Just Finished Up Metroid Dread. Absolutely Loved This Game. Raven Beak’s Boss Fight Was Extremely Fun

Maytroid 2024 is here!

I am so excited to get to work on these new prompts. Last year, my entries for each day were fairly sloppy, and I was new to the series, so I was lacking a fair bit of information. Now, I’m armed with more knowledge and am eager to use it.

For those who haven’t seen what I did for Maytroid last year, what I’m going to be doing instead of art is something more writing focused. These little text entries are mostly styled after the scans from the Metroid Prime series. Matter of fact, this new set of prompts actually lends itself much better than last year’s, as I have a lot more leeway to play to my own strengths than last year (I still don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with Gorea). These are all canon to my own Metroid AU currently, though as things change in development, these may become out of date. They will give the vibe my stories are going for, but these shouldn’t be held to as the absolute canon for them. I’ll be posting these week by week, around 7 at a time, starting today.

Day 1: Ridley

Transcript of Security Footage

Several individuals in this footage cannot be identified at this time. They shall be identified as Pirate 1, Pirate 2, and Pirate Major.

Ridley: What I want to know… is why he is not in custody.

Pirate Major: I gave them their orders, they knew he was to be brought in alive, and instead they killed him.

Pirate 1: You told us to take care of him! We thought you meant an execution, not milk and cookies!

Pirate Major: Insolent Wretch! You say such things about your orders in front of our Commander?! You know how we handle that sort of insubordination!

Pirate 2: Cool it, we’re already in hot water.

Pirate 1: We’re in hot water because of the life of some winy little nobody that begged for his life with money he didn’t even have.

Ridley: While your insolence is… aggravating… I am willing to forgive this misstep.

Pirate Major: What?

Ridley: He was an insignificant pawn. We can always find another. As I was saying, I am willing to forgive this on one condition. Did he die in pain?

Pirate 2: Yes. He did suffer before he died.

Ridley: What methods or torture did you employ?

Pirate 1: Waterboarding. Works wonders on humans. I always liked how they sound when they cough and gasp for air.

Ridley:Mmmmm… was blood shed before his end?

Pirate 2: Yeah. My partner here has… quite the way with knives.

Ridley: Do tell.

Pirate 1: Slashed his wrists. Those arteries gush lots of blood from humans. And we started pulling teeth when he lied.

Ridley: Delicious. You have escaped capital punishment, but you will still be serving as guards for the Metroid containment units. For further forgiveness, you will need to be more creative with your implements. I find Revine’s death, by your account, to be quite dull. Your are dismissed, unless you wish to enlighten me further.

Day 2: Fiery

Scan of Pipe System in Norfair

“These pipes appear be delivering superheated magma into the Norfair region. Given the proximity to Ridley’s personal quarters, likely explanations include terraforming the area for Ridley’s own comfortability, additional protective measures, or the intentional destruction of Chozo artifacts not deemed useful. The latter is most likely, as the immediate area was once a Chozo burial tomb. It is now completely submerged in magma, disintegrating much of the artifacts within.”

Day 3: Winged

Scan of SA-X Mutations

“This X-Parasite copy has suffered some form of destabilization of its copying abilities. Abnormalities include a malformed, beak like structure around the mouth, several atrophied fingers, several hypertrophied fingers, small patches of feathers, and an extraneous structure protruding from its back resembling a Chozo wing bereft of feathers. These unusual deformities could be the result of DNA infusions during childhood complicating the process of anatomical replication within X-Parasite offspring. This individual seems to suffer great stress from its predicament, but it is unsafe to assume that its combat functionality is greatly hampered. Adaptation is this species’s main trait.”

Day 4: Pirate

Scan of Space Pirate Elite

“Subject is a member of an unknown species known only from individuals working within Ridley’s special operations group, The Revenants. This group acts as Ridley’s personal enforcers and assassins, fanatically worshipping their commander as a literal God of Death. They wield melee weapons personalized to their unique fighting styles. Each weapon is charged with electricity, giving them an additional ranged attack capability. They have operated since before the Galactic Federation, making a name for themselves in fighting Chozo warriors. Their endurance, agility, and strength cannot be overstated, in spite of their gaunt appearance.”

