Metroid Dread

About Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread is a 2D action-adventure shooter from Nintendo EPD, released for Switch in October 2021. It follows Samus Aran as she investigates planet ZDR after receiving a distress signal, only to find it overrun by hostile aliens and rogue E.M.M.I. robots. This is the first new 2D Metroid story in 19 years, picking up after Metroid Fusion. The game blends exploration, combat, and stealth, with a focus on evading the relentless E.M.M.I. machines. Players backtrack through a large map, unlocking abilities that open new paths and reveal secrets. It’s a return to classic Metroidvania design, with a modern twist in its tense robot encounters and fluid parkour mechanics.

Gameplay

Metroid Dread is all about exploration and precision. You’ll spend most of your time moving through ZDR’s interconnected environments, acquiring new abilities like wall jumps and dash counters to access previously locked areas. Combat is fast and tactile, with a focus on dodging alien swarms and timing counters. The real tension comes from E.M.M.I. robots, massive, methodical hunters that force you to plan routes carefully. If one spots you, you must hide or fight with split-second reflexes. The game’s controls are tight, encouraging fluid parkour-like movement, but backtracking can feel repetitive without a map. Sessions often mix discovery (finding hidden upgrades) with survival (avoiding deadly robots), creating a rhythm that’s equal parts rewarding and nerve-wracking.

What Players Think

Metroid Dread holds an 84.2/100 on IGDB, with over 200 ratings. Critics praise its return to 2D roots and the E.M.M.I. mechanics, which many call the game’s standout feature. Player reviews highlight the thrill of evading robots and unlocking abilities, though some note the map’s complexity can feel punishing without a guide. Completion rates suggest most players finish the main story in 20-25 hours, with extended play for full exploration. Community moods lean enthusiastic, with frequent mentions of the game’s pacing and visual polish. One review calls it “a masterclass in tension,” while others argue the robot encounters occasionally disrupt exploration flow. Despite minor gripes, it’s seen as a critical and fan success.

PlayPile's Take

Metroid Dread is a must-play for series veterans and fans of precision-based action-adventure. Its blend of exploration, combat, and stealth-driven tension feels fresh even by modern standards. While the lack of a built-in map and occasional pacing hiccups might frustrate newcomers, the 84.2 score and strong replayability (especially for completionists) justify the price. If you enjoy methodical backtracking and high-stakes encounters, this is a solid investment. Just be ready to die a lot, E.M.M.I. won’t forgive mistakes.

Storyline

Face off against unrelenting E.M.M.I. robots: once DNA-extracting research machines, the imposing E.M.M.I. are now hunting Samus down. Tensions are high as you evade these E.M.M.I. to avoid a cruel death while finding a way to take them down. Find out what turned these robotic wonders into the scourge of ZDR and escape with your life. Feel Samus’ power grow as you gain maneuvers and abilities: acquire new and familiar abilities as you traverse the many environments of this dangerous world. Parkour over obstacles, slide through tight spaces, counter enemies, and battle your way through the planet. Return to areas and use your new abilities to find upgrades, alternate paths, and a way forward. Explore the sprawling map, evade and destroy E.M.M.I. robots, and overcome the dread plaguing ZDR.