Metroid Dread Review: A Tense and Fluid Return

A Return to Form for Samus Aran

Nintendo demonstrates a remarkable consistency, both in its dedication to long-standing franchises and its willingness to innovate within them. With Metroid: Dread, the company delivers a compelling acknowledgment that sometimes, preserving the essence of a successful formula is the most effective path. While the game’s traditional design may not redefine the genre, it provides an exceptionally enjoyable gaming experience.

As the first new “mainline” Metroid title in over a decade, Dread directly follows the events of Fusion. However, the narrative takes a backseat to the core gameplay, much like in previous installments of the Mario and Zelda series. Players once again assume the role of galactic bounty hunter Samus Aran, stranded on the alien planet ZDR, tasked with investigation, and afflicted by a mysterious “physical amnesia” that initially limits her abilities.

The ensuing gameplay involves navigating intricate, both artificial and natural, environments, acquiring new weaponry and skills that unlock previously inaccessible areas and enhance Samus’s capabilities. Essentially, the fundamental gameplay loop established in 1986 remains largely unchanged.

Fluidity at Sixty Frames Per Second

One of the most notable aspects of Dread is the remarkably smooth and responsive controls and overall feel of playing as Samus. This was a significant concern, as the character’s handling is crucial to the enjoyment of any game in this style. Like Hollow Knight’s precision or Blasphemous’s deliberate weight, Samus in Dread feels uniquely fast and agile.

Image Credits: A screenshot of Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch.

The game consistently maintains a 60 FPS framerate, and Samus’s base movement speed feels more like a sprint than a leisurely jog. This design encourages a proactive playstyle, emphasizing quick reactions and strategic positioning. Every action feels immediate and responsive, prompting players to engage enemies while on the move rather than seeking cover.

This sense of urgency is particularly pronounced during encounters with the EMMIs, invincible hunter-killer robots that relentlessly pursue Samus based on sound. These robots, reminiscent of the xenomorph from Alien, pose a significant threat; being caught results in instant failure unless a perfectly timed counter is executed. Samus’s agility, allowing her to scale walls and navigate hidden passages, is essential for survival.

Image Credits: A screenshot of Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch.

Prepare to face frequent deaths in Metroid: Dread. Many will occur during EMMI encounters, where the robots emerge unexpectedly or corner you while seeking refuge. Others will come as you master the challenging patterns of the game’s bosses. While acquiring energy tanks mitigates some of the danger, entering an EMMI zone dramatically increases tension. Even the cloaking ability offers limited protection, and defeating the EMMIs requires a risky, stand-your-ground approach.

The game generally strikes a balance between difficulty and fairness. While it may not challenge seasoned players accustomed to no-hit runs of games like Demon’s Souls, it consistently presents a level of danger that makes reaching save rooms a rewarding experience. Despite some difficulty spikes and demanding counter timings, most challenges can be overcome with practice and perseverance – or a bit of luck.

The user interface is streamlined, focusing on essential information like the map and tutorials. There is no traditional inventory or loadout system; all actions are performed through button combinations, which can initially feel complex.

The Continuing Saga of Samus

Image Credits: A screenshot of Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch.

While the story isn’t the primary focus of Metroid games, Dread’s narrative provides intriguing developments and revelations within the ongoing saga. However, compared to emotionally resonant titles like Hollow Knight, the story lacks the same depth of investment. Hollow Knight’s visual storytelling and music created a sense of history and tragedy within its world, whereas Dread’s environments feel more like traditional video game levels.

Despite this, the level design is exceptionally clever. The initial areas funnel players through a seemingly linear path, creating the illusion of open exploration. Upgrades to Samus’s suit and weapons feel impactful, often unlocking new areas and abilities.

Backtracking is present, but often simplified by conveniently placed teleporters that guide players towards their next objective. This streamlined approach can be both helpful and restrictive, reducing the sense of discovery that is a hallmark of the Metroidvania genre.

Image Credits: Nintendo

The map is well-designed, providing informative guidance without revealing too much. The “something is around here” indicator encourages thorough exploration, prompting players to search for hidden passages and upgrades. The ability to filter the map to display specific types of doors or items is a valuable time-saver.

Distinct, Yet Disconnected Zones

The game struggles to create a cohesive world. Each area possesses a unique aesthetic, but they feel largely disconnected from one another. Transitions between zones occur abruptly, often through trains or elevators, lacking the organic flow found in previous Metroid titles like Super Metroid, where interconnected environments fostered a sense of exploration.

Despite this lack of overall cohesion, the individual areas are visually appealing and enjoyable to traverse. They evolve over time as the plot progresses and Samus gains new abilities, though these changes can sometimes feel limiting.

Image Credits: A screenshot of Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch.

Completing the game took a little over eight hours, with 54 percent of items collected. Despite a relatively quick playthrough, the game felt longer due to its engaging gameplay. Like all Metroid games, it offers replay value for players seeking to master its challenges and uncover its secrets. While a significantly different New Game Plus mode is absent, opportunities for sequence breaking – a popular pastime among Metroid fans – are limited. (Update: I was incorrect, and efficient play has the world record down to under an hour and a half.)

Metroid: Dread is a quintessential Metroid experience. While it may not match the scale of some recent Metroidvania titles, it compensates with its fluid gameplay, propulsive energy, and respectful treatment of the player’s time. It’s a game that demands to be played, offering a compelling and rewarding experience without unnecessary padding. It’s not an epic, but it doesn’t need to be to deliver a worthwhile experience.