Joystiq

NintendoWare Weekly: Crush3D demo, Metroid

JC Fletcher — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST

Nintendo's actually doing a pretty good job with these 3DS demos! Today on the eShop, you'll be able to get a sample of the upcoming puzzle adventure Crush3D. You know, in case our preview wasn't quite vividly descriptive enough to paint an accurate picture in your brain.

If you missed the Ambassador Program, you can now buy the NES classic Metroid on 3DS as well.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Crush3D demo, Metroid

NintendoWare Weekly: Crush3D demo, Metroid originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid coming to Japan's 3DS eShop on Feb. 29

David Hinkle — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST

Japan's 3DS eShop is getting the NES classic, Metroid, next week on February 29. Metroid is one of many free NES titles available to qualifying 3DS Ambassador Program participants (i.e. early 3DS adopters). Everyone else will have to hand over ¥500 ($6) to navigate the deadly wilds of the planet Zebes once again.

Metroid coming to Japan's 3DS eShop on Feb. 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan's 3DS Ambassador games include Metroid, Zelda 2 [update: North America too]

JC Fletcher — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:25:00 EST

Two days before the arrival of the 3DS Ambassador Program games, Nintendo of Japan has revealed the full list of ten NES (Famicom) games being released there. This could be the exact same list of games we get in North America and Europe -- all we know is that the initial five games were consistent worldwide.

The five games revealed today include Metroid, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, Yoshi's Egg, Mario Open Golf, and Wrecking Crew. In addition to those, Super Mario Bros., Balloon Fight, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong Jr., and Ice Climber will be available for free, to anyone who qualified for the Ambassador Program by taking their 3DS to the eShop on time. And, of course, these will be followed by ten GBA games.

[Update: Nintendo of America tweeted the rest of the NES games coming to North America ... and it's exactly the same games!]

Japan's 3DS Ambassador games include Metroid, Zelda 2 [update: North America too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The other M is for 'MacBook' in this Samus laptop mod

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST

Samus Aran's armor has been largely a mystery since the introduction of Metroid's lead character, but in this case mod, we can clearly see the technology behind her armor: a MacBook Pro. A "games oriented developer" known as gltovar commissioned Xtreme Kreations to alter the case of his MacBook; the result being the slick airbrushed Samus image seen above with some light-up armor elements (using the lights that normally illuminate the Apple logo on the case). It must have taken more than two hours to assemble, or Samus wouldn't be wearing her armor in the image.

Luckily for us, gltovar took lots of pictures of the process and result, so we can enjoy the effect without "enjoying" the deconstruction and artful slicing of our own premium laptops. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading The other M is for 'MacBook' in this Samus laptop mod

The other M is for 'MacBook' in this Samus laptop mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samus won't be playable in Dead or Alive Dimensions

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST

Recent Dead or Alive Dimensions gameplay footage revealed the presence of a Metroid-themed level, complete with Ridley getting all up in the fighters' business. At the end of the clip, a spheroid Samus rolled in, leading many to believe she was being teased as a playable character for the 3DS fighter.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Team Ninja leader Yosuke Hayashi countered this assertion. "This time she's not playable," Hayashi said. "But Samus Aran will be shown in the game. She comes to help the player. That's the collaboration shown there [in the trailer]." Hayashi suggested that a playable Nintendo character ran counter to the team's goal with Dimensions, which is "basically to create the best version of Dead or Alive."

As for that non-playable appearance, it'll be an unlockable bonus. Hayashi encouraged players to find out how to unlock the bounty ~~hunter~~ helper on their own.

Samus won't be playable in Dead or Alive Dimensions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jonathan Ross teases 'unexpected revivals' for 3DS event [update]

Justin McElroy — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

No matter where his career goes, Jonathan Ross will likely always be best known to many gamers as "the guy who spilled the beans about Fable 3." The UK TV host will be hosting a European Nintendo 3DS event on Wednesday, and may have just outed a few more tidbits.

In a Twitter back and forth (detailed by IGN) Ross told a fan hoping for a new Metroid game, "I think you're going to be pleased," before adding, "A few other faves coming as well - plus a few unexpected revivals!!" [Update: 3DS Buzz has cleared up a little confusion with a new Tweet from Ross who clarified that he wasn't referencing a new Metroid game.]

