Nintendo has announced today that Metroid Prime: Federation Force, their latest entry to the rather infrequently updated series Metroid, hits shelves this year on August 19th, 2016 for North America and September 2nd, 2016 for European regions. Additionally, it was delayed from a June release in Japan to August 25. A Nintendo 3DS exclusive, this marks the first entry to the Metroid series in six years after 2010's Metroid: Other M, which received generally mixed reception upon release.
The reason for the staggered release in Europe is currently unknown, however fans who have been long-awaiting Federation Force may be disappointed regardless on account of Nintendo's assurances of a 'Spring 2016' release in North America as well as a 'Summer 2016' release in Europe as late as March this year. This may spell further backlash against Nintendo for this addition to the series, given the already troubled reception of Federation Force prior to release.
It is no secret that after 6 years without a new Metroid title, Nintendo's announcement that they were developing an entry to the series that would not feature the titular heroine Samus Aran was an unwelcome one to existing fans of the series. At current, a change.org petition calling for the outright cancellation of the game - calling the title "disrespectful" and a "disgrace" - stands at over 23,000 signatures, with the game's E3 2015 trailer having garnered over 86,000 dislikes on YouTube.
Lastly, if you are in Boston this weekend you can try out Metroid Prime: Federation Force at PAX East at the Nintendo Boothe where they will have it available for demo purposes.
Quick Take
Nintendo has been trying to soothe the general public's reaction to Federation Force ever since the game's initial announcement at last year's Nintendo World Championships, however this recent news may spell doom for Federation Force's commercial viability. While Nintendo appears to be attempting to attract a new audience with the departure of the series' primary protagonist, the delay of Federation Force to considerably later than expected alongside the staggered release in Europe indicates that Nintendo may be bracing themselves for poor sales, as well as general abandonment from Metroid's long-time fans.
Are you interested in Metroid Prime: Federation Force? What would they have to show changed to make you interested in this spinoff? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
