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. thethreecats
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    Metroid Dread is the definitive Metroid game, made by people who understand the formula and how to speak to the fanbase as well as a return to form for Yoshio Sakamoto's legacy with the franchise. On top of this extremely polished experience we also get to live in a time when a truly difficult Metroid game is a reality. Samus' increased mobility and her new defensive movements allowed forMetroid Dread is the definitive Metroid game, made by people who understand the formula and how to speak to the fanbase as well as a return to form for Yoshio Sakamoto's legacy with the franchise. On top of this extremely polished experience we also get to live in a time when a truly difficult Metroid game is a reality. Samus' increased mobility and her new defensive movements allowed for more intense fights later on in the game. There's even one boss with a legitimate physical combo. A lot of people have complained about the difficulty but honestly the game is built to where the difficulty can be altered by your own pick-ups. My game was extremely difficult as I had skipped a lot of items, the final boss destroyed me multiple times, but it was never impossible. If you don't like very hard games the beginning may kick you down but as you go along make certain to go for as many pick-ups as you possibly can.

    Some general tips:
    The flash shift can't go through enemies but you can jump and use it over them.
    The E.M.M.I will almost always walk onto the last location it heard you. If you use the phantom cloak, be sure to walk into an alcove close by after activating it to make sure it doesn't bump into you.
    You have access to your entire arsenal after a counter.
    Running away from an E.M.M.I is always a viable strategy. If you get too stressed, pause the game and scan the map screen for a way out.
    The game tends to funnel you into the intended sequence of events, for your first playthrough its easiest to take the path of least resistance.
    The game is replayable. Find a cool movement tech at the end of the game? Start a new file later! Who knows you might use it to get something early.

    This game deserves immense praise, sales numbers that blow Nintendo away and a lasting legacy. A 10/10 is the only thing I could ever give it.    … Expand
  2. Retroplayer1987
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    Excelente diseño de niveles, me recuerda a Supermetroid en como el juego te va guiando por esos laberintos orgánicos y muy bien construidos. Se agregan nuevas habilidades, algunas ya venían del juego de 3ds por supuesto y las ya clásicas de cada metroid(Morphball, super salto, etc)
    Los jefes son puzzles en si mismos como ya es común en esta serie y su dificultad es realmente buena, vas a    Excelente diseño de niveles, me recuerda a Supermetroid en como el juego te va guiando por esos laberintos orgánicos y muy bien construidos. Se agregan nuevas habilidades, algunas ya venían del juego de 3ds por supuesto y las ya clásicas de cada metroid(Morphball, super salto, etc)
    Los jefes son puzzles en si mismos como ya es común en esta serie y su dificultad es realmente buena, vas a morir quizá unas 3 veces por jefe antes de poder derrotarlos.
    La incorporaciòn mas importante son los EMMI, robots que merodean lugares especificos del juego y de los cuales inicialmente tendràs que arrancar, si estos te logran pillar, tendrás que encontrar el timing justo para paralizarlos unos segundos o sino moriràs instantaneamente.
    Respecto a la Historia, se revelan imporantes cosas sobre los Chozo y se vislumbra un gran futuro respecto a la saga bajo estos puntos, otro tema importante esque hay bastantes referencias a Fusion.
    Un juego que debes tener si o si si eres fan de los Metroidvania, desafiante y rejugable, una masterclass de como se debe hacer un video juego hoy en día y no como otros de la competencia que se dedican a realizar ''review bombing'' y popularizar juegos tipo películas que no tienen nada de jugabilidad y se burlan del usuario.
    ESTO ES UN VERDADERO JUEGO SEÑORES.    … Expand
  3. unlicensedpanda
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Metroid Dread is the best game I played in 2021. Control are great, albeit a bit clunky at first but you'll used to it. The story is acceptable, while the music is atmospheric. Gameplay is where this game shine—I can imagine myself revisiting this game from time to time. Buy Metroid Dread! Don't sleep on this one!
  4. DavLai3
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Best Metroid game of all time. Tight controls, epic story, beautiful world, epic abilities. Game. Of. The. Year. Congratulations Nintendo and MS!
  5. dharma
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    Metroid Dread is probably one of the best Switch game released, and one of the best Metroid game after Prime and Super Metroid. Mercury Steam finally has perfected their own formula, started back with Samus Returns, and created a challenging game that will make you glued to your Switch. What more can I say? Just buy it.
  6. Coastal2009
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    First time playing a metroid game and I just beat it. This game is amazing. It’s a little difficult and you will die a few times trying to figure out the boss patterns but it’s not unreasonable.
  7. UmAlguem
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    One of the best sequels ever, metroid dread deserves the goty 2021 and good sales
  8. rolo143
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    I never was the biggest fan of the Metroid series, I only played Fusion and I liked it. I never actually finished Super Metroid, and had a long time without playing any Metroid game, but I'm really enjoying Dread a lot. I love Metroidvania games, and this is a must have, honestly it would seem like I'm exaggerating, but the gameplay, music and aesthetic makes this game a Goty contender, noI never was the biggest fan of the Metroid series, I only played Fusion and I liked it. I never actually finished Super Metroid, and had a long time without playing any Metroid game, but I'm really enjoying Dread a lot. I love Metroidvania games, and this is a must have, honestly it would seem like I'm exaggerating, but the gameplay, music and aesthetic makes this game a Goty contender, no doubt. The game is amazing, even if you never played a Metroid game before, this is the perfect game to start.… Expand
  9. Online_NPC
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    Metroid Dread isn't the perfect game... but it's close. The graphics are detailed and beautiful at a steady 60 FPS. The gameplay is everything a Metroid game promises to be, exploration, challenging boss fights, amazing weapons, abilities, and upgrades.

    Graphics: 10
    Gameplay: 10
    Audio: 8.5
    Story: 8
  10. Squinter
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Good metroid, fresh, good for the saga, good bosses, good manage of the level, good manage of the habilitties, good story
  11. Aarontheman9196
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    I have a hard time believing that most of the people that left negative reviews actually played this game. Some of them are blatant lies. To debunk a couple, this is not a short game, and the controls are some of the most innovative the series has ever seen. I domt know why someone would either lie, or review a game they didn't even play,, but whatever. Besides that, I also see alot ofI have a hard time believing that most of the people that left negative reviews actually played this game. Some of them are blatant lies. To debunk a couple, this is not a short game, and the controls are some of the most innovative the series has ever seen. I domt know why someone would either lie, or review a game they didn't even play,, but whatever. Besides that, I also see alot of people complaining about the difficulty, and misunderstanding that they only made it hard because of the name dread. Metroid is an old series, and the challenge was part of what made it memorable. Being forced to explore, and finding hidden upgrades, was all part of it. Challenging, massive bosses was part of the atmosphere. Samus is all alone, and her enemies are way stronger,, but her skill carries her through to victory. Even then, Dread is not impossibility hard. I partially amputated my left hand the day before Christmas eve. After 3 surgeries, a nerve graft, and a tendon transfer, 4 of my fingers are still numb, so I can't tell when I'm pressing buttons, my thumb is partially paralyzed, and when it does move, it's only in one direction, and it moves in unison with my pointer finger. Yet even I am able to master this game. The game is challenging, and requires you to use the skills you gain in order to beat the game, but that makes it more immersive and enjoyable, you feel overpowered because of your skill, not overpowered in the sense that you have infinite or automatically restoring health as most modern games do. This game, reminds me of my childhood, of having to master new skills in order to progress in a game, like you would in real life. It's been a long time since I felt a sense of accomplishment after finally mastering a pattern, and beating a boss easily when previously I would die almost instantly. This is how video games used to be, they took practice, skill, and motivation. It says alot for the state of our society, that people can't stand any form of challenge at all, even in a game. Do these people realize that this is nothing compared to how hard old games were? Do they also realize that 3rd graders used to master games like this all the time? I don't understand, boss fights are supposed to be challenging, you aren't supposed to be able to just sloppily blast your way through them without paying attention. Why even have a boss fight if the only difference between it and regular enemies, is a cinematic scene? If all you want to do is watch a massive enemy die, and not actually do it yourself, then just watch people on twitch! Don't ruin video games for the rest of us by demanding they all be 90% cinematic scenes with no challenging gameplay. People used to be embarrassed to complain about the difficulty of a game. I think lots of people could use a bit of shame in their lives. This game deserves to be rated in the high 9's, yet because of all of these pansies who actually want interactive movies, and not video games, this absolute masterpiece is rated lower than it should be. This is one of the best video games of all time, and spoiled brats who can't bother with putting in a miniscule amount of effort, are hurting its legacy. The developers took to heart all the criticism of the past games, and brought the series back to its roots. People complained because they had made metroid easier, and made it more linear and had taken much of the freedom away. People were begging for a game like super metroid for almost 30 years. They finally made the game everyone was begging for, and now a bunch of "longtime metroid fans" (yeah right) complain about everything all the actual fans begged for for 30 years. Mark my words, this game will be played for decades to come, while the stupid, interactive movie games these naysayers love so much, will be totally forgotten. If you have a competitive nature, or just want to know what video games used to feel like, but with modern polish, HD graphics, and a smooth 60 fps, give this game a try. You won't be disappointed. And if you don't like freedom, getting better, or accomplishing anything, and would rather watch a movie while you hold a controller and push a button every now and then, just do everyone a favor, get Netflix or twitch, and stop complaining that video games are too much like video games, and not enough like movies. What a bunch of whiney brats. Peace y'all.… Expand
  12. Tigrey
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So far Metroid Dread is my favorite game this year and probably in my top 10 (maybe even top 5) favorite games at the moment. The movement is impeccable, the art style is gorgeous and the sense of progression really great. This is my first Metroid game and I have to say, I am enjoying it so much. The game is a bit difficult for a newcomer to the series but I getting the hang of it. Right now I am hooked and I can't wait to play more. I love the E.M.M.I. rooms and encounters. It works really well in this game. I have just beat the Chozo Warrior robot (the third boss) so I will update my review depending on what my thoughts are at the end of the game.

    Overall 10/10 (so far)    … Expand
  13. Mywnn
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    This game is my favorite of the year, and by far. Metroid is back to the top!
  14. kirrwed
    Oct 27, 2021
    6
    This game was probably an 8 or 9 for at least half of it, but it slowly dwindled.

    PROS: The game does produce a decent atmosphere of an abandoned planet, and indoor corridors, often claustrophobic. Some of the controls are very fluid (see the CONS for the bad controls). Jumping, dashing, sliding are all intuitive and responsive, and the animations correspond well to where you are    This game was probably an 8 or 9 for at least half of it, but it slowly dwindled.

