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Really not enjoying Metroid Dread - does it get better?

bender

What time is it?
Beyond the visuals which are nice, the only standout thing it does is the movement and I had a good time with the movement puzzles. It's biggest fault in my mind is the lack of freedom in exploration as the game locks you into paths so that you don't get lost and being lost is exactly what I want from these types of games. I still think parrying in these types of games is stupid and unnecessary.
 

hemo memo

You can't die before your death
My biggest gripes so far are:

- The music ranges from bad to just non-existent so far. Does it get better? It usually sets the mood for the game (and gives each area a distinct feel) and creates a great atmosphere but so far - just nothing that feels Metroid-y at all.
No

- You seem to need to rely on timing enemy attacks to parry them. This is one of the worst mechanics I know and it's enough to put me off a game - is this a common thing throughout the game?
Yes
- It's super stressful. Being chased by E.M.M.I robots kills all enjoyment for me so far, to me Metroid is about exploring everything really slowly (at my own pace), and being chased is another game mechanic that I absolutely hate.
Only in specific parts
- Lots of unnecessary and slow cutscenes that interrupt the flow and gameplay (minor complaint, I could live with it if the game gets amazing otherwise...)
The more you explore the less cutscenes until obviously the end of the game
So can I expect the game to be different later on, and that I just need to get into it more? Or is it unlikely that I'm going to start enjoying it?
No. More open but the formula remains the same. Explore/ find secrets/upgrades > find E.M.M.I - get chased - rinse and repeat.
 
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It's a good game overall but your points are legitimate. I agree definitely one of the weaker modern Metroid games, along with Samus Returns. Emmis suck, parrying is a chore, the music is forgettable, and to me the game is far too linear. Story is pretty dumb but the last boss is an amazing fight at least.

My biggest gripe is the world design itself. I understand there are some cool sequence breaks in there but they managed to thread the needle so finely that it's designed for people specifically looking to sequence break. But for those not actively looking to do so, it's basically on rails. Lots of "things breaking behind you" and other ways to prevent backtracking and force you forward, I hate this in a Metroid game. I'm having a hard time explaining it, but there is a middle ground where an average person should be able to sequence break without having to be so intentional, and that the game is designed with that in mind.
 

64bitmodels

Reverse groomer.
I still think parrying in these types of games is stupid and unnecessary.
I don't get the point of it. This isn't Dark Souls or something else stupid like that. Why make Metroid something it's clearly not? Who's this benefit?

No other Metroidvania does this either and not even Metroid Prime 4 has shown any parrying in the trailer. Why does Mercury Steam insist on this mechanic?

I've yet to play it but the fact it's not piqued my interest at all despite being metroid says a whole lot really. The environments don't look nearly as good as other metroids too which is a big selling point for me....
 

cireza

Member
Why does Mercury Steam insist on this mechanic?
Creative bankruptcy.

They focused on more action but it never was the intent of Metroid to begin with. They ended making a decent game, but it fails in other, more important parts that define the series, level and world-design being the most obvious ones.

- World is quantity vs quality, it is huge for the sake of being huge.
- Despite being huge, world is not properly interconnected. You need loadings, elevators and teleporters to go from a region to another, while it was seamless in all other 2D Metroid games.
- Teleporters suck the most and display the fact they wanted to force you on a path and had to rely on teleporters in the end because it was simply not possible to put enough logical connections.
- This game is on rail, you are constantly pushed to the next place. This is unbearable.
- Places have so little visual identity that you can barely memorize them. Everything looks the same, more or less. This gets annoying when you have to revisit places to find missing collectibles.
- I don't like how they made Samus edgy. Is this Shadow the Hedgehog ?
- Unnecessary focus on combat mechanics, boring shit that you have to repeat.
- Some pretty bad enemy placement, even if it is not as abysmal as in Samus Returns.

This is a very difficult Metroid to pick back and play again. It is mainly tedious and boring.
 
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bender

What time is it?
I don't get the point of it. This isn't Dark Souls or something else stupid like that. Why make Metroid something it's clearly not? Who's this benefit?

