Metroid Dread

About Metroid Dread

Nintendo EPD released Metroid Dread on the Switch in October 2021 as Samus Aran's first new 2D adventure in nineteen years. The story picks up right after Fusion when Samus travels to planet ZDR to investigate a strange signal. Instead of answers, she finds a world overrun by savage creatures and terrifying robots. This is a single-player action platformer that blends tight shooting with fast-paced movement. You control the bounty hunter as she navigates complex environments while facing enemies that hunt her back. The game runs smoothly on Switch hardware without needing extra accessories or complex setups to start playing immediately.

Gameplay

You move through ZDR by running, jumping, and sliding under low barriers. Combat involves aiming your arm cannon at various threats while using wall jumps and counters to survive close encounters. A core mechanic forces you to flee from E.M.M.I. robots that patrol specific zones with relentless speed. These chases require you to memorize patterns rather than fight directly until you have the right tools. Progression relies on finding new abilities like the Grapple Beam or Screw Attack to reach previously inaccessible areas. You can return to old sections to find hidden upgrades and secret paths once you unlock these skills. The controls feel responsive, allowing for quick directional changes during intense firefights.

What Players Think

Players on PlayPile give this title strong marks with an IGDB score of 84.2 out of 100 based on 206 ratings. Most users report spending between 15 and 20 hours to finish the main campaign, while completionists chase all achievements for a longer session. Community moods lean heavily toward excitement when discussing the E.M.M.I. sequences, with many describing those moments as genuinely tense. Review snippets frequently mention how the difficulty spike during robot chases stands out compared to previous entries. Average playtime data shows that most people stick around to finish the story rather than quitting early due to frustration.

PlayPile's Take

Metroid Dread works best for players who enjoy tight controls and challenging platforming sections. The price point is standard for a first-party Switch release, making it an accessible buy if you own the console. You will unlock several achievements that track your progress through ZDR and your success against E.M.M.I. hunters. This game is not for someone looking for a casual walk-through since the combat demands focus and pattern recognition. The final boss fight provides a satisfying conclusion to the narrative without feeling rushed or drawn out.

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.