The Metroid franchise is turning 35 in 2021. The series isn't in the spotlight the same way that Mario or Zelda titles have been recently, but Metroid deserves a celebration all the same. Nintendo released the first Metroid title in August 1986. The series follows bounty hunter Samus Aran and her space-bound adventures protecting the galaxy from hostile aliens. Despite a noticeable gap in time since the last new title, here's why Nintendo has to celebrate Metroid's anniversary next year.
Why Is Metroid Important?
Metroid isn't just another side-scrolling platformer; it's one of the mavericks that helped define the genre. Metroid's influence on the industry is apparent when inspecting some of the titles that would follow. Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Hollow Knight and Dead Cells are just a few of the games that have taken pages out of Metroid's playbook. In fact, alongside its contemporary Castlevania, it's half responsible for spawning the Metroidvania genre.
Samus Aran herself is also a massive part of Metroid's importance. Samus was one of the first female protagonists in video games, often seen as a significant breakthrough in representation. She's persisted in a male-dominated industry and has even inspired a loyal following for three-and-a-half decades. Samus Aran is worthy of celebration alone for her part in paving the way for leading ladies in the future.
Celebrate Like You're 35
After seeing Nintendo go all out for Super Mario Bros.'s 35th anniversary, it inspires hope that there will be similar celebrations for it gaming giant's other beloved franchises. During the Super Mario Bros. celebration, Nintendo released new titles, hosted crossover events and offered special merchandise to commemorate the occasion. Mario is arguably Nintendo's biggest franchise, so other celebrations may not be as extensive. But even if the spotlight is smaller, Metroid deserves something to mark the special occasion.
There are quite a few things Nintendo could do to commemorate Metroid's 35th anniversary. At the top of the list, news about Metroid Prime 4 would excite eager fans who have been waiting since the title was announced at E3 2017. The last time we heard about the game was in 2019 when Nintendo announced work on Metroid Prime 4 would start over from scratch with the original developers, Retro Studios, taking the reins.
Much like this year's Super Mario 3D All-Stars, an optimized collection of previous Metroid titles or a port of the Metroid Prime Trilogy to Switch would be welcome. This would mark the first Metroid game for the console aside from Super Metroid available through the SNES app for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Aside from actual titles, Nintendo could also highlight Metroid through some of their other games. Super Mario fans have had and will continue to have themed events across popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Some cool space-themed furniture in Animal Crossing would be awesome, and the same can be said for any themed content that could make its way into Smash Ultimate, Splatoon 2 or Mario Kart titles.
Nintendo shouldn't let Metroid's 35th anniversary pass by without an adequate celebration. The Switch is in dire need of some Metroid content, and it's been over a decade since a core title has been released. With the series' 35th anniversary around the corner, 2021 is the perfect time to reacquaint players with Samus Aran.