No other Metroidvania does this either and not even Metroid Prime 4 has shown any parrying in the trailer. Why does Mercury Steam insist on this mechanic?

I've yet to play it but the fact it's not piqued my interest at all despite being metroid says a whole lot really. The environments don't look nearly as good as other metroids too which is a big selling point for me....

I'd say they are just following modern game tropes as almost every action games focuses on parrying these days but they were ahead of the curve and added this to their Metroid 2 remake on the 3DS as well. It's part of the reason why I preferred AM2R over that effort.
 
Hands down the worst Metroid game along with Other M for me. I only played it recently and had the same issues with it. It essentially did nothing I wanted from Metroid.

It's a very competent game in many ways so not going like fucking 2/10 lulz trash, I just expect way more and something special from Metroid.

Also AM2R shits all over their prior M2 remake. Fite me. Mercury Steam just sucks imo. They already turned Castlevania into a follower with "shit that's popular" elements back then and they did the same to Metroid after running that franchise into the ground for me.
 
More like Mercury Cleveland Steamer
GIF by HULU
 

64bitmodels

Reverse groomer.
I'd say they are just following modern game tropes as almost every action games focuses on parrying these days but they were ahead of the curve and added this to their Metroid 2 remake on the 3DS as well. It's part of the reason why I preferred AM2R over that effort.
Metroid isn't an action game it's an exploration one... I will still play it but ehhh...
 
I'd say they are just following modern game tropes as almost every action games focuses on parrying these days but they were ahead of the curve and added this to their Metroid 2 remake on the 3DS as well. It's part of the reason why I preferred AM2R over that effort.
AM2R has actually become one of my favorite Metroid games somehow. I replayed it several times.
 

Astral Dog

Member
In Webster's dictionary when you look up the word "mid" this game is referenced more than once.
the success of Metroid Dread(3Million sold at full price, i bet eventually its gonna reach 4M when the the new Metroid Prime hype starts going) got me thinking what will be "next" for Metroid 6 though.

the 2D series with the exception of the first two games released on GameBoy and NES weren't big hits, Samus Returns,Metroid Fusion,Zero Mission and Other M didn't even reach 1 Million sold at launch.

i wonder what could happen if MercurySteam were to apply their experience developing Metroid Dread with a bigger budget what could be the result? 🤔 Can they create something truly great? i would be happy to see an Ori to Ori 2 jump for example
 

Chuck Berry

Gold Member
Metroid Dread is a solid game(im replaying it at the moment!) but its not up there with Fusion or Super in my opinion, they played it too safe for this entry, i thought the EMMI sections don't necessarily add much to the experience, and end up annoying, the ',level design' incentives you to follow a linear path until you have all abilities so although the map looks like Super Metroid, the pace is going from point A to B and so on, you can 'break' this sequence a little but the reward is not worth it

As for your concerns, there is an awesome atmospheric track at the water level, and a few others but overall Metroid Dread soundtrack is not catchy like the other games, not even like Fusion.
The small cutscenes thing gets better once the turorials dry up, the parry mechanic i kind of like tbh, its a small thing but once you get used to using it adds a little to the combat , like on Samus Returns.

I would say keep playing it, and make your own opinion, i think Dread is a little overrated among fans, because i wish it was more ambitious than it is,but its still a good game worth a playthrough

The game was too clean. Too crisp. No dirt or grime. It's like a hospital with white walls and the smell of bleach. Zero foreboding atmosphere compared to the old games. It's designed so perfectly that you always pretty much know where you need to go (modernized for modern audiences I guess). And the EMMI sections are completely pace breaking.
 

Variahunter

Member
It’s a mid game.

Emmi’s are repetitive and bland.
Music is bland and unmemorable.
Graphics are bland.
Level design is really linear and areas feels disjointed without cohesiveness.

Combat is good, movement is ok and fast on surface but it doesn’t give a lot of control out of Samus like in Super. Skill bar is low so basically everybody will play the same, whereas you clearly can see when a Speedrunner plays Super Metroid.

