Metroid Dread - Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite [Digital]

Pros: Smooth controls, great visuals, challenging difficulty, stays faithful to Metroid hallmarks Cons: A bit repetitive. Some quicktime events can be annoying

A great return to the series but not without flaws imho. Samus is noticeably faster to manuever, which is a bit of a double edged sword to me. She has no slow walking movement and only basically has one speed, which is running. When trying to get somewhere this is great. When trying to be precise, like when fighting, it can be to your detriment though. The EMMI gimmick is honestly more annoying than scary. The game tries to encourage playing a certain way, but its actually better to ignore their advice. Using stealth more often than not is unreliable, and the best strat is to let the EMMI get behind you, then simply footrace it to the exit. Also the game misleads you into thinking to try timing the counter right when you see the light in the EMMI's eye. It's actually too hard to do that on reaction, and a better idea is to press the button right before you think it will appear. Bosses can be difficult but usually 2-3 tries and you'll get the pattern down. It's just they do so much damage its tough to learn it on the fly 1st try. The music is also some of the weaker tracks I've heard in the series. Out of all the areas, I only remember the jungle as the best. And even that one was so so. Still, I couldn't put it down while playing it. It was great to get into a 2d Metroid since Fusion. I just couldn't help but compare it to the stronger entries in the series.

The second I started the game, the menus and music brought me back to Super Metroid. I really like the new moves that Samus is capable of, she can now slide, counter attack, and aim in all directions. The new game style has you up against an entity called EMMI in which they are superior in every way. The EMMI guard key areas where you have to sneak and outrun your adversary and come back later when you're strong enough to kill them. It took me 10 hours during my first playthrough but I'm planning on going back for shorter times.

I was expecting good things from Metroid Dread. I didn't really know what to expect from this game though, since Nintendo haven't exactly treated Metroid with respect and integrity in recent years. (Looking at you Federation Force...) However, I am delighted to say that this game absolutely exceeds ALL expectations. I've not beaten the game yet, but I'm willing to say this may be the single most perfect Metroid game Nintendo has ever given us. This game, unlike so many others in the last few years, gets a 10/10 from me, and this is high praise, as I am a very harsh critic. The reason I'm able to give M:D such a high score is because it doesn't hold back in the slightest. If it's going to punch you, it's going to give you everything it has. Bosses are beautifully crafted and not one single boss has been too easy or lame. Every single one has challenged me, killed me, and forced me to think outside the box to beat them. Each death adds to your skill in ways most other games don't even touch on, even Samus Returns.

I enjoyed every second of this game and completed it to 100%. That's not something I typically do. The difficulty is just right - the game makes it easy to keep learning and improving, without punishing you by sending you back to the beginning of the stage. Figuring out how to solve puzzles with abilities was a unique challenge in itself and one that felt fun, not tedious or annoying. This was a great combination of old school challenge and gorgeous 60fps modern visuals.