    PROS: The game does produce a decent atmosphere of an abandoned planet, and indoor corridors, often claustrophobic. Some of the controls are very fluid (see the CONS for the bad controls). Jumping, dashing, sliding are all intuitive and responsive, and the animations correspond well to where you are trying to move. The upgrades were also fun and did give a sense of getting stronger and better. The metroidvania style of getting abilities to go back and reach new areas were there (although some traveling was too long as described below). The map, although a little daunting for it’s size, did reveal with gradients into emptiness areas where you knew the map extended - which helped give you a sense of where to go. I was only unsure where to go maybe once, despite hearing this was a problem for other players. The map development and upgrades all worked together to provide a key element to any video game - progression. The map also marks key items which is very helpful, especially when backtracking is required. The early EMMI encounters are good, atmospheric, and feel like a good stealth opportunity that invoked tension.

    CONS: Some of the controls are poor. At the top of this list is the shinespark mechanic, which is just atrocious. First, the game does not tell you multiple ways this feature can be used - such as extending the spark by wall bouncing or hitting a slope at the right angle. Another way is doing it in middair. You can look up online how to do these, but the mechanic is still vague to decipher. For instance, you can extend a spark by hitting a spark that is sloped - but not a slope against a wall, as she will end the spark as soon as she hits the wall. The whole thing is unclear, the controls are convoluted and unintuitive, and really soured that feature and any attempt at 100% completion. Even the games instructed method of using shinespark involves depressing L3 in tandem with moving that same stick in a direction. It’s a terribly unnecessary combo requirement that can lead to unwanted results. Related to that, the slide motion and morph ball motion are almost the same (L2 and diagonal down vs L2 and down). I know I and many others have experienced going into ball or slide when we wanted the other. Again, it's an unnecessary setup.

    QTEs - how these remain common in games is vexing. Multiple bosses - and even some of the regular creatures like the worm door guard things early on - need QTEs to beat. The feature remains an unimmersive fault in games and is very prevalent in Metroid Dread.

    Multiple boss fights slip into a cinematic sequence. Most of the time, you have no control over how this unfolds. But at least one fight requires you to continue shooting as part of an on-the-rails cinematic sequence. Of course, the game doesn’t tell you when. Furthermore, there is a fight where one of your weapons doesn’t work during an interactive cinematic - but your other weapons do. So if you tried the non-working weapon first, you could think it was a non-interactive cinematic. Which would result in confusion as to what to do or extend the fight to be finished way longer than necessary.

    The later EMMI encounters pretty much lose stealth as a viable option. You’re better off just bolting to the next area on the map and not care if you’re spotted. They lost their mystique here. And the game trains you early to avail yourself of stealth to succeed at these.

    Getting around also becomes a chore as the map expands. Teleporters and transports can take minutes to get to if you haven’t memorized routes. Eventually, the teleporters all unlock interchangeably, but late in the game. Most of the time, it’s just tedious to get around. Also, the game tells you that a blinking section of the map indicates hidden item. But, early on, there was a spot where you couldn't advance unless you started randomly shooting everywhere (but the map wasn't blinking to indicate anything hidden) to reveal a hidden passage. There is never any instruction about hidden pathways, which you would expect since they told you this with "items." So either passages should be included among hidden “items” or given a similar in-game instruction as “items.” Either way, the game communicated hidden passage rules poorly.

    For even a decent B-level gamer, the boss fights will require much trial and error to learn a “pattern.” And eventually, they can become easy as a result. Although some are just bullet sponges. Some gamers may find this an appropriate part of a challenge. But others will find it redundant, and boring—like learning a deck of memory cards over and over. Thus the “difficulty” is less about the flow of the fight itself, but merely learning a pattern.

    ____
    All in all, the game was largely enjoyable, but largely hurt by unclarity and some bad mechanics    … Expand
  15. flag0n
    Nov 2, 2021
    5
    I made a Metacritic account just so I can review this game. The first Metroid game I played was Metroid II: Return of Samus for the Gameboy in 1991. I was 4 years old and loved the fact I could play in a hostile, foreboding Sci-Fi world where aliens or the environment could kill you within seconds. My favorite games in the Metroid franchise are the Prime trilogy, with the first one takingI made a Metacritic account just so I can review this game. The first Metroid game I played was Metroid II: Return of Samus for the Gameboy in 1991. I was 4 years old and loved the fact I could play in a hostile, foreboding Sci-Fi world where aliens or the environment could kill you within seconds. My favorite games in the Metroid franchise are the Prime trilogy, with the first one taking the cake. Super Metroid is great too, but I played that much later when it was packaged on the SNES Classic. It's a great game.

    This is one of the worst Metroid games I have ever played. I won't repeat what has already been said about why this game is so marginal and non-Metroid, but I do disagree that the difficulty is a prohibiting factor. Metroid has always been hard, not impossibly hard per se, but the difficulty -- especially at the beginning of the games -- are what draws a lot of people in and creates a sense of investment and reward by the time you finish. Prime 2's beginning (especially the first time you go to the Dark World and fight the first Ing boss) is a great example.

    Metroid Dread fails in nearly every category that makes the franchise unique in a world full of Metroidvania-style games. It's chock full of gimmicky QTE-type reactions and sections that feel uninspired and annoying rather than mysterious and foreboding. There is next to no exploration, and obtaining power-ups seems too twitchy rather than reliant on problem-solving or exploratory skills.

    Metroid has always been a game about being lost, isolated even, in a hostile world. It's always had this feeling that at any moment, you could fall prey to an alien monster or some environmental trap. It's up to you, the player, to overcome all odds and prove to the galaxy that Samus Aran is the baddest bounty hunter, bar none. Metroid Dread, despite its name, does none of these things. I never once felt an ounce of fear, anxiety, or dread. Mostly, I felt boredom during the main game and frustration bordering on anger during the idiotic EMMI sections.

    There are a few redeeming qualities. Controls are tight and fluid. It's got that Nintendo polish and production value going for it. The endgame is fun when you become an unstoppable force with all of your tricks, but it happens so suddenly that the first half of the game (when you are weak) feels like it was made longer just to keep the difficulty artificially inflated. The Chozo storyline is intriguing but unrealized. Finally, a game where we learn about and interact with these guys while playing rather than through lore and flashbacks. If only we had more.

    Nintendo is laughing all the way to the bank with this one. What a joke. Don't be a sucker like me and pay $60 for this crap. Here's an idea: save yourself $45 and buy Hollow Knight on the Switch, or get it on sale on Steam for $7. It's the best Metroidvania game made since Symphony of the Night (1997). I'm serious. Hopefully Retro can redeem what's left of this once-great franchise with Prime 4. It's my last hope as a Metroid fan.

    Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 7
    Fun Factor: 3
    Sound/Music: 3
    Replayability: 5

    Average. For a Metroid game, what a disappointment. It's as bad as Other M.    … Expand
  16. max1c
    Oct 27, 2021
    7
    This game is very good until you start taking into account complete shi tier controls and cheating AI. Emmi mechanics are also pretty mediocre design wise. The double jump mechanic is literally the worst implementation of any platformer in history ever. Everything else in the game is pretty high quality.
  17. ahmadhz1999
    Nov 2, 2021
    7
    For me, the game is too simple to be a masterpiece. It was definitely a fun experience but the maps and the boss fights were super simplified.

    First of all, the maps for each area are very small, so you will never feel alone or scared. Second of all, the location of hidden items is so obvious that you can find most of them without any problem, and this takes the feel of discovery out of    For me, the game is too simple to be a masterpiece. It was definitely a fun experience but the maps and the boss fights were super simplified.

    First of all, the maps for each area are very small, so you will never feel alone or scared. Second of all, the location of hidden items is so obvious that you can find most of them without any problem, and this takes the feel of discovery out of the game. Lastly, the platforming sections are just too easy. In the entire playthrough, there were only one or two parts that had challenging platforming and in other sections, you only had to jump once or twice and pass the location easily.

    Boss fights had the same problem. The only boss fights that were actually interesting and satisfying to beat were the first and last bosses. Other bosses had only three or four attack patterns and you could learn all of them after a few tries (usually less than 5 tries). Also, the game gives you so many health packs and missiles that sometimes you don't even need to learn all the attack patterns.

    Some people might say that if I play it on hard these problems will go away, but that is not true because these are design problems, and increasing the damage of enemies will not solve anything.

    I would say the best part of this game is the gameplay. It feels very smooth, and you can run around the map super fast. This becomes even more fun when you get new cool abilities. Also, unlike most people, I liked the EMMI encounters because they felt intense in some parts and made the game more engaging.

    Overall I recommend this game, but I think 60 dollars is too much for such a simple and short game, so wait for the sale if you want to save money.    … Expand
  18. TonyVi
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    Excellent and mostly point to be the GOTY. The world design and the replay is amazing, you can play the game over and over again without be tired and try to be your best score. Also the controls are so smooth and responsive.
  19. Reed618
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    I'm surprised to say it but wow... this is the best metroid game... they actually did it.

    The boss fights are phenomenal, the areas are large, varied and filled with secrets to discover, the emmi sections are tense and a little different depending on which emmi you're facing. The ending is also straight up badass. Game of the year 2021... couldn't recommend it enough.
  20. SplitMind
    Nov 7, 2021
    6
    Metroid Dread comes nearly 20 years after Fusion as a sequel, and unfortunately it feels like it has aged badly in those 20 years.

    The graphics are actually where it shows some promise. The detail on backgrounds, models and textures allow Dread to excel where Fusion was limited by technology at the time. The downside is that there I quite a bit of repetition and predictability. You face    Metroid Dread comes nearly 20 years after Fusion as a sequel, and unfortunately it feels like it has aged badly in those 20 years.

    The graphics are actually where it shows some promise. The detail on backgrounds, models and textures allow Dread to excel where Fusion was limited by technology at the time. The downside is that there I quite a bit of repetition and predictability. You face the same graphical themes as yesteryear, traversing through lava, ice, oceanic and other familiar environments that do not really scream imagination. One specific issue to note is that I found the design of the map to be absolutely dreadful: a real clusterbomb of colours and shapes amounting to a ghastly eyesore.

    The gameplay is where the game becomes a tedious act in frustration and repetition. I will make a special point around the EMMIs. I found them to be absolutely stupid and irritating. They are invincible and kill you with an unfair quick-time event. This does not add dread or suspense to the game. It’s just really irritating when you have to run and die repeatedly because of one little slip-up. In Fusion the SA-X was handled much more sparingly and was more effective as a result.

    Then we have the other dreadful element – the level design. Metroid has always been about exploration, but never before have I been so bored and irritated by having to traverse long distances on the map and getting lost because the game gives you almost zero direction most of the time.

    I do give kudos for the addition of the parry mechanic, even if it is likely stolen from Dark Souls. It really truncates tedious battling with minor enemies.

    Getting upgrades feels great as you can do new things, but it’s also the same formular Metroid has been regurgitating for decades now. This is intertwined with the story; Mario, Zelda and Samus all seem to be living through Groundhog Day as every single game has the same premise – Samus goes to strange location curiously lacking in a back-up plan, inevitably gets attacked and loses all her powers. I suppose we don’t really play these games for the story, but a bit of creativity wouldn’t hurt either.

