NWR writes: "Retro Studios had a lot on their plate going into development for their third and final game in the Metroid Prime trilogy: new hardware to master, new motion controls to wrap their heads around, the conclusion of a story involving Phazon and Dark Samus, and new ideas that didn't fit into Echoes or Prime. The lengthier development time certainly spoke to these challenges: Nintendo originally pushed for a two-year cycle, the time between Prime and Echoes, but Retro wanted to make the Wii hardware sing. The motion controls proved more difficult to work out than originally anticipated. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was pushed back several times, first from November 2006 to April 2007, then again to August 2007. The game would not see a European release until October, and Japan had to wait until March 2008."
"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 recent release of Dread, it's time to look back on the history of Metroid and rank the best — and the worst.
Best (for me) would be the first Metroid Prime. It was simply amazing the first time i played it. so deep and challenging while also turning the series completely into something that felt new and fresh.
Worst (for me) is most likely Other M. I can appreciate what they were trying to go for but it just felt flat and played out.
Looking at the rest of the list, I never played Federation Force but i have played the rest. Pinball is still one of my favorites to play now and then.
Retro Studios wanted to have Samus explore a non-linear environment in her ship…
Y'know...after reading this...I kinda wish there was a way for Retro to release Hunters on Wii, too.
That's when you know you're being greedy -- three AAA titles for $50, and I'm asking for more.