As the conclusion to a trilogy would suggest, the Metroid Prime series seems to be over, and Retro Studios confirmed to Yahoo! Games they're moving onto something new:
"We are taking a break from Metroid series and from Samus," said Metroid Prime 3 Game Director Mark Pacini. "I'm sure there will be other [Metroid] titles created, [but] as far as the Retro Studios is concerned, we're taking a break for a little bit."
"If you're not directly working on the game, go away" - former Retro world artist, Nate Purkeypile
Then there is Microsoft's approach which is just to piss in the wind and 95% of their stuff turns out bad. Developers might like that personally but you'll be out of a job quicker than you know it through badly shipped products.
First party Nintendo titles are held to a specific standard for a reason. It could be argued that both Sony and MS could benefit from doing the same, but you are right with MS nonchalant approach and "it scored well internally" and then putting out something like Redfall. Even Halo, MS' flagship series, wasn't overseen with the fine tooth comb to ensure it was top notch quality.
Nintendo first party games are very rarely duds, let alone non functional ones. You don't get that without a little (or a lot) of micromanaging. Is it annoying? No doubt. Their track record speaks for itself though and you can't deny that.
I think there is good evidence for both sides of that argument, really.
Japan Studio didn't have much oversight and that studio produced pure magic. Financially, it wasn't a cash cow studio, but I sense that anyone who played their games really felt the care and passion for their creation at work. Media Molecule is another one. I personally feel that Sony and Microsoft micromanagement tends to be overly negative. It might work for Nintendo because they're big on making a fun and engaging game first and entice people that way.
Sony as of late and Microsoft for at least two generations now, when they get into the micromanagement, it seems like a profoundly anxious experience.
i dunno if i agree with that.
i think some leeway is necessary to achieve atleast some sort of spectacle.
With the Wiimote as your Arm Cannon, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a motion control revolution.
From Xfire: "Is Super Metroid still as super as it once was in 1994? If not, which Metroid game is better than the influential title?"
I look forward to the day any game beats that Super, Metroid or not.
Hollow Knight come damn near close to knocking Super Metroid from the top of my list, that’s a huge achievement for such a small team.
The problem for me is I’ve been waiting for a 2D Metroid that beats Super but I don’t think I’ll ever see that day. I still play the original 1-2 times a year and a few randomiser plays.
Fully agree with the list and all points it makes for each game. I’m expecting Dread to fit in the middle of that list but I’m happy to be wrong about that.
It's hard to imagine having to say "goodbye" to the Metroid Prime saga, but it's also very exciting to know that Retro Studios will be working on something original! With all the innovation they brought to Metroid, just imagine what they could do to other ancient franchises or brand new ones!
i hope retro will make some other games with their artistic style ....they are really good :)
I'm gonna miss them, and the Prime series. What a great job they did. At least they left on a good note.
We need a little time off from a franchise to really love it. I saw someone list all the real Mario games, and we average one every 2 years! Don't think that's not a reason for its popularity for 20 years.
It's good Metriod is getting a little break. We'll love it more when it comes back.
after doing 3 games I would want to do a break as well, it wouldn't surprise me if Retro's next game isn't even a FPS