Metroid Ravenous: Special Edition and amiibo

Oh, no, not again... It's already on the North American Nintendo Store, so this will likely follow tomorrow in Europe. And we're still dealing with waiting queues there!

Anywayyyyy... Metroid Ravenous will launch on Januar 28th with a Special Edition. And it's a special Special Edition, because it's really just the game (potentially with a clean cover), a steelbook, and an amiibo. Which is kind of odd. For the Wii U they had several of these bundles of games and an amiibo. Twilight Princess HD was one of them, remember? But I don't think we have seen anything like this for the Switch and Switch 2 generation yet.

amiibo can be hard enough to find enough as it is, so they don't really need to put them into a Special Edition to make things even rarer. There will be three amiibo for the game in total:

Samus, a Chozo Statue, and the Metroid Suit. The latter is totally rad, but that's the one you'll only get from the Special Edition. So, good luck with that. You'll need it.

We don't know yet what they will do in the game, but it will probably be something like an extra Energy Tank or more gallery images, while every Metroid amiibo before this will do nothing. 

Metroid Ravenous Announced

Easily the best announcement in today's Nintendo Direct was Metroid Ravenous, even if it wasn't a huge surprise. Well, the game got leaked back in July. And this was not from some leaker, who is sometimes right and sometimes wrong, but from a public authority in Brazil, so this was simply a fumble. In any case, I'm very happy that the cat is out of the bag and that the cat looks really badass.

In fact, this is the most badass we've ever seen Samus, while this is also the most unhinged Metroid game so far. What in the world is this? You have Samus fighting "Space Ninjas" (official wording from Nintendo) and a cover art that looks like an 80s parody à la Blood Dragon. It's crazy and I love it.

I also love how they just continue to evolve the story after Metroid Dread right away. This is fantastic. Metroid really needs this after the 19 year break between Fusion and Dread. Expand the universe. Expand the lore. Samus is now the last living Metroid in the galaxy and she will have to use her new siphoning ability and the crazy power of the Metroid Suit in order to survive. "Eat or be eaten."

The military Chozo faction led by Raven Beak also still seems to play a role in this, where a lot could be coming together here again, just like it did in Metroid Dread. And Dread currently is my favorite Metroid game.

But just from judging from the game's trailer, it looks very much like Metroid Dread. Same engine, same graphics, just a straight sequel. And that's totally fine, but it raises the question why this is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive? Wouldn't it have been better if the game was also available for the Nintendo Switch? Metroid isn't exactly known to be a best seller... But it probably will still do better than Metroid Prime 4 did.

Anyway, great news! Game will be released at the end of January 2027, the 28th to be exact. And time will fly until then.

Nintendo Direct September 2026 Roundup

This was the Nintendo Direct of Editions. Complete Edition, Deluxe Edition, Definitive Edition, Encore Edition, Gold Edition, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Ultimate Edition, you name it... Lots of games coming back on or enhanced for Switch 2.

But one of these editions includes Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. This was on my list of predictions for the 40th Anniversary Direct yesterday and also something that I had discussed last year, after the launch of Age of Imprisonment (see Age of Calamity - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition). And here it is, very nice, even with all DLC included.

Two other of my boxes have been checked, technically even three, if you count that Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave didn't get some premature DLC announcement. Though, in general it looks like Nintendo isn't so keen on doing paid DLC for games with a predecessor on the Nintendo Switch that already had some Expansion Pass or whatever. Tears of the Kingdom, Age of Imprisonment, and Mario Kart World would be all examples to this. Though, with the latter it still feels like it might happen eventually.

Speaking of, there is a nice update coming to Mario Kart World, with the Super Nintendo courses now playable individually, which is another good use of what's already in the game, just like the additional Knockout Tours. 

Finally, we got to see Metroid Ravenous. And it looks absolutely fantastic, even though it doesn't have the same impact as Metroid Dread five years ago and is now just "more of the same." But it's great that it didn't take them another twenty years to continue the story. We will only have to wait until January 28th.

