Hello dear readers and welcome to Shoot the Rookie! Today’s post is a new Shoot from the Hip article, where I take a very short, speedy look at a video game or anime which I’ve enjoyed recently with the aim of helping you decide whether or not to try it! Today I’m looking at the most recent installment in the Metroid series, Metroid Dread, so come join me to find out all you need to know about it!
I was a bit of a latecomer to the Metroid series, but after speculatively picking up Super Metroid on the Wii U a few years ago I’ve grown to really enjoy it. I’ve also played the Metroid Prime trilogy and have been super hyped for Metroid Prime 4. Whilst I’m a little concerned about the delays that have beset the development of that game, it was a wonderful surprise when Metroid Dread was announced and I managed to pick it up and play it just a few months after release. But what did I make of it? Let’s space-jump in and have a look!
What you need to know
Title: Metroid Dread
Year of Release: 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: MercurySteam & Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-Adventure/Metroidvania
What’s it about?
Well… if you’ve played a Metroid game before then it is basically about the same thing as usual – Samus goes to a planet, stuff happens and she fights the bad guys. I’m obviously not going into story spoilers here, but it is very sci-fi, pretty dark and has a couple of cool dramatic moments. However, it is very much a Metroid game and therefore the story is not necessarily the thing that makes the game. The atmosphere is a big part of Metroid games, and here the horror aspect is in full force with the introduction of the frankly terrifying E.M.M.Is. The other key elements here are the action, the puzzles and the exploration which in true Metroid style opens up new possibilities and keeps the brain guessing by constantly throwing new abilities and unknown obstacles in your path.
Should you play it?
Absolutely, but only if you enjoy this kind of game. It is very difficult and absolutely relentless, so if you’re looking for an easy ride look elsewhere. However, if you enjoy a challenge then the pace becomes one of the game’s best qualities. It pushes you forward at breakneck speed, makes you learn new skills and strategies on the fly and flows seamlessly from screen to screen, almost insisting that you keep pushing forward. Every time you think you’ve got things straight it gets harder. Every time you beat a boss it moves on to a more challenging problem, and every time you think you’ve got the E.M.M.Is figured out they change to become even more terrifying. The story is probably the game’s weakest point, but if you are there for the ride rather than focusing on the conclusion then you could really enjoy this game.
So that’s my super quick introduction to Metroid Dread for ya! But what do you think? Do you fancy giving the game a go? Maybe you’ve already played it and your thoughts differ to my own? Let me know below in comments and don’t forget to join me next time for further ramblings on video games and anime!
Thanks for reading,
Pix1001 x
Shoot the Rookie 
My favorite game of 2021 🎮
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