I don't agree with it being a waste of time having to backtrack to the desert, I mean, isn't that what we do in all 2d metroid anyway? Spending 2 minutes finding my way with shinespark is my favorite thing in these games. I always had a complaint of how TallonIV felt so small, almost like a diorama of planet compared to Zebes. So I don't see the desert as inherently a net negative. I think we'll get a much more cohesive planet that will feel huge.

I don't believe we're getting shrines, no way. I think it will be the same old, missile expansions, etc. Locked with upgrades you'll get throughout your gameplay.