With the release of Metroid Prime on the Nintendo Switch I thought it would be fun to take a look at the origins of the series.
Nintendo released Metroid, an action-adventure video game in 1986. It is regarded as one of the most influential games of all time, with its innovative gameplay and storyline inspiring many other games in the same genre. Here are ten fascinating facts about the original Metroid on NES.
1. Ridley Scott’s Alien Inspired the Game
Metroid’s creator, Gunpei Yokoi, drew inspiration from Ridley Scott’s 1979 film Alien. The game’s setting and protagonist are reminiscent of the movie. The game’s final boss, the titular Metroid, is also similar to the xenomorph from Alien.
2. Metroid Wasn’t Popular at First
Despite receiving critical acclaim, Metroid was not commercially successful initially. The game’s non-linear exploration and backtracking were confusing to players, and the absence of a map made navigation difficult. However, the game’s reputation grew over time, and it eventually became a cult classic.
3. Samus Aran’s Gender was a Surprise Twist
Metroid’s hero, Samus Aran, was revealed to be a woman in a surprise twist ending. The game never explicitly states Samus’s gender, and players assumed that the character was male due to the bulky armor she wears. The revelation that Samus was a woman was a groundbreaking moment for the gaming industry, which had previously been dominated by male protagonists.
4. The Game Had Multiple Endings
Metroid featured multiple endings depending on how quickly the player completed the game. The faster the player beat the game, the better the ending they received. This feature was unique at the time and encouraged players to replay the game to try and achieve a better ending.
5. The Game’s Music is Iconic
Hirokazu Tanaka composed Metroid’s soundtrack, which is widely regarded as one of the best video game soundtracks of all time. The game’s theme song, also called “Metroid,” has been remixed and reinterpreted by countless artists over the years.
6. The Game Revolutionized Game Saves
Metroid’s password system allowed players to save their progress and continue the game at a later time. Most games at the time required players to complete the game in one sitting, but the password system allowed players to share their progress with others, which contributed to the game’s popularity.
7. The Game’s Development Was Challenging
Metroid’s development was a challenging process. The game was initially planned for the Famicom Disk System, but due to technical issues, it was changed to a cartridge-based game. This caused significant delays and forced the developers to compress the game’s data to fit it on a smaller cartridge.
8. The Bosses Were Named After Musicians
Metroid’s bosses were named after famous musicians, such as Kraid (after Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads), Ridley (after Alien director Ridley Scott), and Mother Brain (after Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down”). This was a nod to the game’s emphasis on music and its memorable soundtrack.
9. The Game was Inspired by Donkey Kong
Metroid was heavily influenced by another classic Nintendo game, Donkey Kong. Metroid’s design took inspiration from the original Donkey Kong game, which featured multiple levels and required players to navigate a maze-like structure. Metroid took this design and added exploration and backtracking elements to create a more immersive experience.
10. The Game Had a Secret Message
Metroid’s instruction manual contained a secret message that players could only access using the Nintendo Entertainment System’s second controller. By pressing a combination of buttons on the second controller, players could reveal a hidden message from the game’s developers, thanking them for playing and encouraging them to try and beat the game.
Metroid is a classic video game that has left a lasting impact on the industry. Its innovative gameplay, unique features, and memorable soundtrack have made it a beloved title for gamers of all ages. As the series continues to evolve and grow, it’s important to look back at the game that started it all and appreciate the creativity and dedication that went into its development.