With the event so close, we'll avoid speculating, but you can bet we'd be madly refreshing Joystiq around 9 a.m. EST Wednesday (when a similar DS even is being held in the US) if ... you know, we didn't have to write it.

Jonathan Ross teases 'unexpected revivals' for 3DS event [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M for $20 at Amazon for two hours only

Randy Nelson — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:11:00 EST

Here's a chance to spend something other than full retail price for a new copy of Metroid: Other M. Amazon is currently offering the game in a lightning deal for the far-out sum of $19.99. The discount is only in effect until 6 p.m. EST / 3 p.m. PST, or until they run out, so dash on over.

Metroid: Other M for $20 at Amazon for two hours only originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sonic, Samus, Mario and more race to the finish line

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST

Animator Steve Williams has made a plethora of 16-bit characters compete in a cross-cartridge race. Oh, Donald Duck, you have a turkey's chance of winning today.

Continue reading Video: Sonic, Samus, Mario and more race to the finish line

Video: Sonic, Samus, Mario and more race to the finish line originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Father and son create elaborate Samus arm cannon

JC Fletcher — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST

11-year-old Joseph DeRose decided he wanted to (cross) dress as Samus Aran for Halloween this year. So he and his dad set out to build a replica of Samus's Metroid Prime-era Varia Suit, starting with the arm cannon. The final cannon has a speaker and LED lights controlled by an Arduino microcontroller, so it can be made to fire simulated Power Beam, Plasma Beam and charged shots. Joseph even has to correctly "log in" to use it!

The rest of the costume is still incomplete, but at this point Joseph has a perfectly acceptable backup costume: "Guy With This Awesome Arm Cannon."

Continue reading Father and son create elaborate Samus arm cannon

Father and son create elaborate Samus arm cannon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cartroid: Samus built from old Nintendo cartridges

David Hinkle — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:30:00 EST

We've all got old, crummy games laying around. You could either throw those away or you could make a nice piece of folk art, like this sculpture of Samus created by JJ Hendricks. To check out more shots of the Plastic Varia Suit version of Samus, hit up the link below.

Cartroid: Samus built from old Nintendo cartridges originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid Prime model gunship boasts 'unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

For $300, you get a spaceship that benefits from the most attentive and accurate craftsmanship. It's not quite what intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran paid when she commissioned her gunship, but then ... this one is quite a bit smaller. And it's only a model (shh!).

As part of only 750 units shipping in Q2 2011, this Metroid Prime ship model from First 4 Figures boasts a height of 12 inches, a swivel joint on its base, an elaborate sequence of LEDs and "unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy," thanks to its slavish recreation from the original game files and canon. Note: The rear-mounted plasma beam cannon is probably less functional in this instance.

If you're in the position to order one of these (and you can opt for a three-month payment plan if need be), don't forget to leave space on the mantelpiece for future entries in the Metroid gunship line. First 4 Figures is probably working on a miniature of the Metroid: Other M gunship already, complete with Confession Time booth and compartments for Samus' cyber-diary and violin.

Metroid Prime model gunship boasts 'unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video game characters need business cards too

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Getting in touch with heroes can be difficult. Typically, they only bother to roll out of bed and show up when something goes really wrong.

Continue reading Video game characters need business cards too

Video game characters need business cards too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy Metroid: Other M at GameStop, get $20 off MotionPlus remote bundle

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST

Mom: Hi there, my son was asking for a new Wii game. Meteoroid or something.

GameStop clerk: He's probably looking for Metroid: Other M, the hot new action game from Nintendo.

Mom: Yes, that's the one! I'll take a copy, please.

Clerk: Ma'am, you're in luck, because we're offering $20 off the Wii Remote MotionPlus bundle with every purchase of Metroid: Other M.

Mom: That's okay. Geoffrey already has a remote.

Clerk: But this is MotionPlus. It adds a whole new level of sensitivity to the Wii experience!

Mom: Oh, so this meteoroid game needs that then?

Clerk: Well, no, but ...

Mom: It enhances it somehow?

Clerk: Not really.

Mom: Then why would I want that?

Clerk: ...

Mom: ... Just bag the game.

Buy Metroid: Other M at GameStop, get $20 off MotionPlus remote bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M review: a successful fusion

JC Fletcher — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST

When I started playing Metroid: Other M, I didn't know what to make of it. Basic movement felt nothing like the previous games. The story was front and center. Samus talked a lot. The cutscenes were unskippable and initially intolerable.

