What Is Metroid Dread?
Metroid Dread is an action-exploration game in which players control iconic intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she investigates a mysterious signal on an unfamiliar planet. Explore the world, gain new powers, fight hostile creatures, and battle stalking robot sentries to survive.
Created by Nintendo, Metroid Dread is the fifth main entry in the long-running sci-fi series that started in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
When Did Metroid Dread Release?
Metroid Dread released October 8th, 2021, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. Published by Nintendo and developed by MercurySteam, this is the fifth Metroid game in the main saga.
Metroid 4 released on the Game Boy Advance on November 18th, 2002, making Metroid Dread the first main entry in the series in 19 years.
Why Metroid Dread Is A Bucket List Game?
Metroid Dread is a great game everyone should play due to its phenomenal gameplay, living atmosphere, and satisfying story elements. These three tenets combine to create a masterclass 2D gaming experience that is enjoyable from the very start to the closing credits.
Fans of action games, sci-fi settings, epic boss fights, and storytelling minimalism will find so much to enjoy on the desolate planet Samus Aran is forced to explore.
1) Metroid Dread Has Superb Gameplay
Metroid Dread’s gameplay is fast and fluid with plentiful upgrades that make you feel godly throughout the course of the game. Sliding under small passages, blasting enemies, countering attacks, and following up with charge shots or a barrage of missiles is fun on every screen.
Metroid Dread’s gameplay is fast and fluid with plentiful upgrades that make you feel godly
Samus Aran is given a host of mobility mechanics that make her easy to control. Jumping and sliding are basic maneuvers that get you where you want to be quite reliably. Added speed booster, double jump, and quick dash skills found throughout the game propels navigation to being just as fun as blasting enemies.
Due to Samus’ nimble nature, traversing the wide open caverns never ceases being fun.
The same can be said about the wide assortment of power ups Samus finds and uses. What starts as a simple blast attack from her arm cannon becomes a versatile destruction tool that shoots charged up blasts, a variety of missiles, and powerful streams of energy.
Finding what weapon works best against each enemy encountered is a stimulating strategic experience. It’s very satisfying to figure out a new foes’ weakness and exploit it with an unrelenting attack at just the right moment.
Thankfully, button presses are responsive and make firing shots and navigating the map feel snappy and purposeful.
Metroid Dread simply has superb gameplay, from combat to traversal. Boss fights are challenging yet amazing with each boss having unique patterns to learn. And the fun never stops until the credit rolls.
2) Metroid Dread’s Atmosphere Feels Real
Metroid Dread’s environments are tangible, detailed locations that feel alive. Natural areas are overgrown with plant life, caverns are home to a host of organisms, sections submerged with water include sea creatures and reduce movement speed, while extreme cold and heat rooms hurt to stand inside.
Metroid Dread’s environments are tangible, detailed locations that feel alive
The atmosphere in each room feels purposeful due to the specific enemies that live there. Detailed backgrounds provide depth and context to an area while the clear, high definition visual quality assists in making everything look sharp and detailed.
Frozen rooms glow blue and white with everything inside coated with ice. Flying birds and insects native to lush green environments are replaced with flying creatures that burst in an explosion of ice once defeated, freezing everything around it.
This is just one example of the sort of living environments that are found in Metroid Dread which there are many.
And exploring each environment feels desolate thanks to a foreboding and atmospheric soundtrack that never interferes with gameplay. The music in Metroid Dread delivers at creating specific moods throughout the game.
From the frenetic music that plays during robot stalker encounters to the methodically paced other-worldly tunes heard inside the underground caverns, the music always fits the mood.
The combination of a subtle soundtrack and detailed environmental elements makes playing Metroid Dread feel immersive with environments that truly feel alive.
3) Metroid Dread’s Has A Satisfying Story
Metroid Dread’s story adds new layers to Samus’ in a subtle fashion, mainly through body behavior shown during in-game cinematics or via spoken dialogue. Samus feels like the most powerful being in the universe as players uncover truths and face enormous creatures is combat.
Metroid Dread’s story adds new layers to Samus’ in a subtle fashion
What’s more, new plot points that come up through the course of the game add new lore to the series that connects certain details from the previous games.
Spoilers aside, what’s explained and uncovered is quite fulfilling (and more exciting) with enough questions left unanswered to spur conversation and imagination as to where the series will go next.
I, for one, am truly excited to see where Metorid’s story ventures next after Metroid Dread’s satisfying conclusion to a 35 year journey.
Is Metroid Dread Worth Playing?
Overall, Metroid Dread is worth playing due to its responsive gameplay and amazing boss fights brought to life with detailed visuals and mood-driven music. A solid story sewn throughout while exploring a hostile world only serves to heighten the experience of playing the fantastic game.
Metroid Dread is worth playing due to its responsive gameplay and amazing boss fights
I can say with certainty that this game is one of my favorite 2D action games of all time, and it rests within my top 5 Metroid titles.
