With Metroid Prime 3: Corruption raking in the cash for Nintendo and Retro Studios in North America (and with the PAL and Japanese launch of the Nintendo Wii title still to launch), thoughts are already being directed towards the future for the Metroid series and its protagonist, Samus. A recent Nintendo of Europe VIP Lounge interview with a number of Retro Studios’ staff offered up little titbits of what may be able to expect in the future.

The staff involved in the chat were:

- Kensuke Tanabe (producer, SPD3),
- Risa Tabata (assistant producer, SPD3)
- Michael Kelbaugh (President and CEO Retro Studios)
- Mark Pacini (Game Director)
- Bryan Walker (Senior Producer Retro Studios)

Much of the interview is concerned with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption’s development, but going on to talk about other topics, the team was asked about Samus’ role in Super Smash Bros. Brawl:

NoE: Samus has a busy time ahead – appearing again in Super Smash Bros. Brawl next year. Can you reveal if she will be able to use Phazon in Brawl, and if there is any chance of Dark Samus making an appearance in that game?

Bryan Walker: “All of us here at Retro are very excited about playing Samus in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We really don’t know what Sakurai-san and his team have in mind for our favourite Bounty Hunter, but there’s no doubt in our minds that he’ll have some surprises.”

Kensuke Tanabe: “Unfortunately, I did not talk with Mr. Sakurai about Metroid Prime 3 at all. If Samus in Super Smash Bros. Brawl uses Hypermode, I will be surprised in various ways.”

On the Metroid series specifically, the question was posed as to where the series will head in the post-Prime era. The Retro staff alluded to expanding the Metroid universe, taking inspiration from the likes of the Nintendo DS’ Metroid Prime: Hunters and Metroid Prime Pinball.

NoE: Getting back to the Metroid series, what does the future hold? Do you have any plans for where to take the series next or are you just looking forward to a well-deserved rest?

BW: “While Retro Studios won’t be working on a Metroid-related project in the near future, it’s a safe bet that Samus is a long way from retiring! Who knows what the future holds?”

KT: “Retro staff want to challenge a new project next time. I think it’s natural for them because they have been making this series about 10 years. But I am still interested in the expansion of the Metroid Prime world. I am now formulating plans for the next projects, which could take a new approach - like Metroid Prime Hunters on DS and games with a different flavour like Metroid Prime Pinball. I’m sorry that I cannot give you the details at this point in time, but please look forward to it! And, I partially have a wish for life to slow down a little, but will be busy for the time being because we need to work on the Japanese version of Metroid Prime 3, and there are lots of projects other than this series ongoing. But, I think this brings us a sense of fulfilment as well.”

With the Prime trilogy done and dusted, which directions would you like to see the franchise head in?