Nintendo already had made millions of Metroid fans ecstatic Tuesday morning during their E3 2017 Nintendo Direct presentation, with their announcement that the long begged for Metroid Prime 4 was in development. However that wasn’t the only trick they had up their sleeve.

About half an hour later, during the start of their annual Nintendo Treehouse E3 broadcast, Nintendo dropped a bombshell: Metroid: Samus Returns for Nintendo 3DS!

Metroid: Samus returns is a full on remake of the classic Game Boy title, Metroid II: Return of Samus, which was originally released for Nintendo’s black and white handheld in 1991.

This new re-imagining is a complete overhaul, mixing stunning 3D graphics within a classic 2D design. While most of the action sticks to the classic 2D view of the original, the use of 3D polygons allows the camera the freedom to swoop in for dramatic views during crucial moments. This was highlighted numerous times during the lengthy 45 minute demonstration that took place immediately following the announcement on the Nintendo Treehouse stream.

Add this to the list of things I have to throw money at in 2017.

New gameplay elements are being added into Metroid: Samus Returns by Nintendo and their development partners at MercurySteam.

Samus can find new abilities called Aeions that go beyond normal technological suit upgrades. These new powers have their own energy source that will need to be maintained by Samus and will grant numerous powers, such as a limited ability to see undiscovered parts of the map. But the best addition has to be Samus’ new parry move, which provides a life-saving defensive/offensive option against attacking foes.

Quality of life improvements have also been considered. The dual screen nature of the Nintendo 3DS allows the essential Metroid map to be constantly displayed on the bottom screen. (Thank goodness!) You can even look at different parts of the map and tag areas that you can’t quite get to yet, but want to remember to return to once you get the necessary gear. In a nod to Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition, teleportation pods are scattered

You want these

around the map which allow you to instantly travel back to previously visited areas.

Metroid: Samus Returns will of course feature Amiibo functionality, with new Amiibo releases such as a Metroid Amiibo (that is squishy) and a new Samus will accompany the game’s release.

We’ll also get a special edition of the game that will include a soundtrack with 25 selections from across the Metroid series.

There was a ton of information detailed throughout the Nintendo Treehouse demo, so be sure to check out some portions so you can see the game in action for yourself.

Metroid: Samus Returns will arrive on the Nintendo 3DS on Spetember 15th, 2017.

We don’t even have to ask if you’re excited about Metroid: Samus Returns. Just tell us in the comments section below.

Be sure to check out the rest of NerdBacon’s E3 2017 coverage right here!

Written by The Watchman

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