Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm Pays Homage to Metroid with Sgt. Morales Skin

Blizzard’s celebrated MOBA, Heroes of the Storm, continues to make waves in the PC gaming community, attracting players with its dynamic roster of characters pulled from the company’s storied franchises.

In a move that has delighted both Nintendo and Blizzard fans, the game recently introduced an alternative skin for the character Sgt.

Morales, drawing clear inspiration from Metroid’s iconic hero, Samus Aran. First released in 2015, Heroes of the Storm assembles familiar characters from Blizzard’s Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo universes.

The release of Sgt.

Morales as a new addition to the game featured a set of unique alternative skins.

Notably, one of these skins bears a striking resemblance to Samus Aran’s Power Suit from the Metroid series—an unmistakable nod to Nintendo’s legendary intergalactic bounty hunter.

The homage hasn't gone unnoticed, with the skin prompting an enthusiastic response from both the Metroid fandom and players longing for a new installment in Nintendo’s classic franchise. Blizzard’s evident appreciation for Nintendo’s legacy is spotlighted by this visual tribute.

Speaking on the introduction of the Sgt.

Morales skin, a spokesperson suggested it was a testament to the shared respect between development teams and a fun way to celebrate classic video game heroes within a modern MOBA setting. Since its debut, Heroes of the Storm has set itself apart by embracing cross-franchise content and adaptable hero cosmetics.

The addition of the Samus-inspired skin offers a fresh layer of excitement, especially in a year that saw no new Metroid release on the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo eShop.

The connection was further highlighted in community discussions, reinforcing how intertextual references can build deeper engagement across gaming fanbases. Nintendo’s Metroid series, first launched in 1986, has seen enduring acclaim for its innovation, with the most recent mainline entry, Metroid Dread, releasing to critical and commercial success on the Nintendo Switch in October 2021.

However, the iconic character of Samus has made relatively few appearances outside Nintendo hardware, making this crossover a rare and welcomed exception. Blizzard’s integration of subtle tributes through character skins demonstrates an understanding of gaming’s rich history and an ongoing commitment to embracing cultural touchstones beyond their proprietary franchises.

Whether you’re a fan of Blizzard’s MOBA, an admirer of Nintendo’s classic lineup, or simply on the lookout for subtle crossovers in PC gaming, the Sgt.

Morales skin in Heroes of the Storm serves as a visual love letter to Metroid’s enduring influence. For fans eager to experience this homage, Heroes of the Storm is available now for PC.

The Samus-inspired Sgt.

Morales skin can be unlocked in-game, offering a unique way to channel Nintendo nostalgia while battling it out in Blizzard’s vibrant online arenas.

Nintendo Blizzard Heroes of the Storm Sgt. Morales Samus Aran Metroid Artanis kotaku.com