Nintendo entered E3 this year having released a number of high profile games for its struggling Wii U console over the past 12 months. After big releases like Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros, and a successful launch of its creative shooter Splatoon, many fans expected the company to continue to ride that momentum through the rest of 2015.

While Nintendo highlighted a number of big titles like Star Fox Zero, Yoshi's Woolly World, and Super Mario Maker, many fans were hoping to see Samus Aran return in a new Metroid adventure. As we now know, there is a new Metroid Prime game on the way, but it's not exactly what gamers were hoping for.

The reaction to Metroid Prime: Federation Force has been and continues to be negative. Instead of focusing on single player action adventure which the series is known for, Federation Force focuses on multiplayer. With only a trailer available for fans, many are questioning how this co-operative shooter fits into the Metroid universe.

The reaction is something Nintendo is keenly aware of. Currently, the debut trailer has only 7,000 likes, while an astonishing 70,000 people have pressed the dislike button. While acknowledging the response, Nintendo of America President, Reggie Fils-Aime, doesn't seem fazed by the negativity.

“What the fan at home saw was something in the Metroid Prime universe that they weren’t expecting. The reaction has been negative. There’s no sugar coating it... This is an example where fans who aren't able to get their hands on the game may be at a bit of a competitive disadvantage. Everyone who has played what we are showing regarding Metroid Prime, they've come across really pleased. My ask is that fans trust us."

With the recently delayed Legend of Zelda title in development for the Wii U also changing up and challenging conventional aspects fans have come to expect by introducing an open world, Reggie goes on to confirm that change is needed to keep franchises fresh.

"We believe that in order to propel the franchises forward, we have to be the ones to constantly challenge the paradigms, challenge the conventional wisdom, challenge what we thought was the essence of the particular franchise, and a particular form of gameplay."

Negative fan reaction is something Nintendo has experience in dealing with. Back in 2003, Nintendo showed off The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker which featured heavy cel-shaded graphics, shocking and disappointing the fan base. Years prior, Nintendo had shown off a realistic looking Legend of Zelda trailer, so naturally fans were clamoring for a game featuring a more realistic looking Link. While fan backlash hit some really nasty strides during The Wind Waker's development, ultimately, the game managed to win over the fan base thanks to its solid gameplay, unique visuals, and wonderful story. Nintendo is hoping that Metroid Prime: Federation Force can pull the same stunt once it launches.

For now, fans will need to continue to wait for a brand new single player entry, as Nintendo isn't planning anything else Metroid related until their newest NX console hits.

What do you think of the Metroid Prime: Federation Force announcement? Is this a game you're willing to give a shot as Reggie mentions above? Let us know below in the comments.

Source: Mashable