New powers were inventive and new.

They thought giving Samus badass poses would be edgy (the Kraid shoot was so cringe…), even if it’s still better than Other M « da Baby », they just don’t get Metroid.

In conclusion, a mid and bland game.
 
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Poppyseed

Member
I just bought Metroid Dread and started playing it. Sure, you always need to give games a chance and play for a while before judging them but so far all my impressions are bad unfortunately. I have probably played less for an hour so there's still plenty of time for the game to grow on me - but I'm kind of worried.

Background: I've played pretty much all previous Metroid games except for Other M and my favourite is without a doubt Super Metroid. I also really love Metroid Prime.

My biggest gripes so far are:

- The music ranges from bad to just non-existent so far. Does it get better? It usually sets the mood for the game (and gives each area a distinct feel) and creates a great atmosphere but so far - just nothing that feels Metroid-y at all.

- You seem to need to rely on timing enemy attacks to parry them. This is one of the worst mechanics I know and it's enough to put me off a game - is this a common thing throughout the game?

- It's super stressful. Being chased by E.M.M.I robots kills all enjoyment for me so far, to me Metroid is about exploring everything really slowly (at my own pace), and being chased is another game mechanic that I absolutely hate.

- Lots of unnecessary and slow cutscenes that interrupt the flow and gameplay (minor complaint, I could live with it if the game gets amazing otherwise...)

So can I expect the game to be different later on, and that I just need to get into it more? Or is it unlikely that I'm going to start enjoying it?
All your complaints are valid. I found Dread to easily be the worst Metroid game I’ve played. The chase mechanics are an abomination. They turn into trial and error, which is the antithesis of Metroid.
 

Knightime_X

Member
A: Not a fan of free aiming, prefer 8 way.
B: I wish I could change button layout. Like I wanna parry set to a different button; feels more natural.
That's mostly it for me.
 

Fbh

Gold Member
Give it another hour, but if you aren't enjoying it now I don't think anything it introduces later on will necessarily change your opinion.
I liked it but I also think it's overrated, specially for the price.
 

Spukc

always chasing the next thrill
I just bought Metroid Dread and started playing it. Sure, you always need to give games a chance and play for a while before judging them but so far all my impressions are bad unfortunately. I have probably played less for an hour so there's still plenty of time for the game to grow on me - but I'm kind of worried.

Background: I've played pretty much all previous Metroid games except for Other M and my favourite is without a doubt Super Metroid. I also really love Metroid Prime.

My biggest gripes so far are:

- The music ranges from bad to just non-existent so far. Does it get better? It usually sets the mood for the game (and gives each area a distinct feel) and creates a great atmosphere but so far - just nothing that feels Metroid-y at all.

- You seem to need to rely on timing enemy attacks to parry them. This is one of the worst mechanics I know and it's enough to put me off a game - is this a common thing throughout the game?

- It's super stressful. Being chased by E.M.M.I robots kills all enjoyment for me so far, to me Metroid is about exploring everything really slowly (at my own pace), and being chased is another game mechanic that I absolutely hate.

- Lots of unnecessary and slow cutscenes that interrupt the flow and gameplay (minor complaint, I could live with it if the game gets amazing otherwise...)

So can I expect the game to be different later on, and that I just need to get into it more? Or is it unlikely that I'm going to start enjoying it?
Yes
 

Astral Dog

Member
It’s a mid game.

Emmi’s are repetitive and bland.
Music is bland and unmemorable.
Graphics are bland.
Level design is really linear and areas feels disjointed without cohesiveness.

Combat is good, movement is ok and fast on surface but it doesn’t give a lot of control out of Samus like in Super. Skill bar is low so basically everybody will play the same, whereas you clearly can see when a Speedrunner plays Super Metroid.

New powers were inventive and new.

They thought giving Samus badass poses would be edgy (the Kraid shoot was so cringe…), even if it’s still better than Other M « da Baby », they just don’t get Metroid.