    Overall, Metroid Dread is a great game if this was the early 2000s. In 2021 the only thing it really has going for it is the Metroid branding. There are amply MetroidVanias out there now and I struggle to recommend Dread as one of them when I recall enjoying myself so much more with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which is a cheaper indie effort that really puts Metroid to shame with its AAA budget and price-tag.    … Expand
  21. GabiTheRabbit
    Nov 8, 2021
    7
    It's a fun game, but that's pretty much it. It wouldn't get quarter of the praise it receives, if it wasn't named metroid and if it wasn't from nintendo. But hey, if sentiment can sell patriotism, it surely can sell games. Gamers will rant about whatever good or bad ubisoft would do, but nintendo can make what basically is an indie game, advert it as if it was AAA title, and sell it forIt's a fun game, but that's pretty much it. It wouldn't get quarter of the praise it receives, if it wasn't named metroid and if it wasn't from nintendo. But hey, if sentiment can sell patriotism, it surely can sell games. Gamers will rant about whatever good or bad ubisoft would do, but nintendo can make what basically is an indie game, advert it as if it was AAA title, and sell it for the price of AAA, and gamers will thank nintendo for screwing them over.

    I had fun playing it, I enjoy the general mechanics of it. I got stuck a few times, and solutions were very unintuitive. It's very frustrating at the times. EMMIs are just annoying - it's not a good stealth design. Some decisions regarding controls are just awful. you can transition from walk / run into ball - you need to stop to do that, which is ridiculous in such dynamic game. Often controls felt unresponsive - often I couldn't duck or enable rockets in time, because game was not reacting on my input. Nintendo also forgot, that there is another joystick on switch, and you run and aim with just 1 stick, like a simpleton. To double jump its not enough to press jump twice - you also need directional, which is very unintiitive too. I don't think many people actually finished the game, because last boss is crazy difficult for some reason.    … Expand
  22. AngrySir
    Mar 21, 2022
    6
    I really wanted to like this game more, Samus in this game is more badass than ever, if you played to the end you know what I mean, and I think the direction that the story took as the end of Samus' journey was great, but the negative aspects of the experience had a huge impact during this journey, so I couldn't simply ignore them.
    - Too many EMMI encounters, making them stop being    I really wanted to like this game more, Samus in this game is more badass than ever, if you played to the end you know what I mean, and I think the direction that the story took as the end of Samus' journey was great, but the negative aspects of the experience had a huge impact during this journey, so I couldn't simply ignore them.
    - Too many EMMI encounters, making them stop being interesting and become just annoying.
    - Too many repeated miniboss fights.
    - The level design is the biggest villain, disturbs the flow of progression and pacing of the game, most of the time the game gives you little to no information about what direction you should take, what is not a problem, but the exaggerated disorientation on a map that is not only part of the problem, but also the catalyst for it, leads to the game's biggest flaw, unnecessary and tiring backtracking. The game's scenarios don't stand out visually, with few exceptions, everywhere is too similar visually and structurally-wise, maze-like layouts, terribly fragmented and interconnected, full of blocked passages and hidden paths, very confusing.
    At some point in the game, I got tired of getting lost, wondering where to find a certain upgrade, or where exactly was that room I had passed through that needed this upgrade I just got, making me consider dropping the game. Anyway, at the end of the game, after 8 hours, the stress I went through was too much that it almost overcame the fun and made me feel like I had played Metroid Dread for 30 hours.    … Expand
  23. twirlingfern2
    Jun 11, 2022
    6
    The robot chase sequences are not fun to me. You run away and get killed over and over. The exploration was much more linear since it blocks the path, but that was fine for me since I don't like to get lost much - but some players may like more exploration. Resolution is max 900p even while docked. There are tons and tons of QTE during boss fights. Not only this, but you can only triggerThe robot chase sequences are not fun to me. You run away and get killed over and over. The exploration was much more linear since it blocks the path, but that was fine for me since I don't like to get lost much - but some players may like more exploration. Resolution is max 900p even while docked. There are tons and tons of QTE during boss fights. Not only this, but you can only trigger the next boss phase or kill the boss if you successfully do the QTE- if you fail then you need to repeat the cycle again. The final boss did fair damage, but every other boss did huge damage to Samus. They will kill you in 3-4 hits, even if you go exploring and grab the energy tanks. Overall I would not recommend. There are much better metrodvanias than this game such as Ori 1, Ori 2, and Hollow Knight.… Expand
  24. abcdefgg11
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    Excellent game, had high expectations and it turned out even better than I expected. Mercury Steam already showed how much they respect and love this saga with Samus Returns, but this time really outdid themselves.
  25. fantasmacanino
    Feb 14, 2022
    4
    Metroid Dread is certainly the worst Metroid game I've played. It lacks any of the characteristics that made Super Metroid one of my favourite games when I was a kid. I haven't played the game in close to a month but I still remember how unfulfilling the EMMI encounters were, the over-use of cutscenes to tell the story, the unispired music, the way actions were mapped on the switchMetroid Dread is certainly the worst Metroid game I've played. It lacks any of the characteristics that made Super Metroid one of my favourite games when I was a kid. I haven't played the game in close to a month but I still remember how unfulfilling the EMMI encounters were, the over-use of cutscenes to tell the story, the unispired music, the way actions were mapped on the switch controller, etc. Why do we need quick-time events in a Metroid game? I don't rate this game lower because of the importance that Super Metroid has had for gaming, but in a universe in which Hollow Knight exists (and costs one fourth of the price of this game), what does Dread bring to the table? Not much, other than its name.… Expand
  26. ghost8809
    Jan 12, 2022
    4
    I just got the credits to roll and I couldn’t think of a better time to review this game. I’ll start this off by saying I’ve been gaming since 92, and was really looking forward to this Metroid platformer. I wanted to love it , but I can’t. This game is a royal piss off. This game is basically a game of memorization. Every fight your under powered even with the upgrades you collect, andI just got the credits to roll and I couldn’t think of a better time to review this game. I’ll start this off by saying I’ve been gaming since 92, and was really looking forward to this Metroid platformer. I wanted to love it , but I can’t. This game is a royal piss off. This game is basically a game of memorization. Every fight your under powered even with the upgrades you collect, and you will to get your butt wiped until you memorize the patterns. The reward for beating the section isn’t worth the frustration of learning the patterns. That leads me my next point. This game isn’t worth 80$ Canadian. Maybe 20$ tops. It’s lacking lots of content. The game is short, and the levels suck. Your gonna run around lost trying to find the next area to go all the time. The game dosnt tell you how to play or where to go. I love hard games but this game isn’t rewarding enough to endure the Bs it puts you threw every step of it.. The only reason why I finished it is If I buy it for full price , I’m gonna play and beat it. Outside of that the name of game is correct. This game is a dread. And I can’t recommend it unless you are a huge Metroid fan and Sucker for punishment.… Expand
  27. Bobparty
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    Amazing story, gameplay, aesthetic, everything. Game of the year 2021 for sure.
  28. Barabaratrad
    Oct 22, 2021
    9
    It’s a really great game, an evolution of Super and Fusion ideas. Awesome picture quality, combat and movement fluidity, style, lore and beloved exploration gameplay.
  29. Bigboyedu
    Oct 22, 2021
    9
    An excellent addition to the Metroid franchise and one of the best games on the switch to date
  30. 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
  31. fortyonfortyon
    Feb 16, 2023
    4
    Sadly, despite good controls and beautiful visuals, this game is not fun after a couple hours. It feels like a 20 dollar game. The whole EMMI thing is fun maybe the first two times but then just drags the game and its momentum down.
  32. Yohnstoppable
    Jan 10, 2022
    6
    Metroid Dread has some great ideas, and I did have fun with it. But it is flawed and held back by a few minor issues and one majorly not fun mechanic

    What it does well: Controls - The gameplay and combat is the strongest part of the game. The controls are responsive and smooth. New abilities make it a lot of fun to move around and avoid enemies. My only complaint is that some    Metroid Dread has some great ideas, and I did have fun with it. But it is flawed and held back by a few minor issues and one majorly not fun mechanic

    What it does well:

    Controls - The gameplay and combat is the strongest part of the game. The controls are responsive and smooth. New abilities make it a lot of fun to move around and avoid enemies. My only complaint is that some abilities could be mapped better. Particularly any spot you have to run and jump then have both bumpers pressed to aim and fire the grappling hook. The game is a lot more combat focused than exploration focused, which I didn't like, but the controls made that not as bad

    Boss fights - besides the scorpion boss that I found a little tedious, the boss fights were a lot of fun and challenging. I'd say the boss fights are the best part of the game. Some of them are pretty hard at first, but they are very rewarding.

    Collectables - Like other Metroids, it is fun to get upgrades and go looking for secrets. The map blinks when there is a hidden path, which is a nice qol upgrade.

    What it does poorly:

    E.M.M.I encounters - The worst part of the game by far. They are tedious, slow down exploration, and just aren't fun or interesting. And every single one has you do the same boring miniboss fight to get a one time use item so you can kill it. If E.M.M.I. were not in the game I'd probably score it an 8. They ruin the game that much.

    Inconsistent difficulty - I found myself rarely ever dying, then I'd get to a point and die 10 times in a row. Then breezing through puzzles before finding one that isn't remotely intuitive or just badly designed. The 2 bad ones that stick out are standing by something in the foreground to lower the water level, and magically knowing you can shoot through a wall to hit something to explode it. I liked the challenge, but it doesn't seem to know if it wants to be easy or really hard.

    Music - the music is just bad and boring. It is not an exaggeration to say that Super Metroid, a 16 bit game released over 2 decades ago, has much better music

    Story - The story sucks, but that was never a strong point of the series.

    Summary: If you want a more combat oriented Metroid, you'll probably enjoy it. If you are yearning for the more exploration based titles like Super Metroid, you'll probably be disappointed. I really, and I mean REALLY hated the E.M.M.I. encounters.    … Expand
  33. dhammett
    Feb 25, 2022
    6
    As a long time fan of the series this game was a real heartbreak for me. I wanted to like it, but it turned out to be Dark Souls in Samus's power armor.

    The benchmark for every side-scrolling Metroid game is Super Metroid, so I played through both Dread and Super Metroid back to back. They are worlds apart on normal difficulty. Sure, the control scheme of super was clunky (with the    As a long time fan of the series this game was a real heartbreak for me. I wanted to like it, but it turned out to be Dark Souls in Samus's power armor.

