Multiple former Retro Studios developers have shared their hopes for Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 4 in a series of short interviews posted to YouTube, giving some insight into what players could expect from the long-delayed sequel. Acclaimed Metroid Prime developer Retro Studios has remained tight-lipped about the next outing in the franchise ever since taking the reins on development in 2019.
Founded in 1998 to develop games for the new Nintendo GameCube, Retro Studios has become beloved among many Nintendo fans for its revitalizing work on the Donkey Kong and Metroid franchises. Although the Texas developer has worked on several games for Nintendo, it is most well-known for its Metroid Prime franchise which saw bounty hunter Samus Aran jump from her side-scrolling roots into the world of first-person shooters. The franchise went dormant after 2009’s Wii-exclusive Metroid Prime Trilogy until E3 2017, when Metroid Prime 4 was announced for the Nintendo Switch.
In a series of short interviews posted to the YouTube channel Kiwi Talkz, which specializes in interviews about Metroid Prime and Retro Studios, several former Retro developers shared their hopes for the highly anticipated sequel. Commenting on the core gameplay of the title, Metroid Prime Trilogy lead technical engineer Jack Mathews remarks that “I almost hope they don’t go for Metroid: Breath of the Wild,” stating his preference for detailed interior levels with dense geometry. Regarding the game’s multiple development delays, Mathews shares his belief that Metroid Prime 4 will be worth the wait due to Nintendo’s focus on releasing titles only when they’re truly ready.
Speaking about potential storylines for Metroid Prime 4, former Retro Studios senior producer Bryan Walker expressed hope that the game would reveal more about the ominous Galactic Federation that governs much of the Metroid universe. Echoing sentiments espoused by Jack Mathews earlier in the video, Metroid Prime Trilogy senior designer Mike Wikan appears briefly to share his belief that Retro Studios will do a great job with Metroid Prime 4 because “they understand what a Metroid game is.” Closing out the video are comments on potential audio design from Metroid Prime 1 and 2 audio lead Clark Wen. Referencing the work of composer Hildur Gudnadottir on HBO’s Chernobyl, Wen comments that he’d like to see a soundscape that blends the style of original Metroid composer Hirokazu Tanaka with ambient world noise.
While it remains to be seen when gamers will once again be able to don Samus’ helmet to take on alien foes in Metroid Prime 4, these insights from the developers that brought the franchise to life in the first place should make fans optimistic about the series’ future. With the existence of the rumored Metroid Prime remaster looking more unlikely by the day, these optimistic interviews could help hold gamers over while they wait for Metroid Prime 4.
Metroid Prime 4 is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch.
