Metroid Dread
- October 7, 2021
- Nintendo EPD
Metroid Dread is a superlative return to one of the medium's stalwart franchises, and an incredible triumph of design.
Metroid Dread follows intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she investigates a mysterious transmission on planet ZDR, overrun by hostile alien life and menacing robots. Equipped with new abilities and more agile than ever, Samus must overcome the deadly threat lurking in the depths of the planet to complete her mission. This is Samus' first new 2D Metroid story in 19 years, continuing from the events of Metroid Fusion.
Nintendo Switch
Reviews
- Metroid Dread is a fantastic return to form for the series, combining classic gameplay with modern graphics and design.
- The special edition is a must-have for fans, featuring high-quality collectibles like an art book, steelbook, and beautifully designed packaging.
- The gameplay is engaging and challenging, with smooth controls and memorable boss fights that keep players entertained.
- Many buyers reported issues with packaging, including damaged boxes and missing items, leading to disappointment.
- Some players found the difficulty level to be unbalanced, with frustrating boss fights and confusing level design.
- The special edition's price was considered steep by some, especially given the condition of the items upon arrival.
- story18 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story in Metroid Dread is generally well-received, praised for its depth and connection to the broader Metroid saga, particularly as a continuation of Samus's narrative from Metroid Fusion. While some players find the storytelling minimal or occasionally obtuse, many appreciate the engaging character development, thrilling gameplay, and the way the story ties together elements from previous games. Overall, it is seen as a satisfying and ambitious narrative that enhances the gaming experience.
“This isn't just a special edition celebrating Metroid Dread, but a collection of the story behind this saga.”
“The story eventually builds to a stunning climax, with gameplay that rewards those who like to explore.”
“Metroid Dread meets — and arguably surpasses — its lofty expectations, with demanding gameplay, clever level design, and an ambitious story.”
“I think the storyline was horrible.”
“The story is tacked on; some repetition makes it difficult to navigate by landmark.”
“The progression to the next story moment can be obtuse at times.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have been widely praised for their stunning visuals, rich atmosphere, and detailed artwork that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the smooth gameplay and well-designed environments, which contribute to a visually immersive world filled with memorable boss fights and dynamic exploration. The combination of classic and modern design elements, along with impressive animations, creates a visually appealing package that resonates well with fans of the series.
“Gameplay is smooth, graphics are amazing and overall performance is excellent.”
“Stunning visuals and dripping with atmosphere, great enemy design and combat.”
“Gorgeous visuals and diverse areas, boss fights are fun and memorable.”
“The special edition is nice, but I feel the price is a little steep for just an artwork book, steel case, and art cards.”
“Classing gameplay with the modern graphics we all love.”
“The box alone is really special looking with raised graphics.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Metroid Dread is widely praised for its smooth mechanics, challenging yet fair difficulty, and clever level design, which together create an engaging and rewarding experience. Players appreciate the blend of classic 2D side-scrolling action with modern graphics and innovative features, such as stealth segments and dynamic enemy encounters. Overall, the game successfully elevates the Metroid series with its atmospheric world, satisfying combat, and intricate puzzles, making it a standout title in the metroidvania genre.
“Even though the game returns to a 2D side-scrolling action-adventure format, the gameplay is challenging and keeps me entertained.”
“Metroid Dread perfects the metroidvania formula that its predecessors established, while also elevating the series to new heights with highly rewarding combat, stunning 3D cutscenes, and new stealth segments that provide greater variety to the gameplay.”
“Slick and satisfying core gameplay mechanics make for some amazing action, looks and sounds fantastic with tons of detailed animations and enemies, new abilities and tension-filled stealth sections all fit in perfectly, intricate level design and cleverly hidden secrets galore, absolutely nails the classic Metroid atmosphere and vibe while modernizing it beautifully.”
“The difficulty is just right and the gameplay is rock solid.”
“Classing gameplay with the modern graphics we all love.”
“Metroid Dread meets — and arguably surpasses — its lofty expectations, with demanding gameplay, clever level design and an ambitious story.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game features an almost entirely original soundtrack that complements its rich visuals and engaging gameplay, although some players feel that certain new tracks do not measure up to the classic Metroid melodies. Overall, the soundtrack is considered solid and enhances the thrilling experience of the game.
“an almost entirely original soundtrack”
“another solid soundtrack”
“varied and gorgeous visual design”
“Some new music isn't as great as classic Metroid melodies.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, detailed animations, and a sense of tension that enhances exploration and combat. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to blend classic Metroid vibes with modern elements, creating a varied and immersive world filled with unique threats and cleverly designed levels. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both nostalgic and fresh, contributing significantly to the game's engaging experience.
“Classic and fresh gameplay, stunning visuals, and dripping with atmosphere, great enemy design and combat.”
“Tight, challenging gameplay, varied, atmospheric world, story ties together past Metroid games, excellent showcase for Switch OLED.”
“Slick and satisfying core gameplay mechanics make for some amazing action, looks and sounds fantastic with tons of detailed animations and enemies, new abilities and tension-filled stealth sections all fit in perfectly, intricate level design and cleverly hidden secrets galore, absolutely nails the classic Metroid atmosphere and vibe whilst modernizing it beautifully.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth gameplay and impressive graphics, though some users note that performance can be inconsistent at times.
“Gameplay is smooth, graphics are amazing, and overall performance is excellent.”
“Performance can be spotty.”
“The game suffers from frequent frame drops and stuttering.”
“Loading times are excessively long, making the experience frustrating.”
Critic Reviews
EMMI award-winning action
Fans of the long-running Metroid series have been waiting patiently for a brand-new entry in the saga for quite some time. Does Metroid Dread live up to the expectations?
90%Metroid Dread Review – Samus Is Hunting For More
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88%Metroid Dread (Nintendo Switch) Review
Metroid Dread is a wonderful, modern take on a classic game from childhood. It looks as beautiful as any of today’s games, but has a feel of the games of old. The scary tone of the game and its intense foes give you a challenge worthy of the series.
90%
