Metroid Dread 2021 Review: The most detailed analysis of the new Metroid Dread yet, and how Metroid Dread evolves and improves the Metroidvania genre formula

Table of Contents:

• What is a Metroidvania
• The EMMY robot episodes are a key addition to the basic Metroid formula
• How the EMMY episodes work in terms of gameplay and level design

Metroid Dread is the latest installment in the celebrated series that began with the original Metroid on the NES in 1986. This game focuses on the unique atmosphere and deep exploration that are key elements of the Metroidvania genre. Metroid Dread brings fresh ideas to established gameplay while maintaining the traditional mechanics that have remained true for 35 years. Dread's defining feature is its combination of classic platforming with modern elements like dynamic combat and enhanced graphics, allowing players to rediscover the world of Metroid. Thus, the game not only continues the legacy of the series, but also introduces significant changes that enrich the genre.

What is a Metroidvania

The definition of Metroidvania that most accurately captures the essence of the genre was offered by Mark Brown, creator of the YouTube channel Game Maker’s Toolkit. This video game genre is characterized by elements of exploration, non-linear gameplay, and the gradual discovery of new opportunities for the player. Metroidvania combines elements of platforming and role-playing games, which makes it unique and attractive to many gamers.

Metroidvania is a video game genre in which events unfold in a vast, interconnected world. The player is given the opportunity to explore this world in any direction, moving right, left, down, and up. As you explore, both previously visited locations and new fragments of levels are revealed. However, obstacles may arise along the way, such as powerful bosses that block further progress or walls that are indestructible. At such moments, the player must change direction and explore other areas, which may contain upgrades or new weapons. These discoveries will allow the player to overcome the obstacles and progress further in the game, making the exploration process exciting and unpredictable.

The Metroidvania genre takes its name from two famous game series - Metroid and Castlevania. By 2021, the number of projects using a similar world-building concept has increased significantly. Among them, we can highlight such games as Hollow Knight, Ori and the Blind Forest, Guacamelee!, Salt and Sanctuary, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch and many others. You can learn more about the characteristics and features of Metroidvania games in our other material.

Some experts believe that the term "Metroidvania" is not justified. Indeed, it can be somewhat confusing, and it's not always clear what additional elements, beyond the obvious structure of the game world, might distinguish a particular project. Nevertheless, the word "Metroidvania" has long been a familiar part of the vocabulary of both players and developers. Therefore, there's no reason to abandon the term.

The EMMY robot sequences are a key addition to the basic Metroid formula

Rarely do Metroidvanias, regardless of their success in level design, gameplay, and visuals, strive to bring something truly unique to the genre. For example, Hollow Knight stands out thanks to its deep melee combat system. Guacamelee! offers players the ability to move between the world of the living and the world of the dead, which helps solve puzzles and fight special enemies. Ori and the Blind Forest emphasizes a sophisticated story and expressive visual style. Meanwhile, F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch builds its combat system around beat-em-up mechanics. However, none of these works develop the concept of exploration of the game world, remaining within the framework established by the original Metroid, released in 1986. These games, despite their innovations, do not break the traditional formula of the genre, which underscores the importance of the original Metroid as the founder of Metroidvanias.

Metroid Dread continues the traditional Metroidvania formula, offering players the opportunity to explore a vast world, search for upgrades for the protagonist's suit and new abilities that open up previously inaccessible areas. However, Dread adds unique elements, including sequences with EMMY robots that create tense situations, taking the player out of the comfort zone achieved through careful exploration. This generates a sense of fear for Samus Aran's life and enhances the game's atmosphere, making it more immersive and tense. Metroid Dread not only expands on familiar mechanics but also introduces new elements that make the game fresh and engaging.

The word "Dread" in the title of Metroid Dread reflects its core meaning: fear and horror. This term emphasizes the sense of unease the player experiences when realizing that the powerful Samus is in mortal danger from the virtually invulnerable EMMY robots. Metroid series producer Yoshio Sakamoto emphasizes that this sense of dread is a key element of the gameplay. Metroid Dread offers a unique experience in which tension and fear become important components of the adventure.

The idea of ​​​​creating an invincible enemy for the game series came to the developers in the mid-2000s. However, for a long time they could not find a way to implement it. At the time, there was no real need for a remaster, as Metroid Prime had been responsible for updating the series since 2002. That game successfully transformed the 2D action platformer into a 3D first-person shooter while maintaining the core gameplay principles. Nintendo was also actively developing classic 2D games. Metroid Fusion was released in 2002, becoming one of the most successful games in the series with a 92 Metacritic score, and Metroid: Zero Mission, a successful remake of the 1986 original, was released in 2004.

Metroid Dread is the first new mainline title in 19 years. It's not a remake or a remaster, but a completely new game with a unique story that continues the plot of Metroid Fusion. This is a great chance to realize ideas that were conceived many years ago. Players will be able to immerse themselves in a captivating world filled with exploration, adventure, and new challenges, making Metroid Dread a landmark title for fans of the series and video game enthusiasts in general.

The Metroid series has always strived to provide new challenges and surprise players. The idea of ​​a terrifying, inescapable threat arose about 15 years ago, but was abandoned because the team wasn't ready to properly execute the concept. An attempt was later made to return to the idea, but it also remained unrealized. It seemed like the idea was best left in the past, but the emergence of MercurySteam changed the situation. They demonstrated their abilities with 2017's Metroid: Samus Returns and proved that they can bring any idea to life within the Metroid universe.