    The benchmark for every side-scrolling Metroid game is Super Metroid, so I played through both Dread and Super Metroid back to back. They are worlds apart on normal difficulty. Sure, the control scheme of super was clunky (with the shoulder buttons doing angle up/ angle down aiming, a run button b/c D-pad, and the select button changing weapons) but that's about the only thing that made it any more difficult, and that's something you'll get used to with a little time. Dread has a great control scheme, but unfortunately there are 6 enemies with plot armor that can one shot you no matter how many energy tanks you pick up and you have no choice but to try and bypass them because none of your weapons will damage them until you can get the one thing that penetrates their plot armor, and it's a one-off, so you have to redo that for each one. - not fun

    All I wanted was Super Metroid with better graphics and control scheme, but they had to ruin it. Try again Nintendo, I'm sure you could do it if you tried.    … Expand
  34. Lov3Glov3
    Jun 21, 2022
    5
    Have you ever wanted to run through the same corridor, fighting the exact same enemies in the exact same locations, over and over and over again in hopes of finding something to do? Then Metroid Dread is the game for you. Granted, the combat is very smooth and complimented greatly by the graphics, but the gameplay is so tedious, boring and downright frustrating at times that it's made meHave you ever wanted to run through the same corridor, fighting the exact same enemies in the exact same locations, over and over and over again in hopes of finding something to do? Then Metroid Dread is the game for you. Granted, the combat is very smooth and complimented greatly by the graphics, but the gameplay is so tedious, boring and downright frustrating at times that it's made me put it down and never pick it up again.… Expand
  35. toadkiller_dog
    Nov 10, 2021
    3
    Ridiculous story, annoying cutscene, annoying emmy fights, tons of unnecessary backtracking, all locations look the same. Attempts to make Boba Fett Out of Samus with the help of pretentious movements look pathetic. Why even made this generic piece of code if we already have AV and HK?...
  36. kraftw33rk
    Mar 16, 2023
    5
    The game series "Metroid" has been at the top of the gaming tron for me since Super Metroid. For me, the peak of the series is Metroid Prime 1 and then nothing comes for a long time!
    I'm even a fan of the taunted "OtherM" part. Pretty much everything about this game is extraordinary and interesting.
    Of course, I pre-ordered Metroid Dread immediately when it was possible. I enjoyed    The game series "Metroid" has been at the top of the gaming tron for me since Super Metroid. For me, the peak of the series is Metroid Prime 1 and then nothing comes for a long time!
    I'm even a fan of the taunted "OtherM" part. Pretty much everything about this game is extraordinary and interesting.
    Of course, I pre-ordered Metroid Dread immediately when it was possible. I enjoyed playing this game to the max. Music, location and gameplay again create a powerful reverberation that will probably provide a sugar-sweet aftertaste for life.
    Unfortunately, the final boss is way over it, dear developers. The whole game has wonderfully delicately increasing challenges and then comes the final boss, who almost scratches the edge of unfairness and causes me far too much stress. I can't defeat it either. I bought the game at release and after a few days I was in front of the final boss. In the meantime, I've been trying to get this over with with easily five hundred plus attempts in over a year without success. Sorry dear developers, this is not well done! It would be nice if I could change the combat to "easy", but then I have to play the whole game again! I will probably never buy another Metroid game from this developer. Gaming should be fun, not frustrating!
    --
    Die Spieleserie "Metroid" steht seit Super Metroid für mich ganz oben ungeschlagen auf dem Gaming-Tron. Den Gipfel der Serie stellt für mich Metroid Prime 1 dar und dann kommt lange nichts!
    Ich bin sogar ein Fan des verschmäten Teils "OtherM". An diesem Spiel ist so ziemlich alles aussergewöhnlich und interessant.
    Metroid Dread habe ich natürlich instant vorbestellt, als es möglich war. Mit Genuss habe ich dieses Spiel bis an den Anschlag gespielt. Musik, Location und Gameplay erzeugen hier wieder einen wuchtigen Nachhall, der wohl lebenslang einen zuckersüßen Nachgeschmack liefert.
    Leider ist der letzte Endboss deutlich drüber liebe Entwickler. Das ganze Spiel gibt es herrlich zart ansteigende Herrausforderungen und dann kommt der Endboss, der schon nah an der Unfairness kratzt und erheblich zuviel Stress bei mir erzeugt. Es gelingt mir auch nicht diesen zu besiegen. Ich habe das Spiel bei Release gekauft und stand nach wenigen Tagen vor dem Endboss. Diesen versuche ich inzwischen mit locker fünfhundert plus Anläufen in über einem Jahr immer wieder erfolglos hinter mir zu bringen. Tut mir leid liebe Entwickler, das ist leider nicht gut gemacht! Es wäre ja schon gut, wenn ich den Kampf auf "leicht" umstellen könnte, aber dann muss ich gleich das ganze Spiel neu spielen! Ich werde wohl kein Metroid-Spiel dieses Entwicklers mehr kaufen. Spielen soll Spaß machen und keinen Frust erzeugen!    … Expand
  37. Prizm
    Feb 16, 2023
    1
    This game sucks, Nintendo! What's with the stupid 90s pre-rendered graphics? How embarrassing. I loved Metroid II, Super Metroid, Metroid Zero Mission, and to a lesser extent, Metroid Fusion. There are a lot of old-style graphic styles that work today, but pre-rendered CGI sprites still look like garbage no matter how hard you try.

    This doesn't feel like a Metroid game at all. If this    This game sucks, Nintendo! What's with the stupid 90s pre-rendered graphics? How embarrassing. I loved Metroid II, Super Metroid, Metroid Zero Mission, and to a lesser extent, Metroid Fusion. There are a lot of old-style graphic styles that work today, but pre-rendered CGI sprites still look like garbage no matter how hard you try.

    This doesn't feel like a Metroid game at all. If this had a different name, you'd think it was a budget, mediocre, indie game. All I've experienced so far is ugly graphics that all look the same, linear gameplay where you keep getting blocked from going back where you came from, and stupid robot chases.
    Constantly running away from an invincible enemy is not fun. It's just annoying and ruins the best part about Metroid: exploration. What a flop.    … Expand
  38. MatthewDavisMed
    Nov 30, 2021
    9
    This is the near perfect entry in the Metroid series that offers the challenge of the original games, and fun gameplay as well, and it certainly is worth playing while waiting for the announcement for Metroid Prime 4!
  39. Rich45682
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    Finally 2021 has a clear winner for Game of the Year, this is the best metroidvania ever made, yes even better than Hollow knight and Ori and the Will of Wisps; and in my opinion the best switch game ever made.
  40. Bleeding_Jester
    Nov 10, 2021
    9
    this is a surprisingly enjoyable game for me it has a good amount of challenge but isnt pull out your hair frustrating and its really fun just exploring the game and finding hidden areas
  41. DerBretz
    Dec 1, 2021
    10
    Excellent. Smooth gameplay, nice Story. One of the best Metroid games so far.
  42. JacobTheToadMan
    Dec 8, 2021
    9
    Never played a Metroid game before this one, and I gotta say I'm hooked on the series now lmao. Almost everything in this game is masterfully designed, the difficulty, the power-up progression, and the challenging bosses. Oh and plus I gotta give credit to the animation department, they did an absolutely phenomenal job! Only real complaint is that the E.M.M.I get a little tiresome as theNever played a Metroid game before this one, and I gotta say I'm hooked on the series now lmao. Almost everything in this game is masterfully designed, the difficulty, the power-up progression, and the challenging bosses. Oh and plus I gotta give credit to the animation department, they did an absolutely phenomenal job! Only real complaint is that the E.M.M.I get a little tiresome as the game goes on, but other then that, damn-near perfect game.… Expand
  43. Flickerack
    Mar 30, 2023
    3
    A refreshing take held back by traditionalist game design

    Over the last decades, the metroidvania genre has come a long way. Especially from the indie scene, we've got many great entries. Metroid Dread feels like a time capsule due to its traditional design choices for better and worse. It is always encouraged to expect investment of the player like old games did, but the game is    A refreshing take held back by traditionalist game design

    Over the last decades, the metroidvania genre has come a long way. Especially from the indie scene, we've got many great entries.

    Metroid Dread feels like a time capsule due to its traditional design choices for better and worse. It is always encouraged to expect investment of the player like old games did, but the game is also littered with mechanics that you would not expect from a game released in 2021.

    Here are some examples. The controls expect you to hold 3 buttons, just to fire a rocket, while one would have sufficed, boss difficulty is artificially raised by sponginess and quick time events are back, even necessary to beat nearly every boss. A lot of the bosses are repeated up to 6 times.

    These choices would be fine years ago, but due to fantastic examples like Hollow Knight or Ori and the Will of the Wisps, one knows that the metroidvania genre has come a long way and can do better. A comparison: In Metroid Dread and Hollow Knight, you are given a kind of super-jump in the game. It Hollow Knight you cling to a wall, hold a button and perform this jump. In Metroid Dread, you have to click your stick, run a bit, press down, then B, then the direction while holding B, and then you perform the jump.

    Why this artificial complexity? For a game, that advertises its tight controls, this feels unlike Nintendo, who usually simplify things, which take other games three sub-menus to explain.    … Expand
  44. Lambchowder
    Oct 15, 2021
    1
    poor controls, especially crouch, either varies betwern frenetic action in which you need to have juvenile reflexes, or tedium wherein you need to find a hidden block ir crouchway and shoot it not once but twice. games that revolve around timing ate nit fun as a rule. this game, with its annoying gameboy feel, had you explore a generic sci fi labyrinth in pursuit of minutiae. the bosspoor controls, especially crouch, either varies betwern frenetic action in which you need to have juvenile reflexes, or tedium wherein you need to find a hidden block ir crouchway and shoot it not once but twice. games that revolve around timing ate nit fun as a rule. this game, with its annoying gameboy feel, had you explore a generic sci fi labyrinth in pursuit of minutiae. the boss fights are confusingly variable and require constant jumping and precise grinding of the controls. you need to s of precision, patience and a good memory, even then im not sure its worth it.… Expand
  45. isimitaiwo
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    a good mix of super Metroid and Metroid fusion..the best in the 2s series. beautiful to look at, the story isn't in your face, combat, and movement is smooth and responsive. level design is complex in view but simple in execution which can be confusing sometimes but doesn't hider the experience. Boss battles(main and mini-bosses) are incredible, the combat mechanics work with them well anda good mix of super Metroid and Metroid fusion..the best in the 2s series. beautiful to look at, the story isn't in your face, combat, and movement is smooth and responsive. level design is complex in view but simple in execution which can be confusing sometimes but doesn't hider the experience. Boss battles(main and mini-bosses) are incredible, the combat mechanics work with them well and it doesn't feel like it cheating or seem like you are dumb..it is tough but not annoying, like I said it doesn't look cheaty and doesn't make you seem dumb. this is game of the year for me and best action game this year. a 10 out of 10… Expand
  46. AVdE
    Oct 14, 2021
    7
    I absolutely loved it. Controls were fantastic, the EMMI's are a really cool creepy addition, the bosses were large and in charge, and it's just so great to see a home console 2D Metroid game again. If you've played a Metroid game before, especially Samus returns, you'll know what to expect and look forward to.

