Nintendo “doing a lot of thinking as to why” Metroid: Other M underperformed

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Set to be a Wii blockbuster for September, Metroid series reboot ‘Other M’ was met with a largely positive reaction from critics and fans of the series, yet has still failed to have the impact in sales that Nintendo were expecting. The reasons as to why, however, are continually perplexing to Nintendo of America CEO and President Reggie Fils-Aime.

“We believe that it could be, should be a million unit title,” Fils-Aime commented to Kotaku. “We’re not going to get there, not through the holiday. And we are doing a lot of thinking as to why. Because it’s a great game. The consumer reaction because of the quality has been strong. We’re doing a lot of thinking about why we didn’t get there. I think the marketing was strong, advertising was very good, the social media we did was very positive.”

Yet despite such strength, the title is only “getting close to half a million” copies sold across North America. It isn’t necessarily a bad figure, but no where near predicted sales figures for the reboot of the Metroid series. So, what went wrong? Fils-Aime refuses to criticise or single out issues, yet he is award of the feedback from fans.

“First off, [I have] nothing but the greatest respect for the development team,” Fils-Aime explained. “Mr. Sakamoto [co-creator of Metroid] did a wonderful job. His partnership with us in promoting the game was stellar. Team Ninja [is] absolutely fabulous. I’m not going to sit here and criticize a style of the game, but have I read the same feedback that said, broadly, that the portrayal of Samus felt different than how the player in the past had internalized the character? I’ve heard and read the same feedback. Do I think it’s warranted or not? I’m not quite sure yet… I don’t yet believe that that is the driving factor to the performance of the game.”

In regards to whether the Metroid series has a continuing future, Fils-Aime stated “I certainly hope so. I’m a passionate fan of Samus and the Metroid series.”

However, it remains to be seen as to how Nintendo can aim to stimulate more series for the long-standing franchise. What are your thoughts?

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  1. Why not be successful?
    Despite being a good game it does not really followed the Nintendo tradition of
    revolutionize.

    When Metroid Prime was a big revolution with amazing graphics
    and also gameplay. Other M in my opinion was a step backwards,
    beyond the fact of not bringing extra benefits such as multiplayer or online things.
    To be honest i found the game boring and returned to play the old metroid
    Prime.

  2. Yes it was a huge stepback, teaming up team ninja was a big mistake, I know your thinking u would blame it. Even if you made a good job still people who know her since back the 8bits era still gonna hate the *new* Samus even if it is prequel of Fusion. If i would make next proyect of metroid it have focus with storyline + gameplay + 2d HD graphics sidescroll where Fusion left off or make the ambient like Super Metroid.

  3. WHAT??? WHAT??? ARE YOU GUYS INSANE??? THE GAME WAS COOL,FUN,AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT A GAME THAT NINTENDO AND TEAM NINJA WORKED SO HARD ON??? My true complaint of it is restoring energy,it is more of a risk standing still gaining life then dodging and shooting for your survival. Nothing else wrong. Come on dudes, Metroid: Other M IS a good game. You listen to Falcon Zero from the Metroid Recon website or the Metroid Database website owners. They know how to treat a new Metroid game.

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