Metroid
OpenCritic
Mighty
IGDB
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"So here we are. Supposedly, the saga is complete, and I’m left with mixed feelings. I’m glad that Dread really goes for it, that it wants to make you feel hunted and disadvantaged and that it’s willing to feel hostile in order to accomplish that. The result is a feeling that survival itself is a reward more meaningful than all the upgrades in the world, a feeling I rarely get from games anymore. But ZDR never captivated me the way previous Metroid settings have, and as a conclusion to the story arc, Dread seems to misunderstand what made the early chapters resonate. Samus is wonderful, a survivor, an icon, and she endures. But when I think back on my time with her over the past several decades, Dread will forever dwell in the shadows of my favorite Metroid memories."
Finding live streams...
About Metroid
Nintendo R&D1 created this 1987 classic that defined the genre for decades. Released on the Nintendo Entertainment System first, the title now appears on Wii U, Wii, Arcade cabinets, and the 3DS via Playtronic. You control Samus Aran as she infiltrates Zebes to stop Mother Brain from weaponizing the Metroids. The game mixes exploration with combat in a non-linear structure where finding new upgrades changes how you move through levels. It is not a linear shooter but a puzzle of navigation and power management. Players must backtrack through previously visited areas with fresh abilities to access hidden zones. This approach set a standard for future action games while keeping the focus tight on solitary survival against alien threats.
Gameplay
You start with minimal gear and must scavenge energy beams, boots, and suits to survive. A typical session involves moving left or right across platforms while scanning walls for secret passages. You cannot simply run past enemies since their attacks drain your health meter instantly. Finding items like the Ice Beam or High Jump Boots opens new vertical sections that were previously unreachable. The map is a labyrinth of tight corridors and large open rooms where ambushes are common. Combat feels weighty because every shot matters when ammo is scarce. You spend most of your time memorizing enemy patterns and timing jumps to avoid spikes or lava pits. Death sends you back to the last save point, forcing you to replay long stretches of the level without progress on new items.
What Players Think
Critics and players alike rate this title highly. OpenCritic shows an 87 average score with 93.92% of critics recommending it. IGDB lists a 65.6 rating based on 233 user reviews. Eurogamer gave the recent remake a perfect 100, calling it visually sumptuous. Nintendo Life also awarded a flawless score for its triumphant return to form. The community moods lean heavily toward nostalgic appreciation and respect for the design. Average playtime varies widely depending on speedrun attempts versus completionist runs that seek every item. Many users report spending over 20 hours exploring hidden rooms while others finish in under five. Review snippets frequently mention the tension of facing Mother Brain as a peak moment. No other site tracks this specific mix of critical acclaim and user engagement data for the franchise history.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth your time if you enjoy figuring out complex level layouts without hand-holding. The price point on modern consoles is reasonable compared to newer releases. There are no achievements listed in older versions, but the satisfaction comes from beating impossible jumps. Samus feels powerful once you gather enough equipment, yet she remains vulnerable in tight spaces. Do not buy this if you want fast-paced action with constant ammo drops. The difficulty spikes near the end and requires precise reflexes to defeat Mother Brain. It stands as a benchmark for single-player adventure games that rely on atmosphere rather than multiplayer features.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
65.6
Deals
Finding deals...
Videos
1Screenshots
9Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...