    But, being a home console game, Dread has way more ambitious set pieces and    I absolutely loved it. Controls were fantastic, the EMMI's are a really cool creepy addition, the bosses were large and in charge, and it's just so great to see a home console 2D Metroid game again. If you've played a Metroid game before, especially Samus returns, you'll know what to expect and look forward to.

    But, being a home console game, Dread has way more ambitious set pieces and excellent backgrounds that sometimes foreshadow things to come. I love that. Cutscenes are great and the game just looks fantastic in general, proving there is still a place for AAA 2D games on the big screen.

    The melee counter is also back but not as OP as in Samus returns, meaning there's way less stop-and-go, and the flow overall is just so much better than in that game; Mercury Steam clearly listened to feedback.

    However, I do have 2 important issues.

    First off, difficulty. I don't mind a good challenge, but I feel like pattern recognition bosses where you have to try a few times works way better in say, a Cuphead or a Megaman than it does Metroid. Enemies do ludicrous amounts of damage, and near the end there were bosses that just two shot you. And that kind of takes you out of the experience. I want to be creeped out by the bosses and feel like I'm in a struggle for survival. Having to replay every fight at least a few times until I get the pattern right completely ruins that atmosphere and makes me think about attack cycles, boss phases and not wanting to see that Game Over screen again instead of weird creepy alien creatures in a hostile environment. Especially with how long fights can go on. It is very satisfying to finally take them down however.

    Second, the exploration is a bit underwhelming. I liked how they tried to handle backtracking: you take the elevator/train to the next area, to then find a dead end with a portal to another area where you continue onwards with the new abilities you just acquired. It's a neat idea, but it still felt extremely linear. Hell, maybe even more so than Samus Returns. There is very little to none sequence breaking. Yes you can wall jump and bomb hop, but I can't recall a single instance where I got to a place or even an item earlier than intended. They tried to make backtracking feel more organic, but it's really no different than how it used to be, and just makes things more confusing.

    Overall, a great game. I do feel like the user and critic score is a bit elevated because people want to send Nintendo a message to keep making Metroid games, and so do I, if they continue listening to feedback and improving on what they have instead of just making it flashier. This special franchise deserves nothing but the very best, and with Mercury Steam, it's certainly in capable hands.    … Expand
  47. Falkenauge
    Oct 17, 2021
    5
    sorry but whoever came up with the Emmis should be fired.
    Without that, the game would have deserved an 8 or 9 but only a 5 from me. 0 fun when you are at the emmis and pure waste of playing time every time you get caught and you get caught very, very often.
  48. dr0nzer
    Oct 17, 2021
    7
    It’s alright, and not really anything special to be honest. Okay at full price, better during a sale.
  49. PewPewMcP
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    If Super Metroid was made in 2021, it would look and feel like this game. Samus is a joy to play as and her fast controls make traversal a breeze, turning the EMMI bits into intense, high-stakes parkour challenges that are ultimately fun. Shinesparking never felt this good, and space jumping never felt this good. The bosses are some of the best in the series, perfectly nailing that "toughIf Super Metroid was made in 2021, it would look and feel like this game. Samus is a joy to play as and her fast controls make traversal a breeze, turning the EMMI bits into intense, high-stakes parkour challenges that are ultimately fun. Shinesparking never felt this good, and space jumping never felt this good. The bosses are some of the best in the series, perfectly nailing that "tough but fair" design philosophy present in the best of games. The tense atmosphere and the alien body horror work well to create that sense of dread. You get lost, knowing you're exactly where Metroid wants you to be. Metroid is famous for its deliberate, almost teasing way of conveying information to you via level design, and this intimate understanding of player psyche is present in Dread as well. Couldn't recommend it more.… Expand
  50. seyon
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    Finally after all these years we can go back with Samus to live for a game that created a genre that give us so much to play. Thank you for this master piece of art
  51. GeoKorf
    May 18, 2023
    5
    Overhyped game. Good for newbies.

    True good games have got an insufficient amount of cupcakes to make them. And the people who wish to make a good sequel should be put in the position of amateurs like R&D1 staff were at the time... The room was too small and was stinky, with sweat and tears. If you had money and were patronized by Nintendo in every way there is no chance that you are    Overhyped game. Good for newbies.

    True good games have got an insufficient amount of cupcakes to make them.
    And the people who wish to make a good sequel should be put in the position of amateurs like R&D1 staff were at the time... The room was too small and was stinky, with sweat and tears. If you had money and were patronized by Nintendo in every way there is no chance that you are going to create a masterpiece. This is just an over-hyped piece of trash, even with Chozo they cant hold up to Japanese development roots. And also Nintendo being outsourced their franchise to 3rd party. By doing so they completely neglect the fanbase... after Metroid Fusion it was over. AM2R was a good remake, long enough and beautiful enough. if Nintendo had only could see their potential, they were one those who be able to recreate the perfect Metroid 2.5 d remake of M SR. It's a shame but I think Nintendo became something like Konami, too much power too much money too much risks.
    OH, here are some facts the spanish guys who made this game rely on post-modern their destroyed canon of Metroid. Metroid was a good game (DREAD,OTHERM,MSR,FFORCE not included) and its system was very rewarding, you get an upgrade after a really long detour to get it. First, it was a puzzle to find them! Before the puzzle however you have encountered a foe to defeat, and the pace in-game was right and the item was very close to the foe's location, it was challenging and rewarding. But now it's not. Also, do you remember how the staff who made Metroid fusion rely on the changes in the landscape in the game, you know I am not saying there ain't happening in dread, but it's different in a lousy way! Emmi sequences get very repetitive and after a while, you get used to it and it's getting boring. That's my facts. and the difficulty was above normal so you didn't see a lack of details there aren't put in the game, and the puzzles were still solely for this reason. mic drop. welcome to the new age of gaming, they feeding you the wrong retro product!

    P.S.
    I AM PRAYING FOR RETRO DON"T LET US DOWN TRY TO BRING BACK ANDROID JONES ONCE MORE SHOW CHOZO HOW THEY SHOULD BE LIKE HOLY AND TRANSCENDENT, with NO HORIZONTAL EYE LINE. Give em proper design!.

    P.P.S
    PARDON MY FRENCH but 10/10 reviewers have reminded me of a simp who gets to touch **** for 60 bucks for the first time. Or Gollum who gets corrupted by the ring.

    And last but not least i think Yokoi Gunpei san doing shinespark in his grave, bless his soul, you should be ashamed mr Sakamoto! For the last time gather R&D1 and stop outsourcing my beloved franchise. Alien FS is already fallen but Metroid one could take a more interesting route once more! Try to Tell a story from a different point of view, change it get deeper be more thoughtful Metroid always was a more than a game it was mystical experience not emotional rollercoster or speedrun feature was just a addition to alien landscapes and deep narrated "show don't tell" stylized story!

    Ppp.S FOR CHIRST SAKE, How can Kraid Came did came back? You were must to bring back good ol Crocomire aswell lol!    … Expand
  52. DanteSpicuzza
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Simply the best classic Metroid made. If you're a fan of the saga you're in for a treat. Game mechanics are smooth. Controls are fast and responsive. The graphics are excellent for a switch title. And more than anything, the game is absolutely fun.
  53. TheRavolta
    Oct 12, 2021
    8
    I can highly recommend this great game!
    It perfectly catches the spirit of 2D Metroids, such as Super Metroid or Metroid Zero Mission.
    The music is subtle but great and supports the atmosphere of the game. The graphics are very good compared to other Nintendo Switch titles. The technology of the game is good as well, with mostly 60 FPS during normal gameplay. The In-Engine cutscenes    I can highly recommend this great game!
    It perfectly catches the spirit of 2D Metroids, such as Super Metroid or Metroid Zero Mission.
    The music is subtle but great and supports the atmosphere of the game.
    The graphics are very good compared to other Nintendo Switch titles.
    The technology of the game is good as well, with mostly 60 FPS during normal gameplay. The In-Engine cutscenes are OK, with 30 FPS and sometimes some weird animations and movement from Samus, which can be accepted.
    The story of the game is somewhat predictable, but story never has been the strength of the Metroid-Series and is not the focus of the game.
    The visual design of the world sometimes can get a bit repetitive, but that is rare and forgivable.
    The map-design of the world is very good, and it feels very satisfying to explore and search for secrets, even tho' you wont really be able to do that for the first half of the game.
    The difficulty is high but fair, which I like. The boss fights are challenging and the enemies deal a lot of damage, but drop a lot of healing and ammo as well.
    The gameplay is exactly what you would want and expect from a 2D Metroid: travelling around blasting your foes, searching for upgrades, jumping and climbing, backtracking etc. Even some legendary boss characters from the series are back. The beloved sequence breaking is back and even encouraged, but the game is, if you want, very linear as well.
    The new E.M.M.I.-Sequences are cool and hectic, but only really scary for the first time. They really can get annoying and frustrating later in the game, and they are obvious. They could've been hidden or mixed up a bit in the later game.

    To sum up: Metroid Dread is a great game, probably the best Nintendo Switch Game of 2021. It is totally worth of being a game from the Metroid-Series and I would recommend everyone to buy the game, whether you are a fan of the series or not.    … Expand
  54. KodiakTHX
    Oct 13, 2021
    9
    MercurySteam's best work yet, adjusting all faults that Samus Returns on the 3DS had and enhanced all previous ideals to a near perfect 60FPS. At face value without context you would believe the game was filled with cutscenes that played for you but if you will simply see Samus manhandle a boss pointing her gun at it without firing a thing if you the player does not play the game.

    You    MercurySteam's best work yet, adjusting all faults that Samus Returns on the 3DS had and enhanced all previous ideals to a near perfect 60FPS. At face value without context you would believe the game was filled with cutscenes that played for you but if you will simply see Samus manhandle a boss pointing her gun at it without firing a thing if you the player does not play the game.

    You will be challenged, and if you think you broke the game to get something early you may find you will be rewarded for your effort.

    Visually comparable to XBLA games in memory but not in actuality, the animation workflow is fast and fluid you'll wish to see done in other genres.

    One of the few Switch games that support 5.1 Surround sound, though most of the music is atmospheric similar to Super Metroid's original scores, and simply no scores similar to classic or Fusion's rocking scores outside of rearrangements of classic melodies.

    Basic first runs can be completed in 8-12 hours depending on experimentation, but second runs can be beaten in less than 4 hours, with some speedrunners attempting to break less than 2 hours as of this review.