As I became acclimated, I began to realize that the game wasn't that much of a departure for the series at all. In fact, the elements that make this feel like a Metroid game gave me a better idea of what it means to be a Metroid game.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M review: a successful fusion

Metroid: Other M review: a successful fusion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

JC Fletcher — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST

A recent Metroid: Other M trailer promoted the game by taking us through the series' history. A Japanese TV commercial ties the game to the past even more directly, showing the original NES game morphing into Other M gameplay footage. The ad even goes so far as to declare this "a Famicom game with the latest technology," a tagline that also came up several times in the last Iwata Asks interview.

Meanwhile, the American commercial focuses on the "other M," as in: melodrama -- total melodrama. See the beautiful slow-motion, live-action TV spot unfold just below the Japanese ad after the break.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M is an action game in this trailer

JC Fletcher — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST

We can forget our worries about Metroid: Other M for just a few minutes, thanks to this trailer. While we watch it, we can let our continuing concerns about the number, length and melodramatic content of cutscenes within Team Ninja's upcoming Wii game fall away as we enjoy wall-to-wall action.

We learn nothing at all of Samus's past in these clips, nor about her feelings, save for the fact that she feels like not being eaten by a lava worm thing. Instead, we see Metroid: Other M as we first imagined it: as a Metroid game with the speed and intensity of the combat dialed way up. We'll find out soon enough how realistic this version is.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M is an action game in this trailer

Metroid: Other M is an action game in this trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Metroid: Other M

Randy Nelson — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST

With the game set to land in a mere 25 days, I had one last chance earlier this week to play the final version of Metroid: Other M -- though not as much as I would have liked. Nintendo had hand-picked a couple of areas for me to try. The first covered a good amount of ground in a botanical area of the Bottle Ship (the space station where Other M begins), while the second, far shorter one was meant to show that the game's combat isn't always as straightforward as in 2D Metroids past.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M (08/05/10)

Continue reading Preview: Metroid: Other M

Preview: Metroid: Other M originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M's latest Japanese trailer beams in

Randy Nelson — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:20:00 EST

We can't tell you everything that's being said in this newest trailer for Metroid: Other M -- not because we're jerks and don't want to, but because it's in another language. Japanese, to be specific. Thankfully, the characters introduced during this montage of CGI and in-game footage have their names kindly provided in English. Names like Lyle Smithsonian, Adam Malkovich and Brad "U.S." Treasury. (Only one of those is made up.)

There's also a look at some good old fashioned gameplay, from Other M's first 45 minutes or so, but also in later, more planet-y environments. The purpose of most of it is to show Samus using the various beams at her disposal -- plasma, grappling and the like. If you're more of a still-image person, Nintendo has also released some new shots from the game, which lands on August 31, including the really cool box art we won't be seeing in the States. Check 'em out below, and watch the trailer beyond the break.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M (07/29/10)

Continue reading Metroid: Other M's latest Japanese trailer beams in

Metroid: Other M's latest Japanese trailer beams in originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An ice cold Metroid: Other M boss fight

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST

The E3 demo of Metroid: Other M featured a boss fight in which the Galactic Federation worked to freeze a giant monster so Samus could shoot missiles at it. Now you can watch this dynamic battle for yourself, courtesy of CVG's week-long Metroid: Other M video series.

Continue reading An ice cold Metroid: Other M boss fight

An ice cold Metroid: Other M boss fight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M trailer features the 'birth of Samus'

JC Fletcher — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:44:00 EST

CVG is posting new footage of Metroid: Other M all week, starting with a weird cutscene depicting Samus as a space baby. We're happy to see these videos now, but we're also slightly hesitant, knowing that we're going to see them again as unskippable in-game FMV.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M trailer features the 'birth of Samus'

Metroid: Other M trailer features the 'birth of Samus' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M rolls into Europe in September

JC Fletcher — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The "Q3" window for the European release of Metroid: Other M has been clarified. An ad in the MCV magazine listed the game for "September." Nintendo subsequently confirmed the release period to Eurogamer.

