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[CGiRanger]

NOTE: Some of these previews do SPOIL. So that's why I got a few quotes

Metroid Dread: The Final Preview - IGN

In our final Metroid Dread preview, we try out the grand finale to the Metroid saga on Nintendo Switch OLED and discuss how it compares to previous games in the series.

www.ign.com

It’s the opening moments that give me the most hope that Metroid Dread will live up to its famous namesake. While Metroid Dread doesn’t exactly sport AAA production values, its first few scenes manage to be beautiful in their own way, sparking that familiar feeling of tense curiosity endemic to the series.

Metroid Dread on Switch OLED shows the new hardware's potential

We played the first hour of Metroid Dread on the new Switch OLED; here are our thoughts.

www.cnet.com

The newest Metroid game is not only a looker that exudes a crisp visual style, but it's also a nice showpiece for the new Switch OLED. The brighter screen of the device makes the colorful and vibrant sections of Dread pop, while also showing some sharp contrasts of the darker area and more muted areas.

My hands-on with Metroid Dread was about what I expected for a game rekindling a classic formula, and that's OK. The opening section of the game left an impression on me as a Metroid fan, and it also made me more of a believer in what the Switch OLED can do.

Metroid Dread hands-on preview - nothing to worry about

The original Metroid saga is coming to an end in Nintendo Switch OLED model launch title Metroid Dread, and GameCentral has already played it.

metro.co.uk

The gameplay of Metroid Dread plays out on a purely 2D plane but don’t take that to mean that the graphics are low tech or uninteresting. An opening encounter with a silver-suited warrior looks magnificent on the OLED model’s new screen and not only are there plenty of 3D cut scenes but the attention to detail is excellent, not at all diminished by the Switch’s modest resolution and featuring great use of light and shadow – as machinery and (mostly) harmless aliens go about their business in the background.

The game looks great but what also stands out is the complete lack of handholding, even from the first moment. The controls are explained but the first real obstacle not only requires you to wall jump but involves shooting apparently ordinary parts of the background, where there is no visible indication that they’re in any way important. Neither element is explained at all and you just have to work it out for yourself, which is old school Metroid to a degree we weren’t expecting. And while the game is not overly difficult, it’s certainly no pushover in terms of either puzzles, platforming or combat.

Metroid Dread looks like it could be the real deal

When you've been waiting some 15 years for a game, I think it's probably fair to express a little bit of trepidation go…

www.eurogamer.net

After so many years, the most comforting thing about those first few steps in an all-new Metroid game is how discomforting it is, the eerie atmosphere and sublime sense of loneliness that marks out the very best of the series present and correct in Metroid Dread.

For returning fans like myself who still play through Super Metroid once a year, the most heartening thing after two hours with Metroid Dread is how it retains and restores so much of the magic of the series. It's a respectful retread, but also one that's bold enough to throw in smart new ideas of its own, adding an extra layer of tension, horror and atmosphere that feels simply electric. Right now it looks like this has every chance of living up to Metroid's legacy, which would really be no mean feat at all.

Metroid Dread makes power suits sexy and robots terrifying again

The return of Samus Aran will make you want to upgrade your Nintendo Switch

www.gamesradar.com

Metroid Dread also manages to somehow walk the line with maintaining a certain retro flavor while also feeling completely up to date, and a large part of that is the visuals. It's recognizably a Metroid game, but it all just looks so polished. Yes, we were playing on the latest and greatest Nintendo Switch device, but those neons and blacks and shiny suits will pop on any screen.

After 19 years Metroid fans would have been happy with whatever the next side-scrolling Samus adventure delivered, but the challenge was always going to be attracting new players to the series. With killer looks that make the OLED screen update feel like an essential rather than an upgrade, and an even slicker selection of abilities, Metroid Dread marks a new era for the iconic Samus Aran.

Metroid Dread review

Metroid Dread is well worth the 19-year wait

www.tomsguide.com

Fans have been waiting almost two decades for Metroid Dread, and I don’t think they’ll be disappointed. The game is classic Metroid, top to bottom, with no fluff, no filler and a handful of interesting new ideas. The story has the potential to answer some longstanding series questions, and the gameplay is as good as it’s ever been.

