When it came time for Nintendo's E3 2021 showcase, most all eyes were on anything related to Breath of the Wild 2. So it was a pleasant surprise when Nintendo fans were treated to the reveal of a fifth major entry in the Metroid series, Metroid Dread. The first original side-scrolling Metroid game since 2002's Metroid Fusion, Metroid Dread joins Breath of the Wild 2 as part of a potential darker Nintendo era and seems ready to fire its horror cannons on all cylinders.
So far Metroid Dread has been set up as a direct sequel to Metroid Fusion. In the wake of the destruction of planet SR388, Samus Aran receives news that the deadly X Parasite still exists and may be on the planet ZDR. A unit of robots called E.M.M.I. (Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifier) are sent to investigate but quickly disappear and cease to return transmissions. Now it's up to Samus to land on ZDR, locate the missing E.M.M.I. robots, and get rid of any X Parasites remaining.
The new Metroid Dread trailer titled "Another Glimpse of Dread" covers most of this story setup but in a way that highlights its darker tone. Creepy, ethereal choral tones accompany the explanation of the X Parasite and the missing E.M.M.I. robots, followed by the horror staple of piercing violin jabs. Samus' solitary flight through space is cut short as she dives into the atmosphere of ZDR. After a short cut to black, Samus is revealed unconscious on a metallic floor and in a different suit than she wore while flying her spacecraft.
Along with the trailer release, Nintendo has also dropped another special report detailing more information about the game. This time Samus' arsenal of abilities are the focus. Most veteran Metroid players will be familiar with Samus' arm cannon beams and her Morph Ball ability, though it seems like not all of her moves will function exactly the same as in past games. Nintendo's report also details Metroid Dread's iteration of Samus' suit and her Aeion Abilities, which primarily offer her a sort of camouflage from enemies.
A barrage of excited reactions to the "Another Glimpse of Dread" trailer shows that fans are pumped for this new game, but also impressed at how it's being marketed. Metroid Dread's continuation of the original Metroid story brings a heavy dose of nostalgia to gamers who grew up on the older games, but its novelties for the Switch era also make it attractive to newcomers. Fans ready to learn more about Metroid Dread won't have to wait long, as Nintendo has already teased another trailer for August 27.
Metroid Dread launches October 8, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
