With the release of Metroid Dread, there's never been a better time to be a Metroid fan. The latest entry in Nintendo's sci-fi adventure series has been warmly received by those who have patiently awaited the title for nineteen years. It's no surprise why - Dread utilizes classic Metroid gameplay but with new power-ups and an expanded story. The Chozos' new lore, for instance, is the first time players have been given insight into the bird-like alien race's different tribes.
In previous games, the Chozo were only occasionally referenced in game manuals, brief cutscenes, and endgame artwork. This is in part due to the limitations posed by previous console systems like the Game Boy Advance and the Super Nintendo. Players knew the Chozo were an advanced, shamanistic species that sparsely populated the galaxy, and it was also made apparent that Samus was raised by the Chozo - but that's about all the games ever divulged. In Dread, however, two Chozo factions have been introduced, and the traits of each tribe contribute to the game's narrative.
The Thoha
After Samus encounters an EMMI in Ferenia, Samus meets a peaceful Chozo named Quiet Robe. A member of the Thoha tribe, he explains to her his tribe's ability to control Metroids. The Thoha value peace, science, and spirituality, and this much is evidenced by Quiet Robe's appearance and demeanor. Overall, members of the Thoha tribe largely resemble what players have already seen of the Chozo throughout the series - peaceful, intelligent allies of Samus. Ironically, though, the Thoha are also the creators of the galaxy's deadliest threats: Mother Brain and the Metroid.
The Mawkin
If the Thoha stand for pacifism, then the Mawkin are their complete opposite. This warrior tribe values strength above all else, and no one embodies this better than the faction's leader, Raven Beak. From the very beginning of the game and right up until Dread's mysterious ending, Raven Beak establishes himself as an incredibly powerful enemy, and the other Mawkin encountered throughout the game are just as dangerous. It's not clear whether all of the Mawkin are violent or if it's Raven Beak's faction alone. In any case, the Mawkins encountered in Dread are determined to fight and defeat Samus.
Conflicts Concerning Metroid and the X Parasite
The conflict between the Thoha and Mawkin was caused primarily by Metroid. As previously mentioned, the Thoha are responsible for the Metroid's creation, which was originally an attempt to combat the X Parasite. When the Thoha lost control of the Metroid, and the Mawkin tribe was consequently asked for help. Together, the two tribes successfully trapped the Metroid within SR388 (the same planet Samus visits in Metroid 2), but disagreed about what to do next. The Thoha intended to destroy the planet and rid the galaxy of Metroids, but the Mawkin saw them as powerful weapons. The Mawkin, led by Raven Beak, betrayed and slaughtered the Thoha but were then wiped out in turn by the X Parasite.
Metroid Dread's plot, despite its brevity and minimalistic storytelling, has expanded on the series' lore more than any other mainline Metroid title. The introduction of the Chozo tribes, in particular, has allowed the developers to explore new stories in future installments. Series creator Yoshio Sakamoto has stated that Dread represents "a new start to something else," and fans can only speculate as to what will happen next. Some have already guessed that the next Metroid game will focus on the Galatic Federation's relationship with Samus. Whatever's in store for Samus, fans can only hope the next game won't take as long to release.
Metroid Dread is available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
