Meta Kraid

From Wikitroid, the Metroid wiki

Meta Kraid is a fan-coined term for what appears to be a rebuilt Kraid (in the vein of Meta Ridley), who was planned to make an appearance as a boss character in the Phazon Mines area of Metroid Prime. As you can see from the picture, he has a helmet on his head believed to be made by the Space Pirates. The purpose of this helmet is not certain. The fight (and character) did not ultimately make its way into the game in time for release, along with some other things intended such as the Screw Attack. It is only known by artwork and short comments by the artist. Contrary to popular belief, Kraid was not replaced by the Omega Pirate.

[edit] Removal

"I had completely finished modeling and skinning Kraid. The level that he was to be included in was well underway to being designed. There just was not enough developement time remaining to fully implement all aspects of the scenario that were needed to pull off a highly polished\ fun gaming experience... animations\ effects\ programming\ etc. It was decided that Kraid was not imperative enough to the Metroid Prime project to run the risk of pushing up the release date in order to fit him in.

I'm sure the folks over at Retro are designing ways to fit Kraid in possible future Metroid titles."

-Gene Kohler
May 11, 2004 (Mythicahq.com)

"According to Mr. Kohler in an email to N-Sider, Kraid is said to have a metal plate covering his face due to it being a designed gameplay feature - an item that you had to overcome in your encounter against Kraid. Although, he said, if the model does appear in a future Metroid title, expect some modifications to be made as the older ideas become refined."

-N-Sider

[edit] Trivia

• Kraid's head is the only part replaced, suggesting that it was damaged as a result of it being his weak point.