Following the release of Metroid Dread, the Spanish-based developer, Mercury Steam, is fueling anticipation with talks of two new unannounced titles.
Recognized for breathing new life into vintage franchises, Mercury Steam’s present and future pursuits are drawing the keen attention of both critics and fans.
Recent financial reports from Nordisk Games, which holds a minority stake in Mercury Steam, detailed the developer’s involvement in “two large undisclosed titles.” This aligns with previous revelations, back in 2021, that Mercury Steam is collaborating with 505 Games on an action RPG located within a dark and enchanting fantasy universe. This title, which currently operates under the mysterious code name, Project Iron, boasts an impressive initial budget of €27 million (roughly $30.7 million), which could easily balloon based on the current climate.
Spanish developer MercurySteam is currently working on "two large undisclosed titles" according to Nordisk Games financials, which owns a 40% stake in the studio.
Mercury Steam is best known for Castlevania Lords of Shadow and 2021's Metroid Dread.
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Given Mercury Steam’s previous engagements, especially their innovative work with Nintendo, there’s speculation about the nature of the second unannounced game.
Could this be another exciting chapter in the Metroid saga or perhaps a continuation of the Castlevania series? Dread is now the best-selling Metroid game in the franchise’s history, selling over 3 million copies worldwide, and the legacy left behind by Metroid: Samus Returns and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, such expectations don’t seem far-fetched.
As of late, Mercury Steam’s relationship with Nintendo has taken the spotlight. Their partnership on Metroid Dread was described as a “game-changing” experience by MercurySteam co-founder, Enric Álvarez. Furthermore, MercurySteam is specifically named as one of the studios to already have a copy of the prototype of the next Nintendo console.
Beyond sales figures, Metroid Dread left an indelible mark in terms of its narrative depth, particularly the exploration of Samus Aran’s relationship with the Chozo. Critics and fans are equally vocal about their wish for another Metroid installment from Mercury Steam
Even if Mercury Steam isn’t working on a new Metroid games, especially with Metroid Prime 4 reportedly scheduled as a launch title for the new Nintendo platform, it’s a sure-fire that Nintendo has hired them to work on something special. Some are even entertaining the thought of the developer taking the reins of other classic franchises like StarFox, a series that has languished in recent years.
A consistent feature of Mercury Steam’s story is their adeptness in handling legacy franchises. Their games don’t merely ride on nostalgia; they reinvent and rejuvenate them for the contemporary audience. The fact both Samus Returns and Dread have been recognized as stellar entries in the Metroid lineage reinforces the studio’s capabilities.
With a Metacritic score of 88 for Dread, it’s clear the developer’s craft and dedication are resonating with audiences.
The future looks bright for Mercury Steam. As they chart their course forward, be it another Metroid sequel or perhaps an innovative take on Donkey Kong, the excitement for its next project is undeniable. Its track record with iconic titles, coupled with their collaboration with 505 Games on a fantasy title, guarantees that the gaming community will be keeping a close eye on their next steps.