Now if only I can find an OLED. They never re-opened Previews after the first batch. Guess have to be lucky to find on in Store

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

Metroid Dread: The Final Preview - IGN

In our final Metroid Dread preview, we try out the grand finale to the Metroid saga on Nintendo Switch OLED and discuss how it compares to previous games in the series.

www.ign.com

"It’s the opening moments that give me the most hope that Metroid Dread will live up to its famous namesake. While Metroid Dread doesn’t exactly sport AAA production values, its first few scenes manage to be beautiful in their own way, sparking that familiar feeling of tense curiosity endemic to the series."

Can already see IGN giving this a 7. Im pumped about this game and cant wait!!!

 

[Spukc]

I really hope this game is more then a 7..
would be a shame after the nes, 2 GBA ones and the amazing snes game..

fuck that 3ds version so so so much tho

 

[DForce]

This is one of the few games that I've been looking forward to this year.

 

[NomadicAsiatic]

I largely curved on Nintendo games this year but, this and SMT V will be my holiday feast!

 

[carlosrox]

I'm only reading some of the highlights out of curiosity and not the entire previews since at this point it's probably best to go in as fresh as I can.

The lack of hand holding, tension, etc sounds excellent.

I cannot wait to play as Samus again. I get to hear her run, jump, flip, etc with that suit on and see what it's like in 2021.

Can't wait to play Metroid: 2021 Edition.

 

[Bodomism]

I really hope this game is more then a 7..
would be a shame after the nes, 2 GBA ones and the amazing snes game..

fuck that 3ds version so so so much tho

 

[Little Mac]

Dread is going to be awesome. Wished Nintendo would release a Switch Pro or a new Lite so I could pick it up. OLED isn't enough for me to jump into the ecosystem no matter how excited I am for Dread.

 

[Deleted member 1159]

Dread sounds like it’s exactly what I want, and the impressions sound perfect. Won’t stop a bunch of people bitching about it being a 3DS game, bitching about Mercury Steam or the fact it’s not Prime 4 tho….

 

[carlosrox]

First HD Metroid.

First 2D Metroid on console since 1994.

First true sequel in the series since 2002.

Metroid 5.

Metroid in 2021.

Nintendo returns to the genre they created.

End of the main Metroid arc.

Get to see this on an OLED TV/Switch OLED and the game is clearly taking advantage that this tech exists to display some very impressive black levels (the game itself has black stuff built into every screen basically)


Good God this is bound to be one of the best game experiences of my life.

 

[YukiOnna]

I don't care about it being a technical marvel or not. It looks good enough, so just give me the game. I can't wait.

 

[DenchDeckard]

Why am I tempted to buy a switch oled...I don't need one!

 

[CGiRanger]

Why am I tempted to buy a switch oled...I don't need one!

That's what I said when it was first announced. Now I am miffed I didn't grab a pre-order.

Has there been any word on how many units will be shipped for launch? I mean, there was only one round of pre-orders I recall from the initial announcement, and none since. I hope it'll be possible to order-pick-up-in-store at some places.

 

[KyoZz]

 

[Punished Miku]

I'm psyched. I'd been comparing this to the 3DS game, but it really does look like it's going to be substantially better than that graphically. Each preview ends up looking a little better, and it started out looking good.

 

[tommib]

Why am I tempted to buy a switch oled...I don't need one!

Same here. I have a lite and it’s good enough. I actually prefer it to the standard since the joycons always feel like they’re going to come out on vanilla switch. I also like how much lighter it is. But this OLED hype with Dread coming out… But it’s hard to justify the price. And I’ll never hook it up to the tv anyway.

One thing is for certain, the OLED marketing is really working.

 

[Northeastmonk]

I don't care about it being a technical marvel or not. It looks good enough, so just give me the game. I can't wait.

It does look good. I preordered at Walmart for the coffee cup bonus. Why are there no previews about the coffee cup? It’s either a Steam Deck or a new Switch. My Switch works just fine for me and I bet will look good too.

 

[Kataploom]

I'm psyched. I'd been comparing this to the 3DS game, but it really does look like it's going to be substantially better than that graphically. Each preview ends up looking a little better, and it started out looking good.

Problem was the first trailer, I didn't go as far as compare it to a 3DS game but I really didn't like how it looked, still hyped because Metroid. After the second trailer it just started looking much better, with much more variety, close ups and more... TBF Nintendo always do the same with all of their games, the first trailer is "meh", then the second and the following ones get to show the game in a much more appealing way.

 

[CrimsonSquall]

I hope this game does great to inspire more big timers to make games like this. I dont own a switch but good luck yall

 

[Buggy Loop]

The previews are praising the map, the traversal, the atmosphere, the upgrade path which deviates from the traditional Metroid games.

Quite interesting that you also start from the bottom of the map (after an event) and make your way up, which is the opposite of all Metroid games.

 

[rodrigolfp]

This will shine here at 4k. S2

 

[carlosrox]

Wow I'm surprised people are saying the game is actually scary or "terrifying".

I'm a pretty seasoned horror fan so I doubt the game will make me feel any actual fear, but I won't be surprised to feel some tension/anxiety from it.

Would very much welcome actual fear/horror though.



Edit: Are these videos all relatively safe from spoilers? I don't really wanna hear any specifics about how the game begins or anything, I feel the trailers and what we know so far already gives me as good an idea as I want to before I play.

However hearing about lack of hand holding, good traversal, level design, tension, etc is seriously exciting.

 

[jaysius]

Wow I'm surprised people are saying the game is actually scary or "terrifying".

I'm a pretty seasoned horror fan so I doubt the game will make me feel any actual fear, but I won't be surprised to feel some tension/anxiety from it.

Would very much welcome actual fear/horror though.

It's called talking points. Previewers get them and they typically follow them. To keep the publisher happy and ensure future updates. It's a lame play on the title "dread".

Interesting from the Gamespot and Good Vibes Gaming previews, state the timing on countering an EMMI is pretty slim and the guy felt it was more luck than actual skill in countering the robot, that sucks, and this is with the early encounters, they will get harder though out the game.

Some lower tier previewers have mentioned that the game has less health pickups than the typical Metroid game.

GameExplain guy called Super Metroid "clunky" LOL!! Oh boy, that source just gets better.

 

[tommib]

Wow I'm surprised people are saying the game is actually scary or "terrifying".

I'm a pretty seasoned horror fan so I doubt the game will make me feel any actual fear, but I won't be surprised to feel some tension/anxiety from it.

Would very much welcome actual fear/horror though.



Edit: Are these videos all relatively safe from spoilers? I don't really wanna hear any specifics about how the game begins or anything, I feel the trailers and what we know so far already gives me as good an idea as I want to before I play.

However hearing about lack of hand holding, good traversal, level design, tension, etc is seriously exciting.

Maybe that Dread is in the title for a reason. Yeap, all previews mention a lot of anxiety. Sounds good to me!

 

[EverythingsOverrated]

These previews are getting me super hyped.

I really hope this game sells a good amount. I'd rather not have to wait 19 years for another original 2D Metroid game.

 

[SlimeGooGoo]

.

 

[Needlecrash]

If I can only find an OLED Switch...I have a launch unit Switch. The battery life sucks so much. Would love to get an upgraded one.

 

[Azelover]

I really enjoyed Samus Returns... I guess that's not a popular opinion.

If it's better than Samus Returns, I'm totally on board..

 

[carlosrox]

I really enjoyed Samus Returns... I guess that's not a popular opinion.

If it's better than Samus Returns, I'm totally on board..

It has an 8.5 and 8.7 average score doesn't it?

I'd be surprised if it was considered anything less than that. It was a great game. I'd still love for it to be ported over to Switch some day.

It's pretty much guaranteed that this is better than Returns.

 

[Buggy Loop]

Metroid Dread and SMT 5 are looking like under the radar surprises

 

[p_xavier]

Fuck Me, as a Metroid fan, can't want to play it (on a friend's switch cause I hate that system, WiiU love for life).

 

[Dr_Salt]

I've been waiting for a sequel to Fusion for so long. Game looks really good. Bought a switch for this and nmh3.

 

[Sean Mirrsen]

Interesting from the Gamespot and Good Vibes Gaming previews, state the timing on countering an EMMI is pretty slim and the guy felt it was more luck than actual skill in countering the robot, that sucks, and this is with the early encounters, they will get harder though out the game.

I think, from the way it's described, it's more accurate to say that it doesn't let you rely on muscle memory. You will definitely get better at it as you play, but it's intentionally made to have next to no telegraphing and a very slim, inconsistent window, exactly so that every encounter with an EMMI is a definite risk. Making it more skill-based would let players facetank the EMMI instead of being rightly scared of encountering it.

 

[Dr. Claus]

I think, from the way it's described, it's more accurate to say that it doesn't let you rely on muscle memory. You will definitely get better at it as you play, but it's intentionally made to have next to no telegraphing and a very slim, inconsistent window, exactly so that every encounter with an EMMI is a definite risk. Making it more skill-based would let players facetank the EMMI instead of being rightly scared of encountering it.

Also Gamespot and GoodVibes tend to be... shit at games. So take everything they state with a mountain of salt.

 

[Sean Mirrsen]

Also Gamespot and GoodVibes tend to be... shit at games. So take everything they state with a mountain of salt.

I've definitely heard the same sentiment expressed by other previewers, that the EMMI is less a QTE and more a 'desperate last chance', since it doesn't give you anything in the way of leeway. So regardless of how shit those particular people may be at games, there may still be some merit to it.

I mean I'm sure speedrunners will have the encounter timings figured out in short order, considering there are far more strict timing requirements on some of the shit they pull off, but for the majority of people playing I think it'll still be a coin toss at best.

 

[Kataploom]

Can't wait, this is the first time I'll get a game day one, waiting for pay day to preorder!

 

[Little Chicken]

I'm only starting to get excited about the release now, wish it wasn't so close to Alan Wake!

 

[Lionel Richie]

This will shine here at 4k. S2

By "here" do you mean "here in jail"?

 

[MrMephistoX]

fuck that 3ds version so so so much tho

Isn’t this basically the same game but in HD on a different planet though? I would have had expected the 3DS would have been better if they just uprezed it for Switch since at least the level design was made by Intelligent Systems / Gunpei Yokoi?

 

[rodrigolfp]

By "here" do you mean "here in jail"?

 

[Synless]

Most impressions pre release are shit. I doubt highly the game gives you anxiety or sense of horror as I’ve read in some of the snippets of impressions I’ve seen on here.

 

[MagiusNecros]

Metroid Dread and SMT 5 are looking like under the radar surprises

Except it's on the radar. If it wasn't there would be no marketing whatsoever. Or very little. Nintendo is pushing Dread hard.

A true under the radar surprise is Metallic Child(which no one is talking about despite being an amazing megaman esque roguelike game) or even The Ascent. Which received very little marketing at all.

MD and SMT5 are very much in your face if you pay attention. Especially with SMT5's daily updates that is going to happen all the way up until release day.

 

[tommib]

Who’s creating the OT?

 

[carlosrox]

I'm happy that health pickups may not be super common.

Metroid was too hard and Super Metroid was too easy. Hopefully Dread strikes the right balance.


So surely after Dread releases Nintendo's next big goodwill project and long awaited sequel will be F-Zero right???

 

[CGiRanger]

I'm happy that health pickups may not be super common.

Metroid was too hard and Super Metroid was too easy. Hopefully Dread strikes the right balance.


So surely after Dread releases Nintendo's next big goodwill project and long awaited sequel will be F-Zero right???

The original Metroid 1 was definitely difficult due to its gameplay infancy and controls. Since then, once the gameplay and controls got streamlined in Super Metroid the series has been mostly on the easy side. Fusion in particular was definitely on the easy end I felt.

Well, the Prime games, particularly 2, were higher on the difficulty curve.

I don't recall the difficulty of Samus Returns, but I don't recall dying that many times. I recall the biggest issue i had with SR was the world map, but I figure that's just a result of it being tied to the original Metroid 2's map design.

Dread thankfully is a map fully from scratch so I'm more hopeful in its design.

 

[HotPocket69]

Who’s creating the OT?

We have OTs here?

 

[Kamina]

Let‘s go guys!

 

[RoboFu]

Haven’t played enough to firm a. Over all opinion yet but I am surprised at the complexity of the controls for a modern day Nintendo game. It’s pretty nice seeing them allow that these days. It definitely takes a few mins to get adjusted.

 

[Flintty]

Let‘s go guys!

That looks really neat with white joycons! Enjoy

 

[Kamina]

That looks really neat with white joycons! Enjoy

Thanks, yeah the Oled Switch is awesome, and so is Metroid!