Development ofMetroid Prime 4was restarted atRetro Studiosback in January, and fans will likely have to wait quite a bit longer before getting to play this highly-anticipated game. However, players may be happy to hear that development is indeed moving forward, as Retro Studios has hired an artist who previously worked on several games in theHaloseries.
An article byVideo Games Chroniclereveals that Kyle Hefley is now working at Retro Studios as the lead character artist onMetroid Prime 4. Hefley spent nine years at 343 Industries, where he created the character models for the soldiers and aliens inHalo 4,Halo 5: Guardians, andHalo Infinite, the forthcomingHalogame that has been confirmed as anXbox Project Scarlett launch title. Hefley also worked onCall of Duty: Black Ops, one of the best selling games in history, and action-adventure game Sleeping Dogs.
RELATED:Super Smash Bros Ultimate Adds Chrom, Dark Samus as Echo Fighters
The hiring of Hefley is a huge win for Retro Studios and theMetroid Prime 4development team. While manyHalo 5: Guardiansreviews were harsh, with some heavily criticizing its story, it was frequently said that the game and its character designs looked brilliant. Certainly, manyMetroidplayers will be excited to see if Hefley is able to achieve this same level of success with his work onMetroid Prime 4.
To note, the last update that Nintendo gave about the game came in January with the announcement thatMetroid Prime 4had been delayed. In April, job listings revealed thatRetro Studios was hiring for several major positions, such as art director and physics engineer. With the understanding that Hefley has recently joined the team, it is possible that these positions are just now being filled, which may suggest that it could be a while before fans get to see or hear more from the game.
However, there are several other major Nintendo Switch exclusives releasing in the next year to keep fans occupied. In early 2020, for example,Animal Crossing: New Horizonswill be releasedon the console, andBayonetta 3is in development as well. Furthermore, the Switch already has a strong lineup of titles that can be played for hours, such asMario Kart 8 Deluxe,Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, andThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and while none of these games are quiteMetroid Prime 4, they aren’t terrible ways to spend some time.
Metroid Prime 4is in development for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:The 10 Best Games On The Nintendo Switch As Of 2019 (According To Metacritic)
