Metroid Primeis making its triumphant return next year withMetroid Prime 4: Beyond, a long-awaited title that was hit with a major delay several years ago, making this wait particularly brutal for fans of the franchise. Even more exciting isthe prospect ofMetroid Prime 4possibly being a Switch 2 launch title, though it’s important to note that this has not been confirmed by any official sources.
But regardless, it’s clear that theMetroidfranchise will be reaching into Nintendo’s next generation of consoles, as its influence continues to grow even among audiences unfamiliar with the classic games. The renewed popularity ofMetroidis exemplified not only by the hype surroundingMetroid Prime 4, but also the success ofMetroid Dread, a side-scroller released back in 2021 and developed by MercurySteam, a studio previously known forMetroid: Samus Returnson the 3DS.Dreadmanaged to stay true toMetroid’s roots while being decidedly modern and polished, and this stunning take on the franchise deserves to keep going alongsideMetroid Prime.
Metroid Prime Is Great, but 2D Metroid Has Room to Shine Too
As important, creative, and beloved asMetroid Primeis,theMetroidseries has always been defined by its 2D roots. The so-called “Metroidvania” genre staples arguably work best in two dimensions, as there’s less ambiguity when it comes to exploration, puzzle-solving, and traversal. 3D might be better for atmosphere, immersion, and visual presentation (in some ways), but it makes for a definitively different gameplay experience.
This is evidenced by the fact thatMetroid Primehas always existed alongside 2DMetroidgames, rather than replacing them entirely. At the same time, 3D, first-person games have more mainstream appeal than side-scroller Metroidvanias, so Nintendo could be tempted toput most of its weight behindMetroid Prime 4. However, this would be a mistake, especially whenMetroid Dreadproves that 2DMetroidstill has plenty of room for innovation and improvement.
Visually spectacular and mechanically complex,Metroid Dreadintroduced new layers to the series' formulawhile refining others, like the parry mechanic fromSamus Returns. Samus' fluid motion and smoothly integrated combat abilities are worthy of immense praise, as MercurySteam managed to blend controls, physics, and animation to create one of the best-feeling Metroidvanias of the modern age—something that is no small feat in a post-Oriworld.
But the scope and scale ofMetroid Dreadis decidedly trim compared to the more expansive, visually diverseMetroid Primegames. There’s a very real possibility thatMetroid Prime 4will be a cross-gen title, using the more advanced hardware of the Switch’s successor to offer the best look at the game’s impressive visuals, and if Nintendo’s going to take this route, then it would only make sense to chaseMetroid Prime 4withMetroid Dread 2.
Metroid Dreadlaunched alongside the Nintendo Switch OLED, so it would only be fitting for it to launch alongside the Switch 2, although this timeline would probably be a bit too tight.
Granted,Metroid Dreadisn’t the most technically demanding game; as a side-scroller, it doesn’t need to render as much at once, as the scope of what’s on-screen is always controlled and limited. However, that doesn’t mean that more powerful hardware couldn’t be a boon for aMetroid Dreadsequel, which could use better processing power for larger areas and visual effects like ray-tracing, which would be a perfect fit forMetroid’s dark, moody atmosphere. One thing is for certain:Metroid Dreadwas a resounding success, and its future on Nintendo’s next system needs to be secured alongside the more ambitiousMetroid Prime.
Metroid Dread
WHERE TO PLAY
Join bounty hunter Samus Aran as she tries to escape a deadly alien world in the critically-acclaimed Metroid Dread. Upon investigating a mysterious transmission on Planet ZDR, Samus faces a mysterious foe that traps her in this dangerous world. The remote planet has been overrun by vicious alien lifeforms and murderous robots called E.M.M.I. Hunt or be hunted as you make your way through a labyrinth of enemies in Samus’ most intense side-scrolling adventure yet.Samus is more agile and capable than ever. Guide Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter raised by an ancient tribe, and traverse the many environments of a dangerous world. Parkour over obstacles, slide through tight spaces, counter enemies, and battle your way through the planet. Through her countless missions, Samus has never experienced a threat like the dread of ZDR.Power up and find more ways to explore and secrets to uncover
