Metroid Dread

 Switch
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2790 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,386 out of 2790
  2. Mixed: 158 out of 2790
  3. Negative: 246 out of 2790
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  1. klorophane
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    Excellent game, almost perfect in a way. I played with my girlfriend and we were on the edge of our seat the whole time. The graphics are nice and evolve in a very satisfying way. The controls are magical, very satisfying and snappy. The map is sprawling and you have to get back multiple times to discover secrets with your new powerups. If you like Super Metroid, you're almost guaranteedExcellent game, almost perfect in a way. I played with my girlfriend and we were on the edge of our seat the whole time. The graphics are nice and evolve in a very satisfying way. The controls are magical, very satisfying and snappy. The map is sprawling and you have to get back multiple times to discover secrets with your new powerups. If you like Super Metroid, you're almost guaranteed to also like Dread.

    One divisive element are the EMMI chases. At first I was a bit dismayed by them, but they get more and more interesting/challenging and offer a nice change of pace. They ended up being one of my favourite things in the game because it forces you to delve in these areas where you are no longer in control.

    One thing I didn't like as much are the cut scenes. At least some of them. Some of them felt very slow for some reason, but I must say that the boss cutscenes were all excellent. So its a mixed bag, but overall nothing too displeasing.    … Expand
  2. Stillwell
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    This game has a lot going for it. It has perfect feeling controls and handling. At first, I was not too enthusiastic about the visuals, but as I played the game, rather than watching pre-release content, I realized how alive and detailed the environments felt. The sound design is great and the music is pretty good. The pacing is good and it is easy to tell where to go next, but you areThis game has a lot going for it. It has perfect feeling controls and handling. At first, I was not too enthusiastic about the visuals, but as I played the game, rather than watching pre-release content, I realized how alive and detailed the environments felt. The sound design is great and the music is pretty good. The pacing is good and it is easy to tell where to go next, but you are given the opportunity to adventure around and upgrade your character if you feel the need. The bosses are interesting and a good level of challenging. The game also includes an introduction that will catch you up on the story if you haven't played any of the others. I would absolutely recommend this game if you have a Switch.… Expand
  3. Abysswalker2115
    Oct 13, 2021
    9
    The controls at first are quite meh, but once you start mastering them you are able to pull off some cool maneuvers. The sense of progression is perfectly paced with how this game wants you to feel like you’re being hunted. I personally enjoyed the small pieces of story they put in here, but I’m sure some people will just not know what is going on. All in all, great game, easilyThe controls at first are quite meh, but once you start mastering them you are able to pull off some cool maneuvers. The sense of progression is perfectly paced with how this game wants you to feel like you’re being hunted. I personally enjoyed the small pieces of story they put in here, but I’m sure some people will just not know what is going on. All in all, great game, easily replayable, and worth it.… Expand
  4. Porkchawp
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    This game is simply, incredible. It perfectly evolves the Metroid franchise for the modern day. The movement and momentum mechanics feel great and keep the speedrunning aspect that so many love from the previous games. The story is great, giving plenty of context for new players and rewarding those who have played the entirety of the series. The new E.M.M.I enemies are exciting andThis game is simply, incredible. It perfectly evolves the Metroid franchise for the modern day. The movement and momentum mechanics feel great and keep the speedrunning aspect that so many love from the previous games. The story is great, giving plenty of context for new players and rewarding those who have played the entirety of the series. The new E.M.M.I enemies are exciting and horrifying. MercurySteam did a fantastic job.… Expand
  5. Eduhc1234
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game! Finaly Metroid receive some love..
    Qnd finally, the people that call Samus 'metroid' até right.    … Expand
  6. Ajoo444
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    This game is awsome! my opinion 10/10 thanks Nintendo for this Master piece!!!
  7. Adrianojbc
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    Excellent game, gameplay and history! Great controls and well balanced difficulty :)
  8. connorv67
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    The definitive Metroid game of the Switch era, just as significant as Odyssey or Breath of the Wild are for their respective franchises. Does the classics justice while embracing new and exciting ideas.
  9. Errari22
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    Brilliant! . Have not finished the game but this thing is so addicting to play. Im loving every second of it
  10. mCross
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    Hands down one of the best games of 2021 (maybe even the decade), and is a good reminder why the genre is called a METROIDvania! The movement feels snappy and responsive, the combat is intense and challenging, and the stealth parts are appropriately nerve-wracking.

    Gameplay aside, this game truly shines in the exploration and its character designs. These are augmented by a mysterious and    Hands down one of the best games of 2021 (maybe even the decade), and is a good reminder why the genre is called a METROIDvania! The movement feels snappy and responsive, the combat is intense and challenging, and the stealth parts are appropriately nerve-wracking.