In conclusion, a mid and bland game.
that was a concern i had with Metroid Dread and the remake of Samus returns, after the reception of Other M , they would be so afraid of the raging fanboys that they would go to the other xtreme and turn Samus into a cold ,silent killer robot wich she was never meant to be.

Wich is more or less the direction they went with, i wish there were at least a few lines of dialogue from her pov between zones to flavor the thin story in Dread , ala Metroid Fusion.

but well, its what it is .i just assume her reaction to Kraid was natural since she already got over her issues in the ending of Super and Other M, she doesn't have a reason to react with fear or pity towards Kraid

thought the graphics were pretty nice mostly,with the exception of the EMMI zones wich all look gray and bland (they probably wanted them to look distinctive for gameplay purposes but should have tried another approach) Mercury Steam placed a lot of detail into every scene, sometimes the zones kind of blend together since they use cold and mechanical tones to create the atmosphere of ZDR, unlike the 'earthly' tones of SR388 in Samus Returns for example, but it gives the setting its own unique art

The contrast between the underground areas and the surface like Ferenia and Gahvoran is striking, the sunglight shining through the 'windows' in Ferenia looks gorgeous and i never seen an area like that in a Metroid game before, sure there been other Chozo temples but none look as majestic as the palace, Gahvoran of course is a typical Metroid forest but it has tons of small details, and creatures lurking in the backdrop,the city in the surface with all rain effects typically doesn't appear in Metroid games,even the first area with the pink trees and the Corpious beast appearing and dissapearing before the boss fight

Burenia of course looks like a moody, dark, underground cave,with the boss monster tentacles spreading over it,part laboratory even the waves and water effects on the walls look cool 👌
 
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IAmRei

Member
i find Dread is close quarter with Fusion, and have no complaint. for me more Metroid merrier.
I generally like all Metroid i had. i occasionally also finish at least one of them each year.
Dread owns super cool atmosphere IMO, and their ambience is a blast with headphone/ear piece.

for You, maybe play it sometimes later?
I'm also did the same with Elden Ring, save it for when the moods are kicking.
 

nick776

Member
I just bought Metroid Dread and started playing it. Sure, you always need to give games a chance and play for a while before judging them but so far all my impressions are bad unfortunately. I have probably played less for an hour so there's still plenty of time for the game to grow on me - but I'm kind of worried.

Background: I've played pretty much all previous Metroid games except for Other M and my favourite is without a doubt Super Metroid. I also really love Metroid Prime.

My biggest gripes so far are:

- The music ranges from bad to just non-existent so far. Does it get better? It usually sets the mood for the game (and gives each area a distinct feel) and creates a great atmosphere but so far - just nothing that feels Metroid-y at all.

- You seem to need to rely on timing enemy attacks to parry them. This is one of the worst mechanics I know and it's enough to put me off a game - is this a common thing throughout the game?

- It's super stressful. Being chased by E.M.M.I robots kills all enjoyment for me so far, to me Metroid is about exploring everything really slowly (at my own pace), and being chased is another game mechanic that I absolutely hate.

- Lots of unnecessary and slow cutscenes that interrupt the flow and gameplay (minor complaint, I could live with it if the game gets amazing otherwise...)

So can I expect the game to be different later on, and that I just need to get into it more? Or is it unlikely that I'm going to start enjoying it?
I'm with you, having to parry SUCKS. I cannot stand it, especially in Dread. I died countless times on various Boses because I couldn't parry in time. It's just dumb.
 

Fess

Member
Parry is important, just react on the flash, I think it feels awesome. EMMIs are meant to stress you out but they’re limited to a small area and once you’ve killed them you can explore freely as usual.
I love it. Finished it several times and playing it right now with the kids. The control are pure perfection. Was my GOTY.
 
Parry is important, just react on the flash, I think it feels awesome. EMMIs are meant to stress you out but they’re limited to a small area and once you’ve killed them you can explore freely as usual.
I love it. Finished it several times and playing it right now with the kids. The control are pure perfection. Was my GOTY.
Yeah I know what parrying is and how it works 😂

I just really, really don't like it. I avoid it in every game and just dodge instead. I don't enjoy it and it 100% ruins the fun for me.