Playing as Samus and using new and old abilities in unique ways while moving with great agility room after room made for a feel-good time that I was reluctant to beat.
I wanted to keep playing, I wanted more, by the time I reached the last area. I didn’t want Metroid Dread to end because the journey of playing the game was just that good.
This is a must-play, must-own game for all action fans. It is the prefect game to start playing if you are new to Metroid or are returning to the series thanks to the intro recap of the series along with modern controls.
Metroid Dread is a bucket list experience worthy of being your next game.
Why Is It Called Metroid Dread?
Metroid Dread is subtitled “Dread” due to the invincible E.M.M.I robots that stalks the player throughout the adventure, causing a sense of dread whenever a player confronts one. The game’s producer, Sakamoto Yoshio, developed the game to intentionally evoke panic, stress, and uneasiness.
And he succeeded, as surviving every encounter with the robot stalkers is a suspenseful, dread-inducing experience.
Metroid Dread is subtitled “Dread” due to the invincible robots that stalks the player throughout the game
Furthermore, the idea for Metroid Dread started nearly 15 years ago but technology at the time could not make the theme of dread work.
The Nintendo Switch, however, was the right system at the right time, both popular and powerful enough to make the producer’s vision a reality.
Metroid Dread includes top-quality visuals and atmospheric sound that can only be done on a modern console.
It also includes advanced artificial intelligence robot predators that think, move, and explore with realism.
Truly, Metroid Dread executed the theme of dread perfectly and was worth the decade and a half wait.
Is Metroid Dread The Last Metroid Game?
Metroid Dread is not the last Metroid game, but it is the final game in the story arc that started with the first Metroid title released in 1986. Metaphorically, it is the season finale of Metroid’s first season that wraps of Samus’ interactions with Metroid and the X parasites.
Metroid Dread is not the last Metroid game
More Metroid games are to come in both the main series and subseries. The co-creator of Metroid and longtime series director and producer Sakamoto Yoshio stated Metroid Dread is the final chapter in the first Metroid saga and will allude to what further entries will explore by the end of the game.
Additionally, Nintendo is currently working on the fourth entry in Metroid’s first-person adventure subseries, known as Metroid Prime. Metroid Prime 4 is currently being developed for Nintendo Switch, and has an unannounced release date.
The original two Metroid Prime games released on Nintendo GameCube with the third releasing on the Nintendo Wii. All three were later re-released as the Metroid Prime Trilogy collection on Nintendo Wii with updated motion controls and wide screen support.
Metroid Dread is not the last game in the series by far. Conversely, it is the beginning of the next 10 to 30 years of the Metroid franchise.
Is Metroid Dread A Sequel? How Many Metroid Games Are There?
Metroid Dread for the Nintendo Switch is a 2021 sequel to Metroid Fusion, released on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance in 2002. Dread is a direct follow up to the events of Fusion and takes place after the previous entry.
Metroid Dread is a direct sequel to 2002’s Metroid Fusion
Themes, characters, and enemies introduced in Metroid Fusion appear in Metroid Dread, such as Samus’ artificial intelligence computer program Adam and the deadly X parasites which threaten the galaxy.
And Metroid Fusion is a sequel in itself. So just how many Metroid games are there?
There are 5 Metroid games in the main Metroid series, not counting subseries such as the first-person adventure Metroid Prime games or spin-offs such as Metroid Prime Pinball and the tactical multiplayer Metroid Prime Federation Force.
Metroid Games (Main Series)
- PART 1: Metroid
- PART 2: Metroid: Samus Returns
- PART 3: Super Metroid
- PART 4: Metroid Fusion
- PART 5: Metroid Dread
This means you only have to play 4 other Metroid games in the main series to prepare yourself for Metroid Dread. Each game is an exhilarating experience that helps shape the tale of what made Samus Aran the most powerful bounty hunter in all the galaxies.
It’s worth playing the entire Metroid series; you’ll be doing a disservice to yourself otherwise.
Where Can I Play All Metroid Games?
Metroid is playable on the NES Nintendo Switch Online app, Metroid: Samus Returns on Nintendo 3DS, Super Metroid on the SNES Nintendo Switch Online App, Metroid Fusion via the Nintendo Wii U digital store, and Metroid Dread on Nintendo Switch. This is the best way to play the entire Metroid series.
A Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and 3DS are required to play the entire Metroid saga
Where To Play Metroid
- Metroid 1 is available to play on the NES Nintendo Switch Online App, NES Classic mini system, Nintendo Wii U digital store, and Nintendo 3DS console
- Metroid 2 (Samus Returns/Return of Samus) is available to play in its original Game Boy release on the Nintendo 3DS digital store as well as a remake on the Nintendo 3DS
- Metroid 3 (Super Metroid) available to play on the SNES Nintendo Switch Online App, SNES Classic mini system, Nintendo Wii U digital store, and Nintendo 3DS console
- Metroid 4 (Metroid Fusion) is available to play on the Nintendo Wii U digital store and for early Nintendo 3DS adapters
- Metroid 5 (Metroid Dread) is available to play on Nintendo Switch
Metroid is accessible across Nintendo’s many consoles, with multiple consoles required to enjoy the entire series.