Back when the American release date was slated for June, that Q3 European release seemed depressingly far off. But thanks to the delay of the American version to August 31, and the Japanese release date of September 2, we can all enjoy waiting together.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M (E3 2010)

Metroid: Other M rolls into Europe in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Metroid: Other M

JC Fletcher — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

In every Metroid game, from the NES original through Metroid Prime, there's been a certain weight to Samus. She can run faster than someone in a giant suit of armor should be able to, yes, and she can triangle jump to ridiculous heights, but Samus has always felt slow to start and build up speed, as would be expected of someone covered in metal.

More than the perspective changes, the ability to walk toward and away from the screen, the auto-aiming or any of the other new elements in Metroid: Other M, Samus's "weight" feels the most different. She is faster than she's ever been in Team Ninja's take on Metroid and accelerates to full speed instantaneously. The faster movements naturally lend the game a faster pace, and the way Samus zips across the screen makes the Team Ninja influence apparent.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M (E3 2010)

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Preview: Metroid: Other M originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M pre-orders include 'art folio' at GameStop

JC Fletcher — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:15:00 EST

For most of us, "it's a new Metroid" is sufficient to ensure a pre-order of Metroid: Other M. That makes any extra items given away by retailers fully extraneous, though, of course, we'll take them. GameStop is offering a "collectible art folio" with pre-orders, containing 16 cards with art from Other M. The single preview image looks super classy.

The "folio" design, by the way, means that these pieces of art will be easy to scan for use as desktop wallpapers. We appreciate that kind of convenience. It's safer than creasing the spine on an art book.
[Via GoNintendo]

Metroid: Other M pre-orders include 'art folio' at GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo explains Metroid: Other M, Sin & Punishment 2 delays

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

Nintendo delayed two of its big summer titles for Wii today: Metroid: Other M (to August 31) and Sin & Punishment: Star Successor (to June 27). When the company made the announcement, it provided no reasons. As it turns out, there is a decent reason for each delay.

"As you may know, this game is the product of a unique partnership between longtime Metroid producer Yoshio Sakamoto, Team Ninja and many other individuals and groups, all of whom have set very high standards for this latest installment in the series," a Nintendo rep told IGN regarding Metroid: Other M. "Although it's taking slightly longer than expected to complete the project, we're confident that fans will find it to be well worth the wait." We can understand the game not being finished as a reason not to release it -- although if it were in that precarious of a position, maybe Nintendo shouldn't have been so optimistic with the date in the first place.

As for Sin & Punishment, "A June 27 launch allows gamers to enjoy Sin & Punishment: Star Successor without having to rush through Super Mario Galaxy 2 (May 23)." Honestly, as Treasure boosters, we appreciate any effort made not to bury the developer's work -- although, again, we have to wonder why Nintendo set the original release date so close to Galaxy.

Gallery: Sin and Punishment: Star Successor

Nintendo explains Metroid: Other M, Sin & Punishment 2 delays originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is the Metroid: Other M trailer we wanted to see

JC Fletcher — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

The last Metroid: Other M trailer confused us with its emphasis on storyline and dialogue over running and shooting. This latest trailer addresses that issue. Boy, does it ever.

After Samus's armor mysteriously grows out of her glowing heart or something, we're treated to a nonstop barrage of the fastest action the series has ever seen. In addition to that, the trailer demonstrates the quick transition between third-person and first-person perspective, as well as some 3D movement in the third-person segments. Oh, and Samus faces off against Mother Brain in the end.

[Via GoNintendo; thanks, Fernando]

This is the Metroid: Other M trailer we wanted to see originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Metroid: Other M producer Yoshio Sakamoto

Christopher Grant — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:03:00 EST

After delivering a GDC panel on his cinematic inspiration, we met with Metroid: Other M producer Yoshio Sakamoto to ask him about everything from collaborating with Team Ninja, lessons learned from Metroid Prime, the newfound focus on story in the Metroid universe, and whether or not he played Chair's Super Metroid love letter, Shadow Complex. Read on!

Can you tell us about the process of working with Team Ninja. Who does what design-wise and technology-wise?

Yoshio Sakamoto: The original design concept came from me, but then we went and assembled a team that could pull this off. And in this case it was people from Team Ninja, who we really thought was the best fit. But they've also provided a lot of core ideas that have influenced the direction of the game, particularly the director, Mr. Hayashi. So, as I mentioned in the speech today, it's not so much that we're dividing up tasks but collaborating as equals.

