Did you know that today is the anniversary of Metroid’s release? Some fans want to make sure you do, and some notable names have taken notice.
So, to set the record straight, Metroid was originally released in Japan on August 6, 1986, and then a year later on the NES on August 1987. Much like Super Mario Bros, Nintendo of America does not list an exact date of when the game is officially released, and they actually would not be able to provide a date. This is partly a consequence of how Nintendo used to distribute games in the Old West-like atmosphere of that era. In any case, the game is enjoying either its 28th or 29th anniversary, depending on if you’re looking at the Japanese or American release.
Nintendo fan and NES modder Ryan Fitzpatrick, AKA Platinumfungi on Twitter, seems to have chosen August 15 to commemorate the anniversary of the US release. He's giving away some cool prizes for fans who share their stories, fanart, music, etc to celebrate the anniversary.
To honor #Metroid's birthday on Aug 15th, I am hosting the #metroidcelebration. FREE PRIZES and more! Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/V9dKMk49DH
— Platinumfungi (@Platinumfungi) July 21, 2015
Help celebrate Metroid's anniversary and win awesome prizes during the #metroidcelebration starting Aug 15th! pic.twitter.com/ttwoWoJj9Z
— Platinumfungi (@Platinumfungi) August 9, 2015
Just because Platinumfungi doesn’t make it any less valid. No less than Hip Tanaka, Metroid’s famed composer and one of the most seminal developers from the Famicom/NES era, expressed his approval of #MetroidCelebration on Twitter.
I'm so happy to see Metroid being loved and remembered by so many people after so many years. Thank you #MetroidCelebration #SamusForever
— ç”°ä¸å®å’Œ13 (@tanac2e) August 15, 2015
But he wasn’t the only one! Hiphop producer/rapper Sammus, AKA Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo, takes inspiration from Metroid for her sci-fi themed chiptune beats, and she’s joined the celebration in a big way. She's giving away her own music and merchandise to the folks who share their fanart and stories with her. You can also read Sammus’ own writing about her experience with Metroid here.
TODAY'S THE DAY! Join Platinumfungi, and I as we celebrate my namesake, Samus Aran, and the Metroid franchise ALL DAY…
Posted by Sammus on Saturday, 15 August 2015
Are you participating in Metroid Celebration? Have any fond Metroid memories to share? Please share in the comments, and feel free to tweet them out with the hashtag #MetroidCelebration.
You can also check out updated tweets with the hashtag here.