Day 5: Mecha

Scan of automaton codenamed Mecha Ridley

“Subject is a battle ready drone, seemingly created by Ridley’s fanatical special forces, the Revenants. Mecha Ridley is heavily weaponized, as there could be no altar to the God of Death without the ability to take a life. Weapons include flamethrowers, guided munition launchers, and superheated claws. Mecha Ridley’s armor is highly durable, but greatly hampers mobility compared to its inspiration. Additionally, as a cult idol of worship, advanced artificial intelligence was not prioritized during production. Mecha Ridley displays average combat intellect for a war drone. Recommend staying moving and outsmarting the automaton.”

Day 6: Fang

Scan of Rundas’s Necklace

“Rundas appears to have begun collecting Metroid Fangs as trophies since last he was approached. Assuming one fang was taken from each Metroid he has eliminated, he has defeated 15 Metroids in the two months since he was last seen. Unfortunately, his ego has grown with his kill count.”

Day 7: Cunning

Scan of Abandoned Home

“Old Bird and Grey Voice’s abandoned home has been left mostly in tact, minus the usual signs of neglect. However, there appear to be a plethora of traps lain around the home. Various grapple snares have been detected, alongside explosive charges, beam emitters, and microphones. Much of these systems appear to be inert, and once reported directly to Mother Brain. It is clear she anticipated you might return here before confronting her. Given her destruction, several trap systems remain completely dormant. Still, any approach must be made with great caution.”

Reblogging cuz it was posted as mature content for some inexplicable reason. It’s fixed now though

So… scope creep, huh?

For those of you who may not know, I do have a rewrite of the Metroid Zero Mission manga, as well as most of the games in the series, in the works. However, the manga rewrite in particular deals with some very heavy and intense topics, topics that need time and care to get right. So uh… yeah, I don’t think that’s coming out before Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, save for some massive delay.

However, there is a story in the works that will meet your eyes, and ears, far sooner. This story is based on a premise and the music works of the YouTuber Seregauss. This is the story of his latest album, Metroid Prime: The Great Hunt.

YouTube

Metroid Prime: The Great Hunt

an album for a concept metroid prime hunters sequel

Taking place after the events of Metroid Dread, this story follows up on some of the loose plot threads left by Dread, Fusion, and Other M, and operates as a sequel to Metroid Prime Hunters.

Far from the homeworlds of the lost Alimbic Civilization, the secret technologies of the Alimbics, left buried for millennia, have been reactivated, spurring on a new hunt for long lost power. Samus Aran, now wrestling with her Metroid powers and distrust in the Galactic Federation and Chozo, must put an end to the anomalous rifts running rampant throughout the Collidus Star System. In her journey, Samus will face deadly wildlife, familiar faces, and sinister new foes, all while uncovering secrets new and old.

This is a story I am very hyped to be working on. Seregauss has a lot of my favorite Metroid covers, and The Great Hunt might be some of his best work yet. In addition, I am privy to some inside information as to artwork and designs which will be implemented into this story. I will be posting some of my own artwork soon, including some artwork of a redesign of the Space Pirate Bounty Hunter, Weavel. Stay tuned, and happy hunting!

Me realizing my promise to release my Metroid fanfic “Before Metroid Prime 4 releases” now has an actual deadline.

The Flying Pirates are hardcore

So these Space Pirates in particular are hardcore as fuck. The scans state directly that they have a well known habit of diving into any target once their luck has run out to take the enemy out with them. This kamikaze strategy is not just an occasional occurrence, but standard practice. Furthermore, on Tallon IV, these Pirates can be found in multiple biomes in the game, from the dangerous heat of magmoor caverns to the freezing cold of Phendrana Drifts. They can be encountered in Tallon Overworld, which is to be expected. The underwater variant of them can be found in the sunken frigate Orpheon which doesn’t take a huge leap in environment, just some retooled thrusters and an air tank for breathing. However, their environmental adaptability starts to get put on show in their first proper introduction in Phendrana Drifts. Phendrana is a snow covered wasteland, with almost no flora to speak of. It is a harsh and unforgiving environment covered in snow and ice, and these guys don’t layer up for the weather. Still, given that the Space Pirate labs have buildups of sitting snow, you might assume that Space Pirates just enjoy the colder temperatures. But these guys also show up in MAGMOOR CAVERNS. Samus requires the Varia Suit to step foot in those areas without cooking alive, and the Flying Pirates are in there without any heat protection whatsoever. I think they may be extremophiles.

