On August 6th, 2016, the fan-made remake of Nintendo’s Metroid 2, was released for the PC. This was a project that has been in development for a number of years, a project that gave hope to thousands of Metroid fans. Especially more so after the release that was “Metroid: Other M“, from Nintendo and Team Ninja.
Having played the game for a solid hour or so, I have to say that this remake is faithful to the Metroid 2, that was released on the Nintendo Gameboy, all those years ago. So you would think that August 6th, 2016, was a great day? Well, not exactly.
You see, when you take on a project that involves the use of another company’s IP and without their permission, things tend to get ugly. We’ve seen this countless times, with multiple companies. In fact, it was mildly surprising that Nintendo simply had not put a stop to the Metroid 2 Remake, years go. However, they definitely are stepping in now. Metroid fan site, Metroid Database, as reported that Nintendo has hit them with a DMCA takedown notice. They were helping distribute the Metroid 2 Remake game as a mirror, to help with traffic. Previously they were listed over at http://metroid2remake.blogspot.com as of last night. So that means that request to remove came overnight or early this morning. Either way, they’ve complied with Nintendo’s request and removed the file.
So that means that request to remove came overnight or early this morning. Either way, they’ve complied with Nintendo’s request and removed the file.
Friends: Nintendo has hit us (meaning, our website host) with a DMCA takedown notice. We can no longer host the AM2R file. Sorry!
— Metroid Database (@MetroidDatabase) August 7, 2016
The official Metroid 2 Remake website is still up and serving the file as of today, though seeing that Nintendo is on the move, I don’t know for how long. If you haven’t downloaded the game yet, you may want to do so before that site gets shut down. If the past closures of previous fan-made remakes are any indication, this may be the next step.
It’s a damned shame actually. This team did what many fans of the Metroid series have been asking for years and put out a Metroid title worth a damn. Meanwhile, Nintendo continues to ignore and let the once great IP gem sit and rot, for no apparent release. Hopefully, this doesn’t spell the end for the team behind the remake. Maybe in a bizarre twist, Nintendo could bring the team aboard so we can get an official release, maybe even see it on the 3DS, Wii U or even NX.
Here’s to wishful hoping!