More on all that in separate posts. But overall I'm very happy with this Nintendo Direct. Star Fox Adventures coming to NSO was also a nice surprise. This is a game that I have still on my bucket list, where now I won't have an excuse any longer.

And the big reveal at the end was not a new 3D Mario game... but a new 3D Kirby game. Which would have been a much more reasonable expectation. I keep saying that it's too early for a new 3D Mario, because the 3D Mario team has made Donkey Kong Bananza. So, unless it's smaller side project, similar to Bowser's Fury, then we will probably have to be more patient. But some Kirby is nice, too.

In hindsight it makes sense how Kirby and the Forgotten World has received a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition early on. They wanted to prepare for Kirby and the World Beyond. And maybe some people saw this coming. Well, I didn't, but I'm also not a Kirby fan.

Now... there is quite the roadmap ahead for this blog. In November we will be playing the new Ocarina of Time (launches November 5th), then Metroid Ravenous comes at the end of January, and Age of Calamity - Definitive Edition at the end of February. A lot of good stuff to play in the next months.

Nintendo Direct September 2026 Predictions

This is going to be a unique Nintendo Direct, because we will have gotten The Legend of Zelda already covered with its 40th Anniversary Direct the day before. So, us Zelda fans can simply lean back and enjoy the show about what else might be in store. And I wouldn't dismiss this Nintendo Direct so easily. The fact alone that they wanted to separate this from Zelda is quite promising, where will get another 45 minutes on top of the 30 minutes of the Zelda Direct.

There will also be a Treehouse Live stream afterwards, where I'm sure that this will show us Ocarina of Time in action. It simply has to. Anyway, here are some of my hopes and predictions for this Zelda-free Nintendo Direct.

 

New Metroid Game by MercurySteam

This isn't even a prediction at this point, because this was already leaked back in July. But now it's finally time for the official announcement of this potential sequel to Metroid Dread, which is very exciting and may even be one of the big highlights of the Nintendo Direct. The release date could even lead to a surprise, where it may not even be that far away, potentially December or early 2027.

You probably shouldn't expect a big fanfare, however. I would be surprised if they even mentioned the 40th Anniversary of Metroid, since they will want to focus on the Zelda anniversary going forward, but there is a small chance. Especially if those rumors about a Super Metroid pixel remake turn out to be true as well...

 

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave - Expansion Pass

This is more of a sinister prediction, but the same thing happened with Fire Emblem Engage: they will already announce paid DLC for the new Fire Emblem game, even though it's not even out yet. Usually, Nintendo likes to wait until their next big title has been released, before they publish another Nintendo Direct, so there might be some more news about the game. And this makes sense, for better or worse. Still, I would like to be wrong about this and finally get a Fire Emblem game that is complete from the get-go.

Mario Kart World DLC

Now, here's a game where I would love to see DLC. In the very least, we should be looking at the next free update, where theoretically there should be three more of them coming to add all the new Knockout Tour Rallies. The last update offered a new use for the collectible stickers, where I'm guessing that each update will add some additional features, potentially even new outfits or drivers, and finally the much-wanted 200cc mode. The latter would even be worthy to be showcased in a Nintendo Direct.

These free updates can be announced and released anytime, however, and what people are really waiting for is a real expansion to the world of Mario Kart World with new courses. This will happen eventually, but with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe now enhanced for Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World will have to catch up sooner than later, to not be left in the dust.

 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Speaking of updates to Nintendo Switch games, this one is pretty much on top of my wishlist. It will be years before a new Super Smash Bros. game comes out, so Nintendo will have to bridge the gap by making Super Smash Bros. Ultimate even more ultimate.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition could feature a new mode similar to Smash Run, which can be played with up to eight players at once in 4k resolution. And a free update to the game could add some of the missing stages, as well as more Echo Fighters, like Impa, Dixie Kong, or Jeanne.

