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. JossDeath7
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    Me encantó, su jugabilidad es increíble a tal punto que te logra enganchar, sin mencionar que le da un cierre increíble a la franquicia, completamente recomendado
  2. Randomguyreview
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    I’ve never reviewed a game on metacritic before but was so impressed with this game I thought I’d say something. It’s everything I’ve wanted in a Metroid game after waiting nearly 20 years for a sequel. It takes everything from Samus Returns and improves in it. The environments, the music, the movement, the abilities and the suspense of the unexpected. It’s a great game and I can’tI’ve never reviewed a game on metacritic before but was so impressed with this game I thought I’d say something. It’s everything I’ve wanted in a Metroid game after waiting nearly 20 years for a sequel. It takes everything from Samus Returns and improves in it. The environments, the music, the movement, the abilities and the suspense of the unexpected. It’s a great game and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone

    Hope this helps. Thanks,    … Expand
  3. Nightstalker301
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    As someone who was raised in a family who are such huge nerds of the franchise, I can tell you that Metroid Dread doesn't dissapoint at all. If it's one thing I can say about the game, is that the graphics are excellent, and I was absolutely blown away by how good the game looks. The gameplay was never stale from the hunting secrets, to the E.M.M.I zones, to the bosses , this game didn'tAs someone who was raised in a family who are such huge nerds of the franchise, I can tell you that Metroid Dread doesn't dissapoint at all. If it's one thing I can say about the game, is that the graphics are excellent, and I was absolutely blown away by how good the game looks. The gameplay was never stale from the hunting secrets, to the E.M.M.I zones, to the bosses , this game didn't fail to make me think outside of the box and think of different solutions to solve things. At some points it was frustrating, but that was more of my own incompetence. The game was challenging and fun, I could not recommend more to purchase this game. This isn't a waste of money, it's a masterpiece.… Expand
  4. Kenny38
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    Marvelous game, the game that Metroid fans are waiting. Great game, don't think twice and buy
  5. Deadpoetrism
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When I think of 2D Metroid...Metroid Dread really is at the peak in the series so far. Here's what I like and don't like.
    The Good:
    - There's a ton of sequence breaking.
    - They used every possible button and layout possible, there are many options to defeat your enemies. Can feel a little overwhelming at first, but feels incredible when you are in the zone.
    - There are "Secret" ways to destroy mini bosses/bosses.
    - The Cinematics/graphics/cutscenes are top tier for Metroid.
    - I love how short the game is actually, because it easily has high replayablility and that allows me to adore this game on a daily basis if I want to and beat it within 1.5 to 4 hours. Just to clarify, my first play through took me about 8-9 hours without 100% the game.
    - The controls are probably the smoothest and most enjoyable in this entry. Every action and move you make
    - There are parry mechanics, but you don't have to use them until the final boss. But if you do there are great rewards for it.
    - Somehow speedbooster and Shinesparking got a whole lot more fun and expanded on it's mechanics. And it makes the puzzles around them so much more fun to nail.
    - The difficulty is pretty hard when it comes to it's "Normal" mode, after that it's "Hard" mode. I'm glad it took this route.
    - The Bosses have moves that you can dodge or parry, there's nothing that you can't avoid and have a fair chance at completing the game with no deaths and no damage...that said, the game is already hard. So good luck.
    - I love how there is RNG in the placement of the E.M.M.I.'s. This makes every gameplay unique and you never know where those guys are.
    - Enemy designs are great! some new additions and old.
    The Middle:
    - I wasn't expecting a story, but I got one. Metroid typically explores it's story without dialogue and does well with both (excluding Other M here). There are great additions that made my heart sing and there are parts that I'm still left unsure rather than curious about.

    The Bad:
    - The music will disappoint you if expect really memorable melodies, while some tracks are re-used and some new tracks are really nice (The E.M.M.I. areas in particular). But otherwise the music focuses on blending in the the ambience of atmosphere.
    - I didn't really like the grapple beam handing in the game, felt a little wonky compared to any of the other series, then again...maybe I'm just bad at it.    … Expand
  6. ThaRager
    Oct 18, 2021
    10
    It's a very worthy addition to the Metroid franchise. As a big Metroid fan, I can feel the love from the studio for the series. Very fluid gameplay, amazing cinematics, details to the story and it has beautiful graphics for the Switch. I could not ask for more!
  7. Lukispuki
    Oct 18, 2021
    10
    It is not as good as Super Metroid, but it is very very very good! If it is too hard for you then you should become a better Gamer.
  8. Mywnn
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    This game is my favorite of the year, and by far. Metroid is back to the top!
  9. Columbo619
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Best game of 2021. An absolute must buy for both Metroid fans and Switch owners. Best recommended playing it while wearing headphones.
  10. luizsantarem
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Metroid is a big franchise and it wasn't easy to create a sequel for it. Mercury Steam managed to do it splendidly!

