Coming from an admittedly die hard Super Metroid Stan that compares everything to it...
Mercury Steam has seemingly pulled off the impossible. It's to the point where my minor gripes are laughably petty at best. From it's ridiculously calculated controls, to it's "gameplay first" visuals, actual difficulty that's smothered in 100% fairness, Dread lives up to nearly every dream we wished it could have. From both a design aspect, as well as a narrative one, Dread gives mostly everything you want, and nothing you don't. I'm dancing around how to say things without giving away spoilers (both gameplay and story), but if you are on the fence as a Super Metroid fan, rest easy. It's more than a proper companion, it just might be better in the end. Trust me, I get it. I remember playing Super Metroid for the first time, and being amazed that gaming could do such things. It's stories and intricacies unfolding the more you played, and more attention you gave. It set an itch that till this very day is hard to scratch. While Dread isn't a direct clone, it very obviously took HEAVY inspiration from it in most of the areas that count. Map design, intensity and demanding quality of boss battles, movement speed and weight, perfect controls (yes, I said it. Perfect.) etc. The list could roll across the floor like an unraveling scroll.
Metroid Dread was a long time coming, and seemingly accomplished the impossible task of being worth a seat next to it's most difficult competition, Super Metroid. What an incredible piece of work. Thank you to everyone involved in it's creation.