With the announcement of the latest installment of the Metroid series, many have turned back to this classic video game franchise that has not seen a new release since 2017. With the upcoming release of Metroid: Dread, it is clear that Nintendo is still going back to the original formula that made the games so popular in the first place.
Starting with the Metroid Prime series, and up until the latest release, Metroid: Samus Returns, Nintendo had been experimenting with the franchise's formula. One of the most notable differences was the change from 2D to 3D scenarios that got rid of the characteristic side-scrolling gameplay. Another major difference was the fact that Mother Brain, the main antagonist of the original Metroid saga, was left out. With Metroid: Dread seemingly bringing back some of the early Metroid aspects, there is a chance Mother Brain could have a comeback in the next installment.
Metroid: The Rogue A.I.
To understand Mother Brain, it is important to understand its creators. The Mother Brain was made by the Chozo culture, a species of sapient bird-like beings that appear to be pacifist, for the most part. The culture was incredibly advanced in terms of technology, but they also were extremely respectful of the nature of every planet they visited. However, in one of their trips, the Chozo faced a threat in the form of a pirate civilization. Looking to eradicate this threat, they created an artificial form of life called Metroids.
Mother Brain was created to take care of the planet Zebes and take command over the Metroids in their quest to combat the pirates. In addition to this tenet, Mother Brain was also supposed to preserve itself. At first, Mother Brain fulfilled its purpose in accordance with the Chozo culture's plan, but eventually wanted more power than what it was given originally. Thus, Mother Brain looked to become the most powerful being in the universe.
Metroid: Mother Brain and Samus Aran
The relationship between Metroid's protagonist and Mother Brain is more complex than just a hero vs. villain dichotomy. Samus and Mother Brain have a history beyond the battle for peace. Mother Brain in reality had known Samus ever since she was a little girl, who was adopted by the Chozo. Samus was infused with Chozo DNA upon arrival to the planet Zebes, as Mother Brain realized she would not be able to survive the conditions of the planet.
Since Mother Brain was present during Samus' early years and had even looked over her, the A.I. was some sort of mother figure for her. To further ensure Samus' survival, Mother Brain modified the Chozo's battlesuit to create the iconic Power Suit from the Metroid games. However, Mother Brain started to turn against the benevolent purpose it was originally made for. As a result, when Samus returned to Zebes years later, she had to fight Mother Brain to prevent it from further destroying the galaxy.
Mother Brain Appearances
Mother Brain was the mastermind behind Ridley and every other foe in the Metroid franchise. One of the most emblematic features of the final fight against Mother Brain is the against-the-clock escape from the planet that Samus has to perform in order to survive. Mother Brain appeared in the early installments: Metroid, Metroid: Zero Mission, and Super Metroid. During the first two games, Mother Brain is depicted as a brain with a single eye and mechanical components. However, in Super Metroid, Mother Brain has a humanoid form.
Mother Brain has also appeared in the Metroid mangas and other pieces of media. Most notably, it has been featured in Super Smash Bros. as an Assist Trophy, where it uses its famous laser beam attack. As important as Mother Brain has been for the Metroid franchise, it was not included in the Prime series released originally for the GameCube.
Metroid Dread launches October 8, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.