    The name of the game is Metroid Dread. You should know what to expect. It's not an easy game, Samus won't be ultra powerful at first, you won't feel superior to your enemies. I repeat: The name of the game is Metroid Dread. I see a lot of negative reviews due to the    Metroid is a big franchise and it wasn't easy to create a sequel for it. Mercury Steam managed to do it splendidly!

    The name of the game is Metroid Dread. You should know what to expect.

    It's not an easy game, Samus won't be ultra powerful at first, you won't feel superior to your enemies. I repeat: The name of the game is Metroid Dread.

    I see a lot of negative reviews due to the E.M.M.I system and the difficulty of the game. There are so many easy games out there, you don't have to play Metroid Dread. And you shouldn't give it a negative rating because maybe you're not the target audience for this game.

    I think they made the game with the fans in mind and as a fan of the series, I really appreciate it! For me the difficulty is very well balanced, MS managed to create captivating new mechanics, made creative use of Quick Time Events, created a lively and interesting map to explore and made good use of Counter mechanics.

    The story is worthy, a beautiful closing to the series. Do yourself a favor and play this game.    … Expand
  11. Metapicks
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Wow what a fun and rewarding game. I never go for 100% but when I beat this game I had to go back and collect everything g because it’s so fun.

    The game has some of the most epic boss battles I’ve ever seen. Make sure to counter when you have a chance so you can see some incredible cute scenes that are completely interactive. The game is so well paced and never overstays it’s welcome or    Wow what a fun and rewarding game. I never go for 100% but when I beat this game I had to go back and collect everything g because it’s so fun.

    The game has some of the most epic boss battles I’ve ever seen. Make sure to counter when you have a chance so you can see some incredible cute scenes that are completely interactive.

    The game is so well paced and never overstays it’s welcome or feels bloated. Bosses are challenging and may at first feel impossible but it is so well designed you learn them and gradually figure out how to beat them. It’s never cheap nor punishing. Every move can be avoided once learned and each time you die you start right outside the fight to jump straight back in to push it further.

