Metroid Prime 4 & Metroid: Samus Returns Discussion

[Xeogred]

So the XL's just upscale?

Did you play AM2R yet?

[Exhuminator]

So the XL's just upscale?

In 2D mode, the 2DS/3DS top screen resolution is 400x240.

In 3D mode, the 3DS top screen is 800x240, but understand that's not a true increase in detail. The 400->800 increase is due to the stereoscopic doubling effecting of the 3D mode. Which means you've still got an effective resolution of 400x240 as far as your eyes care.

Now, the OG 2DS' top screen is 3.53-inches @ 132 PPI, whereas the 3DS XL top screen is 4.88 inches @ 95 PPI. Thus the XL increase in screen size is accomplished by the XL literally having larger pixels with worse PPI. I can tell you from personal experience the OG 2DS has a nice crisp screen with great detail. I prefer it over my 3DS XL most of the time.

Did you play AM2R yet?

Didn't bother with it yet, but I do have it archived.

[Xeogred]

That is quite tempting. I'm not sure I like the look of the OG 2DS though.

All I will say on AM2R is dismiss the "fan game" stigma if you've ever thought that about it. I'm going to pretend it's an official game in my mind. It will always be part of the Metroid discussion from here on. It's just as good as Fusion and Zero Mission in my book, if not better somehow. Still can't believe how good and authentic it is. I will definitely be replaying that one a lot over the years like the rest.

I'm excited Samus Returns is very different though. A double remake with two different flavors. And I want to let Nintendo know with my wallet we love Metroid.

[Exhuminator]

Despite what Amazon's shipping said, my copy of Samus Returns actually showed up today. Well folks, I know what I'll be doing the next few evenings.

[Sarge]

AM2R was my game of the year last year. It's so good that it's positively mind-boggling that it's a fan game. (There are a few small rough edges, but on the whole it's amazing stuff.)

[Exhuminator]

AM2R was my game of the year last year. It's so good that it's positively mind-boggling that it's a fan game. (There are a few small rough edges, but on the whole it's amazing stuff.)

Does it offer much different than the base scenario design of the original game? New areas, new enemies, new powers, a map system, and such? The screenshots I've seen just make it look like a ROMhack of Zero Mission.

[Sarge]

New powers compared to Metroid II, yes. (But not new in terms of Super Metroid.) New areas, definitely. It adds minibosses, too. And yep, a map system, with log entries as well.

Quite a few of the areas themselves have been edited as well, so it's not just a simple tile-by-tile recreation. I have to believe there was a reason they picked the guy up to work on the second Ori game.

[Tanooki]

Yeah the fact he's a genius at coding, remastering without remaking, strong design decisions that properly honor and not sully the materials, and works magic alone so you could imagine within a group with funding what more could be done.

[Xeogred]

AM2R was my game of the year last year. It's so good that it's positively mind-boggling that it's a fan game. (There are a few small rough edges, but on the whole it's amazing stuff.)

Does it offer much different than the base scenario design of the original game? New areas, new enemies, new powers, a map system, and such? The screenshots I've seen just make it look like a ROMhack of Zero Mission.

Dude look at it this way, do you like how faithful and awesome Zero Mission is? Yet has its own identity. REmake for Resident Evil fits the bill as well. AM2R is the same caliber. I think there is zero chance that Samus Returns will be better than AM2R, and Samus Returns looks amazing.

[Exhuminator]

Now I'm tempted to play them back-to-back to compare and contrast.

(I have beaten the original Game Boy Metroid II for the record.)