Metroid Dread? More like Meh-troid | Cannot be Tamed
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- People asked for a Metroid Dread video, so here it is. The game is good sometimes. Those EMMIs and cutscenes though...
#MetroidDread #metroidvania #overrated
00:00 Intro
01:25 First impressions
04:05 Controlling Samus
05:52 Abilities
08:17 Map and exploration
11:32 Bosses
14:39 EMMIs
18:13 Final Thoughts
20:35 Why so expensive?
All game footage is my own! Recorded in 60 second clips directly on the Switch. Not ideal. Music is from the game.
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Intro artwork, logo and banner by: @theMagdalenRose
"Cantina Blues" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b... - Hry
Agreed on the EMMIs particularly. I think what ruined it for me the most with them was that the chances to parry when you got caught had such random and tight timing that it's pretty much impossible to learn. I spent a couple hours going into an EMMI zone to get deliberately caught and practice the parries, and even after all that practice I wasn't improving much, and was at best getting a parry one in 20 chances (10 encounters, 2 chances to parry when you get caught). I wouldn't mind the tight timing so much as the fact that there really isn't much in the way of indicators - by the time you see the flash and hear the "ching!" noise, you've already missed your chance. Your button press has to pretty much be simultaneous with what ostensibly should be the indicator.
I understand making the EMMI encounters difficult, but it could have been done in such a way that players could still improve. Maybe have 3-4 different indicators for the beginning of the sequence, and the timing is different for each, so the player has to be able to quickly identify which timing to use for the parry. Maybe have each EMMI have different indicators, so you have to learn each individually. Things like that would go a long way to making the "dread" sections exciting rather than tedious.
Yeah, I didn't really even want a chance to improve, I'd rather just die when I got caught and never have to deal with them at all.
Having beaten the game, maybe seven or eight times at this point I rather enjoyed those encounters. Since they’re random, you’re not really supposed to learn them. You’re supposed to avoid the EMMI in the first place and only hope that if you get caught you, you can get out. You can learn the bosses and you can learn every single enemy in the game except for that timing, so no matter how much you try, you will almost always fail. But not always.
I feel like it’s almost an instinct that you’re relying upon. I Especially felt that way after countering an Emmy getting trapped again and then countering it a second time within the span of 10 seconds. I really enjoyed those encounters.
The only review I've seen that agrees with me.
You posting a review of a metroid game that is even the slightest bit negative makes you braver than the troops
I got downvoted to hell on Reddit for giving my honest thoughts on the game and it's story lmao
@@agreedboarart3188 Lmao, Reddit be salty
@@agreedboarart3188 You don't say. I got down voted on BOW too.
I've been a Metroid fan since Super back in 94. I love this new entry in the series, but I'll admit there were some changes I'd appreciate with the controls. I disagree with most of her critiques, but they are valid points that she's making. After watching this review and the previous one on Super Metroid, I wouldn't say that she is a fan of the series, and that's fine. I'm still a fan of her channel. Every game is not for everybody.
@@agreedboarart3188 yes reddit
Dread is my game of the year. I can understand some people not liking it, but nothing feels as good as mastering the controls and motions in this game. It rewards mastery, and that feels great.
exactly how I feel! mastering the contrls and pulling off certain movements almost feels like pulling off fighting game inputs lol
It better win an Award otherwise I would be really pissed like how Smash Ultimate lost to Sekiro for GOTY.
@@sleepytwiggaming needless to say, she didn't master the controls lol
I agree for the most part but using the grapple beam, the omega cannon, and swapping between missiles while aiming to moving was really clunky. You end up holding 3 buttons at once while using the control stick.
At very least they should have streamlined it a little or at least made missiles a toggle like they used to be.
Still it's my favorite Metroid game and mastering it feels good even if a handful of actions are clunkier than they should have been.
Dread as game of the year? Must be a poor year for games. Because when you think where Dread ranks in the greatest metroidvanias ever made, it doesn't even get close to getting in the top 20.
Loved the game but agreed on some of your points.
The menu map helps alleviate almost all navigation confusion once you learn how to use it effectively.
Emmi's need to be less formulaic, as well assome of the level design. Could be more fun and not mainly just stressful. It wasnt terrible, but it could have been better.
