Metroid 2 fan remake goes underground following Nintendo’s shutdown

AM2R: Another Metroid 2 Remake will remain in development, its creator said, despite Nintendo’s copyright claim on the project. Although Metroid fans can no longer download the enhanced, unofficial revamp of the Game Boy classic, developer DoctorM64 is committed to working on the project for the foreseeable future.

In a post on the AM2R blog, DoctorM64 reflected on the events of the past 72 hours, which saw the free Windows PC game’s release after years in development, only for the celebration to be cut short by a legal notice from Nintendo. Although the company never sent him a cease-and-desist letter, he said, the game would no longer be available for download.

"I’ll continue improving and fixing AM2R privately," DoctorM64 wrote.

That likely means he won’t be distributing it to Metroid fans who eagerly awaited the reworked version of Metroid 2: The Return of Samus for more than four years. The developer said he’ll continue to update the game, however, although he didn’t specify how players will be able to obtain it. A Linux version was also said to be in the works.

"Show them that 2D adventure platformers are still a thing people want."

Although some will come away disappointed by the public end of AM2R, the game’s creator doesn’t see the years he’s spent working on the game as wasted, despite it no longer being up for download.

"I'm making a living as a professional programmer thanks to what I learned developing a fan game," he said. "Technically speaking, I'm satisfied."

He spoke to fans’ warm reception and continued dedication over the years as an achievement as well.

"The forums started to come alive with fans making feature suggestions, and always being positive and optimistic about the project," DoctorM64 wrote of the game’s dedicated community. "I added new contents, trying to be respectful about the established lore. Demo after demo people liked the game. Then the game was out, and for a brief time, players enjoyed the game they were expecting for a long time."

Most of all, he asked that those who were into the game and continue to celebrate it not to hold Nintendo’s actions against the company. Sending a copyright claim is just par for the course, he explained, and within its legal rights. What Metroid lovers should instead do is use this instance as a way to raise awareness of the dearth of 2D sidescrolling adventure games like the classic Metroid titles.

"Instead of sending hate mail, get the original [Metroid 2] from the eShop," he wrote. "Show them that 2D adventure platformers are still a thing people want."