This review contains spoilers

This game was golden all the way through and its perfect for Metroid newcomers and veterans alike. The quick briefing of Metroid lore at the beginning is perfect for anyone not too familiar with the series and lets them know exactly what they need to know going into Dread. All the original items and features feel as good as they usually do with some needed improvements too like how the Morph Ball already has the Spring Ball. The new mechanics like the Spider Magnet and the E.M.M.I zones are also very neat additions, the Spider Magnet gives an extra level to the platforming and the E.M.M.I rooms are very fun stealth sections that also add a cool new way to get items. Dreads story is easy to understand but also adds a good bit to the Metroid lore. Samus being revealed to be the only Metroid alive after her Metroid DNA was reactivated by seeing Raven Beak was a very interesting plot point, and it gets better when she gets the Metroid suit at the end just to kill X Raven Beak. Dreads combat and bosses are extremely entertaining and once you get a good grip on how to play with all your tools and weapons doing a boss fight or making your way through a room of enemies is extremely satisfying. I believe Experiment No. Z 57 is an extremely good case of how fun Dreads bosses get with all the different attacks it has as well as the playable cutscene with Samus riding Z 57. The only issue I have with Metroid Dread is that doing 100% is very annoying. A lot of the items in Dread can only be obtained through very confusing and obnoxious puzzles with the Shine Spark and it almost feels like a lot of items were place for the soul purpose of stretching out completion. 4.9/5 rating overall.

Edit: After having time to reflect back on the game and seeing others experiences with it I think it is a solid 5/5. The Shinespark puzzles are extremely creative and a great test of both your skill and your planning.

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2021


1 Comment


2 years ago

I'd say those puzzles are just good old Metroid requiring you to hone your skills rather than just give freebies.