- Primary Subject: Metroid / Kirby and the World Beyond
- Key Update: An editorial opinion argues that Nintendo should have given the open-world game treatment to Metroid rather than Kirby to help revitalize the franchise.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 20, 2026
- Quick Answer: While Kirby is receiving an open-world game with Kirby and the World Beyond, critics argue that Metroid was far more deserving of the genre shift to revitalize its lore and gameplay.
During the September Nintendo Direct, fans were treated to the announcement of Kirby and the World Beyond. The adorable little pink hero is set to go on a new adventure, but this time, in a way he has never done before. The upcoming game looks to be a fully open-world experience, and I can say that many grew excited over the news.
It is great that Kirby is finally getting gameplay that works well with the concept of going around different planets and befriending or overcoming their inhabitants. However, I think another series is more deserving of the shift in genre, one that needs it much more: Metroid.
As someone who has been a fan of Samus and her adventures, I am slightly devastated that the opportunity to go open-world was given to Kirby instead. One very good reason is that there wasn't a need for that to happen.
The recent Kirby games, which were Kirby Air Riders and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, were moderate to great successes. They essentially helped ensure that people won't forget about the cute little pink boy anytime soon, and have established that he's someone that fans can always count on to deliver a great experience.
Metroid, on the other hand, has kind of done the opposite. For years, people waited for Metroid Prime 4, a title people expected to give the series the jolt of life it needed. Metroid Dread somewhat helped do that, but there was the potential for more. The game released, and instead of excitement and elation, many experienced disappointment.
Metroid Prime 4 was rife with problems, from the bland bike section to the annoying escort missions, leaving many to look at the series with disdain or indifference after their playthroughs. So, between Kirby and Metroid, it's clear that the latter could have used a shift in genre, given that it needs a way to recover the damage it inflicted upon itself.
Also, the previously mentioned bike sections gave us a small taste of what an open-world Metroid game could be, albeit bland and with little substance. Still, the idea was there, and if it were fleshed out properly, then there's no doubt that it could result in something very interesting.
Another reason Metroid deserves the open-world shift over Kirby is that there's a lot more potential for interesting content. Not saying Kirby won't be able to deliver any, given how over-the-top it can get, but Metroid has a story-driven element that would make for a much richer open world.
Throughout the main series, Samus' ultimate goal has been the extermination of the threat known as the titular Metroid species. Even after their eradication, she still possesses a relationship with them, as seen in her ability to absorb creatures in Metroid Ravenous. Because of her encounter with the parasite, the space bounty hunter was forced to endure many hardships, but those difficulties also brought a lot of good.
Samus' journey involved many different planets, each distinct and environmentally beautiful. Also, they all come with their own creatures that we can learn about, study, and take down. Her running around the galaxy also helped us learn bout how she was raised by the Chozo, a powerful bird-like alien race whose DNA she was infused with to survive the harsh elements, which has greatly helped her.
Then there's her tumultuous relationship with the Federation, an intergalactic governing body that she relies on in her fight to exterminate the Metroids, but who also wants to use the parasite for its own nefarious deeds. Then there are the Space Pirates, an alien terrorist organization that Samus seemingly wiped out, but whose tenacity could mean they're still at large and biding their time.
Because of all those different elements in the story, it creates a consistent story with a mystery that makes a person ask many questions. Who in the Federation is trying to use the Metroids? Are there still Metroids out there? What if the Space Pirates come back?
They are what attracts people into the lore and makes it richer, but there's no denying that answering them would do even more good for the fans and the series. They could always do it with more 2D games, but a vast open world could do the job much better.
The large environments that come with the genre can be used to flesh out the story and lore further, as they can be filled with set pieces, NPCs, and anything else that can do it. Also, the freedom of exploration helps immerse players in the galactic journey better than the 2D style, as they can discover new pieces of information wherever and whenever, much like Samus would if she were left to her own devices.
Again, giving Kirby the chance to go open-world is no doubt a wonderful move, but Nintendo should have given it to Metroid instead. Aside from helping it bounce back, the shift in genre would have given the series a chance to become a part of the mainstream and breathe new life into it, which can mean more games, and that's always a good thing for fans.
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