But you now may be wondering what’s the best way to play through the entire Metroid Saga.
Best Way To Play The Main Metroid Saga
- Metroid: Zero Mission (remake of part 1). Nintendo Wii U
- Metroid: Samus Returns (remake of part 2). Nintendo 3DS
- Super Metroid. Nintendo Switch Online app, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U
- Metroid Fusion. Nintendo Wii U
- Metroid Dread. Nintendo Switch
I suggest playing Metroid: Zero Mission on the Nintendo Wii U eShop if you want to play the best version of the first Metroid. Metroid: Zero Mission (released in 2004 on Game Boy Advance) is an enhanced remake of the first Metroid.
Zero Mission has updated controls, sounds, and visuals that are infinitely superior to the Nintendo Entertainment System original. The remake also adds additional content and introduces players to a new “Zero Suit” Samus wears beneath her armored suit.
By far, Metroid: Zero Mission is the best way to experience the first Metroid game, and it’s available for purchase on the Nintendo Wii U digital store.
Continue the series by playing a fantastic remake of part 2 on Nintendo 3DS, Super Nintendo’s part 3 on your console of choice, and then part 4 on Nintendo Wii U before starting Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch.
Do I Have To Play Other Metroid Games Before Playing Metroid Dread?
You don’t need to play previous Metroid games before playing Metroid Dread, as Dread includes an introduction that summarizes the vital story elements of the four games before it.
You don’t need to play previous Metroid games before playing Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread’s 5-minute intro details major plot points of Metroid, Metroid: Samus Returns, Super Metroid, and Metroid Fusion for new and returning players.
As long as you pay attention to the game’s opening cinematic, you will not be lost or confused during the game.
All other story details will be told primarily through gameplay, cinematic cutscenes, and text dialogue while making your way through the game’s adventure.
The game never requires you to have knowledge of previous entries. As a longtime Metroid fan who has been playing the series since the early 1990s, familiarity with the story and setting is nice to have but not essential to one’s enjoyment.
You can absolutely start the Metroid series by playing Metroid Dread, and I 100% suggest you do so because the game is simply a blast to play.
How Much Does Metroid Dread Cost?
Metroid Dread launched at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $59.99. This is on par with previous entries in the series, releasing at the standard “new game” price. It’s also the same price as most other big Nintendo releases and is worth every penny.
Metroid Dread manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $59.99
Metroid games historically launched at whatever the standard pricing was for the specific console at that specific time, with the series always being presented as a major Nintendo franchise.
Popular Metroid Launch Prices
- Super Metroid (1994, Super Nintendo): $50
- Metroid Prime (2002, GameCube): $50
- Metroid Fusion (2002, Game Boy Advance): $30
- Metroid: Samus Returns (2017, Nintendo 3DS): $40
- Metroid Dread (2021, Nintendo Switch): $60
Nintendo games don’t normally go on sale often. If you’re planning to get the fantastic sci-fi game, I suggest doing it now since it’s a really fun game.
With that said, a lot of games do go on sale during the Holiday season (between October and New Year in North America). It’s worth checking Metroid Dread’s price during this period of time.
If you’re interested in Metroid Dread’s current price, you can view it on Amazon by clicking here.
How Long Does It Take To Beat Metroid Dread?
On average, Metroid Dread takes 10 hours to beat for the first playthrough. Doing everything in the game can take upward to 16 hours which includes finding every hidden items, fighting all bosses, and visitng every room across all areas of the game.
Metroid Dread takes 10 hours to beat for the first playthrough
Alternatively, players can also rush through Metroid Dread as fast as they can–a gameplay style known as “speed running” made popular by Super Metroid from the 1990s.
Speed running Metroid Dread takes as long as five hours to as low as one and a half hours. The more items collected, the longer the speed run will take.
Average Metroid Dread Playtime
- Story: 7 hours
- Completionist: 11 hours
- Leisure Pace: 12-16 hours
- Speed Run Pace: 2-5 hours
There’s no one way to play Metroid Dread, so play it at your pace and have fun.
Metroid Dread Official Synopsis
Synopsis:
“Upon investigating a mysterious transmission on Planet ZDR, Samus faces a mysterious foe that traps her in this dangerous world. The remote planet has been overrun by vicious alien lifeforms and murderous robots called E.M.M.I. Hunt or be hunted as you make your way through a labyrinth of enemies in Samus’ most intense side-scrolling adventure yet.”
Visit the official Nintendo product page for more information