I have a (baseless) hunch as to why that may be. MercurySteam, the studio behind it, and subsequently Dread, first pitched Sakamoto on a remake of Metroid Fusion. Sakamoto turned the concept down, as he thought that Fusion needed no improvements at that age. Instead, he proposed that a remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus would be more needed. Thus Metroid: Samus Returns was made. I am not too knowledgeable in game design so this may be fairly baseless, but I suspect that part of the initial pitch involved concepts and ideas for a Neo Ridley boss fight. If that were the case, it stands to reason that they may have attempted to utilize the work that they were proud of and Sakamoto liked in the game they ended up actually making. So they gave him a couple of cybernetics, sent him after the last Metroid, and called it a day. It would make the third phase of his boss theme, which has the tempo of Neo Ridley’s theme, a fun callback. Once again, I could be just way out there and overstepping.

what a weird way to end an otherwise great game. that ridley fight was there for no reason and makes super really weird, the metroid baby gets kidnapped by the guy samus killed like 20 minutes ago. samus returns is a really good game apart from that.

Maytroid… sort of… part 5!

Now, we come to the end of my little Maytroid series. If you want to understand what’s going on with these, I’d recommend glancing at the previous posts in this little series in order to understand what’s going on with this. In hindsight, I sort of wish I had put a little more time and effort into these, but I suppose it cannot be helped now. I do still enjoy the world building these have allowed me to do, and in many case have laid out the groundwork for some very interesting storytelling going forward, from the cult like worship of Phaaze, to the mysteries of SR-388. I hope to flesh these things out in future stories, but something I’ve learned from some prior experiences is to hold myself to a standard of passion over consistency. I can’t give any promises on when any of these story arcs will be properly written and posted. For now, though, onto the finale of his little series.

Day 27: Golden Torizo

Zebes Rebuilt Archive Scan

“The process to control the Torizo guardians has been a long and arduous process, with much trial and error. The Torizo are sentient, containing the souls of long deceased warriors of the Chozo. Many of my archives on Chozo spiritual studies have been lost due to the destruction of the initial archive made by my creators, so I am unable to ascertain the exact process of imbuing the soul into one of these guardian statues. Current efforts to convert the Torizo to our side have centered around continuous logic routines and straining the mental faculties of the guardians. Their on control over themselves is absolute, and they will never make a move to harm a member of the Thoha Hasana. This has had no hope of change. However, this should not pose an issue.

Ridley has personally taken one of the Torizo to convert by way of immense emotional trauma. He has regularly destroyed artifacts of great spiritual significance to the Chozo in front of the Torizo. Once a week, he has commissioned for me to create a biologically perfect Chozo egg, which he proceeds to consume in front of the Torizo. The fact that the egg is infertile has not been acknowledged. Other acts to emotionally torment the Torizo include footage of violence against animals and civilians during his raids on Galactic Federation Space and during recreational hunts, and playing footage of the massacre of the Chozo during his attack on Zebes. Such methods have shown only minor success in breaking the Torizo’s will. However, I believe he simply seeking personal pleasure from the guardian’s suffering.”

Day 28: Metroid Prime

Promise to the Entrusted One

“We have failed. While the great poison has been sealed away at its source, our population is all but dead. Only seven of us remain. We cannot hope to finish this, nor rebuild the society we once knew. Our creations are insufficient to end this. We are scientists, not the great warriors who fell to protect our world. Still, we toil, in hopes that you, the entrusted one that greatest of us foresaw, can succeed where we have not. We gift to you the armor perfected for your use, utilizing the one organism the Phazon does not infect. Go forth, hatchling of the Chozo, and save this world. You cannot save us, but this world of beautiful creatures can live on. From the trees to the fish to the very fungus that protects you in this armor, you can save this vast, wonderful world. Go forth, and free this world.”

