How Metal Slader Glory Influenced the Collaboration between Nintendo and HAL Laboratory

The Unseen Legacy: How Metal Slader Glory Shaped Nintendo and HAL Laboratory’s Future

Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

Unless you’re a dedicated Famicom collector, it’s unlikely that you’ve heard of Metal Slader Glory. This game, released in 1991 by HAL Laboratory, was one of the most expensive Famicom titles ever made. However, its journey from inception to release is a tale of perseverance, failure, and an enduring partnership that has shaped the future of Nintendo and HAL Laboratory.

A Game Ahead of Its Time

Metal Slader Glory was renowned for its outstanding graphics and ambitious storytelling, something that caught the eye of Satoru Iwata, a key figure at the company. At the time, Iwata was taking on a managerial role and noticed the exceptional pixel art produced by Yoshimiru Hoshi, a freelancer at HAL. The game took four years to develop, a staggering amount of time in an era when most games were created within months. The long development period led to financial strains for HAL, contributing to its rocky history. “It’s famous for being one of the most expensive Famicom games of its time,” Iwata mentioned in a 1999 interview with Used Games magazine.

The late Satoru Iwata (at age 23) with HAL Laboratory's first president Mitsuhiro Ikeda. At the time the company was mainly known for their trackball peripherals. From MSX Magazine #0 (published November 1983), as part of their coverage on software developers. pic.twitter.com/m8f4b7nZPk

— 蛇METAL (@Arc_Hound) September 11, 2018

The HAL and Nintendo Connection

Formed in 1980, HAL Laboratory initially focused on developing games for computers. Their path intersected with Nintendo after the Famicom’s release in 1983. This connection gave HAL a new focus, and they went on to produce several successful titles for the console. However, Metal Slader Glory marked a turning point. Its failure, owing to poor sales and a protracted development schedule, brought HAL to the brink of bankruptcy.

Nintendo, recognizing the potential of HAL’s team, extended a lifeline under the condition that Satoru Iwata become HAL’s president. Iwata took the helm in 1993 with the daunting task of steering the company out of a financial quagmire. HAL’s debt at the time stood at a whopping 1.5 billion yen, which they paid off over six years.

Metal Slader Glory designer Yoshimiru drawing one of his characters + some of the illustrations he created for the game.
via @JapaneseMagScan https://t.co/kYiGrikY1L pic.twitter.com/vCc6kSdDvN

— On Patreon @vgdensetsu (@VGDensetsu) January 25, 2021

Perseverance and Innovation

Despite the financial crisis, Iwata’s leadership became a beacon for HAL. His approach involved talking to each employee twice a year, fostering a culture of open communication and quality over quantity. “I turned to everyone at HAL and said, ‘OK, from here on out, every game we create is going to sell a million copies!’” Iwata recalled in his book Ask Iwata. Though initially met with skepticism, games like Kirby’s Adventure, Kirby’s Dream Course, and Earthbound eventually turned the tide, strengthening both HAL and its relationship with Nintendo.

This partnership led to the exclusive development of beloved titles such as Super Smash Bros. and the Kirby series, firmly establishing HAL as a cornerstone of Nintendo’s first-party development efforts.

【データルームのイメージボード】このマーカーラフ塗り絵はコンテ上で想定しているグラフィックがファミコンの少ない表示色で構成出来るのかどうかを掴むために描いたものです
Metal Slader Glory　#メタルスレイダーグローリー pic.twitter.com/6cRw18ciqL

— ☆よしみる(Hoshi Yoshimiru)／『メタルスレイダーグローリー』コミック執筆中！ (@yoshimiru_SS) August 30, 2016

Rediscovering Metal Slader Glory

Though it faded into obscurity after its initial release, Metal Slader Glory’s legacy didn’t end in 1991. In 2000, a Director’s Cut version was made available through Japan’s Nintendo Power game distribution service, breathing new life into the game.

Yoshimiru continued to expand the Metal Slader universe with various books, manga, and even a gashapon toy. However, the game’s most significant legacy lies in how it catalyzed a partnership between Nintendo and HAL Laboratory, a partnership that continues to deliver memorable gaming experiences to this day.

The Lasting Impact

Satoru Iwata went on to become the president of Nintendo in 2002, leading the company through one of its most successful periods with the Nintendo DS and Wii consoles. His prior experiences with HAL informed his leadership style, which emphasized innovation, quality, and an unyielding commitment to the creative vision.

Metal Slader Glory might not have won commercial success, but it underscored the importance of creative risks and perseverance. It inadvertently set the stage for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between Nintendo and HAL Laboratory. The story of Metal Slader Glory, thus, stands as a poignant reminder of how even the greatest challenges can pave the way for future success.

For more insights into the intricate history and partnerships that have shaped the gaming industry, stay tuned to our website.

Author: John Smith | Senior Editor

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

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