One of the year's most anticipated releases, Metroid Dread, the long-awaited fifth entry in the main Metroid series, is releasing this Friday. Nintendo fans have had to wait 19 years for a continuation of the genre-defining non-linear 2D platforming series, with titles such as Metroid Prime and Metroid: Samus Returns functioning as prequels and remakes, respectively. With the game coming alongside the Nintendo Switch OLED Model's release this week, many likely wonders how long they can expect to play Metroid Dread on their new or old Nintendo Switch consoles.
Metroid Dread was announced during Nintendo's E3 2021 Direct presentation, where it was revealed that the game is being developed by Metroid: Samus Returns developer MercurySteam and would act as the fifth main installment in the mainline Metroid series, finally following up Metroid Fusion, which released in 2002. Furthermore, the title 'Metroid Dread' caught the attention of fans, as it shared its name with the previously canceled Nintendo DS project which was also intended to act as the fifth mainline installment.
Given the MercurySteam's success with Metroid: Samus Returns in 2017, combined with the glowing critical reception the game has received, earning it a stunning aggregate score of 90 on Metacritic, fans are likely more excited than ever to jump into Samus's latest adventure on Nintendo Switch.
How Long is Metroid Dread?
It might be interesting to note then that, according to early reports from reviews, Metroid Dread is looking likely to last players somewhere underneath 10 hours. GameSpot specifically reports that the game lasts around 7-9 hours, making it about as long as Super Metroid (7 hours) and Metroid Fusion (5-7 hours); however, it does make it shorter than Samus Returns's 11 hours, even though some have criticized that game for feeling padded.
This is mostly average pacing for a 2D Metroid title; however, it pales in comparison to the run times of the 3D Metroid Prime games, which generally last around 15 hours. This is understandable given the difference in approach to game design and the size of the 2D levels compared to the 3D ones.
While some might be disappointed that the game lasts under 10 hours despite the $60 price tag, many fans of the Metroid franchise often play the games numerous times as the games frequently reward players for speedrunning the games in very short timeframes. This is why games within the Metroid series are often designed to be on the shorter side.
Metroid Dread releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch on October 8, 2021.
Source: GameSpot