Rumor: Retro Studios Had A Singing-Based RPG In The Works, But It Was Cancelled

Ever wondered what Retro Studios was working on before they returned to work on Metroid Prime 4? Thanks to some whispers and murmurs, we may finally have some hints to the true answer!

A new rumor about Retro’s activities in the past few years has emerged, thanks to Resetera user WalkurtTXRanger. Based on secondhand information gleaned from connections to Retro, the studio was apparently working on an original RPG once. Namely, it would have featured a singing mechanic that let players shape the world around them.

Sadly, it looks like the result of their efforts was not up to Nintendo’s standards – and so the project was shuttered. You can read the full excerpt from WalkurtTXRanger below:

“Their game was cancelled. Some kind of RPG involving singing as the main mechanic. Spent three years on it, but could never figure out where to go with it…Nintendo got frustrated and pulled the plug and put them on [Metroid] Prime 4.”

“I live in Austin, and know people from an animation studio who know the Retro people. Was told this over a few beers. As far as I know, there is no second game. Just Prime 4. I would think concept art will come out at some point. The singing mechanic involved using songs to manipulate the environment.”

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts below.