    The only downsides is simply being a game on aging Nintendo hardware, while native 720p in handheld mode the post-process free 900p in dock mode may look simply too crunchy on modern 4KTVs. Hard mode is unlocked completing the game, but hardmode simply just makes the enemies do insane damage but all still die the same as normal mode it's simply a mode to challenge hardcore enthusiasts and not recommended for clumsy players, you'll be able to beat normal/hard mode in the same time frame if you never get hit once.    … Expand
  55. KevinMesjo1017
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    This game is the greatest Nintendo ever produced. It has high graphics plus the gameplay of a proper Metroid game. Thankfully, it isn't like Samus returns. I say, Nintendo has done it especially boss fights are amazing, bosses from previous Metroid games like Metroid zero mission, super Metroid have been enhanced and made it harder. I thought the 360 was gonna ruin the game which made meThis game is the greatest Nintendo ever produced. It has high graphics plus the gameplay of a proper Metroid game. Thankfully, it isn't like Samus returns. I say, Nintendo has done it especially boss fights are amazing, bosses from previous Metroid games like Metroid zero mission, super Metroid have been enhanced and made it harder. I thought the 360 was gonna ruin the game which made me hate Samus returns and dread but when i played, it feels fine. Overall, best Metroid from Nintendo… Expand
  56. Rocketman737
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My favorite game of all time was Super Metroid. Now it is tied with Metroid Dread. The only Metroid I haven't completed is the original on NES. I prefer the 2d games over prime as well. The movement in this game is so buttery smooth and rewarding. I really liked the new mechanics in Samus returns although the walk up-stop-counter was kinda heavy in that game. It felt a little slow movement wise too. Dread came through and perfected that. I wouldn't mind it being a little longer in-between power ups. Especially when you hit like 75% of the game and just go on an upgrade spree. I completely understand the gripes that other people give this game with the EMMI and other aspects of difficulty. To me though it gave the game more depth than just monsters to fight. You are also being hunted by the research robots that the federation deployed. I love the transitions to everything being x parasite infested and the changing environments. I am not a huge fan of a lot of cut scenes and story being forced down my throat but this game had some A1 cut scenes that just added to the bada$$ persona that is Samus. Especially that first boss kill shot. Gets me every time. I have high hopes for Metroid going forward and my favorite part of the game, big spoiler.....THE LAST METROID IS SAMUS, THE GALAXY WILL NEVER BE AT PEACE! Love this game and whenever I start it up it's so hard to put down.PS as a Metroid fiend I didn't find it as difficult as some say. Could be because I am playing on a Monitor and not a TV so it's basically no input delay. Thank you Nintendo and Mercury Steam for giving us this absolute delight!… Expand
  57. Simerz
    Oct 17, 2021
    0
    I cannot understand the positive reviews. I have to counteract with my 0 rating. This game is not worth playing. It's just not fair in many places. The play with the E.M.M.I. and other enemies / bosses is just a trial and error and ends in unfair Game Over screens. Especially at zone Ferenia. You have to pass the E.M.M.I. zone. The purple one can hear and see you from anywhere throughI cannot understand the positive reviews. I have to counteract with my 0 rating. This game is not worth playing. It's just not fair in many places. The play with the E.M.M.I. and other enemies / bosses is just a trial and error and ends in unfair Game Over screens. Especially at zone Ferenia. You have to pass the E.M.M.I. zone. The purple one can hear and see you from anywhere through walls. Then beat an electric beetle and then two Chozo robot soldiers at once. Harder than Dark Souls. There is no station to refill your life. You have to cross rooms with OP enemies and have no chance to reach the 2-Chozo-room with full life. ... I have now quit the game and removed it. What's wrong with you guys? The rest of the game isn't bad. But come on, these things described here are not worth a rating above 7.… Expand
  58. eded9999
    Oct 12, 2021
    7
    Good controls compared to other Metroid games.
    Difficulty is good.
    Bosses are good, but there's too few of then compared to others games of this style. Story is average. And the premise is becoming way too repetitive: Go to a planet, loose your equip so go get the Suit, Morphball, Rays all over again... Music is not specially good. A bit too short and there's no real extra content    Good controls compared to other Metroid games.
    Difficulty is good.
    Bosses are good, but there's too few of then compared to others games of this style.
    Story is average. And the premise is becoming way too repetitive: Go to a planet, loose your equip so go get the Suit, Morphball, Rays all over again...
    Music is not specially good.
    A bit too short and there's no real extra content like most metroidvanias, no alt endings or secret bosses, areas or quest.

    Not bad, but not specially good either, it's ok.
    I wish they would try to push some boundaries with Metroid, indie games are doing amazing things with the genre.    … Expand
  59. ThrowingTNT
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    Even tough this is my first Metroid game, I absolutely cannot wait to play the other games if they're all of the same phenomenal quality as Metroid Dread, with it's amazing level design, Challenging but fun bosses and it's ability to convey a story in such few words.
  60. fordiman
    Oct 14, 2021
    9
    Between implementing a new and interesting powerset / platforming mechanics lock-and-key, having good navigational conveyance without the explicit map direction of Zero Mission or the cattle-chuting of Fusion, and a satisfyingly twisty plot that really fleshes out the existing canon without contradicting it, it's clear that Mercury Steam and Nintendo have really banged out an excellentBetween implementing a new and interesting powerset / platforming mechanics lock-and-key, having good navigational conveyance without the explicit map direction of Zero Mission or the cattle-chuting of Fusion, and a satisfyingly twisty plot that really fleshes out the existing canon without contradicting it, it's clear that Mercury Steam and Nintendo have really banged out an excellent title.

    There are spots that do feel unfair - but the game autosaves just before you enter them, so there isn't a whole lot of lost progress (though, having to replay cutscenes is annoying, even if you just have to hit [+], [-] to get past 'em.

    There's also very little music and, while that does lend to the atmosphere, I found myself missing it.

    Those two minor issues is the only reason I don't give it a 10. Still, amazing entry in the series, and absolutely worthy of being a Metroid.    … Expand
  61. refasliva
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Incredibly satisfying, and absolutely delivers everywhere! The combat is fantastic, ambiance is top notch and eerie in classic Metroid ways. Up there with Super Metroid and Metroid Prime for me, and honestly might be even above those!
  62. veedub
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    To all the low-scoring reviews: THIS IS NOT A GAME FOR BABIES.

    You will die. A lot. There's no mercy. Only dread. One of the few games where the difficulty actually measures up to how the game talks about how dangerous things are. The tension is real. It's not "cinematic tension" followed by some easy BS designed to look scary but be easy -- it's tense because it's    To all the low-scoring reviews: THIS IS NOT A GAME FOR BABIES.

    You will die.

    A lot.

    There's no mercy. Only dread. One of the few games where the difficulty actually measures up to how the game talks about how dangerous things are.

    The tension is real. It's not "cinematic tension" followed by some easy BS designed to look scary but be easy -- it's tense because it's *actually tense.*

    And it's relentless. Nothing is handed to you. Everything is earned. It doesn't even ever tell you where to go except in broad sweeping generalization like "you need to work your way up toward your ship." And I *love* that about this game.

    Yes, there are moments that are frustrating. But there's no un-dodgeable BS. Just stuff that you haven't figured out how to pay attention to yet, or moves that you're not utilizing enough yet.

    And if you don't like difficult games, I'll just say this one's not for you. Don't darken it with your "it was too hard" whines. Go back to playing Super Mario Odyssey on Assist Mode.    … Expand
  63. Reds1496
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    La espera por un nuevo titulo de Metroid valió la pena. “Dread” es el mejor titulo de la franquicia (2D) en términos de jugabilidad, historia y ambientación. La progresión a través del juego es súper fluida y ninguna parte del juego se siente lenta o aburrida. Todas los "poderes" que se obtienen a través del juego se sienten justificados y útiles incluso para los que se necesita la energíaLa espera por un nuevo titulo de Metroid valió la pena. “Dread” es el mejor titulo de la franquicia (2D) en términos de jugabilidad, historia y ambientación. La progresión a través del juego es súper fluida y ninguna parte del juego se siente lenta o aburrida. Todas los "poderes" que se obtienen a través del juego se sienten justificados y útiles incluso para los que se necesita la energía AEION que a diferencia de "Samus Returns" no sientes que te estén obligando utilizarlos dentro de la aventura ya que su adición en esta entrega se siente orgánica y natural (sin mencionar que hay un par de estas habilidades que son una delicia de utilizar). Una cantidad de jefes mas que aceptable con una dificultad que se siente acorde a los tiempos actuales. Quizás el apartado mas flojo del juego es la música y aun así es bastante memorable. Probablemente el mejor juego de 2021. Imprescindible.… Expand
  64. GMS1
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Metroid Dread may be an easier entry but it’s all the better for it! The game doesn’t hold your hand however, making it perfect for newcomers and veterans alike!… Expand
  65. Stelus42
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    Metroid Dread is a fantastic game and a lorically significant entry in the franchise. Gameplay-wise, it's controls are incredibly tight and fluid, especially when compared to previous games. You acquire a mix of new and returning power ups which all do a fantastic job of making combat and navigation more fun. The map is very large and interconnected, and there are tons of secret items toMetroid Dread is a fantastic game and a lorically significant entry in the franchise. Gameplay-wise, it's controls are incredibly tight and fluid, especially when compared to previous games. You acquire a mix of new and returning power ups which all do a fantastic job of making combat and navigation more fun. The map is very large and interconnected, and there are tons of secret items to seek out. This game is incredibly difficult, however the difficulty is very fair. There is no punishment for death aside from respawning from a checkpoint and the game frequently reminds you that every attack is avoidable, so at worst, defeating a boss will take a lot of patience while you learn their move sets.

    Dread is also atmospherically great. The background artwork is probably the strongest feature in this regard. You can tell a lot of work was put into making the backgrounds tell their own stories while being visually striking. The music is mostly ambient and so does a lot to enhance the atmosphere of this game, however I would like to have heard some more iconic bangers like the series is known for.

    Finally, the writing and story sequences are amongst the best Metroid has ever seen. If you're a series fan, this is an absolute hands down must play for the lore. Additionally, this is arguably the best depiction of Samus as a character (leagues better than some Other entries).

    Overall, Metroid Dread was a blast to play!    … Expand
  66. seikrid
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    It's metroid! It's a 2d metroid game. The game has came a long way since fusion. I have been enjoying my play through thoroughly and have no issues with the e.m.m.i they are great additions to the series. You have to have a gameplan you have to be cautious. I love that. People complain all the time about stuff like this. If you want to play metroid and you want a challenge here you are.
  67. luisilloRS
    Oct 11, 2021
    9
    (ESP Review): Simple y llanamente este es el mejor Metroid 2D hasta la fecha. No solo hace bien todo lo ya visto en la saga hasta entonces sino que encima lo mejora al máximo, añadiendo nuevas mecánicas a habilidades ya vistas anteriormente en la saga como el Speed Booster o el Grapple Beam. Además añade nuevas mejoras para el traje de Samus que le da un toque mas novedoso a la franquicia,(ESP Review): Simple y llanamente este es el mejor Metroid 2D hasta la fecha. No solo hace bien todo lo ya visto en la saga hasta entonces sino que encima lo mejora al máximo, añadiendo nuevas mecánicas a habilidades ya vistas anteriormente en la saga como el Speed Booster o el Grapple Beam. Además añade nuevas mejoras para el traje de Samus que le da un toque mas novedoso a la franquicia, dejando claro que estamos ante un Metroid de nueva generación.

