10 Video Games You Didn't Realise Were Originally Open World
8. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Though the Metroid franchise is primarily known for its tightly crafted linearity, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption very nearly had substantial open world elements, according to series producer Bryan Walker.
In an interview with YouTube channel DidYouKnowGaming, he revealed that an original concept for Metroid Prime 3 saw players operating out of a hub world where they could visit different planets to take on bounties and track down criminals, allowing them to earn upgrades to both Samus and her ship.
But according to Walker, Nintendo bigwigs didn't really understand the concept of a bounty hunter, instead envisioning Samus as an altruistic intergalactic hero, and so the open world idea was quickly killed off.
Walker had no hard feelings about the failed pitch, though, surmising that his team was best-suited to delivering a "finely-crafted and balanced experience" anyway.
Interestingly, rumours indicate that the long-gestating Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have the series' most expansive areas to date, though will still steer clear of going fully open world.