How the EMMY episodes are structured in terms of gameplay and level design

Dread is based on the classic Metroid series formula. Samus Aran arrives on a new planet, loses most of her abilities, and finds herself in the lower levels of a vast complex. From there, her primary goal is to regain her skills and reach her ship, exploring a variety of locations. Along the way, she encounters aggressive EMMY robots, once allies, and tries to uncover the reason for their hostility. The game offers exciting gameplay that combines exploration and action elements, making it a true continuation of the iconic series.

The EMMY episodes stand out from other Dread elements for several reasons. First, they feature unique design and animation, which draws viewers in. Second, their behavior and interactions with other characters create tension and an atmosphere of dread. These elements contribute to immersion, making the gameplay more captivating. The EMMYs also play a vital role in the story, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. Their presence in Dread thus enriches the gaming experience and makes it unforgettable.

Samus Aran encounters robots in specific areas of various locations. Each of the seven EMMYs is guarded by a strictly limited space, separated from other areas of the level by special doors. These doors allow the heroine to move between areas, but the robots cannot get past them.

When the bounty hunter enters this space, her goal radically changes. Now she does not explore the game world, but seeks to avoid encounters with the enemy and stay alive. Areas with EMMYs are impossible to bypass, as all key routes pass through them. This creates a tense atmosphere, where any mistake can lead to fatal consequences. The player will have to demonstrate strategic thinking and dexterity to survive in this dangerous environment.

The EMMYs cannot leave their space due to the control of the Central Unit artificial intelligence, which controls certain sections of the complex. This aspect of the plot highlights the limitations imposed on the robots. The designers of Dread also used this solution to create contrast between the game's various locations. This allows for a clear division of levels into EMMY-infested zones, where Samus becomes the target of pursuit, and exploration areas, which are not designed for escaping an invincible enemy. This approach not only increases tension, but also enriches the gameplay by giving players the opportunity to explore the world without the constant threat of danger.

The level design of the areas of the levels where EMMIs live is designed in such a way that Samus Aran always has the opportunity to escape encounters with these robots. There are virtually no dead ends in these zones, and even where they do occur, the player can find a way to avoid them. This creates a tense atmosphere and adds a strategic element, allowing players to choose tactics and approaches to overcome obstacles.

In desperate situations, the heroine can use a spider magnet, but only in areas with special blue magnetic strips. Using this magnet, Samus can move along walls and ceilings while still being able to attack opponents. In particularly dangerous situations, the huntress also benefits from short-term invisibility: EMMYs cannot attack objects that are not within their visual sensor range. Furthermore, the robots react to sounds, so by moving carefully and avoiding gunfire, one can silently pass by EMMYs without attracting their attention. This approach allows you to effectively deal with threats and advance in the game, preserving life and resources.

Despite all the opportunities that Dread provides, players sometimes still fail to escape. Before entering the EMMI territory, it is extremely difficult to predict the location of the enemy. He might be right behind the door, in which case it's impossible to avoid a confrontation unless you activate invisibility beforehand. However, even these rare situations, which might otherwise irritate players, contribute to the desired atmosphere and help realize the developers' main concept.

The complex design of the EMMY zones was initially intended to help Samus avoid the robot. However, the heroine eventually reaches the nearest Central Unit, destroys it, and charges her weapon with a unique energy that is lethal to the EMMY. After this, the previous design of the zones opens up new possibilities: it now serves to confuse the enemy and lure them into a position where the heroine will have enough time to use her weapon and destroy them. There is enough energy to destroy one EMMY, and to destroy the next robot you will need to charge the weapon again.

The important encounter with EMMY in Metroid Dread is a kind of test that summarizes a certain stage of the game. This not only helps the developers clearly structure the game world but also directs the player in the right direction. If EMMY fails to defeat, it serves as a signal that it is too early to leave the area. If the fight against the robot is successful, the player can expect that Samus Aran will soon gain the ability to teleport or move to a new area. This mechanic not only increases tension but also adds depth to the gameplay, enriching the experience of interacting with the world of Metroid Dread.

Destroying EMMY does not render the area useless. Metroid Dread remains an exemplary Metroidvania, where players often have to return to places that seemed to have exhausted their resources. After defeating EMMY, new enemies appear in areas previously controlled by the robot, opening up additional opportunities for exploration and strategy. This creates a dynamic gameplay environment in which every corner can hide new challenges and adventures.

Metroid Dread's structure makes the game exciting until the very end. The player is not left alone for long with the exploration of the world, as the game periodically takes them out of their comfort zone, offering new challenges. This creates the feeling that the last two hours of gameplay naturally culminate in the destruction of another EMMY, which emphasizes the dynamics and tension of the gameplay.

Metroid Dread was released on October 8th on the Nintendo Switch platform. This game continues the renowned Metroid series and offers players new adventures in the world of Samus Arena. Combining platforming and exploration elements, Metroid Dread promises a captivating story and engaging gameplay. Enjoy the unique gameplay style and immerse yourself in a sci-fi atmosphere as you explore mysterious planets and battle dangerous enemies. Don't miss your chance to experience Metroid Dread on Nintendo Switch.

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