In Dark Souls, Elden Ring and Bloodborne for example, I never ever parry or riposte etc. Luckily these games can be played and enjoyed without it so no biggie.

I'm glad you like Metroid Dread and that's an opinion one can have but it's apparent that it's just not a game for me or a game that I will enjoy. It's not what I'm looking for in a Metroid game.
 

Trilobit

Gold Member
- It's super stressful. Being chased by E.M.M.I robots kills all enjoyment for me so far, to me Metroid is about exploring everything really slowly (at my own pace), and being chased is another game mechanic that I absolutely hate.

I was interested in it, but I also hate being chased. That neverending sense of doom and never being able to relax. My favourite genre is stealth where I can take my time and plan my moves so this is like an antithesis to me.
 

Fess

Member
I'm glad you like Metroid Dread and that's an opinion one can have but it's apparent that it's just not a game for me or a game that I will enjoy. It's not what I'm looking for in a Metroid game.
Super Metroid is my favorite game of all time so I’m surprised Metroid Dread isn’t clicking for you like it does for me.

The only negative for me is that there is too much hand-holding when you explore. In SM the radar just give you a small area to scan the surroundings, in MD it scans the whole room. And the map in MD also show what specific gear you need on blocks and doors, making exploration and doing 100% runs a ton easier.

But boss fights are among the best ever in MD. And the controls are likely the best ever in a metroidvania. I also love the water for once and how that world changes. And the shine spark puzzles while crazy are actually needed to 100% the game, I liked that. For me it’s close to perfection tbh.
 
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Super Metroid is my favorite game of all time so I’m surprised Metroid Dread isn’t clicking for you like it does for me.

The only negative for me is that there is too much hand-holding when you explore. In SM the radar just give you a small area to scan the surroundings, in MD it scans the whole room. And the map in MD also show what specific gear you need on blocks and doors, making exploration and doing 100% runs a ton easier.

But boss fights are among the best ever in MD. And the controls are likely the best ever in a metroidvania. I also love the water for once and how that world changes. And the shine spark puzzles while crazy are actually needed to 100% the game, I liked that. For me it’s close to perfection tbh.
Well I dislike parrying, being chased and never being able to relax, and the bad music - that's enough for me to be totally put off..

I really wasn't a fan of the controls, I think I like simplicity more for these games. But for the short time I played, it was cool to change the water levels and what not, that was a clever and welcome mechanic.
 
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One true downside is the music. Don't want to hurt anyone but its beyond bad. Still I was completely sucked by this game. Ending is phenomenal.
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
The only negative for me is that there is too much hand-holding when you explore
I don't even think that's a negative. Excessively open-ended wandering around places you've already been in a Metroidvania is just bad pacing, bad gameplay design. You want to hit the sweet spot so you're getting the sensation of combing through the map for clues and exploring for secrets, while not having players completely fall off the rails the developers are intending you to ride on. The pacing is genius and you can tell they probably played and replayed that game over and over for years, even putting in custom sequence breaks. Easily the best Metroid ever made, and pretty much a perfect game other than music just being a little underwhelming. Got a 10/10 and GOTY that year from me, even beating The Ascent which is one of my favorite games this gen.

Combat is the best it's ever been. Bosses are the best they've ever been, all interesting, all fair, all with clear telegraphs and interesting patterns. EMMIs are amazing and promote a whole new style of gameplay within the series. Free aiming is fantastic, along with the counter. The game has it all. The fact that anyone is even giving a damn about stuff like Hollow Knight 2 while this game exists is shocking. It's far, far past anything else in the genre. After I beat it I had to compare it to Ninja Gaiden Black, because the boss and combat design is that polished to the point it almost transcends the metroidvania genre into just being an all time great in the action genre.
 
