Metroid Dread Review is the long-awaited sequel

Metroid won me over years ago, as did millions of other fans, with its combination of great action and atmospheric sci-fi horror, heavily inspired by intruder movies. Here, too, the fate of the protagonist is inextricably linked with an extremely dangerous race of alien monsters, the search for which on uncharted planets Samus devoted her whole life. However, the game defined its genre primarily by the ingenious design of the game world, which is a maze of interconnected “caves” filled with hidden objects and abbreviations. Although the series made a successful leap into 3D a few years ago, a fifth 2D episode is now returning, which, in addition to combining old school with a modern twist, also offers a bold ending to the saga’s story.

• Platform: Switch
• Publication date: 8. 10. 2021
• Producer: MercurySteam (Spain)
• Genre: metroid covers
• Czech location: Not
• Multiplayer: Not
• Data to download: 4GB
• Game time: 10+ hours
• Price: 1399 CZK (Xzone)

The Last Saga

The galaxy seemed to have been saved, and the bloodthirsty metroids and X-parasites were finally destroyed. But then a mysterious signal arrives with a record of a living Parasite X from the planet ZDR, and Samus goes to investigate the situation. But a group of EMMI reconnaissance robots arrive there before her, communication with which is mysteriously cut off. Immediately after landing on an uncharted planet, Samus is in for a couple of shocks: she is attacked by a Chozo warrior (another race thought to be extinct) and, as if that’s not enough, someone has taken control of all the EMMI robots and sent them to hunt Samus. Which is rather strange, because these robots are not only very fast and dangerous, but also basically invulnerable to conventional weapons.

In the past, Metroid has been more about atmosphere than story. Also, in this case, running and hiding with terrifying unstoppable robots is a completely dominant gameplay experience. However, the creators did not miss the opportunity to capitalize on almost all the key characters and plot elements of the previous parts of the series and offer not only their impressive connection, but especially several major revelations that significantly change the key building blocks of the saga. In addition, all this is presented in a fully engaged, impressive films, where there will also be dialogue and, in addition to other characters, you will also hear the voice of Samus herself. In addition, these cinematic passages, as well as small animations right during the game, make Samus even rougher than ever before, which is expressed in such things as relationships and other nuances. It definitely suits her and suits her character perfectly.

In addition to other characters, you will also hear the voice of Samus herself.

Of course, the planet you will explore also plays an important role. If before you basically landed on the surface and then descended into the depths, this time after the initial fight you will find yourself at the very bottom of a dangerous labyrinth surrounded by rooms filled with water and lava. Your goal will be to get back to the surface to your ship and in the meantime collect enough equipment to be able to face a much stronger enemy again. So, again, you’ll be looking for hidden energy containers and rocket launchers, as well as special upgrades for your suit. The best ones are usually hidden in the body of one of the bosses, be it giant monsters or EMMI robots, which can also be destroyed under certain circumstances, but it will definitely not be easy.

Complex Poll

If you’ve ever played Metroid, you’ll feel right at home here. Some passages even act as a remake of iconic scenes from the classic parts of the series, rather than a sequel. A fan of the series will simply find so many reasons to rejoice here that the game will work for him as a dream come true – and this applies not only to the plot, but also to the design of the so-called “cycle break”. secret shortcuts in the game. But if you’re new to the series, be prepared for a bit of a shock: the design of the game is clearly based on old school classic Metroid 2D games, and means, among other things, that at times the process is hidden behind an indistinguishable wall of demolition, so you’ll have to work hard and try which way to go. Since I also wanted to find all the hidden items and upgrades, my playtime stretched out to a good 20 hours, although seasoned veterans of the series report half that time on their first playthrough.

With its 2D concept, Metroid Dread is one of the few games that runs on the Switch at a relatively reliable 60fps, which clearly benefits from an action-packed experience. Playing the game in handheld mode at the same time on the console’s new OLED model will also make it stand out with its perfectly styled, futuristic graphics packed with modern effects. Some of the challenge can be in the advanced stages of the game when you have so many weapons and moves that you have to use all sorts of combinations of two or more buttons at the same time. But the reward will be a huge difference in mobility and strength compared to the beginning of the game, this is one of the best “power-fantasy” quests in games in recent times. And this despite the fact that the essence of the game is to desperately hide and run away from the ruthless pursuit of bloodthirsty robots.