Official Review
Metroid Dread, the latest installment in the iconic Metroid franchise, has finally arrived after more than a decade of anticipation. With its release on the Nintendo Switch, the game showcases the console's power and delivers an unforgettable 2D-style Metroid experience. In this review, we'll explore the gameplay, graphics, boss fights, puzzles, and overall narrative of Metroid Dread.
Metroid Dread has been a long time coming. Initially mentioned in 2005 and hinted at in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, this game has been shrouded in mystery and speculation. However, the wait has been worth it. Metroid Dread builds upon the success of its predecessors, Zero Mission and Prime, and takes full advantage of the Switch's capabilities to deliver an enhanced gaming experience.
One of the standout features of Metroid Dread is its fast-paced combat. The game introduces a variety of new moves and abilities for Samus, including counters, dashes, feints, dodges, and timed-charge attacks. These moves add depth to the gameplay and make battles against both traditional bosses and unique enemies more engaging than ever before. The combat mechanics have greatly improved since the 3DS remake of Samus Returns, and playing with the Pro Controller provides the best experience for tackling the game's toughest challenges.
Metroid Dread offers a diverse range of boss fights that push players to their limits. From giant monsters with intricate attack patterns to enemies that mimic Samus's moves, the boss encounters in this game are truly memorable. Each fight presents a unique challenge, requiring players to learn and adapt their strategies. Overcoming these formidable opponents is incredibly rewarding and makes players feel like they have grown as skilled Metroid players.
Metroid Dread introduces a new type of enemy called EMMI bots. These crawling machines add a thrilling element of stealth and tension to the gameplay. Players must navigate carefully to avoid detection, as being caught by an EMMI bot can quickly lead to a one-hit-kill situation. The EMMI bots transform sections of the map into danger zones, creating a sense of urgency and forcing players to think quickly on their feet. The inclusion of auto-saving just outside of these zones provides much-needed relief and adds to the overall suspenseful atmosphere of the game.
Metroid Dread is full of intricate puzzles and cleverly hidden upgrades. Exploring the world and discovering these secrets is a joy in itself. The game challenges players to think outside the box and utilize classic Metroid moves like bomb jumping and shinesparking to uncover hidden paths and reach seemingly inaccessible areas. The attention to detail in designing these puzzles showcases the developers' dedication to creating a rich and immersive experience for players.
Metroid Dread offers players a level of flexibility and freedom rarely seen in games today. The ability to sequence break and obtain upgrades out of order adds to the sense of empowerment and encourages exploration. Whether players choose to embark on a 100% completion run or simply power through the main story, the game caters to both play styles. The map screen, with its mysterious markers and hidden secrets, serves as a valuable tool for both discovering new areas and planning your next move.
The world of Metroid Dread is a visual treat, with diorama-like backgrounds, dynamic lighting, and stunning alien landscapes. Playing on a big, HD screen brings these visuals to life, showcasing the attention to detail in the game's design. As players progress through the game, they will witness the world transform and reveal new routes and obstacles. While not as grand as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's upside-down castle, these changes keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Metroid Dread strikes a balance between providing a satisfying gameplay experience and not overstaying its welcome. Unlike its predecessor, Samus Returns, which some felt dragged on towards the end, Metroid Dread maintains a consistently engaging pace. The game introduces new tools and unlocks new areas at a feverish rate, allowing players to constantly progress and discover new challenges. However, there are moments when the game slows down, particularly during load screens between areas, which can momentarily disrupt the flow.
Metroid Dread's narrative takes a more subtle approach compared to previous entries in the series. Instead of delving into an expansive world, the game centers around Samus and her connection to the Chozo, the birdlike alien race that raised her. This focused storytelling harkens back to the beloved Metroid Prime and Zero Mission games. The story unfolds in a way that leaves players with a sense of wonder and curiosity, without overwhelming them with unnecessary exposition.
Metroid Dread is not just another entry in the Metroid series; it is positioned as the conclusion to a significant storyline. While the story itself remains sparse, the game serves as a fitting finale to the mainline Metroid saga. Fans of the series will be treated to a memorable moment that showcases Samus in a completely unexpected way. This subtle yet powerful moment encapsulates the essence of Metroid and leaves a lasting impression on players.
Metroid Dread is a long-awaited masterpiece that lives up to the hype. With its refined combat, challenging boss fights, mind-bending puzzles, and immersive world, the game offers an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. The game's pacing, flexibility, and subtle narrative make it a standout entry in the Metroid franchise. Whether playing in handheld mode or docked on the big screen, Metroid Dread is a must-play for any fan of action-platformer games.