 

Other New Game Announcements

This is always the most difficult part to predict. But there have been some rumors about a new Wario Land game, which I would love to see. Though, I'm more of a fan of the original Wario Land and not the games with those transformations.

There is also talk about a new 3D Mario, which surprises me a lot, because the 3D Mario team is behind Donkey Kong Bananza, which is the successor to Super Mario Odyssey. For them to have made another 3D Mario game already seems unrealistic, but maybe we're talking about a remake of Super Mario 64, which would complete the big three early 3D hits from Shigeru Miyamoto, before he eventually retires. Even so, I'm not sure that they would announce this already, as long as Ocarina of Time is still in the pipeline. But you never know with Nintendo.

Or... we could be looking at Super Mario Galaxy 3, which is something the fans really want after the movie and the two-pack. But at the same time it isn't as huge as Super Mario Odyssey.

40th Anniversary of Metroid

On August 6th 1986, メトロイド (Metroid) was released for the Famicom Disk System in Japan. Much like Mario and Zelda before it, this game has defined an entire gerne and spawned a major video game franchise, followed by seven more titles (including re-imaginings of the first two), a whole subseries with six games, and a single spin-off (Metroid Prime Pinball).

These numbers already give away, however, that this franchise has been living in the shadows of its slightly older siblings. Tears of the Kingdom alone has sold more than the entire Metroid series combined. It is more of a niche and Nintendo often treats it that way. While both Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda have seen multiple official anniversary celebrations over the last two decades, this has yet to happen for Metroid. But there is a first time for everything...

Given, it may have to share the spotlight with the 40th Anniversary of Zelda, where Nintendo has yet to initiate it, with the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake at the forefront. But Metroid could see some announcements of its own in the near future, whether they are tied to the anniversary or not. First and foremost, there has been a leak of a new Metroid game by MercurySteam, following Metroid Dread, which seems to be very much legit and would be exciting news.

And there also have been rumors that Super Metroid could see a remake in a pixel art style. Well, if Super Metroid ever were to get remade, it certainly would become much more faithful than Zero Mission and Samus Returns, but this sounds a little too faithful. Though, it also sounds like something special that could get released for an anniversary. And depending on how this is done and gets received, this could develop a new trend for remastering 2D games from Nintendo.

Otherwise, it would be nice if Metroid Dread got updated for the Nintendo Switch 2 or if Metroid: Samus Returns got remastered at some point, where such a remaster could be released for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. There are many possibilities to keep MercurySteam busy, though a new game is certainly the preferred choice.

We probably won't hear from Retro Studios during the 40th Anniversary, since Metroid Prime 4: Beyond isn't even one year old, but maybe we will get a remastered version of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes before Prime 5 comes out. Technically, the anniversary will last for one year from now on, so there would be still time to announce and release something in 2027.

 

Happy 40th Anniversary, Metroid!

Metroid Ravenous Leaked

One of my overblown expectations for the June Nintendo Direct included the announcement of a new Metroid project by MercurySteam, which didn't happen. But it looks like we might be still getting one in the near future.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Safety in Brazil temporarily listed a rating for an upcoming Nintendo title, called Metroid Ravenous. This was obviously by mistake and has been removed already, but the internet sees everything and never forgets, so you can find some screenshots of the matter, originating from UniversoNintendo.com.

Well, this is certainly exciting. MercurySteam could have been working on a Super Metroid remake and that would have been awesome as well, but amidst the current wave of remakes of beloved classics from the 90s, it's probably best to follow up directly on Metroid Dread, which came out in 2021 and was absolutely fantastic. After having waited 19 years between Metroid 4 and 5, shortening that wait to five years would certainly be a refreshing change of pace for the franchise, right in time for its 40th Anniversary.

