MainlineMetroidgames are few and far between, and the franchise has an iffy history with spin-offs. WhileMetroid Primeproved Samus Aran’s bounty hunting works in a first-person shooter, spawning its own subseries, there are many other reviled attempts to tell stories across this universe.Metroid: Other Mis largely known because it butchered Samus' characterization for many, andMetroid Prime: Federation Forcecame out at a bad time for those anxious to see games starring Samus.
However, now thatMetroid Dreadhas released to critical and financial success, appeasing fans who wanted a traditional 2DMetroidgame, there’s room for Nintendo to strike while the iron is hot.Metroid Dreadis considered the end of the overarching narrativestarted with 1986’sMetroidon NES, and the series will be moving onto new things from here. Spin-offs could set the universe up for whatever threat Samus tackles next, but they could also go back and flesh out key moments from the saga. The downfall of the Chozo is one thing that could be fun to see in more detail without necessarily affecting Samus.
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A Brief History of Metroid’s Chozo
The Chozo, a highly intelligent species of humanoid avians, have been part of the series since it begun - though their role has become more fleshed out over time. Chozo history goes back well before any moment recorded inMetroidgames, with the originally warlike race conquering planets and setting up colonies using advanced technology. However, Chozo became peaceful, instead focusing on the benevolent spread of technology and wisdom.
One defining part of Chozo history is that the race adopted Samus Aran after her parents were killed by Space Pirates.Metroid Dreadreveals key members of the Chozo infused Samus with their blood to boost her abilities, which were then further enhanced using technology like herPower Suit. This tech is what allows the bounty hunter to collect new upgrades throughout her adventures on planets previously colonized by the Chozo, such as Zebes, Tallon 4, and ZDR.
The titular Metroid are an artificial species created by the Chozo, designed for the sole purpose of preying upon the shapeshifting X-Parasite. Most of the Chozo died off, likely in-part thanks to the X-Parasite and the Metroid evolving out of control.Mother Brain, chief antagonist of the NES original andSuper Metroid, is also an artificial intelligence created by the Chozo that becomes the head of the Space Pirates and intends to use the Metroid as bioweapons.
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MercurySteam’sMetroid: Samus Returns, a remake ofMetroid 2on Game Boy, delves deeper into Chozo lore via the “Chozo Memories;” artwork players unlock as they complete the game under certain requirements. These memories detail the creation of the Metroid and introduce Raven Beak and Quiet Robe -Chozo from the Mawkin and Thoha tribes, respectively. Together with the “Chozo Archives” that serve a similar purpose inDread, players can learn the backstory of the Mawkin’s desire to become a warring galactic power again, even going so far as to slaughter the Thoha.
Metroidgames arguably work best when they dole out information slowly, letting players discover things for themselves. This same philosophy also benefits games likeDark Soulsthat have deep loreavailable for those who care to dig for it.Metroid Dreadis probably the most narrative and lore-heavy game in the franchise, with Raven Beak tying Samus' adventures together as ultimately ruining his plans for galactic domination.
Still, the era of Chozo prosperity and its inevitable splintering would undoubtedly make for an interesting spin-off game. Now that the whole narrative is out there, fans could experience those events for themselves if they wish to get a more in-depth understanding of characters like Raven Beak (not unlike the selling point forHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity). If such a game releases soon it likely wouldn’t catch as much flak asFederation Force, which was announced years into aMetroidhiatus.
This also bodes well for a potentialMetroidgame that stands out by tackling different genres. Players could still control a Chozo with technology like arm cannons to emulate a traditionalMetroidexperience, but the political intrigue lends itself to something like a tactical RPG. It could even be some kind of management simulator, with players having to build the Chozo toward technological advancements like the Metroid. As Nintendo has given the reins to bothMercurySteamand Retro Studios, there’s plenty of possibilities for a fun new take onMetroidcoming from another team.
