Mainline Metroid games are few and far between, and the franchise has an iffy history with spin-offs. While Metroid Prime proved Samus Aran's bounty hunting works in a first-person shooter, spawning its own subseries, there are many other reviled attempts to tell stories across this universe. Metroid: Other M is largely known because it butchered Samus' characterization for many, and Metroid Prime: Federation Force came out at a bad time for those anxious to see games starring Samus.
However, now that Metroid Dread has released to critical and financial success, appeasing fans who wanted a traditional 2D Metroid game, there's room for Nintendo to strike while the iron is hot. Metroid Dread is considered the end of the overarching narrative started with 1986's Metroid on NES, and the series will be moving onto new things from here. Spin-offs could set the universe up for whatever threat Samus tackles next, but they could also go back and flesh out key moments from the saga. The downfall of the Chozo is one thing that could be fun to see in more detail without necessarily affecting Samus.
A Brief History of Metroid's Chozo
The Chozo, a highly intelligent species of humanoid avians, have been part of the series since it begun - though their role has become more fleshed out over time. Chozo history goes back well before any moment recorded in Metroid games, with the originally warlike race conquering planets and setting up colonies using advanced technology. However, Chozo became peaceful, instead focusing on the benevolent spread of technology and wisdom.
One defining part of Chozo history is that the race adopted Samus Aran after her parents were killed by Space Pirates. Metroid Dread reveals key members of the Chozo infused Samus with their blood to boost her abilities, which were then further enhanced using technology like her Power Suit. This tech is what allows the bounty hunter to collect new upgrades throughout her adventures on planets previously colonized by the Chozo, such as Zebes, Tallon 4, and ZDR.
The titular Metroid are an artificial species created by the Chozo, designed for the sole purpose of preying upon the shapeshifting X-Parasite. Most of the Chozo died off, likely in-part thanks to the X-Parasite and the Metroid evolving out of control. Mother Brain, chief antagonist of the NES original and Super Metroid, is also an artificial intelligence created by the Chozo that becomes the head of the Space Pirates and intends to use the Metroid as bioweapons.
Metroid Dread Could Shape a Chozo Spin-Off
MercurySteam's Metroid: Samus Returns, a remake of Metroid 2 on Game Boy, delves deeper into Chozo lore via the "Chozo Memories;" artwork players unlock as they complete the game under certain requirements. These memories detail the creation of the Metroid and introduce Raven Beak and Quiet Robe - Chozo from the Mawkin and Thoha tribes, respectively. Together with the "Chozo Archives" that serve a similar purpose in Dread, players can learn the backstory of the Mawkin's desire to become a warring galactic power again, even going so far as to slaughter the Thoha.
Metroid games arguably work best when they dole out information slowly, letting players discover things for themselves. This same philosophy also benefits games like Dark Souls that have deep lore available for those who care to dig for it. Metroid Dread is probably the most narrative and lore-heavy game in the franchise, with Raven Beak tying Samus' adventures together as ultimately ruining his plans for galactic domination.
Still, the era of Chozo prosperity and its inevitable splintering would undoubtedly make for an interesting spin-off game. Now that the whole narrative is out there, fans could experience those events for themselves if they wish to get a more in-depth understanding of characters like Raven Beak (not unlike the selling point for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity). If such a game releases soon it likely wouldn't catch as much flak as Federation Force, which was announced years into a Metroid hiatus.
This also bodes well for a potential Metroid game that stands out by tackling different genres. Players could still control a Chozo with technology like arm cannons to emulate a traditional Metroid experience, but the political intrigue lends itself to something like a tactical RPG. It could even be some kind of management simulator, with players having to build the Chozo toward technological advancements like the Metroid. As Nintendo has given the reins to both MercurySteam and Retro Studios, there's plenty of possibilities for a fun new take on Metroid coming from another team.
