Nintendo files a DMCA takedown notice against the Metroid II: Return of Samus fan remake, AM2R, which was released to coincide with the franchise's 30th anniversary.

When big anniversaries come around for Nintendo's major franchises, the Big N usually makes it a point to celebrate. In the past, this has manifested as orchestral concert tours, new games, and through other promotions. Unfortunately for fans of the Metroid series and heroine Samus Aran, Nintendo has not made much of an effort to celebrate its anniversary. With Nintendo not stepping up to the plate to give Samus Aran the recognition she deserves on her anniversary, some fans have taken matters into their own hands, creating an unofficial remake for Metroid II: Return of Samus.

For the uninitiated, Metroid II: Return of Samus originally released in 1991 for the Game Boy. The remake, known as AM2R, was available to download for free on PC earlier, but Nintendo has since filed a DMCA takedown notice against the host website, meaning those that want to try it out will have to search for it elsewhere on the Internet.

Those that are able to track down the file for the Metroid II: Return of Samus fan remake will find that it is similar to Metroid: Zero Mission. Metroid: Zero Mission, a remake of the original Metroid game on NES, was developed by Nintendo itself and released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, boasting improved visuals, controls, and extra content. Likewise, AM2R has enhanced visuals, allowing players to experience Metroid II in full color instead of Game Boy green.

Before Nintendo shut it down, the team behind AM2R had more updates planned for the game. It's unclear what those updates would have added to the Metroid II: Return of Samus fan remake, and unless Nintendo has a change of heart on the matter, we will probably never know. Since Nintendo is currently selling Metroid II: Return of Samus on the 3DS Virtual Console for $4, it seems unlikely that company will change its mind about letting this fan remake be available to the public for free.

With Nintendo largely ignoring Metroid's 30th anniversary, some fans have become frustrated with the company. This Metroid II: Return of Samus fan remake could have helped to appease them while they wait for news on a traditional Metroid release, but Nintendo had to file the DMCA takedown to protect its IP.

Fans may not feel compelled to create their own Metroid games if Nintendo proved it was serious about the series again. The next game in the franchises is the upcoming Metroid Prime: Federation Force on 3DS, which has received so much dislike from the gaming community that Reggie Fils-Aime had to publicly address the hate at E3 last year. However, if the rumors of a new Metroid for Nintendo NX are true, perhaps Metroid fans won't have to go through the trouble of remaking older games in the series anymore.

Metroid II: Return of Samus is available for Game Boy and 3DS Virtual Console.

Source: Metroid Database