The title "Ravenous" indicates that Samus is not yet done facing her dark Chozo connections, as revealed by the antagonist Raven Beak. Sorry, English is not my first language and I interpreted the word as "raven-like", but it actually means "voracious". My bad. But in that case...

It probably refers to how far Samus's Metroid DNA has evolved. The game may even focus on her Metroid siphoning abilities, where this could go into a similar direction as the Hypermode in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and let you temporarily turn into your Metroid form / change into the Metroid Suit.

Anyway, the cat is out of the bag and the bag is out of the river, so Nintendo might as well release a trailer for the game as soon as they have one ready. Show us what this is about. I'd also love to see a Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for Metroid Dread, while they are at it.

Nintendo Music: Super Metroid Added

This is one of those titles that should have been in the Nintendo Music app from the very beginning, or at least added early on. An absolute classic. Super Metroid took a huge step in defining the Metroid series for what it still is today, where some of its music has been reinterpreted again and again, first and foremost the Ridley battle theme. It's certainly the Link to the Past of Metroid.

The music and overall atmosphere made me an instant fan when I had first experienced Super Metroid back in 2008, making me want to play all other Metroid games right after. But there is a certain charm about the old Sony soundchips that never could be quite matched, for better or worse.

Anyway, we got the three most important Metroid games in the library now: Metroid, Super Metroid and Metroid Prime. In addition, there is Metroid II and a sample of the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond soundtrack. You can still see Nintendo advertising the latter on social media on a regular basis, where hopefully this will lead to the complete soundtrack soon. And I expect Metroid Prime 2: Echoes to become another Nintendo Switch Online double release of both the game and its music.

Nintendo Switch 2: Potential Game Upgrades with Content

Nintendo has released a free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, which not only upgrades the game for the Nintendo Switch 2, but also adds some new features, like a playable Dixie Kong and the new Turbo Attack mode. The nice thing is that these additions are found on the original Nintendo Switch as well. During the first wave of free Switch game updates back in June there hasn't been anything like this, where the closest thing was the new Echo favorite functionality in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

If there were any new contents or big new features, it was usually tied to a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition", which costs some extra money. In case of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, however, the Switch 2 Edition takes a backseat to the big 3.0 update, which brings a lot of new things on the table, even to players who are still on the Nintendo Switch.

This is a welcome shift and makes you think about what other games could see a similar treatment: upgrade them for the new hardware while offering something new to enjoy on both generations. So, here are some ideas where I would like to see this happen...

 

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

It's a no-brainer. They could add the Turbo Attack mode to bring it on the same page as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, but they should try to make it more fun... Forever Entertainment may even be working on this as we speak, because they clearly took Dixie out of Tropical Freeze, which means that they have been touching the sequel.

 

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

If Koei Tecmo were to update one of the older Hyrule Warriors games, then Age of Calamity should have priority, because it really needs this for the performance alone. A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game got already discussed on this blog last year, so let's keep this brief. But there is certainly some potential for some smaller content additions to both versions of the game, like Zelda's Royal Attire outfit or re-obtaining any special weapons. Or they could make things a bit more interesting by adding Astor as a playable character.

 

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

As already mentioned, this should get in line after Age of Calamity. Nevertheless, it would be nice to see this updated to 4K as well. The game already supports full HD resolution on the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode by accident, which is interesting.

Compared to its successors the game feels quite outdated, however, where it's questionable that Koei Tecmo would bother with adding new contents. But if they did, this would be the perfect opportunity to finally fill that 30th character slot after 10 years. Of course, adding a new character isn't as "trivial" as in the newer games, because they should get missions in Adventure Mode for all their upgrades.

One idea could be Zelda & Tri from Echoes of Wisdom, where you also get a small, new Adventure Map based on the game with rifts and different Echoes as Item Cards. This could be lovely and maybe also a nice gesture for the 40th Anniversary. But this is a very unlikely scenario, especially when people are still asking for a playable Ganondorf in Age of Imprisonment... And they should rather focus on that.