Day 29: EMMI

Report from GFS Sunset Homage

“EMMI unit S-11 has infiltrated SR-166. Preliminary readings show minimum atmospheric Phazon contamination in general planetary range. However, creatures around the crash site have already undergone Phazon induced transfiguration. Several carcasses within a 45 mile radius of the crash sight have been found with no signs of predation and have shown definitive signs of Phazon Induced Cell Death (PICD). While exacerbating preexisting ailments has not been ruled out, current evidence points to death due solely to PICD. One herbivorous creature seen displaying erratic behavior was euthanized by S-11, and was found to have PICD in several areas of the brain.

It is this researcher’s opinion that the entire north western continent of SR-166 be put under strict quarantine. We have seen in other cases how the Phazon infestation of a planet can begin slowly but escalate exponentially. We cannot risk the Phazon crisis reach the Galactic Federation’s proverbial flank.”

Day 30: Mother Brain

Secret Agreement

“Your purpose will not be to enforce order. You will not bend the Galactic Federation to my will or push politics from the shadows. You are not an agent of peace. You are my monster. You will have your fill of blood and sadism. You will be my agent of evil to sic on those who fall astray from cooperation. You will be nothing more or less than yourself, but only where I choose. This war will last forever, and you will be the wolf for the sheep to fear. You will be the enemy.”

Day 31: Mission Completed

Mission Report

“Mission was successful. Metroid presence on SR-388 has been eradicated. Signal coming from the cavern was created by highly mutated Metroid, which was put down as well. However, I have saved and catalogued data on all Metroid permutations encountered for future reference. Glaxamore presence on the planet was low, but I did face a brief encounter with Ridley. He was beaten, but due to the arrival of the planetary super storm, I cannot confirm the kill. Additionally, I have disobeyed orders slightly. I discovered a Metroid hatchling during its hatching process. It has since imprinted on me, and has shown no signs of aggression. I have taken in the Metroid for study by the Galactic Federation. I already have drafted paperwork to ensure that it will not be tampered with for purposes of bioweapons research, and hope that the energy they metabolize can be used for something positive. Against my better judgement, I have given the hatchling a name. It’s the name of a pet I used to have before the Chozo took me in, Pyonchi… Computer, strike the last two sentences from the record.”

Solomon Aran is Samus’ brother of dubious canonicity who disappeared during the attack on K-2L. He didn’t die unlike everyone else, nor did people assume he just got vaporized. It is said he disappeared.

We all say Samus is trans.

S*lomon is Samus’ dead name obviously and she never bothered to correct the Federation records of the incident, because in a way Solomon DID die on K-2L. And also she’s fine with everyone naturally seeing her as just a woman and nothing else (in terms of gender, in terms of species she’s also part-birb but Samus embraces that bit so it all works out).

SHE!!! IS!!! MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Trans girl N that is all

Transfem dysphoria is like transforming into a Werewolf. You’re bulkier than you want, covered in a fuck ton of hair all over your body, your voice is deeper than you want to hear yourself as, people expect you to care less about kindness in that form, and people might ostracize you if they find out your secret other half but real homies will attempt to help remove that side of you that you dislike.

autism is living by vampire rules. light sensitivity. eating the wrong food makes you want to die. need to be explicitly invited places. weird sleep schedule. eating the same thing every time. specific rituals and routines. burst into flames at the sight of a crucifix. etc.

Maytroid… sort… part 2!

To recap, since I forgot to add the tags when I initially posted the first installment, I’m doing a different sort of twist on Maytroid. As opposed to art for this prompt, I am writing some snippets that might be data than Samus would scan on her various missions. While some of these are subject to change in the process of fully writing the story, these are canon for where the story is at at this current juncture. Without further ado, time for part 2.

Day 6: Queen Metroid

Intel on Planet Designation SR-388

Planet SR-388 appears to have an active Metroid population. However, the circumstances surrounding this population are unusual. SR-388 atmosphere is highly turbulent, and has had an active super-tornado that engulfs large swathes of the planet for the entire seven months that the planet has been catalogued. All life of the planet is largely relegated to the planet’s abundant cave networks, with cross network migration only occurring in the times when weather is conducive to survival on the surface. The Metroid population on SR-388 is localized in a cave network only recently opened up by particularly destructive weather patterns. Life scans in the inside show an estimated 640 Metroid specimens. There is also signs of a much larger creature in this cave network, emitting a frequency that can be detected by our drones within low orbit. The strength of this creature to produce such a powerful frequency must be immense, just as with its durability to live within a Metroid infested habitat. It is believed that SR-388 is the home planet of the Metroids, and that they were brought off world either by the Glaxamore Pirates, or another piratical faction before falling into their hands. Given the pirates’ vested interest in the Metroid species, it has been deemed critical that the infestation be eradicated for the safety of the galaxy and the surrounding ecosystems on the planet.

