Metroid Dread Review: Samus Returns to Her Horror Roots, Even Better on Nintendo Switch 2

Hello everyone, I'm Lao Wang, a seasoned gamer with over 10 years of experience. Today, I want to talk to you about Metroid Dread, the latest installment in the Metroid series that landed on the Nintendo Switch platform in 2021. As a longtime fan, I had high expectations for this game, as it not only marks the return of 2D Metroid but also elevates the horror elements to a new level. At the same time, I've been pondering what potential this game could showcase on a new console, especially after the nintendo switch2 first look is released.

1. Metroid Dread: A Blend of Return and Innovation

Metroid Dread is the first mainline 2D Metroid game since 2002's Metroid Fusion. The story takes place on the remote planet ZDR, where Samus Aran is dispatched to investigate a dangerous organism known as the "X Parasite." However, a much more terrifying threat awaits her: the E.M.M.I. robots.

While retaining the classic elements of the series, this game introduces many innovative mechanics, especially the E.M.M.I. chase sequences, which bring players an unprecedented sense of tension and oppression. At the same time, the game's map design is more complex, and the exploration elements are richer, immersing players in a world full of unknowns and dangers.

2. Gameplay Deep Dive: Exploration, Combat, and Survival

The core gameplay of Metroid Dread revolves around exploration, combat, and survival.

2.1 Map Exploration: Classic Metroid Experience

The game uses a classic side-scrolling map design, where players control Samus to explore various areas, find new abilities and items, and unlock new routes. The map design is ingenious, with each area interconnected, forming a vast and complex maze. Hidden passages, secret rooms, and powerful boss battles await players to discover.

During exploration, players need to use Samus's various abilities, such as jumping, shooting, and Morph Ball, to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. New abilities often mean new exploration areas, and this gradual design keeps players fresh and motivated.

2.2 Combat System: Smooth, Exhilarating, and Challenging

The combat system in Metroid Dread is very smooth and exhilarating. Samus has a variety of weapons and abilities to deal with different enemies. The game introduces a "melee counter" mechanic, where players can counterattack at the moment of an enemy's attack, dealing massive damage.

Boss battles are one of the highlights of the game. Each boss has unique attack patterns and weaknesses, and players need to observe carefully and find the right tactics to win. The boss battles are quite difficult, requiring players to master Samus's various abilities and use them flexibly.

2.3 E.M.M.I. Zones: The Core of the Survival Horror Experience

The E.M.M.I. are the biggest innovation in this game. These robots have extremely high speed and perception, and once they detect Samus, they will launch a relentless pursuit. Within the E.M.M.I. zones, players cannot use any weapons and can only rely on stealth and escape to avoid their pursuit.

The E.M.M.I. chase sequences bring players a great sense of tension and oppression. Every encounter with the E.M.M.I. makes your heart race, and players need to think calmly and find the best escape route. This survival horror experience is rare in other Metroid games.

3. Graphics, Sound, and Story: Cornerstones of an Immersive Experience

3.1 Visual Presentation: Exquisite and Detailed, Excellent Atmosphere Creation

The visual presentation of Metroid Dread is excellent. The game uses modern rendering technology, with rich scene details and realistic lighting effects. Samus's movements are smooth and natural, and the enemies' designs are also very imposing.

The game's art style leans towards dark and terrifying, which creates a good atmosphere for the game. The details of various scenes, such as abandoned laboratories, dark underground passages, and caves full of alien creatures, make people feel depressed and uneasy.

If it lands on the nintendo switch2 price in the future, I believe the game's graphics can reach a higher level, such as higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and more realistic lighting effects.

3.2 Sound Design: Just Right, Enhancing the Sense of Horror

The game's sound design is excellent. The background music appropriately enhances the atmosphere of the game, and the tense chase sequences are accompanied by urgent music, causing adrenaline to rush. The sounds of enemies roaring, mechanical noises, and gunshots are all very realistic, enhancing the game's immersion.

The E.M.M.I.'s footsteps are especially worth mentioning. Every time you hear the E.M.M.I.'s footsteps, players feel fear and unease, and this sound design very successfully creates a survival horror atmosphere.

3.3 Story Narration: Subtlety and Hints, Thought-Provoking

The story narration in Metroid Dread is relatively restrained, and many plots are hinted at through scenes, props, and dialogues. Players need to observe carefully to understand the whole story.

The game's story involves Samus's past, the truth about the X Parasite, and the secrets of the mysterious Chozo race. These elements are intertwined to form a thought-provoking story. Although the game doesn't have many dialogues and CG animations, the depth and connotation of its story far exceed that of ordinary action games.