    Exploration is fun and the game controls are so tight running at a locked smooth 60fps. I only had a dip once. Samus is so satisfying to control. Game rewards you for sequence breaking and exploring if that’s your thing. Story had some pretty epic moments and if this is your first Metroid it has a great summary at the beginning to catch you up. There are plenty of people new to Metroid that are loving it and want to try older games now. I gave it a 10 because it’s my game of the year and I just haven’t had this much fun in a game on switch, PlayStation or PC in awhile. It’s great to see this Nintendo franchise back because it’s soooo different than anything else Nintendo makes. Highly recommended and totally worth the cost. Reminds me of why it created an entire genre (metroidvanias). It’s weird because I didn’t finish Ori, hollow night and some others but this one I just couldn’t put down. While you do backtrack it never feels like it …. Don’t know how to explain it. Freakin great game and man there’s pressure on Metroid Prime 4 whenever that comes out because this one killed it.    … Expand
  12. Aether388
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    This game is an instant classic. Everything from the gameplay to the graphics, the level design to the story, are all pulled off with such polish and style that it's hard to fully absorb the experience on a single playthrough. This stands as the new best entry in the series
  13. Aldui
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Metroid: Dread is wonderful... it actually does something most mainstream game have today don't, metroid: dread is difficult. The game is really beautiful too (◍•ᴗ•◍)
  14. Proplayersystem
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Excelente juego en todo aspecto. Me parece una falta de respeto que algunos de la prensa especializada hayan comenzado a jugar videojuegos hace 2 meses y tengan la osadía de putuar este juego( GUARDIAN) y esté además recibiendo review bombing por parte de la competencia , otros que no comprenden lo que es un videojuego real, que solo se dedican a ver peliculas y creen que eso es unExcelente juego en todo aspecto. Me parece una falta de respeto que algunos de la prensa especializada hayan comenzado a jugar videojuegos hace 2 meses y tengan la osadía de putuar este juego( GUARDIAN) y esté además recibiendo review bombing por parte de la competencia , otros que no comprenden lo que es un videojuego real, que solo se dedican a ver peliculas y creen que eso es un ''videojuego'' por favor les recomiendo volver a los 80 y 90 para entender la lógica de este medio y que si quieren ver películas , pueden ir al Hollywood y cambiarse de Hobby. Gracias… Expand
  15. tdd555446677
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Great game! The movements are very fluid and the animation is amazing. I like how samus interacts with the environment or simply her movement, like when you do a full 360 while she is hanging from a ledge she will shift her weight according to the position of her canon. Game is hard, but not in a bad way, it gives challenge. Exploration of colorful and diversified new areas makes up forGreat game! The movements are very fluid and the animation is amazing. I like how samus interacts with the environment or simply her movement, like when you do a full 360 while she is hanging from a ledge she will shift her weight according to the position of her canon. Game is hard, but not in a bad way, it gives challenge. Exploration of colorful and diversified new areas makes up for the dreaful blankness of the emmi rooms. Climatic ending that leaves it to interpratation. Great job to Mercury Steam and Nintendo!… Expand
  16. LEL1208
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    This is my first review of a game, so I'll be concise. This is definitely a must play, even if this is your metroid, you'll get a lot of fun destroying enemies all the time. When is boss time is so much frustrating but, you finish this bosses you will FEEL more powerful and think that no one can stop you. But the key of this game is patience and be focus about your enemies. I hope thisThis is my first review of a game, so I'll be concise. This is definitely a must play, even if this is your metroid, you'll get a lot of fun destroying enemies all the time. When is boss time is so much frustrating but, you finish this bosses you will FEEL more powerful and think that no one can stop you. But the key of this game is patience and be focus about your enemies. I hope this inspires people to play this beautiful game.… Expand
  17. LouRebelo25
    Oct 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first game in the series I played was super metroid, in the SNES. I've been a fan of this kind of exploration games. I never had Gameboy to play fusion, nor gamecube to play the prime series. When I bought my switch, I wanted to get the feeling again that when I played super metroid, that feeling of being lost, but when you already think you're stuck in the game, you find a wall that goes apart or a boss that gives you a new skill. So, when metroid dread was announced, I was very excited. I bought it right when he was out, and I couldn't stop playing. Every area, every enemy, every boss, every new skill just gave me motivation to keep playing. The first day, I got stuck in Kraid, but that didn't destituded me to stop playing. It still gave me more motivation to improve in the game. There are few games that give you that motivation, that feeling that you can improve, even if you can't get it at the first time . In short, very good game, INCREDIBLE movement and the 60€ are worth it… Expand
  18. Jure516
    Oct 20, 2021
    10
    This game is incredible. I never played any of metroid games or other similar games and at first i didnt think i would like it this much. But after first 3 hours i could not stop playing. It is easly one of my top 3 games on switch an can recomand it to anyone.
  19. VitaminCcurator
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    An incredibly fresh and new installment in a consistently good franchise. Movement, combat, and general difficulty are fine-tuned and earn the $60 price tag. The first good "AAA" title in a good while.
  20. Dragovich
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    Very difficult, amazing level design, easy to get 100%, you will need more of this.
  21. Bananaslugs
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    This game is a MASTERPIECE! an for those who saying it’s hard, are the ones who haven’t actually played a Metroid game.
  22. Dosser
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    This is a true to form for the queen of gaming. The wait was well worth it, hats off to Nintendo for creating this masterpiece
  23. hivetyrant36
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    I was expecting good things from Metroid Dread. I didn't really know what to expect from this game though, since Nintendo haven't exactly treated Metroid with respect and integrity in recent years. (Looking at you Federation Force...)
    However, I am delighted to say that this game absolutely exceeds ALL expectations. I've not beaten the game yet, but I'm willing to say this may be the    I was expecting good things from Metroid Dread. I didn't really know what to expect from this game though, since Nintendo haven't exactly treated Metroid with respect and integrity in recent years. (Looking at you Federation Force...)
    However, I am delighted to say that this game absolutely exceeds ALL expectations. I've not beaten the game yet, but I'm willing to say this may be the single most perfect Metroid game Nintendo has ever given us. This game, unlike so many others in the last few years, gets a 10/10 from me, and this is high praise, as I am a very harsh critic.

    The reason I'm able to give M:D such a high score is because it doesn't hold back in the slightest. If it's going to punch you, it's going to give you everything it has. Bosses are beautifully crafted and not one single boss has been too easy or lame. Every single one has challenged me, killed me, and forced me to think outside the box to beat them. Each death adds to your skill in ways most other games don't even touch on, even Samus Returns.

