Metroid Prime 2 Remake Urged to Revive “Forgotten” Four-Player FPS Multiplayer

The possibility of a remake for the GameCube classic, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, has ignited discussions within the Gaming Industry and across the fan community, with series producer Kensuke Tanabe spotlighting a key, often-overlooked feature: its four-player splitscreen multiplayer. In a recent retrospective of the Prime trilogy, Tanabe expressed his fervent hope that if Echoes is given the modern remake treatment, a vastly greater audience will get to experience the multiplayer mode that Retro Studios “finished… without compromising on quality” despite challenging development conditions.

The Underrated Multiplayer of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

While the first Metroid Prime delivered a paradigm shift in First-Person Adventure design, its 2004 sequel, Echoes, took a bold step by introducing a four-player local deathmatch mode. This addition, while well-crafted, was overshadowed by the game’s challenging single-player campaign and the increasing demand for online multiplayer gaming that the local-only format of the GameCube could not meet.

Tanabe’s comments, published in the new book, Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective, serve as a powerful endorsement of the developers’ efforts:

“Retro finished the multiplayer mode without compromising on quality even under such challenging conditions. Being of its time, it was designed for local play, so the number of players who actually experienced it might not have been very large. If it is remade, I’d be delighted for more people to have the chance to experience it.”

The producer’s statement not only validates the quality of the original work but also acts as a compelling call to action for Nintendo. The monumental success of 2023’s Metroid Prime Remastered has clearly set the stage, creating significant fan demand for the entire trilogy to be updated with modern control schemes and high-definition visuals, leveraging the latest in console gaming technology.

What a Prime 2 Remake Must Deliver

For a potential remake to fully honor Tanabe’s wishes, the splitscreen multiplayer mode would need a comprehensive overhaul, moving beyond its original local-only limitations. The core mechanics—a unique blend of Metroid abilities like the Morph Ball Cannons, Grapple Beam, and various power beams in arena combat—already exist. However, a modern re-release would require substantial investment in a robust online gaming platform.

• The Core Upgrade: Online Play: The most critical enhancement would be the introduction of smooth, dedicated online multiplayer. This is the key to unlocking the mode for the masses who missed the original due to its dependence on local splitscreen gatherings.
• Modern Controls and Performance: The remake would naturally adopt the acclaimed control options introduced in Metroid Prime Remastered, including the dual-stick and motion control schemes, ensuring the fast-paced FPS combat feels responsive and contemporary.
• New Content and Progression: To sustain engagement in the competitive video game market, a potential Echoes remake could integrate new multiplayer features:
  • Ranked Play: Introduction of competitive leaderboards and seasonal ranking systems.
  • Expanded Customization: Enhanced customization options for Samus’s various suits and beams.
  • New Maps and Modes: Additional maps and game types beyond the original Deathmatch and Treasure Hunt modes.

The Economic and Strategic Rationale

Nintendo is currently building significant momentum leading up to the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Releasing remasters of Echoes and its sequel, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, would be an astute marketing strategy to bridge the gap and onboard new players who may have been introduced to the series through Prime Remastered or Metroid Dread.

The multiplayer aspect, if successfully modernized, offers a crucial advantage: it can significantly increase the game’s replay value and community engagement, transforming a single-player adventure into a lasting entertainment software hub. The challenge for Retro Studios and Nintendo will be to maintain the perfect balance that the Prime series is known for—prioritizing the breathtaking single-player experience while simultaneously delivering a polished, modern, and engaging multiplayer suite, thereby maximizing the total lifetime value (TLV) of the Metroid IP.

Tanabe’s comments underscore a genuine belief in the quality of the forgotten multiplayer design. A Metroid Prime 2 remake now has a clear, non-negotiable objective: to finally give the world the chance to see what a high-quality, Metroid-styled arena shooter can truly be.

Multiplayer Mode: Key Features of the Original GameCube Classic:

• Format: 4-player local splitscreen.
• Game Modes: Deathmatch and a treasure hunt-style mode.
• Unique Mechanics: Utilization of Morph Ball Cannons, various Beams (Light, Dark, Annihilator), and power-ups like the Death Ball for competitive combat.
• Maps: Included arenas like Sidehopper Station, Spider Complex, and Crossfire Chaos.

The industry is now waiting to see if Nintendo will greenlight the full-scale project that producer Tanabe believes is necessary to fully realize this premium gaming experience.

Source: Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective (October 2025).

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