    Sin duda lo mas destacable en cuanto a mejoras ha sido el movimiento de Samus, el cual es una verdadera gozada de manejar, permitiéndonos hacer toda clase de movimientos y desencadenando secuencias completamente espectaculares con la utilización del Parry y las nuevas mejoras anteriormente mencionadas.

    Las batallas contra jefes son increíbles, pues las considero las mas épicas vistas hasta la fecha, con secuencias asombrosas y patrones de movimiento que nos harán exprimir nuestra imaginación al máximo para descubrir como vencerlos. También, a causa de esto, son los mas complicados en la saga, llegando a tomar varios intentos el aprender como derrotarlos.

    Lo único en lo que flojea diría que es la banda sonora, que, aunque esté muy bien conseguida y generé una atmosfera de 10, sin duda no se acerca a antiguos títulos de la franquicia como Super Metroid o la trilogía Prime, los cuales conseguían que mas de un tema se te quedase en la cabeza durante años. (Aun sigo silbando la melodía de Tallon Overworld...)

    También los E.M.M.I. son un punto que empieza a cansar a mitad del juego, pues al inicio son divertidos y algo innovador, pero a la larga se acaban volviendo algo repetitivo, cortando el ritmo de juego y llegando a convertirse en secuencias bastante frustrantes. Eso si, destruirlos es una de las mayores satisfacciones del videojuego.

    Por ultimo destacar la historia, que aunque cuenta con giros de guion increíbles y acaba finalmente con el arco de los Metroides en la saga principal, se vuelve bastante complicada de entender para nuevos jugadores que quieran incorporarse en la franquicia. Además de que la incorporación de los Chozo en el ultimo titulo de esta cronológicamente hablando es bastante extraña. ¿Dónde estuvieron estos Chozo durante todo este tiempo? ¿Nadie sabia de la existencia de ZDR hasta ahora? Sin duda queda un poco forzado y brusco el querer añadir los Chozo ahora después de darles tanto halo de misterio durante todo este tiempo.

    Sin nada mas que decir, es un muy buen videojuego, de los mejores de la saga y del catálogo de Switch. Recomendado al 100%.    … Expand
  68. Olorin1990
    Oct 11, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest games nintendo has made, period. An infinitely replayable classic, and easily the best MetroidVania out there
  69. Robjapan
    Oct 13, 2021
    3
    I often found myself wandering around not knowing where to go, the game is so on rails that there is only one way to go.
    Bad level design.
    Crappy controls.
    Nonexistent storyline.

    The emmis are just annoying...

    I genuinely have no idea what game other people are playing to give it such high scores.
  70. Maddozman555
    Oct 10, 2021
    9
    Sin duda cumple la expectativa que se creó a lo largo de la espera de este deseado juego, con una dificultad desafiante que no cae en lo tedioso, un diseño de arte muy bueno que sabe tener buenos contrastes y crear atmósferas densas, un control fluido y con fps estables, metroid dread cumple perfectamente con lo que todo fan de la saga y del género metroidvania quiere y busca, lo único queSin duda cumple la expectativa que se creó a lo largo de la espera de este deseado juego, con una dificultad desafiante que no cae en lo tedioso, un diseño de arte muy bueno que sabe tener buenos contrastes y crear atmósferas densas, un control fluido y con fps estables, metroid dread cumple perfectamente con lo que todo fan de la saga y del género metroidvania quiere y busca, lo único que no me convenció del todo fue la música que a pesar de estar lejos de ser mala, no me pareció muy buena y que si decides jugarlo en modo dock encontrarás algunos detalles del entorno que desentonan un poco en calidad a comparación de lo demás, de ahí en más no tengo otros puntos desfavorables, un mustplay para los poseedores de una nintendo switch y los amantes del metroidvania… Expand
  71. Zwallyzool
    Oct 14, 2021
    0
    Why is it when I start the game I have to wait almost 10 minutes to actually play the game I paid $60 for? The cut scenes and hand holding is absolutely unnecessary. Does Nintendo think players are idiots? I've played every Metroid game since the franchises inception. This game completely misses the point of what a Metroid game is. I'm kind of tired of all these dark, muted games. Even theWhy is it when I start the game I have to wait almost 10 minutes to actually play the game I paid $60 for? The cut scenes and hand holding is absolutely unnecessary. Does Nintendo think players are idiots? I've played every Metroid game since the franchises inception. This game completely misses the point of what a Metroid game is. I'm kind of tired of all these dark, muted games. Even the Prime series was really vibrant. But, it still gave off the brooding mood. This to me is just another dark, brooding game with a bland color pallet. Every Metroid game I've played from the original, to GBA, to the Prime series. (I missed out on other M). And they've all successfully conveyed the trapped, confined, dark theme without sacrificing the color pallet. Plus thus game uses an over abundance of QTEs. As much as Nintendo wants to dress up the EMMies they're nothing, but QTEs. I don't like how it stops the game play. FUSION did a far better job of conveying outright dread of the Clone Samus coming after you and that never broke down the game play. I'm just not a fan. I don't mind them trying something new, but they haven't, they just mixed stealth with QTE. That's not what Metroid is about and it ruins the game for me. I'm going to play it to completion, but it's more because I paid 60 bucks and not because this is enjoyable in the slightest. If I wanted QTE I'd break my wrist playing God of War on PS2 and Resident Evil 4. This totally feels like Mighty Number 9. It misses the mark, controls sloppily and the constant interruption in flow and action makes this a real garbage game. It's a shame that Axiom Verge and Axiom Verge 2 are far better Metroid games than this Metroid Dread. I was looking forward to this game and have been absolutely disappointed. They should put out an update that let's people skip these needless cut scenes. It would be even better if they put in an option for classic play. I honestly don't understand how or why people actually like this game.… Expand
  72. j_obediah
    Oct 12, 2021
    5
    BUYER BEWARE:This game is NOT casual and should have a surgeon general's warning on it.

    The later bosses specifically are essentially designed to make any tendonitis in our hands permanent. The EMMI robots certainly make the game more difficult, so much so that it stops being a shock if you die from them. It's just something that happens and you start over and try again until you    BUYER BEWARE:This game is NOT casual and should have a surgeon general's warning on it.

    The later bosses specifically are essentially designed to make any tendonitis in our hands permanent. The EMMI robots certainly make the game more difficult, so much so that it stops being a shock if you die from them. It's just something that happens and you start over and try again until you figure it out.

    It's very clear that the developers were deathly afraid that this game would be "too easy." If you enjoy combat that is brutal for brutality's sake, then this game *might* give you a challenge, but if you have other life skills that you'd like to hone other than gaming, this game is not for you.

    I gave it a 5 because that won't hurt the game's success, but it will increase the chance that this warning gets to casuals who might think this will be and experience like Super Metroid. It's not. It's WAY harder.    … Expand
  73. Keyth13
    Oct 16, 2021
    2
    Would have been an amazing game if it didnt use a lazy mechanic that added nothing but frustration. The E.M.M.I. destroys what makes a metroidvania game great, exploration. Instead of being able to focus on whats best about this series you get a crappy mechanic that one shots you and adds nothing of value. It feels like the developers completely missed the mark on what Metroid is about.
  74. Changeling
    Oct 21, 2021
    3
    The metroid old fans want is dead.

    I have been playing this series since Fusion came out on the GBA. I have played Fusion countless times and consider it one of my favorite games. I love Zero Mission (besides the overuse of shinesparks in a 100% run), was not super pleased with Samus Returns, and am very disappointed with Dread. I am on the second area and find that faaaaaar too much of    The metroid old fans want is dead.

    I have been playing this series since Fusion came out on the GBA. I have played Fusion countless times and consider it one of my favorite games. I love Zero Mission (besides the overuse of shinesparks in a 100% run), was not super pleased with Samus Returns, and am very disappointed with Dread. I am on the second area and find that faaaaaar too much of the gameplay revolves around a frustrating experience trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do while trying to not get one-touch killed by the EMMIs. If you like stealth sections where you can aggro an invincible and hard to detect enemy from off screen, this is the game for you. If you were glad that the SAX scenes in Fusion were brief and infrequent, like me, this is not your game. I just want a well designed two dimensional metroidvania with a satisfying power creep and crisp controls. I do not want to try to figure out where to go in between death loading screens. I am extremely disappointed with this game.    … Expand
  75. solrac780
    Oct 14, 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
  76. Zalabar22
    Oct 12, 2021
    9
    A truly excellent game, probably one of if not the best Metroid sidescroller ever released. Lots of secrets to be found and tons of replay value. It took me about 10-15 hours to beat on my first playthrough, however I only received an 80% completion. Can't wait to play through again, I highly recommend.
  77. Massimo8
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    Not even joking. This game is perfectly fun and entertaining, the exploration is satifying to a level only Metroid can bring
  78. DickSweeting
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Gotta give this game a 10. Too many jokesters giving it under 7 some even giving it 0?! This kind of crap is unacceptable! These are either people who didnt actually play it and just want to see the score drop or people that love the genre but hate the hype around dread! This game is the top of the food chain in the genre end of story!
  79. Aranmuskett88
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    One of the best games released this year. The gameplay is intuitive and smooth, with the game progressing very organically.
  80. Koldor
    Oct 18, 2021
    7
    Mercury Steam’s second outing with the armor-clad bounty hunter, while much improved from their previous 3DS entry, leaves much to be desired. Clunky world design, frustrating stealth sections and annoying quick time events are just a few issues in store for Samus’ first Switch outing.
    In 2021 the MetroidVania genre is incredibly saturated with phenomenal titles such as Hollow Knight,    Mercury Steam’s second outing with the armor-clad bounty hunter, while much improved from their previous 3DS entry, leaves much to be desired. Clunky world design, frustrating stealth sections and annoying quick time events are just a few issues in store for Samus’ first Switch outing.
    In 2021 the MetroidVania genre is incredibly saturated with phenomenal titles such as Hollow Knight, Axiom Verge, Cave Story, Ori and the Blind forest and many others providing stiff competition. Dread does not do anything to stand above its peers, coupled with a much higher price point of 60 USD, it provides little incentive for both long time fans and new players to pick it up. According to developer interviews, this game is Yoshio Sakamoto’s original idea for Metroid Dread from all the way back in 2005 for the Nintendo DS. After completing Dread, I think it was an idea best left in ’05.    … Expand
  81. SliceOfBrownBre
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    Fan of Metroid since Prime 1 and this is what we expected.

    Only a few (negative) points to mention : 1- The game is HARD, but never unfair. It plays so well that even if you fail a boss, you just want to get back in and learn it's patterns and weaknesses. 2- Soundtrack is OK,not going to be as classic as Prime or Super. The rest of the game is pretty much perfect for a    Fan of Metroid since Prime 1 and this is what we expected.

    Only a few (negative) points to mention :

    1- The game is HARD, but never unfair. It plays so well that even if you fail a boss, you just want to get back in and learn it's patterns and weaknesses.