As someone who is currently stuck trying to traverse past a late game EMMI, I won't say that they are neither good nor bad. It's an interesting mechanic for sure, but they do lend themselves to being enormously frustrating. Oftentimes, it feels like a roll of a dice what kind of experience you'll have in an EMMI zone. Sometimes they are spawned at a place that basically traps you as soon as they clue in to your location. At the point I'm at (water/purple EMMI), I feel so disadvantaged when trying to evade and have died countless times.
The EMMI chasing you through water was absolutely frustrating, I must agree.
Blue was worse for me. So many times it spawned on the other end of whatever door I approached. One time putting me into that crappy cutscene as the room loaded in.
"Another fucking EMMI" needs to be a thing!
When that happened, I wanted to my goddamn fist into the screen
Makes it funny, that Emmi is a common female name in Finland. "Oh shit, another fucking Emmi!"
I have never understood why Nintendo stopped doing the Player's Choice re-releases at a cheaper price then resumed them late in the 3DS life cycle only to stop them again for the Switch. I haven't played this yet and doubt I will any time soon because I usually only buy Metroid games after a price drop. I think the only Metroid game I ever bought for myself full price was Samus Returns and that was me having the extra money to burn and getting it on a whim
I 100%'ed this game and pretty much felt it was "meh" throughout, and months later, I realize I actively don't like it and you've articulated why.
Yes, games are stupid expensive in Canada especially when you throw in extras like amiibo.
I appreciate your honest review here, some pretty good perspective criticism.
@@jonathanjollimore7156 Oh no no, if someone criticises something I like it's personal and basically an attack on myself as an undividual.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed
@@Cannotbetamed1 I'm curious what your opinion on other Metroid titles are?
@@georgelabauve3469 Bruh didn't you watch the video? She said she only played Super Metroid so she didn't have a base to compare to previous games.
@@carlosaponte2349 yeah I got that, I am curious about what she would think about those games after giving them a try.
This game really gave me a great sense of accomplishment which I rarely feel in games. It was just difficult enough for me to briefly get stuck at times, which I actually enjoy in games like this and Zelda because I have to use my brain. The 100% item upgrades is designed to be difficult and I'm impressed with myself for finding them all on my own. Overall the whole atmosphere and gameplay was ideal for someone like me.
The bosses definitely made me feel accomplished.
I appreciate a dissenting opinion. Some of these I even agree with, like the lack of control with a D-pad and the abundance of unskippable cutscenes toward the beginning. I don't think either of those issues hinder the game all that much though, especially since the game was very much designed with the control stick in mind and cutscenes are basically a non-issue on replays.
However, I very much disagree with the idea that the areas are forgettable or sterile. I've only played the game three times, compared to over a dozen for Super Metroid and most other Metroid games, but I found the areas to be very distinctive visually. Ferenia and Burenia are some of the coolest looking areas in any Metroid game. An elegant Chozo temple and an abandoned biological research lab, on top of the lush and naturalistic Ghavoran, which you mentioned.
I also disagree with some of the map design complaints. While it's true that the path forward is almost always telegraphed via the teleportals, they don't normally lock you out of going to other areas for more upgrades. The best example I can think of is that once you get the Morph Ball, you are incentivized to go to get the Varia suit in Artaria with a teleportal. But you can still go back to the other rooms you missed manually, and you will eventually make it back to Artaria anyway, so the way I see it the devs just did you a favor and saved the player some time. There's only 2 or 3 moments where they actually force you into a certain area. Plus, they designed a TON of sequence breaks into the map for those that are paying extra close attention. I even discovered a few of them on accident, like getting Cross Bombs before the Screwattack and getting the Scan Pulse way earlier than intended. Also, I think the fact that bosses hit so hard makes it more necessary to find more upgrades, since every one increases your chance of survival. It's less of a "I'm even harder to kill" and more of a "Now I can survive a little easier."
As for the EMMIs, it's really a matter of taste. I love the fear factor that they introduce in the game and the areas are designed really well to give you multiple routes for escape. I don't disagree that they make the game "less fun," but I also don't think they were meant to be fun. They were meant to create tension and give the player a feeling of satisfaction and relief when they are finally done with the area. It's frustration used as a motivation to get better at the game, which is the kind of shit I adore. Totally understandable why someone wouldn't love them, though.
