When I first started looking into Metroid Dread, I noticed right away how divided yet passionate the conversation around it was.
Critics praised it for its fast gameplay, polished design, and bold return to classic 2D Metroid roots, while players brought their own mix of frustration, nostalgia, and strong opinions.
That contrast made me want to dig deeper, what exactly makes Metroid Dread so widely discussed, and why do people feel so strongly about it?
In this review, I’m breaking down both sides: the professional critiques from major gaming outlets and the honest reactions shared by everyday players online.
My goal is to give you a clear, balanced sense of how the game performs, feels, and compares to past entries, so you can decide if Metroid Dread is worth your time.
What Critics Are Saying About Metroid Dread
Critics offered a wide range of impressions about Metroid Dread, highlighting both its standout strengths and a few areas where it may fall short.
1. IGN Reviews
According to IGN’s review, Metroid Dread is a rare example of a game that survives more than a decade in development and still delivers on its promise.
First mentioned back in 2005, the 2021 version feels like the 2D Metroid sequel fans should have received years earlier.
IGN praises how the Switch’s hardware elevates the experience, allowing Dread to become a true “grand finale” to the mainline story.
While it plays smoothly in handheld mode, the review highlights that docking the Switch showcases the game at its best.
Combat is described as lightning fast, getting quicker and more satisfying with every new upgrade, making exploration tighter and backtracking far more efficient.
2. GamesRadar Reviews
In view of GamesRadar’s impressions, Metroid Dread isn’t meant to be a horror game, but Producer Yoshio Sakamoto clearly succeeds in creating a powerful sense of fear and tension.
The E.M.M.I. robots are the heart of that feeling. Each one stalks Samus within its patrol zone, hunting her with an unsettling precision.
GamesRadar highlights how the sound design amplifies the dread; every mechanical chirp or shift signals danger.
Even a small noise triggers a yellow pulse around Samus, indicating she’s being tracked.
If an E.M.M.I. spots her, the ring turns red, the music spikes, and escape becomes your only option.
The article compares their presence to Alien Isolation, noting that, thanks to Metroidvania backtracking, players will face these robotic nightmares repeatedly throughout the adventure.
3. GameSpot Reviews
According to GameSpot’s community impressions, Metroid Dread excels in the two areas that have always defined the franchise: gameplay and atmosphere.
The movement is fluid, fast, and constantly rewarding as new upgrades open paths across tightly designed maps.
Exploration feels thoughtfully crafted, with each new ability enhancing both combat and traversal.
Boss encounters are challenging and memorable, supported by excellent sound design and polished animations.
While some players felt the story wasn’t as strong or as central as the gameplay, the overall experience remains highly engaging thanks to its pacing, mechanics, and replay value.
GameSpot’s audience often describes Metroid Dread as one of the Switch’s standout titles, and many consider it a must-play for fans of action, exploration, and classic 2D Metroid design.
What Players Are Saying Online About Metroid Dread
In Reddit discussions, many players feel Metroid Dread is shorter than expected, but its length works for those who enjoy replaying Metroid games.
Fans note that much of the fun comes from returning to the game, sequence-breaking, and mastering movement skills.
Several Redditors compare it to earlier entries, calling Super Metroid the gold standard for learning and difficulty.
Some mention that Zero Mission is very short and Fusion offers good replayability despite being linear.
Opinions on Samus Returns are mixed, with its repetitive environments being a common critique.
Players also point out that the Prime Trilogy is longer but divisive due to its first-person perspective.
Many Reddit users recommend Hollow Knight as a modern Metroidvania alternative that excels in exploration, combat, and atmosphere.
Top-Rated Features According to Fans
Fans consistently pointed out several standout features that make Metroid Dread such a memorable experience.
- Fast, fluid movement system that makes traversal exciting
- Challenging and creative boss fights with satisfying patterns
- E.M.M.I. chase sequences that add tension and unpredictability
- Smooth combat mechanics with responsive controls
- Detailed environments and atmospheric sound design that elevate immersion
After seeing how often these showed up in discussions, it became clear that these features were a major reason fans enjoyed the game so much.
Metroid Dread Compared to Past Metroid Games
Looking at Metroid Dread alongside earlier Metroid games helps show where it pushes the series forward and where it stays true to its roots.
| Category | Metroid Dread | Previous Metroid Games |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | High, especially E.M.M.I. encounters and late-game bosses | Moderate across most titles; difficulty varies by entry |
| Exploration Style | Streamlined Metroidvania with fast upgrades and reduced backtracking | More methodical exploration; some titles are highly non-linear, others are more guided |
| Atmosphere | High tension with fear-driven patrol zones and intense sound design | Atmospheric but less aggressive; tone varies from moody (Super Metroid) to structured (Fusion) |
| Story Focus | Light story delivered mostly through environments and brief cutscenes | Ranges widely: Fusion is story-heavy, Zero Mission, and Super Metroid are minimalistic |
| Length | Short, built for repeat playthroughs | Typically moderate length; older titles can feel longer due to exploration and nostalgia |
| Visual Style | HD 2D-style presentation with dynamic lighting and diorama-like backgrounds | Pixel-based 2D or early 3D environments, depending on the era |
Most Common Complaints
As I went through reviews and community discussions about Metroid Dread, a few recurring complaints stood out.
The most common issue players mentioned was the game’s short length, especially for those who prefer a longer, more exploratory Metroid experience.
Some reviewers felt the pacing encouraged quick progression rather than deep wandering.
The difficulty spikes came up often, too, particularly during E.M.M.I. encounters and certain late-game bosses that many described as unforgiving.
I also noticed complaints about navigation confusion, with players feeling stuck or unsure of where to go next due to the game’s fast-paced movement upgrades and subtle environmental cues.
A smaller but recurring point was the limited story depth, especially compared to titles like Metroid Fusion.
Overall, while these issues didn’t ruin the experience for most players, they shaped the common criticisms I kept seeing across reviews.
Should You Play Metroid Dread?
When I think about whether you should play Metroid Dread, I keep coming back to how consistently fun and rewarding the experience felt, even with its flaws.
If you enjoy fast, responsive gameplay and the satisfaction of mastering movement-based abilities, this game feels incredible from start to finish.
I found the tension of the E.M.M.I. zones exciting rather than frustrating, and the gradual power-ups kept the pacing energetic.
But I also recognize that the game’s short length and intense difficulty spikes may not be ideal if you prefer slower exploration or more forgiving combat.
The story is light, so you won’t get a deep narrative experience either.
Still, if you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, classic 2D Metroid design, or challenging action, I genuinely think Metroid Dread is absolutely worth playing.
It’s one of the most polished and exhilarating Switch titles I’ve experienced.
Conclusion
After going through both critics’ reviews and player opinions, I feel like Metroid Dread earns its reputation as one of the most polished and exhilarating 2D Metroid games in years.
Critics highlighted its smooth gameplay, tense encounters, and impressive technical performance.
At the same time, the concerns I kept seeing, its short length, sharp difficulty spikes, and lighter story, are worth noting, especially if you prefer slower, more exploratory Metroid titles.
Even with those flaws, I genuinely believe Metroid Dread captures the essence of what makes the series special.
For anyone who enjoys tight action, smart level design, and a modern take on classic Metroid formula, this game is absolutely worth playing.