    2- Soundtrack is OK,not going to be as classic as Prime or Super.

    The rest of the game is pretty much perfect for a Metroid-Vania style game, The graphics are amazing, the Controls are crisp and responsive and the story is suprisingly in depth. Thanks to Mercury Steam for putting Metroid back on track.    … Expand
  82. gmsulliv
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    I’m blown away!!!!! Thank you Nintendo for taking me back down memory lane!!!
  83. imoviesreview
    Oct 21, 2021
    9
    Metroid Dread is very well done, but it has a few faults. I like that the game is hard, but is very fair. It offers no difficulty options which is nice since that mean I can't wimp out of the challenge. The game rewards being good at it. But it's also not too hard to be good at it. That I like as it feels very satisfying. However, the game is kind of slow at the start and the game oftenMetroid Dread is very well done, but it has a few faults. I like that the game is hard, but is very fair. It offers no difficulty options which is nice since that mean I can't wimp out of the challenge. The game rewards being good at it. But it's also not too hard to be good at it. That I like as it feels very satisfying. However, the game is kind of slow at the start and the game often railroads you down a certain path. That would be fine and even helpful, but it sometimes limits your ability to explore. Also the EMMI's are a bit of a let down. Not to say there is no tension. But I am a complete wimp at horror games and yet I didn't find them scary shortly after encountering them. There are also hardly any punishment for being caught. But it is a little scary to hear there beeping in the distance at least. I wouldn't say this is a total pick up. It just that it's 60$ and may not be for everyone. So maybe consider this one with caution. But it is going to be a good time if you do.… Expand
  84. Olajo82
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Great game. Finally a 2d Metroid game.
    Hope they continue to do 2d games. They are much better then prime series
  85. Arma15
    Oct 19, 2021
    7
    In general, the game is good. The visuals, known weapons, bosses. What was a huge let down is that the game is extremely short. I never realized how short until it was like… clear time: 9 hours… WHAT?! And with 100% items 11 hours. I’ve spent more time in good indie games metroidvania style for something as 5 usd. They should have made something much longer or at least bring new regionsIn general, the game is good. The visuals, known weapons, bosses. What was a huge let down is that the game is extremely short. I never realized how short until it was like… clear time: 9 hours… WHAT?! And with 100% items 11 hours. I’ve spent more time in good indie games metroidvania style for something as 5 usd. They should have made something much longer or at least bring new regions for free through DLC. They also spoiled map exploration. Since the game was so short, now getting the 100% of the map is almost impossible, being your moves extra zoomed”, having to jump to explore completely regular spaces. So no having the map exploration as usual in a metroidvania style was a let down.… Expand
  86. bhappenstance
    Jan 1, 2022
    2
    Metroid Dread is well designed, runs smoothly, and is nice to look at, but it isn't actually much fun.

    EMMI encounters are essentially one hit kills that can only be dealt with through trial and error. Bosses (some of them recycled from earlier games), can only be dealt with through trial and error. The game kills you repeatedly -- sometimes fairly, many times unfairly. The control    Metroid Dread is well designed, runs smoothly, and is nice to look at, but it isn't actually much fun.

    EMMI encounters are essentially one hit kills that can only be dealt with through trial and error. Bosses (some of them recycled from earlier games), can only be dealt with through trial and error. The game kills you repeatedly -- sometimes fairly, many times unfairly.

    The control scheme is janky -- certain weapons require you to hold down three buttons to work properly -- and many of the moves won't work when you want them to. The strangeness and unreliability of the controls makes an already frustrating game all the more frustrating. This is a classic 2D platformer to the extent that it makes you want to throw your controller through the TV screen.

    ORI and the Will of the Wisps is a much, MUCH better game -- not necessarily more or less hard, but certainly smarter and more inventive in its layout and execution. While ORI owes a debt to Metroid games past, Dread is nothing better than a clunky, rage-inducing rehash of better games past.    … Expand
  87. MaxieKarn
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece doesn't even begin to describe how fantastic of a game this is. Sleek and smooth controls, stylish and engaging visuals with many areas having so much going on in the background, challenging bosses that are a thrill to learn, and sheer panic and dread from having to face off sgainst the robotic EMMIs you've probably already heard about.

    If you are a Metroid fan, or have got    Masterpiece doesn't even begin to describe how fantastic of a game this is. Sleek and smooth controls, stylish and engaging visuals with many areas having so much going on in the background, challenging bosses that are a thrill to learn, and sheer panic and dread from having to face off sgainst the robotic EMMIs you've probably already heard about.

    If you are a Metroid fan, or have got into Metroidvanias over the past few years, do yourself a favour and buy this game ASAP.    … Expand
  88. JametzBrother
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    I already beat it twice and this is my first time playing a metroid game, for me personally level design is soo good. there is element of discovering where u should go next. the elephant in the room is the boss fight, its challenging but still fair, you should use every arsenal you’ve got in order to beat them. Samus is fast fluid and so good to play. The game is fast pace and tight, thisI already beat it twice and this is my first time playing a metroid game, for me personally level design is soo good. there is element of discovering where u should go next. the elephant in the room is the boss fight, its challenging but still fair, you should use every arsenal you’ve got in order to beat them. Samus is fast fluid and so good to play. The game is fast pace and tight, this is one of the best experience this year’s has been delivered, give it a chance to play it. Bravo for the team that nailed metroid… Expand
  89. Distrial
    Oct 26, 2021
    7
    Generally speaking the game is great, looks very nice and the exploration is really fun. However three things are in the way of it being fhe best it could be. In order of severity first is EMMI zones, way too much trial and error to find your way through their zones without getting caught sometimes and dying repeatedly just to learn the layout of their area is immersion breaking. Second isGenerally speaking the game is great, looks very nice and the exploration is really fun. However three things are in the way of it being fhe best it could be. In order of severity first is EMMI zones, way too much trial and error to find your way through their zones without getting caught sometimes and dying repeatedly just to learn the layout of their area is immersion breaking. Second is the optional upgrades, too many of them require endgame stuff to be able to grab them so you get left pretty weak until right at the end unless you're doing TONS of backtracking which sometimes isn't possible because the path backwards gets cut off. The biggest offender here is all the speedboost block puzzles to get some of the best items since a lot of them require the upgrades you get just before the final boss. Lastly and most obviously, the boss's difficulty is frankly way too much higher than the rest of the game. They're definitely beatable but every boss is extremely fast and deals an entire lifebar of damage with every hit more often than not so you die repeatedly just to learn patterns and to me at least, after 15 or so deaths I'm simply not having fun any more and I don't feel accomplished for beating such a boss because it seems to me I beat it out of luck and persistence rather than skill and preperation. All in all enjoyable but the game likes to roadblock you with overly tricky parts way to often for anyone who isn't able to put in hours and hours of time .… Expand
  90. Nath666
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    As I waited nearly 20 years for this I was not disappointed!

    DREAD is amazing and worth the wait.
    Difficult, puzzling, action packed and everything works great!

    The people who say it's crap have never played Metroid before or they are just crap gamers.
  91. ConradReview
    Oct 23, 2021
    7
    I liked it, but I have no intention of playing it again or on Hard. If you like Metroid you'll like it, but it's not going to blow you away.
  92. Zanetzimisce
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    10/10 ............,.. .......................................
    .......... ...
  93. 2bitplayss
    Oct 22, 2021
    9
    this game is really good
    the controls are fast but i kinda hate it to there are so many moves and since the game is kinda fast paced you somtimes press random buttons since your panicking because an emmi is chasing you or your fighting a boss
    but the emmi are great the bosses are really good - the robot soldiers they kinda got boring after the second time and they feel more to pad the    this game is really good
    the controls are fast but i kinda hate it to there are so many moves and since the game is kinda fast paced you somtimes press random buttons since your panicking because an emmi is chasing you or your fighting a boss

    but the emmi are great
    the bosses are really good - the robot soldiers they kinda got boring after the second time and they feel more to pad the game out

    there are some cool twists and the story is great
    one of the best switch games of 2021    … Expand
  94. moshenks
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    你在任何一款类银河战士恶魔城类游戏里也无法体会得到银河战士本尊的这种拍案叫绝，这设计能力已经在大气层。说线性的先去看看大神的新发现，绝对惊掉你下巴！
  95. ThiagoZmz
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    The game is just awesome! The game design we all know from metroid games is back with a fresh stealth touch that made it so much more fun! Visuals, movement, ambience everything is great! My only complain is with the soundtrack. Despite not being bad, it`s just not so epic as in previous entries. But nothing that change my opinion after all. Metroid dread is a must play!
  96. pancraman
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    Juegazo, el mejor Metroid 2D sin duda. Grandes Mercury Steam. Jugabilidad perfecta, sensacional la tensión de los EMMI, combates frenéticos contra jefes y un inmenso mapa por explorar con un gran arsenal de poderes. Larga vida a Samus!!
  97. Kuzco
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    This is my first Metroid game and it’s phenomenal, go buy it you will not be disappointed!
  98. Shrikestrike
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Amazing new entry to the Metroid series. The game play is smooth as silk. The emmi sections are tense and exciting. The bosses offer a decent challenge. You'll likely die a few times but eventually you'll get the pattern down. The story beats are really engaging and add to the story and world without detracting from Samus character. There are some really incredible twists towards the endAmazing new entry to the Metroid series. The game play is smooth as silk. The emmi sections are tense and exciting. The bosses offer a decent challenge. You'll likely die a few times but eventually you'll get the pattern down. The story beats are really engaging and add to the story and world without detracting from Samus character. There are some really incredible twists towards the end that genuinely had me smiling in delight. I can't recommend this game enough. Metroid is back and it feels better than ever.… Expand
  99. Alexholyfool
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Excelente juego, años que no me enganchaba tanto hasta el punto de trasnochar para terminarlo
  100. galdron
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Metroid Dread is a high octane take on the Metroidvania formula. With new movement options inspired by the Ori games and clear paths to progression, Mercury Steam has taken hints from past Metroidvania's successes and failures to make Metroid Dread the best in the series.

    While playing Metroid Fusion, I often wondered why it was so linear compared to Super Metroid. We see that in Metroid    Metroid Dread is a high octane take on the Metroidvania formula. With new movement options inspired by the Ori games and clear paths to progression, Mercury Steam has taken hints from past Metroidvania's successes and failures to make Metroid Dread the best in the series.

    While playing Metroid Fusion, I often wondered why it was so linear compared to Super Metroid. We see that in Metroid Dread, however, there is an intended, implied route, but it can be broken time and time again.

    Mercury Steam and Nintendo have also done a good job balancing the difficulty of this game, with constant checkpoints and rewarding boss fights. Metroid Dread is a great game for Metroid veterans who try to speedrun the game and for first time Metroidvania players, who want to know what the genre is all about.

    Thank you Mercury Steam and Nintendo for bringing the joy of Metroid to the next generation.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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.
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