5/5 ★ – DrippyHippy's review of Metroid Dread.

Metroid Dread is easily one of the best games on the entire Nintendo Switch library and it really sucks that not many switch owners have played it before. Going around and collecting upgrades to regain Samus's full potential in the once lively and thriving but now dark and decrepit planet ZDR has never felt better. The game has some of the most fluid gameplay in any video game I've played in recent memory. And even though most of the upgrades you get have all appeared in every other 2D Metroid, they all receive a new coat of paint and work much more differently considering the game has a vastly different environment along with a completely opposite roster of enemies. Not to mention there are plenty of new additions to Samus's suit such as the grappling hook and flash shift which both feel incredible to use. In my opinion, Samus has never controlled better and the only game I could see getting anywhere near it is the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Usually, Metroid games are pretty simple and don't provide too much of a challenge towards the player. I think we can all agree on that right? Maybe not but anyways, this game is completely different in that regard. I was shocked to find out that even on the normal difficulty, this game can be tough as bricks sometimes. I mean one of the main enemies in the game which have several dedicated rooms to them are the E.M.M.I's who can kill you in one hit. And while you do get a chance to parry the attack, the window is so small and it really all comes down to luck. Also, that final boss fight with Raven Beak is by far one of the most challenging boss fights I've ever done. With 3 phases of pure hell, this guy does not back down and provides the ultimate challenge that forces you to use your skill along with every upgrade you've received up to that point to even have a chance at defeating him. However, with all that being said, the game is still very rewarding and makes you feel a major sense of accomplishment with every boss defeated (yes that does include the E.M.M.I's and the Chozo soldiers/warriors) especially since each boss contains a vital ability that allows Samus to backtrack to older areas and get missile packs or energy tanks that where previously unattainable. And that's where most of the fun in metroidvanias comes from in my opinion. In the majority of the Metroid games, the story is usually an overlooked aspect as it's never the main focus in any of the games. However, while that still somewhat remains true in this game, I was surprised to see that it was much more fleshed out than any of the other ones. Especially when considering the plot twist mid game and the one at the end of the game. Speaking of which, the ending was fucking awesome. I wont spoil much but all I gotta say is it is badass as hell. I know I've mentioned the world before but what I didn't mention was how incredible this game looks especially since it's running on a Nintendo Switch of all consoles. The animations and cutscenes look so crisp and fluid which adds a lot to the overall gameplay/viewing experience. And when this is all applied to the world this game withholds, it makes for one of the if not the best looking games on the Nintendo Switch. However, I do have one massive issue with this game. Now, music in Metroid is one of the most important aspects. They've put out so many bangers throughout the series but in Metroid Dread, the music is basically non-existent. Don't get me wrong, there is music, but none of it is memorable or pops out in any way. And it's a shame because it would've elevated the story, world, and some of the key boss battles to such a massive degree but in the end, that's unfortunately not at all what we received. Overall, Metroid Dread is one of the best games in the switch library along with being a clear standout in the franchise. If your switch has been collecting tons of dust over the years and you still haven't played this masterpiece, I really can't recommend it enough.