After E3 and the initial announcement a lot of people were making comments like, "Oh, it seems like they've dumped Retro for this series and they want to go with another developer," as if it was a big switch-off. But, in actuality, that is far from the case; rather, we just wanted to put together the best team that we could to make this project, which turns out to be Project M.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M

Continue reading Interview: Metroid: Other M producer Yoshio Sakamoto

Interview: Metroid: Other M producer Yoshio Sakamoto originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid Dread concept is something Sakamoto 'can't say never existed'

Christopher Grant — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Immediately following his well-attended GDC panel, Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto talked with us about (what else?) Metroid: Other M. In addition to all sorts of questions on the unique Team Ninja collaboration, we asked Sakamoto about the long-rumored Metroid Dread project and, barring a confirmation of that product, when we'd see another 2D handheld Metroid.

Joystiq: Speaking of the core Metroid development team that last worked on the GBA, there have been rumors of a game known as 'Metroid Dread' - purportedly a 2D Metroid game for DS. First question: Was 'Dread' a real project? Second question: If not, where is a 2D Metroid on DS?

Yoshio Sakamoto: It seems we get a lot of questions about Metroid Dread, especially at interviews following E3 for example. But nothing's ever been announced about this game; it's all just been rumors so far. So we never know exactly how to respond to questions like this.

While there actually was a point where some teams were meeting to discuss if it was possible to create a 2D Metroid for DS using a relatively small team size, it's not something that we ever really announced or thought of as "Metroid Dread." But whenever people bring out that idea, we recognize that the basic concept is something that we can't say never existed. But at the same time, we can't of course, make any official comment about a Metroid Dread-like project coming out.

Our main goal [with Metroid: Other M] is to, as I said earlier, first raise knowledge about the Metroid universe and the Samus character before we start to introduce different elements like online or even going back to another handheld game for the next in the series. So there's nothing coming immediately, we want to think about these new challenges first.

But, of course, we never say never.

Metroid Dread concept is something Sakamoto 'can't say never existed' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto reveals Metroid: Other M's cinematic inspirations

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST

Yoshio Sakamoto has had a rather diverse career with Nintendo, having worked on games like Metroid, WarioWare and Tomodatchi Collection. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata asked the Metroid: Other M producer to speak at GDC to "explore the secret of creating games for such a dynamic range of titles."

One of Sakamoto's greatest inspirations seems to be film, noting directors Dario Argento, Luc Besson, John Woo and Brian de Palma as key figures. In particular, he found Argento's "Deep Red" to have a profound impact. Argento's manipulation of mood through music and timing is something he found moving; the use of foreshadowing helped transcend the film beyond other horror films.

Other M will take these various inspirations by becoming a "synthesis of everything I've learned," Sakamoto told the audience. A new trailer screened for GDC attendees highlighted various cinematic moments in the upcoming Wii game, including a CG reimagination of Super Metroid's climatic ending. Sakamoto pointed out the return of Metroid Fusion's Adam, reminding the audience that foreshadowing will play a key role in creating suspense in the interquel. Considering the subsequent applause, it seems clear that Metroid fans approve of this new direction.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M

Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto reveals Metroid: Other M's cinematic inspirations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M trailer features a Samus soliloquy

JC Fletcher — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

While we're happy to see any new media related to Metroid: Other M, this new trailer isn't doing much to build excitement. Here's a short list of Metroid standards missing from the video:

Samus's suit
Metroids
Weapons

But on the other hand, it has:

The catchphrase used by the annoying AI guide that nobody liked in Metroid Fusion

At least, now we know we'll be able to skip the cutscenes between the awesome shooting sequences.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M

Metroid: Other M trailer features a Samus soliloquy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mario, Metroid, Sin and Punishment, more dated in Europe

JC Fletcher — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Here's some great news for those of you in Europe interested in playing Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Sin and Punishment: Star Successor. Nintendo announced that Galaxy will be available in Europe on June 11, not long after America's May 23 date. And Sin and Punishment will be out in Europe (under the slightly altered title Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies) on May 7, exactly one month before North America gets its hands on that Treasure.

The bad news is that Metroid: Other M is dated simply "Q3." It's due June 27 in North America. We've collected all the European release dates for Wii and DS (including a "summer" date for Dragon Quest IX!) after the break.

