Heading into E3 2015, many were expecting big things from Nintendo's Digital Event broadcast and while many saw great new titles like Star Fox Zero and Yoshi's Woolly World, fans were also hoping for the long-awaited return of the Metroid franchise to either 3DS or Wii U: while Nintendo greeted fans with a pair of new Metroid titles, they weren't quite what was expected, and response to the games have been largely negative.

Speaking in an interview with Mashable, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime provided a response regarding the upcoming Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Metroid Prime: Blast Ball, a pair of new multiplayer-centric games based in the Metroid universe, though far from the expectations that fans had for either a new 2D or 3D-based Metroid game, leading some to create a petition leading to the cancellation of the games.

On the inspiration behind Federation Force, Fils-Aime explained:

"We're taking our great IP and transforming them and making them new again — making them fresh and appealing for the fan who feels they know the franchise. But we're giving them new things to enjoy."

However, Fils-Aime also noted the negative response that Federation Force and Blast Ball have both seen since their E3 announcements, with Fils-Aime admitting that "There's no sugar-coating it" with the way fans have responded to the new games in lieu of a Metroid title more in line with classic titles of the past.

Despite the backlash, Fils-Aime mentioned during the interview to assure fans to trust in the company by providing something that, while not necessarily like previous Metroid titles, will help to keep the franchise fresh and healthy, explaining:

"What the fan at home saw was something in the Metroid Prime universe that they weren't expecting. The reaction has been negative."

"This is an example where fans who aren't able to get their hands on the game may be at a bit of a competitive disadvantage. Everyone who has played what we are showing regarding Metroid Prime, they've come across really pleased. My ask is that fans trust us."

Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Metroid Prime: Blast Ball are in development for 3DS and expected to release in 2016.