    Gameplay aside, this game truly shines in the exploration and its character designs. These are augmented by a mysterious and foreboding narrative that stands well enough on its own if you don’t have much knowledge of Samus’ story thus far. As opposed to many modern Metroidvanias, the game encourages players to find their own path forward through exploration, careful use of the map, and some trial-and-error. Your AI helper will give you general directions to facilitate the story, but beyond that, your path is largely yours to control. Some players who are new to the genre may find this design decision frustrating at times; but it is an important one from both an immersion and story perspective. You are a lone bounty hunter, lost within an uncharted world, and you yourself are being hunted. That level of immersion is something encountered less and less frequently in the modern era of video games, where players are bombarded with waypoints, quest markers, and exposition all elements.

    While definitely more accessible than some of its 2D ancestors, Dread is still a difficult game and does not hold your hand. Be prepared to die more than a few times, especially early on in your adventure; however, as you explore the game world, you will uncover abilities that will give you the advantage against the multitude of hostile creatures and machines.

    Overall, whether you are a long-time Metroid fan or new to the series, Dread is both a masterpiece, and the quintessential Metroidvania. I cannot recommend this game enough, especially to those who enjoyed games like Ori and the Blind Forest and Hollow Knight, and even Dead Cells to an extent.

    Pick up this game, be ready to explore, and step into the boots of the OG video game heroine; you won’t be disappointed!    … Expand
  11. NShadow
    Oct 13, 2021
    9
    Metroid Dread is a game I almost put down for good about 2 hours in. I was very interested in the story, and the gameplay was fast and fluid, but I could not find my way through the game's labyrinth and grew frustrated with the constant backtracking. The exploration of Metroid was always what turned me away from the series.

    After no one bought my listing for it on eBay for the night, I    Metroid Dread is a game I almost put down for good about 2 hours in. I was very interested in the story, and the gameplay was fast and fluid, but I could not find my way through the game's labyrinth and grew frustrated with the constant backtracking. The exploration of Metroid was always what turned me away from the series.

    After no one bought my listing for it on eBay for the night, I decided to give it one more try using something I generally avoid like the plague when playing video games: a walkthrough guide. While many Metroid fans will probably tell you this is taboo, I'm a large advocate for utilizing whatever methods a player needs to improve their experience in a game, whether that's lowering the difficulty or looking up solutions when they're stuck. By consulting a simple guide that just directed me toward which area to visit next whenever I got lost to the point where I got annoyed, I was able to experience the game's superb combat, platforming, and puzzle design, and I was immediately hooked.

    Samus is not just starring in a modern Metroid game, she herself has been modernized. The silent protagonist displays character and style throughout this game that you never quite got to see throughout the past games. Her strength and determination guide you through a hostile world without allies, and these qualities allow you to emotionally connect to the character and her motivation to survive, which is something I found past Metroid games sorely lacking. Another new feature of Metroid Dread is a much greater emphasis on narrative, splicing Metroid lore in a way that culminates into a very fulfilling plot, with twists and turns and a mystery that drives the player's motivation to keep pushing forward.

    And that motivation is certainly needed because the game's bosses, EMMIs, and boundless exploration without many directional cues present the player with real challenge seldom seen in mainline Nintendo games. The suspense the EMMIs present and the difficulty of these bosses really contribute well to the game's atmosphere and theme of dread.

    Metroid Dread has some of the most seamless platforming and battle mechanics I've seen in its genre. The game runs so smoothly, allowing you to execute strings of complex maneuvers at lightning speed, which the boss fights will require you to do. Each upgrade you collect feels liberating and satisfying to use as you forge new paths and further Samus' quest to escape the alien planet, even if one or two don't see as much use as you might hope.