[Via Eurogamer]

Continue reading Mario, Metroid, Sin and Punishment, more dated in Europe

Mario, Metroid, Sin and Punishment, more dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Metroid: Other M

Randy Nelson — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST

There's a lot I want to tell you about the 45-minute demo of Metroid: Other M that I played at the Nintendo Media Summit, but let me answer your most pressing question first: The game is really impressive; it's really fun; it's totally Metroid. The demo was only the beginning sequences of the game, but if everything Nintendo and Team Ninja have managed to deliver in this short span holds up for the entirety of the game, it's going to be really good. (Also, let it be said now, Other M is in no way a re-skinned Ninja Gaiden.)

My demo began with the game's opening cinematic, which is fully pre-rendered CG and recounts the ending of Super Metroid, to which Other M serves as a direct sequel. It sees Samus in a showdown with Mother Brain (realized by Team Ninja as a mammoth bipedal monstrosity with one huge eye) before the bounty hunter awakes in a medical bay wearing her Zero Suit. The cinematic narrated entirely by Samus (as promised, Other M is the first time we hear her voice -- and it's, well, just all right) and leads directly into a tutorial disguised as a "diagnostic" of her armor and recollection of how to kick ass.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M

Continue reading Hands-on: Metroid: Other M

Hands-on: Metroid: Other M originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M screens (the other M is for 'mmmmm')

JC Fletcher — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:35:00 EST

The other, other M is for media, which you can click here to see.
Nintendo released a flood of information about Metroid: Other M today, not the least of which is when it's coming out. The Media Summit press release describes a game that takes place primarily in a side-scrolling perspective, using a sideways Wii Remote, but gives the player the ability to switch to first person at any time and control the game with the pointer. So it's an odd hybrid of old Metroid and Prime.

As these screens reveal, it's also very nice-looking (though it must be said, these screens are from a pre-release version, and at a higher resolution than an actual Wii can display). Other M will be in stores June 27.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M

Metroid: Other M screens (the other M is for 'mmmmm') originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M rolls into North America June 27

JC Fletcher — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST

The galaxy is at peace, now that we know we'll be able to demand our copy of Metroid: Other M from the patient retailer of our choice on June 27. The date for the Nintendo and Team Ninja collaboration was just announced at the Nintendo Media Summit event.

Even better: Nintendo has a playable build of Other M on hand at the event. We're shooting down every door between us and the demo immediately, so we can deliver our impressions to you later tonight!

Gallery: Metroid: Other M (Wii)

Metroid: Other M rolls into North America June 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sakamoto: Other M shows 'human side' of Samus

Xav de Matos — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:30:00 EST

Other than knowing it's a thing, details of Nintendo and Team Ninja's collabrotive effort to bring Samus back into 2D space in Metroid: Other M are slim. In the current issue of Famitsu, a one-page interview with Metroid co-creator Yoshio Sakamoto didn't reveal much in the way of new information but the legendary creator did say the upcoming game will focus on Samus Aran's "human side."

The complete Metroid: Other M experience is being produced by three teams: Nintendo will continuously peek over the shoulder of Team Ninja (presumably to ensure very few bouncy-bikini shots appear in the final game) while D-Rockets will handle the title's movie sequences. The computer-generated movie sequences in Metroid: Other M are one of the methods Sakamoto says players will learn more about Samus Aran's emotional side. "She's a strong woman, but she also has a fragile side. We want to make a game whose charms can be felt from the story areas and these human touches as well," he said.

Before you begin to cringe, Sakamoto clarified that he's well aware of the core of the Metroid franchise. "It's an action game, but it's capable of having a clear emotional side." Emotionality that you can view, after the break. Metroid: Other M is expected to hit the Wii later this year.

Continue reading Sakamoto: Other M shows 'human side' of Samus

Sakamoto: Other M shows 'human side' of Samus originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid co-creator hosting GDC lecture

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:16:00 EST

The official GDC 2010 website has revealed that Metroid director Yoshio Sakamoto will be leading a lecture at this year's conference. The lecture is titled "From Metroid to Tomodachi Collection to WarioWare: Different Approaches for Different Audiences." The session will focus on Sakamoto's "thought processes and techniques on game designs that have allowed him to find market acceptance for his expansive portfolio of titles." In other words, it will delve into the success of Sakamoto's many wildly different games.

Assuming the lecture has a Q&A session, we also imagine it will focus on journalists needling Sakamoto about Metroid: Other M. Curiously, the lecture listing also fails to mention the inevitable follow-up event: Watch fanboy journalists and developers rush Sakamoto to get their DSes autographed.