Music is generally forgettable in terms of the tunes, but I think they are great for setting the mood for each area. It's like Norfair's theme in Super Metroid. It's more impactful in making the area feel dangerous, but not very interesting to listen to by itself.
Value is such a subjective thing. I think it's worth it for being a brand new game with high production quality and being very polished. I don't care much about length when it comes to value, especially when a game is as replayable as something like Metroid. In the end, it's up to the person to determine if it's worth it for them. But broad statements are hard to justify, on either end.
And yeah, Hollow Knight is definitely worth more money than it's being sold for. Game slaps.
Cool video. I'm sad to hear you didn't enjoy it as much as I did, but I am glad you had your well-thought out reasons.
And thank you for the well thought out response. When it comes to cost, it's not really that I don't think this is worth $60, it's that a lot of other much cheaper games should be worth $60 as well.
@@Cannotbetamed1 i feel its a 3ds game remade for the switch. Which is good but not great. $40 tops.
@@Bee_Mavrick this has 10x more polish than the 3DS Metroid and much better pace and atmosphere.
@@arieb7589 yeah a remastered 3ds
I'm going to be honest here: I am not at all used to controlling a 2D character with the analog stick, and before I played the game, I was bummed that there would not be an option to play with the d-pad... But then I actually started controlling Samus in this game. To say that the controls are buttery smooth is an understatement.
I've just started getting back into the Metroid games with Metroid Zero Mission, and I might get this when the price drops on eshop or any other gaming stores
Watch for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
@@darth_hylian I'm already on it, thanks for the heads-up
@@vault1021 Its a great game, since I often had do a lot backtracking throughout whole game to find weapons and upgrades to get ahead of some areas of the map
Interesting review. Would you be ok if MercurySteam implemented a randomizer mode that changed the order, shape and the structure of the map, in order to have a wider exploration?
I honestly have no opinion that. It wouldn’t make me replay it.
Yeah, Flash Shift was my favorite new ability especially for those robot chozo warriors. I didn't like that stealth mode blunted my mobility so I rarely used it even in the EMMI zones.
I’m only recently into meroidvanias as my gaming reflexes aren’t what they were (I’m 52!) But I bought this despite failing to finish Metroid and Super Metroid. For me it’s hard! I’m just fighting a giant pig thing in chains and despite said chains he is kicking my butt.
I have enjoyed the exploration so far and map markers-plural- is a godsend for me the queen of short term memory loss 😏
Not a fan of the robots either. What happened to Asimov’s Law???
Anyway I want to thank you for getting me into metroidvanias with your video on them. I have bought Blasphemous and I’m reassuringly shit at it, Hollow Knight - which I’m not going too bad in - and Axiom Verge. I’m alive but utterly lost in AV so there must be one of those random destructive walls invisible to the player. I agree, for progression, they suck. Rambling now, love your channel muchly 💛
Thank you so much. It makes me happy to get people into new games that I love.
Hi, older gamer here. Do you play on PC by any chance?
Remember to try using the address disruptor on everything! (A very weak hint that may not even apply to your current situation in AV, but for me, the one instance where I got really stuck turned out to require the use of the address disruptor.)
I've always enjoyed Metroid Fusion and Metroid Zero Mission on GBA and found them easier to get into than other games of that type. They're considered more linear, but that's a good thing in my book. I find that my favorite Metroidvanias tend to be from Castlevania, so I recommend those if you have not played them yet. Symphony of the Night is amazing. I also love Aria of Sorrow on GBA. The DS Castlevanias are all very good too, though the touch gimmicks in Dawn of Sorrow are super annoying, so I'm going to use a rom hack in the future.
Good luck on the Kraid boss fight! I struggled with the bosses in this game (especially the last one) but I found it satisfying to learn the patterns. Even the last boss isn't too bad after you learn the patterns so just keep trying until you figure it out :3
In my honest opinion, Metroid Dread is up there with Super and Prime 1 when it comes to my Top 3 Favorite Metroid games. So glad to see how much MercurySteam has been knocking it out of the park lately with Metroid, and how well the game has been selling. I think it deserves all the love it gets and I’ve honestly yet to play a game that I loved more this year.
