Introduction
During the holiday season, we’re revisiting some of the top articles from Nintendo Life writers and contributors as part of our Best of 2024 series. This article, originally published in July, dives into the intriguing tale of Metal Slader Glory.
The Unheard Story of Metal Slader Glory
If you’re not a dedicated Famicom collector, Metal Slader Glory might not ring a bell. Released in 1991 towards the end of the Famicom’s lifespan, a year after the Super Famicom hit the shelves, this game remains largely unknown outside of Japan. Despite its lackluster performance and failure in the market, Metal Slader Glory played a significant role in shaping the enduring relationship between Nintendo and HAL Laboratory, fostering the development of iconic titles like the Super Smash Bros. series and Kirby games exclusively for Nintendo platforms.
The Expensive Obscurity
Satoru Iwata, who later became president of both HAL Laboratory and Nintendo, reminisced about the challenging journey of Metal Slader Glory in a 1999 interview with Used Games magazine. He highlighted the game’s notoriety as one of the most expensive Famicom titles of its time. The development of Metal Slader Glory spanned four years, a significant duration compared to the rapid pace of game creation during that era. Iwata acknowledged the project as a perseverance-filled endeavor, albeit considered a management misstep in retrospect.
HAL Laboratory: The Birthplace of Innovation
Founded in 1980, HAL Laboratory initially ventured into game development for computers like the MSX and Commodore VIC-20. Mitsuhiro Ikeda, the first president of HAL, made way for a young Iwata to join the company after he showcased his passion for computers at a Seibu store. Transitioning to consoles with the advent of the Nintendo Famicom, HAL produced a myriad of successful titles while nurturing talents like Iwata who contributed directly to games like PINBALL, Golf, F1 Race, Balloon Fight, and Joust.
Yoshimiru’s Artistic Innovation
The inception of Metal Slader Glory can be attributed to the exceptional pixel art created by Yoshimiru Hoshi. Working as a freelancer, Yoshimiru’s artistry caught Iwata’s eye, leading to the greenlight of the project. Despite Yoshimiru’s unconventional background in illustration and model-making, he embarked on the monumental task of crafting the art, animation, script, and overall vision of the game, pushing the limits of the Famicom’s visual capabilities.
Technological Hurdles and Creative Solutions
The development process of Metal Slader Glory was rife with challenges, primarily stemming from the Famicom’s constraints in displaying detailed images. Yoshimiru shared insights into the meticulous efforts required to optimize the game’s assets within the Famicom’s limitations, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination to make this ambitious project a reality.
Legacy and Impact
Despite modest reviews and underwhelming sales upon its release in 1991, Metal Slader Glory holds an enduring legacy. Its Director’s Cut in 2000 marked a bittersweet return, becoming the final title officially released for the Super Famicom. Yoshimiru’s subsequent creations based on Metal Slader Glory, including books and manga, along with the game’s profound influence in solidifying the partnership between Nintendo and HAL Laboratory, underscore its lasting significance in the realm of gaming history.