 

Metroid Prime Remastered

This should bring it to the same level as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, supporting the same visual modes and Joy-Con mouse controls. But this is also the perfect opportunity to finally bring back the Fusion Suit, which hasn't been available in the remaster for some reason...

 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

They should just do the exact same thing as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and finally add Dixie Kong as a playable character. Well, Sora was a good final character and new characters would also require them to make more amiibo, but apparently Nintendo will be going wild with amiibo this year anyway.

And the recent developments have pushed the doors wide open for some new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate contents. Masahiro Sakurai and his team at Bandai Namco have only just released Kirby Air Riders. So, even if the man was willing to make another Smash Bros. in his lifetime, it would take years for this new game to be finished. And like with Animal Crossing, it makes sense to offer something in the meantime, where a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the previous title is in order.

For such a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition they could introduce a new game mode, which is more hardware-hungry and therefore wouldn't have been possible on the Switch. Maybe something akin to Smash Run from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, but bigger. After all, it was based on City Trial, which was a big deal in Air Riders. But that's just an example...

In any case, additions like fighters and stages should be done for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions, so they stay compatible in online play. I wouldn't expect anything major from this, like a whole third Fighters Pass, simply because the big additions will be saved for the next Smash Bros. game. But they could give us some free additions of characters in established franchises, which may even include new Echo Fighters (Hilda from A Link Between Worlds would be lovely).

Actually, Echo Fighters might be the way to go here, because they would allow for some easy additions, while technically keeping Sora as the last numbered fighter. They could even make Dixie Kong happen as an echo of Diddy. And maybe they will bring back some of the missing stages, like Woolly World (in celebration of Yoshi in the Super Mario Galaxy Movie):

They would be filling some gaps, while creating player retention during the launch of a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. It's the exact same strategy as with Animal Crossing: New Horizons and makes perfect sense for this year.

Metroid Prime 4 Timeline Placement

In an interview with Famitsu, Nintendo (presumably Kensuke Tanabe) reveals some details about the development of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, where they also answer when the game actually takes place in relation to the rest of the series. It's set between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion.

Well, you could make an educated guess already thanks to the given year, 20X9 on the cosmic calendar. As a reference, Zero Mission takes place in 20X5 and Federation Force in 20X6. Super Metroid apparently is set in 20X7, but this has to be taken with a grain of salt, because that information only came from Japanese advertisements. It lines up with what Nintendo is saying here, though.

And I'm not fully on board with this yet. They made a big deal out of how in Super Metroid the "last Metroid is in captivity", before the events of Metroid Fusion revealed that the Galactic Federation has a secret Metroid cloning program. Well, that twist got preempted by Other M eventually and the upcoming Metroid Prime titles may simply dive deeper into this topic, where Sylux has been getting his steady supply of Metroids from all those secret Galactic Federation labs doing the same illegal thing...

But in order for Samus herself to become the last Metroid in Metroid Dread, some cleanup needs to happen beforehand. You can't have cloned Metroids all over the galaxy.

Then there is also the topic of Samus's gunship. She seems to have two (or even three) different ones and is swapping them between missions. But where is she keeping the spares? And she was in need of a new gunship in Metroid Fusion, after she had crashed her ship from Super Metroid / Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, meaning that the one from Corruption and Beyond has to be destroyed eventually as well...

Source: NintendoEverything 

My Take on Metroid Prime 5

According to Nintendo, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was the beginning of a new tale after the Phazon saga from the original Metroid Prime Trilogy, where they may have already plans to continue this tale sooner than later. So, let's explore the possibilities. Spoilers for the game's ending right ahead!

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Review)

Teased 18 years ago, announced eight years ago, and its development rebooted six years ago... Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has a very long development history and now has finally become a reality on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. But was it worth the wait? Does it hold up to the reputation of the original Metroid Prime Trilogy? And how how does Sylux fare as a villain? If you have followed my logbook, then you will already have a good idea, but here is the condensed version.