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Darkmakaimura

Can You Imagine What SureAI Is Going To Do With Garfield?
I actually haven't played it but one thing I've noticed is that the game looks too "zoomed out" as far as I can tell.
 

tkscz

Member
I just bought Metroid Dread and started playing it. Sure, you always need to give games a chance and play for a while before judging them but so far all my impressions are bad unfortunately. I have probably played less for an hour so there's still plenty of time for the game to grow on me - but I'm kind of worried.

Background: I've played pretty much all previous Metroid games except for Other M and my favourite is without a doubt Super Metroid. I also really love Metroid Prime.

My biggest gripes so far are:

- The music ranges from bad to just non-existent so far. Does it get better? It usually sets the mood for the game (and gives each area a distinct feel) and creates a great atmosphere but so far - just nothing that feels Metroid-y at all.
It gets better after a while, starts feeling more Metroid Prime than Super Metroid though.

- You seem to need to rely on timing enemy attacks to parry them. This is one of the worst mechanics I know and it's enough to put me off a game - is this a common thing throughout the game?

Yes but when it's necessary to do, the game gives you big hints and slows things down. Otherwise it makes things easier but you don't have to do it. All enemies can be taken down without using it. Though at least try to use it on bosses as it gives health and ammo if pulled off.

- It's super stressful. Being chased by E.M.M.I robots kills all enjoyment for me so far, to me Metroid is about exploring everything really slowly (at my own pace), and being chased is another game mechanic that I absolutely hate.

On first play through it's stressful, but once you realize there is a pattern you can just run through and continue to explore at your leisure. For example
the last one you'll truly deal with is the Wave beam one who is alert whenever you enter the room, just run through, no real strategy. The one with your speed boost seems hard to escape but 9 times out of 10 it's far away from you. Also, to destroy them, there is always a long corridor that lets you do it with ease. Come are a bit puzzle-ish but easy to figure out.

- Lots of unnecessary and slow cutscenes that interrupt the flow and gameplay (minor complaint, I could live with it if the game gets amazing otherwise...)

No escaping that one.

So can I expect the game to be different later on, and that I just need to get into it more? Or is it unlikely that I'm going to start enjoying it?

You've played for less than an hour, I can tell you now it gets better with more room to explore as you play. Another tip I can give is to remember small things. I got lost for two hours because I forgot about a wall I can blow up. There are also moments of sequence skipping but like Metroid fusion it's planned. For example

There is a way to get the Bomb, Varia suit and grapple beam early which opens up a secret way to beat kraid quickly. You can then get the Gravity suit early after beating Kraid
 
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Smasher89

Member
Its very cooll as you can beat it in a bunch of different ways, you can skip som upgrades entirely and still beat the game, but itll of course be harder skipping those, stick with it and its even better on a second playthrough (when there is less time to be lost).
 

Ceadeus

Member
I usually adore Metroid, but I can't get pass this one. The level and map design is confusing. Graphic design has to do with it being confusing, it's quite ugly and unclear to the eye.

The music feels uninspired. You can hear couple of sound from previous, better titles but it ends there. I don't know why they chose world and enemy design to be more machine rather than organic.

I'd prefer shooting aliens in my Metroid game. I'm a bit pissed off because we have a new Metroid so rarely, that it's DISAPPOINTING when you've been waiting that long for a mainline entry.

I don't know about you guys but I'm so done with MercurySteam. These guys fucked up Castlevania and now Metroid.

To MercurySteam : Please leave our beloved franchise alone, you are not up to the task.

Edit: The main problem with navigation is the map, not only consists of square that's revealed on either grey or blue but also in many other detailed shape and line. Not only this but also the revealed area WITHIN the block itself. So unless you jump everywhere in the "square", some grey spot will remain in the area you discovered.

It's a stupid design and completitionist will despice this feature. Then if this wasn't enough, the portion where you get pursued stay colored in grey. Also imagine many small different icons to each door variation instead of colors like previous games.

These decisions makes for an unpleasant navigation through and through.

Also, you'll miss the classic enemies. Imagine if Mario and Zelda would let go of their classic rosters. Unimaginable right? Well, MercurySteam did it....
Frustrated Angry Video Game Nerd GIF
 
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