    Overall, Metroid Dread is a masterpiece within its genre. It combines the classic Metroid formula with modern gameplay elements and centers it all around a compelling narrative. It's the first eBay listing I've posted that I'm glad no one bought.    … Expand
  12. JordanM2112
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely worth the 19 years of waiting! Looks like Metroid is back, and in good hands.… Expand
  13. sabahimself
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Played Fusion back in 2004, been a Metroid fan since then. I've been waiting this game for a looong long time, and boy, was it worth the wait. Metroid Dread is a fantastic game. It keeps the core elements from the previous titles, but integrates them with a whole lot of quality of life improvements. The game does a perfect job at controls mapping, any button on the Nintendo switch has itsPlayed Fusion back in 2004, been a Metroid fan since then. I've been waiting this game for a looong long time, and boy, was it worth the wait. Metroid Dread is a fantastic game. It keeps the core elements from the previous titles, but integrates them with a whole lot of quality of life improvements. The game does a perfect job at controls mapping, any button on the Nintendo switch has its function, Samus' movements and animations are smooth as silk (the slide and melee counter are a joy to use) and it's fast paced even in the stealth sections. The map is huge and i was scared i might lose myself very often, but the perfectly crafted level design manages to set you on the right path even without giving precise instructions.
    The artstyle is amazing, i loved the cinematic cutscenes and the animated landscapes in the various sectors: they create a nice sense of immersion, and the sound design helps in doing so. If i had to find a minor flaw, that would be the soundtrack. It's good and creates the right atmosphere, but it doesn't reach the heights of Fusion and Super Metroid.
    Last but not least, the boss fights are pure genius. They require you to master your upgrades, they are probably harder than any previous Metroid game and might be tough to deal with for a casual gamer, but they are not punishing (you respawn at the previous room) and they give you different options for beating them. The game also has different animations in case of sequence breaking, glad the developers thought about that. The final boss fight, in particular, will probably go down as one of the most memorable of this series. Story-wise, Dread deeply explores and expands the lore and that's great for a long time fan, but a newcomer won't get lost due to the brief summaries at the beginning, important to recap the story basics. To wrap this up, I could easily see Metroid Dread being in the GOTY conversation. Yes, it's that good.    … Expand
  14. Gilkoori
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Excelente experiência, ainda mais por ser fã desde o primeiro, tem toda essência da franquia, um final surpreendente, a melhor fluidez de controle de toda série e mesmo de toda base metroidvania, recomendo muito e certamente este ficará no meu coração
  15. TayterJ
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    High-effort review.

    Mercury Steam and Yoshio Sakamoto absolutely nailed this entry in the main Metroid series. The story is lightly sprinkled on with very compelling cutscenes and (very) limited but impactful dialogue. The persistent and annoying Navigation rooms from Fusion have returned, but not in the same way. They are much fewer and far between, and "Adam" does not give you    High-effort review.

    Mercury Steam and Yoshio Sakamoto absolutely nailed this entry in the main Metroid series.

    The story is lightly sprinkled on with very compelling cutscenes and (very) limited but impactful dialogue. The persistent and annoying Navigation rooms from Fusion have returned, but not in the same way. They are much fewer and far between, and "Adam" does not give you explicit orders like last time. instead of having the next hour of gameplay explained to you, the rooms just give you general advice and direction.

    The movement in Dread is smoothed even further from the engine for Samus Returns on the 3DS. Not only does Samus control like a dream, but she also has a few new, original abilities in this entry that make traversal and back-tracking much more interesting.

    Speaking of back-tracking, Dread does a wonderful job of providing a shortcut at the exact moment that you feel like you need it in order to return to previously traversed areas. Not only this, but they designed progression based on a looping route throughout each area of the game. You may find a convenient shortcut to backtrack for a missed Energy Tank and find that they put a boss with an upgrade in the path you were planning on backtracking to begin with. Environments are sometimes entirely changed on subsequent trips through an earlier area. Mercury Steam really went all out on ensuring that revisiting areas you've been to already is a pleasant experience.

    The upgrades hidden throughout the game that you might search out if you're attempting to 100% Dread all vary in how obtuse they can be to obtain. Some are as simple as laying a bomb and claiming it, while others require VERY precise morph ball or speed booster tricks that the game doesn't teach you.

    But the greatest thing of all that Dread does is something that Every Metroid game does. It teaches you how to play and sharpens your control of Samus as you play. Just like Zero Mission or Super Metroid, nothing can replace that feeling of finally solving the super difficult Speed Booster puzzle for the final Energy Tank.

    Likewise, the bosses in Dread are exceptionally brutal on the first run. BUT they all teach you how to beat them. On my first attempt at each major boss in the game, I got the feeling that they seemed almost impossible. Some of their attacks SEEM unavoidable, and their attacks are PUNISHING. But each time you attempt the same boss, you'll notice one more thing that will help you get further, and further, until suddenly you can completely style on the boss, avoid all it's attacks, and feel like a total badass. This game really demands that you out-play the bosses in order to beat them. Sometimes this translates to a cookie-cutter experience, but here, it ends up being very satisfying in execution. You can tell that Mercury Steam took notes from other popular Metroidvania games like Hollow Knight and Ori, so as not to be behind-the-curve on difficulty.

