Metroid Dread Preview

January 28, 2022 at 12:03am
By Jason Stettner

The latest chapter in the Metroid franchise is here, with Metroid Dread. This adventure follows Samus as she deals with a mysterious transmission. Sent back to basics, it’ll take skillful 2D platforming and smart tactics to take on the various threats that lie in wait within the horrors below.

It’s got a great sense of atmosphere as players explore this moody, and very dangerous environment that will bring a heightened sense of nostalgia to those familiar with the franchise’s roots. For some a sense of difficulty, others the challenge they may have been looking for in a return to this type of space.

For myself, a definite sense of intrigue as you wonder about the strict sense of determination from Samus and why so many previously sent in autonomous robots have been vanishing. There is definitely some neat upgrades here as you improve your suit from basics and try to take on the challenges that have arisen.

It’s quite a neat setup as you’re not directly guided, and there are some ways to move around the map. You can pair that with some rediscovery as you improve and gain access to additional abilities that are present. New ways to blast the foes around you, as initially it’ll be a lot of running about as you don’t have the abilities to tackle the threats around you.

The cinematic elements are well handled, the cutscenes paint a new picture of what’s going on though it does take a bit of exposition prior to you roaming. These cutscenes are presented at 30fps while the game itself is a mostly smooth 60fps experience. The resolution isn’t super high at 900p but the blended visuals do look mostly fine and aesthetically it’s quite pleasing.

Once again, the moody atmosphere here is fantastic and in generally very creepy. It basically dives into a bit of a horror type of style which was neat and generally quite eerie. Those specific resolution details were for when the game is on the big screen, when it’s undocked and on the go we’re seeing 720p but that looks fine for the smaller screen size.

That in general might be the intended way to really go about it since it is a 2D platforming sort of game. It’s definitely an intriguing game of mystery, discovery and general adventure with a throwback style to that of the original series. A great thing for more classic fans, perhaps an engaging offering for new ones as well.

I do feel that this is likely a very distinct entry in the series and perhaps a return to form as it’s been ever so long since we’ve had a proper release in the franchise and specifically one that is a traditional 2D platformer.

That was quite neat, and I imagine a particularly special offer to those with high levels of nostalgia for what the franchise traditional provided in terms of gameplay. You can check out another Nintendo review below or check out the hub for further coverage of the franchise.

Read our Skyward Sword HD Review
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