Disdaith

On the lead up to Metroid Dread, I played the previous installments in the order of Zero Mission, Super Metroid, Fusion and Returns, less than 3 weeks ago for the first time, my introduction to the genre was Hollow Knight and then played both Oris. I’m personally tired of the Metroidvania discussion, I’m not here looking for a checklist on which to box a game, I’m here looking for a game that’s enjoyable and good to play and Metroid Dread ends up being that and my favorite of the 2D series. The controls are immaculate with most actions at fast reach, the movement is fluid, the powerups contain both some of the best classics and some new and fun ones where you can see the progression of what Mercurysteam did on Samus Returns. The game is intense, especially the beginning and bosses are challenging but not overtly so like in Hollow Knight. The game is inbetween Zero Mission and Fusion in terms of linearity, allowing you to explore a fair bit but always giving you a north. The atmosphere is tense, more son than Fusion and the music reflects that. The compositions were crafted for this environment in brilliant electronic fashion. Although for many (including me) there weren’t so many of the classic themes, it is by no means a bad OST and while playing it blends in seamlessly with the game. The story is much more present than in the previous games, with text and cutscenes that make you more invested in what you’re playing through. The map, although in the beginning overwhelming, tells you literally everything you need to know, every door and cube you’ve interacted with is noted by the map which is fantastic, a filter option would’ve been nice but I personally didn’t need it. Graphics didn’t disappoint, I read that it played worse docked and I can’t attest to that after playing on 32” 1440p 144hz LG Monitor I have nothing but praise for the visual department. However I will note I had the game crash on me once during an elevator, loading screens were severely FPS laggy and near the end there was a fight in particular where I had some noticeable frame drops The pacing feels great with no powerups being too near or far apart, at the same time the initial progression is really interesting as to which upgrades you get first, gaining some of the classic upgrades felt much more rewarding than in most other Metroids. My biggest complaint ended up being the E.M.M.I, the first 2-3 are fine but the ones after are a pain in the butt and feel tedious and gimmicky. SPOILER AHEAD ------------------------- Halfway through the game they deactivate the remaning E.M.M.I and I felt that it was the perfect time to get rid of them only for them to be reactivated soon after, I hated it, felt like a chore downing the last ones. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metroid Dread ends up being the most enjoyable of the 2D series, with great controls, graphics, world and sound design, boss battles and pacing. Glad to say Mercurysteam didn’t disappoint.

A game to play when you have a couple minutes to spare, like a mobile game, little challenges that don't take much of your time.