    This game is built on the Samus Returns gameplay style. While I really enjoyed SR, M:D takes this engine to a new level. There are numerous quality of life improvements and tons of well thought out mechanics, much more so than SR. If Samus Returns were a food, it would be a hamburger, filling and delicious. If Metroid Dread were a meal, it would be a 3 course at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant. I mean this in every way. A hamburger you eat and you're done. M:D just keep coming and coming and coming and its amazing and terrifiying and beautifully crafted.

    The sound design is so incredibly amazing. Rarely do I find myself in quiet rooms outside the safe area. The ambiance is superb. The soundtrack makes your heart race. When you're in danger, YOU ARE IN DANGER, and the audio beats right along with your poor overencumbered heart. The music and sound design makes this game feel like, "It's GOING," or, "It's HAPPENING!" Moments where you catch your breath are sweet sighs of relief, readying yourself to enter that doorway and get back in the fight or flight again. The only criticism I have on sound is that they reused the heat and lava warning sound from SR. That blaring alarm sounds so low quality next to all the other sounds. They also reused the parry sound, but that fits right in.

    Art. Art is good. This game's got hella art. See the art. Very pretty, much gaze. The graphics, while not the best, still looks incredible. The stylization Nintendo is known for for making lower resolutions look outstanding is here. There are aliasing lines, but I can ignore those.

    Enemies are much more varied than in SR. Each one has its own timing for parry, and some don't even have parry as an option. There seem to be enemy types that all areas abide by, but instead of how they did it in SR where new enemies were just recolors, every area has their own enemy models. Going to a new area and seeing new gnarly toothed floating things of rage is really cool and every zone has enemies that fit it's environment.

    So far the story is phenomenal, and I rarely give stories high praise. I won't say much here because these are spoilers you won't want spoiled. Needless to say, Metroid type s*** is HAPPENING! This game has a lot of cannon. Metroid Fusion is important, being the last mainline 2D Metroid game in the series. Exploring the game later on after a certain event takes place (you'll know what I mean when you get there) is unbelievably cool and nostalgic. Beating my first... uh... certain.... boss... filled me with IMMENSE pride, like I showed it whos boss again and told it to sit tf back down. This story is very well crafted and I hate that I shant say anything more about it. 10/10. This game also has voice acting! And it's good!
    Controls are tight. If you get hit, you are unable to move for a split second. The puzzles in this game are all well thought out and thought provoking. There were a couple spots where I thought I was softlocked but I was just being a big ol stupidhead. Being a veteran of Metroid games, I feel I have been able to find my way through the maze of the map fairly easily, but then again, I think the map design and room placement is also just really good.

    If you like Metroid, have played a 2D Metroid in the past, and have played Samus Returns or Metroid Fusion, this game is for you.

    Just a disclaimer for the weak of heart. This game is named Metroid Dread for a reason. This game will fill you with dread as you watch helplessly as you die. There are zones where you are powerless against the specific type of foe. I joked with one of my friends that this game could have also been called Metroid: Scary or Me
    Edit:
    I have beaten the game and hard mode. If I had one critique it's how your aim locks in the horizontal position even when holding down aim. Makes killing a certain ceiling emmi a bit difficult but not because it's actually hard.
    This game is top ten, easy. Well done, developers.    … Expand
  24. Syndromekad345
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Truly a return to a Queen of Metroidvania, Samus Aran is at her best in this game and bring a good conclusion to the story arc.… Expand
  25. Synapticsage
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic. Recapitulates the feel of the 2d series. I love that’s it’s actually challenging in several areas. Well-deserved and well-executed sequel to the wonderful metroid fusion. Other reviews here say the controls are clunky and I suspect they either don’t know good controls or have a bad switch controller. I’ve had a great experience with them though. They seem tight, funAbsolutely fantastic. Recapitulates the feel of the 2d series. I love that’s it’s actually challenging in several areas. Well-deserved and well-executed sequel to the wonderful metroid fusion. Other reviews here say the controls are clunky and I suspect they either don’t know good controls or have a bad switch controller. I’ve had a great experience with them though. They seem tight, fun and responsive. Rarely trigger the wrong movement.… Expand
  26. Tharso
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    Such a great experience, I really hope it wins the "Game of the year" from The Game Awards, because it deserves
  27. Lemethy
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    Fantastic game marvelous, just completed a 100% run, i want more :)