4. Handling: Flexible and Smooth, Easy to Pick Up

The handling in Metroid Dread is very flexible and smooth. Samus's movements, jumps, shots, and other actions are all very natural, and players can easily pick it up. The game introduces a "free aim" function, where players can more accurately control the shooting direction.

"Slide" is a new action added to this game, where players can use the slide to pass through narrow passages and avoid enemy attacks. The addition of this action increases the game's flexibility and strategy.

5. Pros and Cons Analysis

5.1 Pros

• Classic Metroid Experience: Excellent map design, rich exploration elements, smooth combat system.
• Innovative E.M.M.I. Chase Sequences: Bringing an unprecedented sense of tension and oppression.
• Exquisite Graphics and Excellent Sound Effects: Creating an immersive gaming experience.
• Flexible and Smooth Handling: Easy to pick up, excellent handling.
• Thought-Provoking Plot: Subtlety and hints, thought-provoking.

5.2 Cons

• High Difficulty: Some boss battles and E.M.M.I. zones are not very friendly to novice players.
• Story Narration is Relatively Obscure: Players need to observe carefully to understand.
• Some Scenes are Relatively Repetitive: May make players feel aesthetically fatigued.

6. Comparison with Similar Games

Compared with similar Metroid games, Metroid Dread excels in graphics, sound effects, and innovation. The E.M.M.I. chase sequences are the biggest highlight of this game, and this survival horror experience is rare in other Metroid games.

Compared with similar indie games, Metroid Dread is better in map design and combat system. The game's map is more complex, the exploration elements are richer, and the combat system is smoother and more exhilarating.

7. Score and Summary

Overall, Metroid Dread is a very excellent Metroid game. It not only retains the classic elements of the series but also adds many innovative mechanics, bringing players an unprecedented gaming experience.

IGN Score: 9/10 (Reference link: https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-dread-review)

Metacritic Score: 88/100 (Reference link: https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/metroid-dread)

I personally give Metroid Dread a 9.2/10. It is a Metroid game that should not be missed and is highly recommended to all players who like action-adventure games. If it can run on nintendo switch2 compatibility in the future, I believe the gaming experience will be even better.

8. Beginner's Guide

If you are a novice player who is new to Metroid Dread, you can refer to the following suggestions:

• Read the Tutorial Carefully: The game has a detailed tutorial that introduces Samus's various abilities and operations.
• Explore More: Many items and secrets are hidden on the map, and exploring more can help you improve your strength.
• Make Good Use of the Map: The map can mark unexplored areas and important locations, making it easier for you to plan your route.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Enemy's Attack Patterns: Different enemies have different attack patterns, and familiarizing yourself with their attack patterns can help you better dodge and counterattack.
• Don't Be Afraid to Fail: The game is quite difficult, and failure is normal. Every failure is a learning opportunity, learn from it, and constantly improve your strength.

9. Advanced Tips and Strategies

• Use "Flash Shift" to Dodge E.M.M.I.: When the E.M.M.I. are chasing, you can use "Flash Shift" to move quickly and dodge their attacks.
• Master the Technique of "Melee Counter": "Melee Counter" can deal a lot of damage and is an indispensable skill in boss battles.
• Make Good Use of Various Weapons and Abilities: Different weapons and abilities have different uses, and using them well can help you better deal with different enemies and scenes.
• Find Hidden Energy Tanks and Missile Tanks: Energy Tanks and Missile Tanks can increase Samus's health and missile capacity, making you more durable in battle.
• Try Speedrunning: After familiarizing yourself with the game flow, you can try speedrunning to challenge your limits.

10. Conclusion and Outlook Nintendo Switch 2

Metroid Dread is a Metroid game that combines classic and innovation. It is not only a tribute to the series' tradition but also an exploration of future directions. On the Nintendo Switch, it has already shown its powerful charm, and I look forward to its performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future.

Imagine, on the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2, Metroid Dread can have higher resolution, smoother frame rates, more realistic lighting effects, and even ray tracing technology, which will greatly enhance the game's immersion and visual experience.

In addition, the new features of the Nintendo Switch 2, such as faster loading speeds and more powerful haptic feedback, may also bring new gameplay and experiences to Metroid Dread. For example, faster loading speeds can reduce players' waiting time, and more powerful haptic feedback can enhance the sense of impact in combat.

In short, Metroid Dread is a game worth looking forward to. Whether on the Nintendo Switch or the future Nintendo Switch 2, it will bring players an unforgettable adventure. I hope my review can help everyone understand this game more deeply, and I look forward to exploring more game worlds with you on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future!