Metroid Dread appears to revolve around a system where the EMMI are constantly pursuing the player. Previously, gameplay footage and cinematic cutscenes have demonstrated that it is in the best interest of the player to just run if they see an EMMI. However, fans may not have to run at all times. Nintendo has since discussed an important means of fighting back in Metroid Dread.
Escaping the EMMI in Metroid Dread requires players to either use platforming or stealth. EMMI are apparently invulnerable to regular attacks, meaning that players are usually forced to flee from them in an encounter. However, Nintendo has recently shared a seemingly significant mechanic in the game that could turn the tide against the EMMI.
Nintendo has announced a way for Samus to fight back against the EMMI in Metroid Dread, with an interesting risk/reward system built into it. Central Units, which are mother computer devices in EMMI zones, grant players this offensive ability. Samus's arm cannon turns into an Omega Cannon upon defeating a Central Unit and harvesting its energy, which then allows players to fire a charged Omega Stream or Omega Blaster. These Omega weapons are then capable of dispatching an EMMI. But there is a catch. Players will need to be stationary in order to charge the weapon, with the quadrupedal mech ominously approaching.
Nintendo's Metroid Dread footage demonstrates that careful aim will also have to be performed to land the Omega Blaster's rapid fire on the EMMI's head. No bar or gauge is depicted in the game's UI to portray how long the charged Omega Blaster will be able to fire for. Rather, it appears as though this mechanic will not be available to players at all times. Players must first destroy a Central Unit in order to temporarily transform the arm cannon, meaning that the EMMI will remain an unstoppable threat throughout Metroid Dread.
Some fans have criticized the fact that Nintendo has decided to share this mechanic so early with players. These fans state that it would have been more satisfying to learn about this offensive tactic in-game, since Metroid Dread is already nearing its scheduled release date with only a few months before it launches. Interestingly, Nintendo recently announced its newest Nintendo Switch OLED Model, which is set to launch on the same day. This consequently makes Metroid Dread a launch title for the platform.
Metroid Dread is currently slated to release on October 8, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch.