Game reviews / Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread
2021 · Nintendo Switch · Action · Adventure · Platformer · Metroidvania
5 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Metroid Dread is a polished, fast-moving return to 2D Metroid that modernizes the series without abandoning its core loop of exploration, ability upgrades, secrets, and backtracking. Critics consistently praised Samus’s responsive movement, inventive abilities, tense E.M.M.I. encounters, atmospheric presentation, and satisfying boss battles. The main reservations concern uneven area cohesion, repeated minibosses, demanding controls, occasional frustration in boss encounters, and a soundtrack or visual direction that some found less memorable than earlier entries. Overall, Dread is a challenging, highly refined adventure that delivers strong combat and exploration, even if it does not fully surpass the series’ classics.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-22
Pros
- Responsive movement and fluid combat
- Strong exploration, secrets, and ability progression
- Tense E.M.M.I. sections and memorable boss encounters
- Detailed visuals and atmospheric presentation
Cons
- High difficulty and occasionally frustrating bosses
- Repeated miniboss encounters can feel repetitive
- Some areas feel disconnected or visually indistinct
- Controls and melee-counter mechanics can feel overcomplicated
Review sources
6 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- GamesRadar+ · United Kingdom
- Nintendo Life · United Kingdom · 100/100
- Destructoid · United States · 85/100
- Game Informer · United States · 90/100
- GameSpot · United States · 80/100
- Shacknews · United States · 90/100