    The E.M.M.I. seem to be the most controversial part of this game, when looking at other reviews. They are only scary the first couple of times you have to run from them. Eventually you will see them for what they are -- a nuisance. However, I still believe they add to the experience. Their existence bars you from exploring large chunks of each area at leisure. Once you find a way to destroy each of them, the expanse of rooms they were patrolling open up to reveal a lot of shortcuts and items.

    On your first playthrough, running into an EMMI seems like instant death. And this is a complaint being echoed by a lot of voices on Metacritic. But what is often not mentioned alongside this is that Dread has VERY forgiving checkpoints--if you're caught by an EMMI and die, it just puts you outside the EMMI zone door you entered through. Unlike past Metroid games, dying does not return you all the way to your last save point. Save points are basically there for when you quit the game and load it back up. The same goes for bosses. Losing to a boss doesn't require you to slog all the way back from a save room. Dying just puts you right outside their room so you can try, try again.

    I also must address negative reviews I've seen about the design of the game:

    This game looks phenomenal and anyone saying the graphics are bad is a troll or is blind. This is one of the most beautiful Switch games to date and has an immense amount of detail and story-through-subtext, just as you'd expect from a Metroid game.

    My only real complaint about this game is that the EMMI aren't scary enough and I wish I could adjust the controls. The default controls aren't terrible, but nobody was ever hurt by having the option.

    EDIT: The EMMI's can be somewhat reliably countered with practice. Also, this game has sequence breaking. I'm saying this because a lot of the negative reviews get these two things wrong.    … Expand
  16. IsimiKehinde88
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    This is a phenomenal game; it does enough to be modernised while holding true to what created the genre. It takes surprising elements philosophically from super metroid and fusion; a great combination of the two, with an atmosphere that is effective. Samus controls like a dream, she is fluid and animated; this really shows her demeanor and her best representation to date. The levelThis is a phenomenal game; it does enough to be modernised while holding true to what created the genre. It takes surprising elements philosophically from super metroid and fusion; a great combination of the two, with an atmosphere that is effective. Samus controls like a dream, she is fluid and animated; this really shows her demeanor and her best representation to date. The level design is impeccable; they have found a way to pace the game effectively without being handholdy (super metroid) and also having objective(fusion); you are never really in one area for two long. The E.M.M.Is don't drag the game down; the stealth is intense; it's cat and mouse and so you're always on the run never losing momentum; and while they can be frustrating at time; it never felt like the game designed them cheaply but rather it's your fault. The Boss battles are some if the best in the genre and in action games and are sequential in nature thus letting you rely on observation and precision while using all your abilities (up to that point) to beat them. I see some people complain about the QTE segments of the game, saying it's cheap; I see it as a reward for understanding the boss and figuring them out; this is a sign of you beating then quicker. The music might not be memorable but they are effective and complement the atmosphere; it amplifies it. The graphics while has blemishes in some of the texture, as a whole; really does make the game atmospheric and eerie, it's lighting and color use makes for vibrancy in this eerie isolated world. Going with 3D instead of 2D Sprite was the right choice as it helps articulate some cinematic points in the game; I personally feel the graphics are underappreciated because the game is rather fast paced you don't get to acknowledge the background and how varied the areas are; they are refreshing and very different from each other. The game runs at a smooth 60fps which just makes samus animation all the more fluid and natural. Some of the cutscences like when you transport yourself are in 30fps but since they don't affect gameplay; they are a none issue and most cinematic are in-game engine so you're still in that 60fps. The story is not in your face; and each time it's on display it's impactful - this is especially for metroid fans who have followed the story throughly. I am not the biggest metroid person when it comes to the lore but I found it interesting. Story is the least of my problem in games so the fact it's not in my face and when it comes; it's quick, concise and action packed is good for me as I like to get back into what games do best; gameplay. This is honestly a triumph for not just mercury steam who showed that Nintendo was right to trust them, and not to the genre - which shouldn't be seen as just an indie genre but the fans who have waited so long; it was well worth it on all front.… Expand
  17. TBG_Xeno
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Great game beautiful graphics smooth gaming fun to play and bosses are fun and challenging
  18. Zaeto
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Es impresionante lo bien que regreso a la vida el juego, quizás no sea tan largo pero es hermoso el detallado y la jugabilidad que se puede encontrar en el.
  19. Kelvaned
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    The first Metroid game I’ve ever finished. It hooked me from the moment i picked up my pro controller down to the very end. To the point that I hardly managed to stop playing in the meantime.
  20. Kobrakan
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Amazing! A must play! It combines the best gameplay mechanics and abilities from all the 2d metroid games and adds a ton on top! The graphics are superb, the classic isolated atmosphere is better than ever. The wait was worth it. This game surpassed all my expectations.
  21. sebask8tan
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    El juego es bastante bueno, es agradable poder ver un nuevo juego de la franquicia.! espero poder ver mas pronto
  22. GamingKaleido
    Oct 14, 2021
    9
    This game is fantastic! Long time fans of the Metroid series are in for a treat with this entry as it delivers the best gameplay yet.

