Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, a sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime, marked its 20th anniversary recently. Released initially for the GameCube on November 15, 2004, this game introduced a multiplayer component that was somewhat of a novelty for the series. Recently, developers Jack Mathews and Zoid Kirsch shared some intriguing behind-the-scenes details in an interview with Kiwi Talkz about the development of this beloved game. During the discussion, it was revealed that the multiplayer aspect of Metroid Prime 2 nearly featured a very interesting twist: playable Space Pirates.
Space Pirates are a staple antagonist in the Metroid series, known for their repeated confrontations with the protagonist, Samus Aran. The idea of making them playable in the multiplayer mode was considered because their similar physical build to Samus lent itself well to the first-person mechanics of the game. This would have been a unique addition, potentially diversifying gameplay by incorporating a different set of abilities and perspectives.
According to Mathews, the developers toyed with various concepts for the Space Pirates, including some unique abilities that would distinguish them from Samus. For instance, they prototyped ideas such as allowing the Space Pirates to cling to walls, enhancing their mobility and offering new strategies for players. This feature would involve locking onto a specific point on a wall and leaping towards it, thus opening new navigational possibilities within the multiplayer arenas.
However, despite the potential, the development of playable Space Pirates didn't progress very far. Mathews and Kirsch pointed out that the team had not developed any first-person arm cannons or other specific features needed to fully integrate Space Pirates into the game. As development progressed, the idea was ultimately set aside. The final version of Metroid Prime 2's multiplayer mode only included different color variations of Samus's Varia Suit instead of featuring completely distinct characters like the Space Pirates.
This abandoned concept is a glimpse into the often complex and changing dynamics of game development, where numerous ideas are proposed and explored, yet only a few make it to the final product. These decisions are influenced by various factors including time constraints, resource allocation, gameplay balance, and the overall vision for the game.
Below is a clip from the interview where the developers discuss the concept of Space Pirates in multiplayer:
