Metroid: Samus Returns Has A Hard Mode That Can Unlocked Without Amiibo Assures Nintendo

Last month Nintendo revealed the Amiibo functionality for Metroid: Samus Returns, and, at the time, nobody made a big deal about it. That changed when fans picked up on the fact that you'll need the new squishy Metroid Amiibo to unlock the game's challenging Fusion Difficulty mode. Needless to say, requiring an expensive Amiibo to unlock a major feature like hard mode didn't sit well with some fans. Nintendo only fanned the flames by confirming that Fusion mode will be strictly exclusive to Amiibo owners. You won't even be able to download it separately from the 3DS eShop.

Well, thankfully, the situation may not be as bad as we once thought. According to USGamer, Nintendo clarified to them that there will be two separate hard modes in Metroid: Samus Returns. The standard hard mode can be unlocked in game, while Fusion Difficulty, which is just a bit harder and lets Samus wear her turquoise Fusion suit, will require an Amiibo. So, yes, Nintendo is still making a key mode Amiibo-exclusive, but folks who don't want to pay extra still have a hard mode of their own.

As a reminder, here's what rundown of Metroid: Samus Returns' Amiibo functionality:

Samus Aran (Metroid Series)

• Aeon Reserve Tank (special ability refill)
• Metroid II Art Gallery (unlocked after beating game)

Metroid (Metroid Series)

• Metroid Marker (tells you location of nearest Metroid)
• FUSION Difficulty Mode (unlocked after beating game)

Samus Aran (Super Smash Bros. Series)

• Missile Reserve Tank (missile refill)
• Concept Art Gallery (unlocked after beating game)

Zero Suit Samus (Super Smash Bros. Series)

• Energy Reserve Tank (energy refill)
• Sound Test (unlocked after beating game)

Metroid: Samus Returns rolls onto Nintendo 3DS on September 15. Amazon Prime members can save 20% on the pre-order.

[via USGamer]