One of the big surprises at E3 2021 was Metroid Dread, not only because most fans were expecting to see Metroid Prime 4, but that Dread returns the franchise to the classic 2D side scrolling gameplay. In addition, the game has been an on and off rumor for about 16 years alongside various reports of reboots, cancellations, and just generally being stuck in development hell.
What's exciting for most longtime Metroid fans is that Dread is considered the fifth game in the classic 2D set of games, continuing the story left off in 2002 by Metroid Fusion. While Nintendo has kept a lot of the game's narrative under wraps, Samus is once again called upon by the Galactic Federation to investigate a planet known as ZDR, where the once thought to be extince X Parasites have reportedly been found. In addition, seven EMMI robots have also gone missing, adding another layer to the mystery.
In advance of the game's early October launch, Nintendo has been periodically revealing new elements about Metroid Dread and this week features a new trailer highlighting a number of new abilities that Samus will gain access to. As the franchise typically does, Samus will be losing her abilities at the start of the game after being attacked by a mysterious entity. Surprisingly, one of the first creatures Samus comes across appears to be a Chozo, part of a mysterious race of bird like creatures who raised the famed bounty hunter after her parents will killed in an attack by the Space Pirates. Why this Chozo views Samus as a threat is anyone guess at this point.
The trailer also reveals new enemies including a surprise appearance by what appears to be Kraid, a boss level character seen in most of the 2D Metroid games. In here, Kraid appears to be tied up, attempting to attack Samus who is just out of range.
In addition to enemies, the trailer highlights returning abilities such as the grapple beam, ice missile, Speed Booster, Screw Attack, and Shinespark. It also reveals new abilities like the Storm Missile which locks on and fires up to five missiles, the Cross Bomb four direction attack, and two different Aeion abilities to join Phantom Cloak. The first is the Flash Shift, which looks like a dash mechanic that can be used on the ground or in the air. Pulse Radar has Samus emitting a soundwave which scans her surroundings and pinpointing blocks that can be broken.
Stealth appears to be an incredibly important aspect to gameplay this time around, at least in the earlier portions of the game. While Nintendo has revealed that the E.M.M.I. robots can trigger a game over screen if they catch Samus, other enemies appear to have 1 shot kill moves as well. The trailer shows the Chozo Warrior boss grab Samus while glowing red, the camera panning in to Samus' eyes as they flash red and grow wide with terror.
Metroid Dread launches October 8, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.