I couldn’t disagree more with a lot you said about the game though. If you don’t like the substantial amount of lure and detail from the cutscenes, you can always skip them like it’s nothing, the level design is brilliant and strikes a fine balance when it comes to giving you a lot to explore without ever feeling like you’re getting hand-holded or lost (unless you’re David Jaffe) because of how well the game handles its backtracking (making it all the more rewarding when you’re finally able to revisit areas as you obtain upgrades), the environments are beautifully distinct, detailed, and how each area of the game starts to look more and more breathtaking when you’re reaching the surface is amazingly-executed, the E.M.M.I’s really added a lot to the progression of the game when it comes to how you work your way around each one (depending on the upgrades you get overtime) and overcoming them each time is super satisfying, and the overall game more than justifies its $60 price tag when it comes to being a full-fledged Metroid game with tons of replay value.
Also, I have no idea what version of the game you’ve been listening to btw. Because the OST for Metroid Dread is by far one of my favorites in the franchise and is absolutely amazing to listen to. I have tons of favorites in it whether it’d be because of how distinct, memorable, or atmospheric it is. As a music composer myself, I absolutely loved the music in this game.
Yeah, Dread is fantastic
I’m glad you liked it. But you cannot just skip the cutscenes, that is not an option given. And I think it’s quite ugly and the map is poorly designed. But that on is a meter of opinion.
@@Cannotbetamed1 If you press the + button and then the - button, it should always allow you to skip cutscenes at a moments notice. Even whenever Adam’s monologuing, mash A and it should take less than 3 to 5 seconds to skip everything.
@@Cannotbetamed1 it did take me a bit to understand the map as the map Super Metroid introduced was used in many other games in the genre with little changes, this game shook things up more and once I knew what I wa slooking at, I really liked it. The telport color coordinated icons confused me at first.
I didn't run out of missiles until Raven Beak's last phase. His orb attack thingies replenish them when destroyed, but in the final phase that happens slower than I use the missiles.
Great critical review. The only Metroid game I've played is Fusion for GBA , so I feel your gripes with this game might mirror my own. I'm curious...does the physical game come with a booklet/manual? I'm newer to Switch game collecting and I'm noticing this horrid trend of no extras for physical games but with a massive price boost. =/
The normal physical copy comes with nothing but the cartridge.
6:19 The flash shift is among the most fun movement abilites I've had while playing a 2d platformer. I hope that many more games take inspiration from this since it's just so fun to move around while using that mechanic.
Edit: Why is my lame comment praising this game the only upvoted one? Smh
I _know_ I've seen this ability in another game before, but hell if I can come up with where. Was it that one game that guy made himself?
Wow, I'm extremely unhelpful.
Axiom Verge had this
Flash shift is great, but it’s also not remotely new to the genre. Lots of games have something similar.
Although I disagree with it, this is a very nice and well done review, specially considering you didn’t script it.
I think it is interesting that you didn’t like most of the things that make this Metroid different from its predecesors like EMMIs, exploration changing if you do certain things (like pushing boulders), interactive cutscenes, more story narrative, etc.
I got the feeling you were looking for a Super Metroid 2 instead.
I completely agree with secret items being boring, they are always missile/bomb expansions or energy tanks. Sadly this is something all Metroid games have in common.
In any case, I really enjoyed your video
Thanks!
I feel so seen! I mostly concur with you. I think I enjoyed it a little bit more, but it definitely doesn’t unseat Super Metroid or Metroid Fusion for me. I definitely agree that exploration takes a back seat to the gameplay design pushing you forward and blocking paths. Also I felt like death didn’t really matter like in previous games, and that, to me, took away the stakes of taking care and saving like crazy. Great review! One question tho, did you like the story bits in Castlevania SotN? When is it that you like the story in these kinds of games?
I didn't mind the story bits in Castlevania, because they happened so infrequently. Though the general "kill Dracula over and over and over again" story doesn't do much for me.
@@Cannotbetamed1 Fair enough. I appreciate your response!
