E3 2021: Metroid Dread Returns Series To 2D This October

During their E3 Nintendo Direct today, the Japanese game company announced Metroid Dread, a brand new game that brings the series back to its 2D, side-scrolling roots.

The first 2D entry in 19 years, Metroid Dread takes place after Metroid Fusion, concluding the five-part story about Samus and her connection with the Metroids that started with the very first game on the NES. Developed by MercurySteam Entertainment (developers of the 3DS remake Metroid: Samus Returns), the game is set on a brand new planet and pits Samus against a robotic threat called E.M.M.I. With this new game, the team wanted to combine the concept of a “looming, terrifying threat” with the series’ trademark exploration to create a “fresh new take on the Metroid experience.”

Although Metroid Dread is a return to the series’ classic gameplay that helped coin the term “Metroidvania,” it takes some inspiration from the more recent remake. That game introduced the Melee Counter ability that allows Samus to turn the tables on enemies. It returns here in Metroid Dread and can now be done while moving. The new game also allows Samus to freely aim while on the move, an ability that could only be used while stationary in the 3DS title. MercurySteam is also introducing the slide and Spider Magnet abilities, with the latter allowing Samus to move, shoot, and counter while hanging from walls.

This new entry in the Metroid franchise may not be the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4 (which Retro Studios is still hard at work on), but it does fulfill the wishes of many fans who wanted a more traditional Metroid experience. MercurySteam did a good job with their 3DS remake, so all signs point to Metroid Dread being another solid entry in the franchise when it releases this year on October 8.

In addition to this announcement, Nintendo also revealed that Kazuya from Tekken would be joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and gave us our first look at new footage for the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.