2 had some major improvements), faster loading times on the doors and 'altered boss encounters' which probably means better balance on guys like the Boost Ball Guardian.

What will also be really exciting to regular visitors of the Metroid Database and other Metroid sites is the overwhelming gratitude the development team has for Metroid's fans. It's great to hear developers who listen! Thank you, Mike and Tanabe-san! And if you're still listening, I for one actually do NOT want to see Dark Samus and Phazon again! They were good fun for three games, but it's time for you guys to think of some new cool villains for us to fight :)

Oh yeah, there's also a lot of cool swag in the main interview office, including EGM's Game of the Year Award robot statue and a sexy cool Samus statue that some of you may remember from E3 2001 (Glad to see it went to a good home!):

So check out the Nintendo Channel on your Wii or see the YouTube video.

In other news that will doubtlessly be disappointing to the hopeful (but doesn't surprise me in the least), Metroid Prime Trilogy save files will NOT be compatible with Metroid Prime: Corruption. That means you'll have to unlock everything all over again and you will ONLY be able to exchange friends vouchers with other MPT owners. But quit whining: it's not like Corruption sucked - it's definitely worth another spin! We'll be updating our Friend Vouchers FAQ as soon as we hear more. Let's hope you guys gave us a little bit more documentation this time, ok?

Lastly, here's just another reminder that Shadow Complex is coming out this Wednesday for Xbox Live Arcade. What does an XBLA title have to do with Metroid? Oh, just about everything, considering the fact that the game's developers went straight to Super Metroid for their inspiration, playing it constantly for a week and then setting it aside. Shadow Complex is looking to be a combination of GI Joes and Super Metroid, which is a really cool combination (we've heard some people calling it 'Controid'). The July 2009 issue of Play (which is one gaming magazine that actually doesn't suck) has an awesome in-depth interview with the developers about the game where they talk about how they wanted to create a new sidescrolling adventure game in 3D following Metroid's style because none have been made. The game's designer, Donald Mustard, also mentions how they seek to improve on the Metroid formula by allowing players to alter the environment, use cover to fight smart enemies, implement narrative (written by Orson Scott Card!) with gameplay, and purposefully build in sequence breaking for faster clear times. Shadow Complex will set you back 1200 points (or about $15) and is a MUST-OWN title for any Metroid fan with a 360. Hopefully there will be a PC version released for the non-360 owners out there...

Until next time...
Captain Commando