Metroid Prime 4 Logbook, Entry 6

It's not a true Metroid Prime game if there isn't something to collect before you can face the final boss. Not that it matters much when you're going for 100% anyway... In any case, there is a lot of sand to see, before heading into the mostly disappointing finale. Endgame spoilers incoming, so read at your own risk!

Scans: 100%
Items: 100%

Metroid Prime 4 Logbook, Entry 5

Did somebody say Phazon Mines? No? Well, great... There was one last major area to explore with one last Teleporter Key to obtain, before the game is heading into the big finale. And it all feels like a very intentional throwback to the original Metroid Prime with this particular setting...

Scans: 93%
Items: 67%

Metroid Prime 4 Logbook, Entry 4

Jungle, ice, lava... Metroid Prime 4: Beyond certainly doesn't cover itself with originality when it comes to environmental themes. Maybe they should have called this game "New Metroid Prime"? Anyway, let's see what the Magmoor Pyrosphere, errhhh... the Flare Pool has in store. With some desert driving in between.

Scans: 81%
Items: 51%

Metroid Prime 4 Logbook, Entry 3

Let's talk about the coolest part of the game so far, the Ice Belt. In old Metroid Prime fashion you'll find a sleeping laboratory there, but it leads to a different revelation...

Scans: 67%
Items: 27%

Metroid Prime 4 Logbook, Entry 2

The next area you get to explore is the Volt Forge, which is mainly a mass production facility for the game's other big gimmick: the motor bike. So, I've proceeded with that part and did some first cruising through the desert of Sol Valley afterwards.

Scans: 44%
Items: 16%

Metroid Prime 4 Logbook, Entry 1

Ah, well... let's just do this. I'm 90 minutes into the game, where I have played through both the intro sequence and the first area, which covers the demo and the previews. So, these are some very early impressions.

Scans: 30%
Items: 9%

Got Metroid Prime 4: Behind

A little late to the party... That's what you get when you pre-order from Nintendo directly. So far I've been an advocate of the My Nintendo Store, despite paying full prices, because you usually get a number of nice goodies, mint quality, and the game on time. However, they hate the idea of you getting the game a day early, so they always keep the deliveries very close to their chest. A little too close. And during the Christmas season, in the week after Black Friday no less, this backfired. My package was stuck in some delivery limbo, where nothing happened for 48 hours...

But I blame Nintendo here. They sent it too late without the necessary priority labels / fast shipping. So, I honestly can't recommend their shop any longer if you want to be playing on launch day. And yes, I could have just gone to some store and pick the game up there, but I wanted the additional goodies and this would have created some unnecessary back and forth. And after the mixed previews and reviews my excitement wasn't the greatest either, so I was able to wait two more days after having waited 18 years.

It only sucked that I had taken one day of vacation... But luckily I was able to move some hours around to have more time to play on Monday. I just hope they won't ever release a new Zelda game in December again, because I won't be as patient in that case.

Anyway, the My Nintendo Store sold the so called "Power Set" of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It came with a big mouse pad, 61x35 cm, and a set of nine holographic cards. You also get a small key chain in a litte pouch with the game's logo on it, but that's the purchase bonus item that comes with any physical version of the game.

In addition, there are three amiibo: Samus, Samus on Vi-O-La, and Sylux. For some reason, the first two already were released alongside Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment a month ago, on November 6th, but I haven't touched them until today. At least they were delivered on time.

And they look really nice. Well, I personally find the normal Samus to be somewhat redundant, since we already got a very good looking version of that suit with Metroid: Samus Returns, but there is some extra detail with the purple psyschic power stuff and it has a different pose.

Their functionalities inside the game seem to be either useless or questionable, which is a problem with main Metroid games, it seems. Federation Force did it actually best with the paint jobs...