    Firstly, for graphics, this game is gorgeous! Its not the best graphical showcase of the Switch, but for a 2D game, this is really impressive, especially the cut-scenes. As for the game itself, the map is huge and well designed, it's fun to move around    This game is fantastic! Long time fans of the Metroid series are in for a treat with this entry as it delivers the best gameplay yet.

    Firstly, for graphics, this game is gorgeous! Its not the best graphical showcase of the Switch, but for a 2D game, this is really impressive, especially the cut-scenes.

    As for the game itself, the map is huge and well designed, it's fun to move around as Samus, the combat has more options and is fluid as ever, pacing is phenomenal (until certain moments near the end), the boss fights are the series' best, and the story delivers for the most part.

    The biggest selling point of Metroid Dread are the EMMI robots that chase Samus during the adventure. These gameplay elements create high tension that is greatly welcomed. I feel a sense of pressure and adrenaline when being chased, in a good way.

    The only negatives I have with the game is the soundtrack. I find this new tracks to be very underwhelming and forgettable. The remixes of older songs are great though. Other issues I have with the game comes to my personal preference, but I wish there were more boss fights and one more area to explore. However, that is me wanting more of this amazing game. My final complaint is that I think the ending is too abrupt, but I will not go into spoilers.

    Overall, 9/10, an incredible game, it's a good time to be a Metroid fan!    … Expand
  23. JuniperJune
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    This game is pure fun. While the game can be difficult at times, it's a perfect blend of old and new. This game brings Metroid to modern times with quality of life enhancements and modern controls that are amazing. The game's checkpoint system is also very kind to players and some patience is all that is needed to beat the game.
  24. TheRamin
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    100% fills that Metroidvania craving. Metroid fans are eating well this fall!
  25. Amped
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Although we've had to wait for so long for a new Metroid game, the wait was worth it.
  26. Ray00101
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Amazing game from start to end. Perfect pacing, great visuals, fast and fluid gameplay…I could go on and on. First game in a long time that I fully 100%’d, 15 hours flew by and I’m left wanting more.
  27. DoctorGhoul
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great grameplay, great gramphics. The sequel that Metroid has needed for 17 years. If you're complaining that the game is too hard, then you clearly haven't put enough effort into it. The bosses follow the same patterns so if you try them a couple times, you should get the hang of it.… Expand
  28. MrPublas
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    The gameplay is the best the series has ever gotten, samus feels fluid, agile and powerful. The map design is amazing and guides you with little clues to the next area without holding your hand while still letting you sequence break a multitude of items if you are clever enough. The graphics are good specially for a switch game running at 60fps. The bosses are tough but fair and the parryThe gameplay is the best the series has ever gotten, samus feels fluid, agile and powerful. The map design is amazing and guides you with little clues to the next area without holding your hand while still letting you sequence break a multitude of items if you are clever enough. The graphics are good specially for a switch game running at 60fps. The bosses are tough but fair and the parry sequences are absolutely jaw dropping for some of them. The story takes the game to another direction and the ending leaves endless possibilites for the next entries while closing the curtain on the first 5 metroid titles. Without a doubt a must have for the switch.… Expand
  29. IzzyYonko
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Simply an amazing experience for Metroid fans. Combat, enemies, environments were well designed and beautiful.
  30. D_Games
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    Loving this game and the ascetics at every moment... Despite how lost I feel lost most the time, adds to the atmosphere.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Switch Game of 2021
1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 124 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 116 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 124
  3. Negative: 0 out of 124
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 18, 2022
    100
    Quotation forthcoming.
  2. IGN Adria
    Jan 20, 2022
    90
    After almost 20 years we finally have a sequel to the 2D series of Metroid games! Considering that, Dread does a great job of combining the new modern combat with the old elements of research and advancement, and it doesn't hurt that we have some of the best boss fights in the series. A true gem and a must have for all Switch gamers.
    Read full review
  3. JeuxActu
    Dec 13, 2021
    85
    Taking up the torch of a series interrupted nineteen years ago is never an easy task, but the MercurySteam studio is doing it with honors! The developers have chosen the path of security while perfectly respecting the spirit of the previous episodes, to the detriment of true modernity.
    Read full review
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