    graphic 9/10. very good for switch
    gameplay 10/10 challenging and fair very good controls
    music 10/10 marvelous atmosphere, and the theme song is a masterpiece
    story 8/10 epic
  28. PhantomFight
    Oct 25, 2021
    10
    Before Metroid Dread, I played Super Metroid, as a way to see why it is 'the best Metroid game' as some people calls it. The game was fine in my eyes, and I think Hollow Knight and Ori is a better metroidvania game. Metroid Dread, in my opinion, is a better version of Hollow Knight, with less difficulty.
    Metroid Dread was a lot of fun, and reading some of the reviews with people saying    Before Metroid Dread, I played Super Metroid, as a way to see why it is 'the best Metroid game' as some people calls it. The game was fine in my eyes, and I think Hollow Knight and Ori is a better metroidvania game. Metroid Dread, in my opinion, is a better version of Hollow Knight, with less difficulty.
    Metroid Dread was a lot of fun, and reading some of the reviews with people saying they were fans of previous entries saying this game is bad, makes me confused. The game has better graphics than most of the Switch's first party titles. The game forces you to use the joy stick, which may felt weird at first, but you would eventually get used to it. And the games difficulty isn't that difficult like most of these reviews say.
    The difficulty of Metroid Dread may feel hard at first, but if you actually pay attention, every attack has a weakness, and is easy to avoid. Each bosses can feel unpredictable at first, but when you take your time, you would eventually learn the attack patterns judging from their movements alone, giving you more than enough time to avoid and counter attack.
    Back tracking is expected in a Metroidvania, but this games backtracking isn't really as bad as people say, and I think it I only backtracked once or twice when I tried to progress, with most of my overall backtracking is to collect the optional item upgrades (increasing in missile capacity and etc). Most of the times, when you unlock a new ability, the game would put you near a teleporter that would basically be a sign that says, this is where you have to go next. And if people say that it's confusing, then there is the map, which literally tells you every gate or blast doors that you may have missed.
    The E.M.M.Is, is the most understandable ones, and I think they aren't too bad. The first time you meet them, you would probably be terrified, but after some time, they can feel old and annoying. But it isn't really too much of a hassle when you get used to them.
    I saw a complaint that finding all items should have given you a different experience, either you collect all the items and make the game feel easy, or don't collect items, and make the game feel hard, with Metroid Dread feeling completely pointless to collect all items. In Super Metroid, I didn't collect all the items, but that doesn't mean the boss is automatically harder, it just means I don't have enough missiles to spam, because in Super Metroid, the more you collect, the more you can use, and in Dread, it feels the same way, where if you have more missiles, you would be able to use more missiles against the bosses, rather than the charge beam, which would technically make the game feel easier in some ways. This complaint felt redundant, considering the bosses is already not too difficult if you know what to do.
    Overall, these reviews, saying they were fans of previous Metroid games, seems to feel a bit too negative, or probably blinded by nostalgia, because some of these complaints are clearly the same things I can see as problems for Super Metroid, and if Super Metroid is the best Metroid game, and if you have these 'issues' that these people say, then it is difficult for me to see them liking Super Metroid. If you feel that you don't like Metroid dread, then revisit Super Metroid, and compare your experience on these issues that people have, because in my eyes, Metroid Dread is the better than most modern metroidvanias.    … Expand
  29. Ramseas
    Oct 26, 2021
    10
    This is my game of the year.

    A perfect progression for the Metroid series, excellently challenging, buttery smooth controls and mechanics, gorgeous graphics, phenomenal and nostalgia inducing music, and an incredible story, with an ending leaving me VERY excited for the future.

    As a long time Metroid fan, this is a dream come true.
  30. wiz4rdddd
    Oct 26, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. no jugaba metroid hace mucho, me hice de apoco fanático de este estilo de juegoy luego de terminar por decima vez castlevania sotn y el mas reciente hollow, tenia muchas ganas de toparme con un juego que te dejara unas sensaciones de progreso, aventura, lore y jugabilidad tan exquisitos. luego de varios intentos indies entre algunso decentes y otros mas que rescatable, tengo el honor de jugar esta maravilla, diseño de niveles con una progresion matematica, jefes memorables, una historia continuista y mas que decente, una pelea final de esas que respiras hondo al terminar de lo dificil y expectacular de esta, un juego que me dejo una sensación tan pero tan buena... un juego obligado para los que parlamentos le agrada este genero… Expand
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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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