[Via Gamasutra]

Metroid co-creator hosting GDC lecture originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mod replaces Link with Samus in Ocarina of Time

David Hinkle — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST

We don't get why somebody would do such a thing, but this mod by Flotonic, which inserts the space bounty hunter from Metroid into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is pretty nifty nonetheless. The only issue is that the brief video clip -- which you can watch past the break -- doesn't show Samus pulling off any of her classic moves in Ocarina of Time. She doesn't morph into a ball and she doesn't fire a single shot from her arm cannon, but oh boy does she look good in the game.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Mod replaces Link with Samus in Ocarina of Time

Mod replaces Link with Samus in Ocarina of Time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Metroid Prime Trilogy no longer being shipped

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST

A gaming blog by the name of Coffee with Games recently noticed a disturbing trend on Amazon -- Metroid Prime Trilogy was no longer being stocked first-hand by the online retailer. The blog contacted Nintendo to find out why the game ... err, three games weren't being sold on the site anymore, and reportedly received the following response: "Unfortunately, Metroid Prime Trilogy is no longer being shipped. Having said that, you may be able to find what you seek through the secondhand video game market."

We've contacted Nintendo to get our own confirmation first-hand of this troubling report. You can fully expect us to fall to our knees, and belt out a resounding "Whyyyyyyyyyy!" should we succeed in doing so.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Report: Metroid Prime Trilogy no longer being shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo not done with Metroid Prime series

David Hinkle — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST

You may have completed Metroid Prime Trilogy and begun to enter Full Excitement Mode[TM] for next year's Metroid Other M, but there could be even more Metroid in store under Prime's banner of first-person action. Nintendo's Kensuke Tanabe, who oversaw development on the Prime games for Nintendo at Retro Studios, recently told ONM that Nintendo is "always planning to make new games in the Metroid Prime series."

Tanabe didn't speak of a continuation on Wii, but noted that depending "on the timing and the situation, we cannot deny the possibility of realising it on DS or DSi." Though Retro hasn't isolated itself from the franchise, we know Nintendo isn't shy about sharing Samus with external developers. Just don't call it "Metroid Dread," guys. Bad memories.

Nintendo not done with Metroid Prime series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Batman: Arkham Asylum creator focused on quality over quantity, hasn't played BioShock

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

In a lengthy post-mortem with Gamasutra this week, Rocksteady Studios creative director Sefton Hill spoke his mind on a mess of topics regarding this summer's surprise hit, Batman: Arkham Asylum. "There are too many games out there that deliver lots of average content," Hill said when asked about the relative "tightness" of Batman in comparison with other games. Personal inspiration for the game's design came from places like Zelda and Metroid, two game series he's been a fan of "for years," as well as Silicon Knights' Eternal Darkness. And though Arkham's audio logs and "environment as a character" motif hearken back to 2007's BioShock, Hill claimed he's never played it. "It's on my list of games to get back into ... I can't say for me that was a big direct influence."

Truth be told, we're just scratching the surface of Gamasutra's thorough dissection of Batman -- a game we loved with all of our jaded, rancorous hearts -- so do yourself a favor and stroll through the entire five pages. Call it an afternoon treat! You deserve it, dearest Joystiq reader.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum creator focused on quality over quantity, hasn't played BioShock originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid Prime producer hints at future Prime titles

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:02:00 EST

With the recent release of Metroid Prime Trilogy, it was easy to presume that the Prime series of Metroid games had received a final nail hammered into its coffin. According to a recent interview with Kotaku though, it appears the series' producer isn't quite done. In response to a question regarding multiplayer in the series, Kensuke Tanabe said:

"As all I take part in is the Prime series, I am not capable of commenting on the whole Metroid series. But we will keep considering multiplayer for the Prime series. For instance, I think I can come up with some unique ideas using the Morph Ball, which is a specific skill of Samus'."

Though the series got a spinoff for the DS in Metroid Prime Hunters, and it's possible Tanabe is speaking about future Prime titles for Nintendo's handheld system, hearing about more Prime games in any capacity is intriguing news. While Team Ninja is busy working on Metroid: Other M, it's possible that Prime series dev Retro Studios could be working on the future of its brand of Metroid. Don''t just take it from us, take it from Retro Studios prez and CEO Michael Kelbaugh who said so himself!

Metroid Prime producer hints at future Prime titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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