The item versatility of Super Metroid. The boss fights and tone of Fusion. The fluidity of Zero Mission. The combat of Samus Returns. The best aspects of each of the 2D Metroid games was refined and improved to a point so perfect, i did not think it was possible. Metroid Dread is a masterpiece, the best Metroid game and quite honestly the best Metroidvania i've played period (and i don't know if that will be topped for the foreseeable future).
Honestly this review will be pretty short because words alone cannot describe just how good this game is. Like honestly i could've ended my review with just the first paragraph and it would've told you everything but imma keep writing for a bit more. This game accomplished everything it set out to do, to the point where i'm having trouble coming up with any criticisms with it. In fact, much like Super Mario Galaxy 2, i don't think this game has anything i'd consider a flaw. I can say something about how the music didn't stand out that much (i say this about every Metroid that isn't Zero Mission or Prime 3) or how the Chozo Solider fights can get a little repetitive.......but none of these are a detriment is the key thing. If there are indeed any flaws in this game, MercurySteam did such a fantastic job masking it that it honestly doesn't matter if it's there.
I knew this game was a masterpiece early on. From the movement and speed of the game (they made Shinespark a command and the Speed Boost is the best it's ever been), to the level design that's a new spin on the series formula (no Morph Ball for the first hour made things so much more interesting), to easily the best bosses in the entire series that are the perfect level of challenge without being too difficult, to the dreadful (heh) EMMIs that are actually more terrifying when you're playing the game and not just seeing gameplay footage. All of this made it a solid candidate for my Masterpiece Club. But what actually pushed this game to the top 5 was the finale. And i obviously won't talk about that but if you know, you know. But while i won't talk about it or any other part of the story really, I will say that while this game can be enjoyed independently, you'll get so much more out of it if you've played the previous 2D games. Not even in order, just save Dread for last. It'll be worth it, promise.
I tip my hat off to you MercurySteam. If you're gonna be making Metroid games for the next few years, then this series is in good hands. See you next mission, because the future of this series has never been so bright.
Honestly this review will be pretty short because words alone cannot describe just how good this game is. Like honestly i could've ended my review with just the first paragraph and it would've told you everything but imma keep writing for a bit more. This game accomplished everything it set out to do, to the point where i'm having trouble coming up with any criticisms with it. In fact, much like Super Mario Galaxy 2, i don't think this game has anything i'd consider a flaw. I can say something about how the music didn't stand out that much (i say this about every Metroid that isn't Zero Mission or Prime 3) or how the Chozo Solider fights can get a little repetitive.......but none of these are a detriment is the key thing. If there are indeed any flaws in this game, MercurySteam did such a fantastic job masking it that it honestly doesn't matter if it's there.
I knew this game was a masterpiece early on. From the movement and speed of the game (they made Shinespark a command and the Speed Boost is the best it's ever been), to the level design that's a new spin on the series formula (no Morph Ball for the first hour made things so much more interesting), to easily the best bosses in the entire series that are the perfect level of challenge without being too difficult, to the dreadful (heh) EMMIs that are actually more terrifying when you're playing the game and not just seeing gameplay footage. All of this made it a solid candidate for my Masterpiece Club. But what actually pushed this game to the top 5 was the finale. And i obviously won't talk about that but if you know, you know. But while i won't talk about it or any other part of the story really, I will say that while this game can be enjoyed independently, you'll get so much more out of it if you've played the previous 2D games. Not even in order, just save Dread for last. It'll be worth it, promise.
I tip my hat off to you MercurySteam. If you're gonna be making Metroid games for the next few years, then this series is in good hands. See you next mission, because the future of this series has never been so bright.