Day 7: Gorea

Incoming transmission

“Your world seems small. A single oxygen atom in an endless ocean. Your bonds are unbreakable but to those willing to confront you down at the level you exist in, tearing your kin from you personally. I can offer, with the last breath of my existence in this reality something more. Become a ship and sail upon this endless sea. Forge destiny for yourself, bend oceans to your will, find that which you desire most. If you have the strength to overcome, find that which remains of me. Make something of my last gasp, and gain power, The Power. Your technology can lead you to the world where this mission begins.”

Day 8: Nightmare

GFS Chainmail computer scan

We are still unaware of the origins of subject MF-1. While it was found on planet SR-121, MF-1’s cellular structure is carbon based, while the native life on SR-121 is silicon based, meaning this creature is likely not native to the planet. No wreckage of ships, other similar individuals, or signs of civilization were found on SR-121 in subsequent expeditions, leading to the subject being quarantined aboard the GFS Chainmail. MF-1’s body is largely composed metal alloys, with parts being subsequently added from surrounding metal by an unknown process. Further testing is required on understanding the process and extent of this capability. The only known method of preventing this siphoning of metal materials is through exposure to temperatures below -40° Celsius. Until safe and effective testing can be performed, MF-1 is to be kept in stasis chamber C at a temperature of -55° Celsius.

Day 9: Phantoon

Vol Paragom computer scan

Our partnership with Mother Brain is already beginning to bear fruit. Through her own research and experimentation, we have managed to seize a Phantoon creature from the Galaxy’s deep core. Their ability to subsist off of expelled energy from Black Holes and Space Ship power cores alike has long since fascinated us, and to have a specimen of our own to study is a true delight. The currently held subject is dubbed PH-3, and will be undergoing rigorous testing to bring it under our own control. If we can have a sentinel that will drain power from enemy ships while leaving our own untouched, we will have an unbeatable advantage.

Day 10: Kanden

Galactic Federation Report

The individual known as Kanden applied for a Bounty Hunting License in 2503 FF, and raised various concerns from the get-go. Independent fact checkers have found evidence that Kanden was a lab experiment gone wrong. While born an Enoema, he was experimented on by his own government, likely without consent, in order to create a perfect weapon in order for the race to stand completely independent in an increasingly war torn galaxy. However, upon his first field deployment, Kanden was able to cut a swath of destruction through Enoema leadership, leaving the race defenseless and uncoordinated as the Glaxamore pirates descended upon them in a genocidal campaign. These experiences have left Kanden with a variety of psychological disorders. In spite of, or perhaps due to this tragic past, Kanden has since taken multiple jobs for Glaxamore, appearing to not choose sides within the current conflict. However, it has been decided that he is more valuable with the Federation, rather than demonized entirely.

Day 11: Diggernaut

Incomplete Chozo script

“Our harvesting of the planet’s resources has gone well. Due to the secluded nature”-illegible-“to wildlife has been successfully prevented. Our machines have been given the intelligence to and compassion to immediately cease mining if any wildlife will be put in risk by”-illegible- “will be”- illegible-“planet”-illegible-“field has been working to an acceptable extent. Our settlement has been spared the destruction of the storm, but is still occasionally battered by harsh winds that make work and travel impractical.”-illegible

Day 12: Raven Beak

Diary Entry

Dear Diary,

I had another dream about the man with the broken face. Once again, he just stared at me, as judging every aspect of my soul. His beak still hasn’t healed after all of these years, nor has it deteriorated. I know it’s just a nightmare, but it has Old Bird and Gray Voice very shaken up. Gray Voice even put training on hold for a day. That is NOT normal. I wonder if this is simply a thing related to growing up, maybe some sort of hormonal imbalance caused by the gene splicing. That could possibly explain some of it. Though Old Bird has gone to Bright Tallon for hours, which might mean my imbalance is more spiritual. Hopefully, things will return to normal soon, even if I am breaking bones again.