Now, I'm off to finally play the game. I'm not entirely sure if I want to do detailed blogging about my impressions and progress, now that I have effectively lost two days of potential play time, but let's see how I feel after the first couple of hours. It will be a shame if I don't, but in that case a late review will have to suffice.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ~ Overview Trailer

In less than three weeks Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will hit the shelves and that feels unreal, also because Nintendo hasn't been talking much about the game... at all. But this has changed today, where they've released a seven minute long overview trailer, explaining the game to dummies. Did you know that Samus could jump?! Woah...!

But it also introduces the main areas of the game, which probably won't win any awards for originality, with both their naming and their environmental designs:

• Fury Green
• Volt Forge 
• Ice Belt
• Flare Pool 

It is very reminiscent of the areas you had in Metroid Prime, but also in Metroid Prime: Federation Force with the jungle, ice and fire themes. Volt Forge probably is the most novel out of the four, but you could still compare it to Talvania.

All of these areas are connected via the "Sol Valley", which is the huge, open desert. This is where you will primarily use your bike, Vi-O-La, confirming that this is essentially a more interactive replacement of the classic elevators. But I like how the main areas are all visually highlighted in the horizon, e.g. you get a giant tree for where the Fury Green lies, so you can always tell where your destination is.

But we've seen all this already, so the biggest reveal in the trailer is that Samus won't be alone: she will have the company of some Federation Troopers... yaaayyy... There are Makenzie, Duke, Armstrong, Tokabi, and others, who are also stranded on Viewros and who will assist Samus on various occasions.

Every good Metroid fan will have flashbacks to Other M with this one, but as long as they don't forbid you to use your suit upgrades, it will be fine. Though, it seems they do like to talk... a lot. To be fair, some of it looks really cool. But if you're the type of Metroid fan, where isolation is key to your experience, then this game will probably disappoint you, especially if you already disliked the Federation troopers in Prime 3.

Producer Kensuke Tanabe is a huge fan of the Galactic Federation for some reason, which brought us the infamous Federation Force, and he had already said many years ago that he wanted to explore more of it with this game, especially with Sylux as the antagonist, who hates the Federation. But this has some potential... Maybe the Federation soldiers will all get hunted down by Samus's "archrival" to let this new villain shine. I mean, the way how they all talk about seeing their families again, you already know that they won't see their families again... For the drama!!

Also, we get to see the new beam system in action, even though it's not explained in the trailer. But there seem to be Plasma, Ice and Shock Beams, all elements corresponding to the different areas on Viewros. The difference to the first Metroid Prime here is that they get swapped alongside Missiles and use up ammunition, much like the beams in Echoes.

Curiously, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn't seem to be compatible with a Switch 1. They explicitly stated that you should purchase the game edition that matches your system, but as far as I know the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom still work on an old Nintendo Switch – they will simply lack the upgrade features. So, you effectively get the Switch game on the cartridge and the upgrade pack, but this seems to be different here for some reason.

Or maybe Nintendo is just saying that, because they still want to sell some copies of the Nintendo Switch version. But it could be a good thing that I have a Nintendo Switch 2 by now, because I have preordered the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition in good faith that I could play it on my Switch at first and then use it on a Switch 2 later...

Nintendo Music: Metroid II - Return of Samus Added

After Zelda II now comes Metroid II. And there isn't really much to say here. While I have a soft spot for the game, there is only one catchy tune here to listen to: the SR388 Main Theme. Most of the rest is just atmospheric noise.

The soundtrack of the remake was much better on that regard and I'm hoping they won't wait years before they add this one. Same with Metroid Dread. And now that Metroid Prime 4 is coming in less than two months, you would expect the soundtracks for Echoes and Corruption, maybe even Hunters. But maybe they are going to tie this to the corresponding Nintendo Switch Online releases, starting with Metroid Prime 2... Maybe next month?

But what needs to be added first and foremost is Super Metroid. I can't believe that this isn't part of the library yet...