Metroid fans are getting a free treat today. Maybe it’ll help them get over that whole Federation Force thing, the next game in the series that has a lot of fans upset.
Nintendo surprised gamers by releasing Metroid Prime: Blast Ball for free on the 3DS digital store. Blast Ball is the multiplayer component for Metroid Prime: Federation Force, a cooperative take on the sci-fi series that doesn’t come out for the 3DS until August 19. Metroid is one of Nintendo’s most loved franchises by fans of the Japanese company, but it hasn’t had a new game since Other M in 2010 for the Wii (which was a divisive game).
Federation Force has also attracted scorn from many Metroid fans because it doesn’t feature the series’ hero Samus. Its focus on cooperative action is also a departure from the series solo, isolated gameplay. Blast Ball features 3-vs.-3 matchups of futuristic soccer … with laser guns.
Nintendo noted that the free version of Blast Ball will only work until early September. Starting then, you’ll need Federation Force if you want to continue playing Blast Ball.
Nintendo also released a Mission Briefing for Federation Force, which you can watch below.