Metroid Dread caused a huge stir on its reveal, and the hype has not slowed down. One of the most anticipated games slated for release in fall 2021, especially by Nintendo fans, it is the first 2D Metroid game in many years.
A return to form for 2D Metroid games, Metroid Dread also brings a host of new elsements and lesser utilized elements from previous titles in the franchise. New foes seem both plentiful and frightening, but not every boss and enemy is a new face. One boss in particular is making an unexpected return, but in a slightly different situation than before.
In the latest trailer for Metroid Dread, Samus was briefly shown facing off against an old foe. Not exactly one of the main characters or foes from a previous title, but a very recognizable one nonetheless: Kraid. A staple from early titles, Kraid is a giant pot-bellied space dragon, and one of the most recognizable bosses of the Metroid series, even getting a cameo in a Super Smash Bros stage. In the trailer, Kraid is still easily recognizable, but a bit redesigned and, most interestingly, chained to the wall.
Kraid's manacles and collar bolt him to the wall securely, seemingly making him less of a threat to Samus. This likely won't be the case of course, since Kraid is likely standing in the way of something she needs. As a literally half-screen sized roadblock, Kraid has previosuly been introduced as a boss that tests patience and platforming. For this new incarnation, little gameplay has been revealed yet, but it will be interesting to see how being chained up hinders and changes Kraid's movement. Of course, this raises the question: which of Metroid Dread's new deadly enemies managed to capture and chain up Kraid?
It's possible that the new Chozo foe managed to capture Kraid, but that's not the scariest scenario. The recent Metroid Dread trailer also highlighted the X-Parasite, a returning threat that makes many enemies even deadlier. Ridley become infected when the X-Parasite last graced the franchise, and it may well be Kraid's turn for an X-Parasite surprise this time.
Whatever the case, Kraid's appearance is a good callback to Metroid's past, and chaining him to the wall leans hard into Metroid Dread's threatening theme. Whatever foes Samas has to take out that captured Kraid are clearl not to be trifled with. It's just one of the reasons why Metroid Dread could be leading into the franchise's best years.
Metroid Dread is currently slated to release on October 8, 2021 for Nintendo Switch.