A Worthy Successor
Metroid Dread has been a long time coming. Initially mentioned in 2005 and hinted at in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, this game has been shrouded in mystery and speculation. However, the wait has been worth it. Metroid Dread builds upon the success of its predecessors, Zero Mission and Prime, and takes full advantage of the Switch's capabilities to deliver an enhanced gaming experience.
Unleashing Samus's Power
One of the standout features of Metroid Dread is its fast-paced combat. The game introduces a variety of new moves and abilities for Samus, including counters, dashes, feints, dodges, and timed-charge attacks. These moves add depth to the gameplay and make battles against both traditional bosses and unique enemies more engaging than ever before. The combat mechanics have greatly improved since the 3DS remake of Samus Returns, and playing with the Pro Controller provides the best experience for tackling the game's toughest challenges.
Challenging Boss Fights
Metroid Dread offers a diverse range of boss fights that push players to their limits. From giant monsters with intricate attack patterns to enemies that mimic Samus's moves, the boss encounters in this game are truly memorable. Each fight presents a unique challenge, requiring players to learn and adapt their strategies. Overcoming these formidable opponents is incredibly rewarding and makes players feel like they have grown as skilled Metroid players.
Stealth and Tension with EMMI Bots
Metroid Dread introduces a new type of enemy called EMMI bots. These crawling machines add a thrilling element of stealth and tension to the gameplay. Players must navigate carefully to avoid detection, as being caught by an EMMI bot can quickly lead to a one-hit-kill situation. The EMMI bots transform sections of the map into danger zones, creating a sense of urgency and forcing players to think quickly on their feet. The inclusion of auto-saving just outside of these zones provides much-needed relief and adds to the overall suspenseful atmosphere of the game.
Mind-Bending Puzzles and Hidden Upgrades
Metroid Dread is full of intricate puzzles and cleverly hidden upgrades. Exploring the world and discovering these secrets is a joy in itself. The game challenges players to think outside the box and utilize classic Metroid moves like bomb jumping and shinesparking to uncover hidden paths and reach seemingly inaccessible areas. The attention to detail in designing these puzzles showcases the developers' dedication to creating a rich and immersive experience for players.
Flexibility and Exploration
Metroid Dread offers players a level of flexibility and freedom rarely seen in games today. The ability to sequence break and obtain upgrades out of order adds to the sense of empowerment and encourages exploration. Whether players choose to embark on a 100% completion run or simply power through the main story, the game caters to both play styles. The map screen, with its mysterious markers and hidden secrets, serves as a valuable tool for both discovering new areas and planning your next move.
A Beautifully Evolving World
The world of Metroid Dread is a visual treat, with diorama-like backgrounds, dynamic lighting, and stunning alien landscapes. Playing on a big, HD screen brings these visuals to life, showcasing the attention to detail in the game's design. As players progress through the game, they will witness the world transform and reveal new routes and obstacles. While not as grand as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's upside-down castle, these changes keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Pacing and Length
Metroid Dread strikes a balance between providing a satisfying gameplay experience and not overstaying its welcome. Unlike its predecessor, Samus Returns, which some felt dragged on towards the end, Metroid Dread maintains a consistently engaging pace. The game introduces new tools and unlocks new areas at a feverish rate, allowing players to constantly progress and discover new challenges. However, there are moments when the game slows down, particularly during load screens between areas, which can momentarily disrupt the flow.
A Subtle and Focused Narrative
Metroid Dread's narrative takes a more subtle approach compared to previous entries in the series. Instead of delving into an expansive world, the game centers around Samus and her connection to the Chozo, the birdlike alien race that raised her. This focused storytelling harkens back to the beloved Metroid Prime and Zero Mission games. The story unfolds in a way that leaves players with a sense of wonder and curiosity, without overwhelming them with unnecessary exposition.
A Grand Finale
Metroid Dread is not just another entry in the Metroid series; it is positioned as the conclusion to a significant storyline. While the story itself remains sparse, the game serves as a fitting finale to the mainline Metroid saga. Fans of the series will be treated to a memorable moment that showcases Samus in a completely unexpected way. This subtle yet powerful moment encapsulates the essence of Metroid and leaves a lasting impression on players.
Verdict
Metroid Dread is a long-awaited masterpiece that lives up to the hype. With its refined combat, challenging boss fights, mind-bending puzzles, and immersive world, the game offers an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. The game's pacing, flexibility, and subtle narrative make it a standout entry in the Metroid franchise. Whether playing in handheld mode or docked on the big screen, Metroid Dread is a must-play for any fan of action-platformer games.
