Metroid Prime Trilogy releasing this August

Do you like buying games you already own, again? Do you like buying GOOD games all over again? If so, Nintendo has got a product for you! Just announced today from Nintendo is the Metroid Prime Trilogy, which will contain both Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, ported from the GameCube with new controls and better graphics; as well as the Wii title, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, which released back in 2007. Yes, three great titles, one disc, for $49.99; though it may be a blow to those who want Wii-controlled GameCube titles, but don't want to re-buy Corruption.

With all games on a single disc, you'll now be able to go back and fourth between titles, despite continuity, much like The Orange Box or Super Mario All-Stars ... or any other compilation title. From the looks of it though, the achievement system from Metroid Prime 3 will be across all games, as you'll now be able earn rewards based on all three titles.

None the less, even if you have to buy Corruption all over again, think of the alternatives. In Japan Metroid Prime has already been released as a stand alone New Play Control title, with Metroid Prime 2 coming soon; that's about $30 each if you compare it to NPC titles released already. With this one disc collection for $49.99, your actually buying all three games for about $16 each, which isn't half bad. Sure, it's no Metroid Dread, but it's still shows Nintendo has some care for this under-appreciated franchise.

Metroid Prime Trilogy is set for release on Wii, August 24th, 2008; exactly two years after the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

Ex-Retro Studios employees start up Armature

So, a few months ago, a few guys from Retro Studios, the guys who brought you the fantastic Metroid Prime series, left the developer and went to start their own studio, which they did, now named Armature.

They just announced that they struck a deal with EA, ewww, and that they will be working on a variety of new IP's for all platforms. The terms of the deal are a bit odd, as they will apparently start work on a variety of different games, but then once established, will hand them off to other developers, while then directing the teams. It's weird, and perhaps unfortunate, that they will have to give up some control over the projects, but only time will tell if this turns out to be a winning formula.

I have to admit at first, that when I heard these members of Retro Studios left, I was more than disappointed, as I wasn't sure how it would effect Retro. I still don't know how Retro will be affected and how their future products will turn out, whatever they may be, but I am very excited to see what Armature can do. If you have played any of the Metroid Prime games, then you will know how amazing the environments and elements are in the game, and those were on the under-performing Gamecube and Wii. With the extra hardware boost and graphical capabilities of the PS3 and Xbox 360, it will be very exciting to see what they can come up with.

Keep your eyes and ears open to see what these guys come out with in the future. You can check out their official website at armature.com.