Metroid Dread - Nintendo Switch

TLDR Review: Metroid Dread

Published: March 21st, 2025

Pros

  • Offers a challenging and skilased gameplay experience, with inventive boss designs.
  • Features a forgiving retry system that enhances the experience after deaths.
  • Combines hearounding chase sequences with fluid, Samus-like agility reminiscent of her in Smash.
  • Successfully captures the atmospheric horror elements typical of the 2D Metroid series.
  • The graphics are crisp and detailed, providing a visually impressive experience.
  • Players new and old can enjoy the game, with a satisfying story that concludes a 3ear arc.
  • The game runs smoothly with tight controls comparable to classic NES titles.
  • Provides an engaging Metroidvania experience, showcasing the genre's roots effectively.
  • Utilizes Switch hardware for impressive cutscenes and sequences.

Cons

  • Shinespark and other mechanics can be complicated without thorough explanations, making puzzles challenging.
  • The EMMI mechanic is often more frustrating than thrilling, relying on difficult quicime events.
  • Environmental themes and map design are criticized for being repetitive and visually overwhelming.
  • Excessive and unnecessary cutscenes detract from the overall experience.
  • Gameplay can become frustrating due to tedious mechanics and unclear progression paths.
  • The narrative feels stale, adhering to familiar premises without much innovation.
  • Boss fights may require video tutorials to progress, with dodge timing considered unintuitive.
  • Graphics suffer on larger displays, showing noticeable rough edges.
  • Music is deemed weaker compared to previous entries in the series.

Bottom Line

Metroid Dread on the Nintendo Switch offers a highly challenging and engaging experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre. Despite some frustrations with mechanics and a repetitive narrative, it remains an essential title for long-time fans and newcomers alike, thanks to its crisp graphics, storytelling, and excellent gameplay dynamics. If you're in the market for a skill-based, atmospheric platformer, Metroid Dread is a solid choice that takes full advantage of the Switch's capabilities.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$49.94 at Instacart
How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 64 retailers to give you the short version.

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