Bold as hell posting such a middling review of a currently beloved new release, mad respect. It's really interesting hearing the opinions of someone who's not super familiar with the series, since I'm a huge fan and every other person I've seen talking about Dread is the same way. One thing that I do think is user error is the EMMI kill cutscenes you hated so much. It *is* explained that if you're caught, you have a VERY tiny chance to parry an EMMI attack, it's borderline frame-perfect, and the timing of when the attack happens is randomized. So those cutscenes, instead of just killing you outright, give you a minuscule window to escape. Not understanding this mechanic certainly doesn't hurt enjoyment of the game much, but I'm surprised you didn't luck out and pull it off a single time outside of the first EMMI you encounter where the game tells you how it works, before Adam goes into more detail in a later Network Room.
Yes, I know you could escape the EMMIs with the parry, there’s footage of me doing it in the video, and I talk about it too. But the timing is so tight it happened like 1/10 of the time. I’d rather just die and try again that have to keep watching that scene.
So I only played the demo, but for many of the reasons mentioned, it didn't make me want to buy the game. When it was good, it was really good, but the EMMI sequences were just not fun and felt gimmicky. Might pick it up if it goes on sale, but for my money I'd rather play the Ori games
It's a sequel to Fusion so I'd recommend playing it after that.
That's fair regarding cutscenes, it's just taken for granted with non-indie games since the early '00s or so but I hate being interrupted by them, especially in a genre that can and should do environmental storytelling instead.
I loved Samus Returns but here is why I didnt enoy Dread nearly as much:
1: where are the fast travel? there are teleports who bring you to one specific place but no fast traver, it was present in Samus Returns, why remove it? this made backtracking a pain in the ass and I never did it.
2: I never really felt free to explore, 70% of paths and upgrades you find are "sorry you dont have this missile type yet, cant enter here" which felt stressful, I know there are many different ways to arrive to proceed but I didnt felt that, I felt like I always only had the possibility to follow one path and that path was confused af, with weird teleports that bringed you across the map etc, like the game was playing me not the opposite
3: the EMMIs: Yes they are original and un-heard from in the genre, I dont even mind escaping, or the fear, it was even cool, but I the thing I like about metroidvanias are taking things slowly and exploring every area, but the EMMI's zones where a big part of the map and I could not explore them, both because it was full of stupid doors that closed and opened in a way I still dont get and also because how can you explore if you must always avoid an unkillable fucker, the thing I did was get out of the EMMI zones as fast as I could and explore the other zones (for the little exploring there was), I felt like I was betraying the sense of metroidvanias.
4: the combat was very cool but it was a bit to easy, I would have prefered if they have the hard mode available at the start.
5: way to many missiles, everywhere, even in bosses, what is the point of the missiles tank upgrades if there are so many anyway, in Samus Returns every missile counted.
-
Still a good game, at least 7/10 but its not Samus Returns.
Totally agree with you that the Ghavoran world (underground forest) was the coolest visual zone. I wish there had been more of that.
Yes, I don't know why that zone went by so quickly
I really appreciate what you're saying here, and also how you say it. I felt the same about your Super Metroid review: measured, normal, and not over-the-top, comedic or performative like most of the big content reviewers on CZcams. It's very calm and relaxing, but you also have new or interesting things to say about the game, like how the art style projects a sterile feel to the game, which I agreed with immediately. It's something I also recognized, but never focused on until you pointed it out.
I can so relate about your opinion about the EMMIs. I think I died to every one at least once and a lot to some to the point where I was already prepared for it going into a new zone which got super annoying as you can imagine. I felt like it was a great idea but could have been done better. I really enjoyed the game regardless and your points are fair and honest which I appreciate and I can see where you're coming from. Great review! :)
Thank you!
Samus should not have the title Bounty Hunter, instead be an exterminator of just about every life form standing in her way.
Yeah, there are no bounties. She’s just about the genocide.
Outside of topic, and pleasant to see your mascot in this show, what a nice pooch btw.
There are a lot of expectations for what Metroid will be as the focus has changed from the older games, so the expectations after years will undoubtedly miss for people that aren't big fans. I think it was a fair revue though it might not come off that way as a lot is preference with these kind of things and you focus on your enjoyment and experience. I would disagree with story part because I always enjoy that in games, but makes sense for people with a more old-school Metroid expectation of brief intro and jumping into it.
I’m not bothered by it. I understand what you’re saying. I played most Metroid games and they were fun. I have Dread and I will play it in the future since I’m playing other games.
I'm late to the party but always a good day when Pam uploads. 👍
I can respect your opinion on this. You made some points that I thought myself for things. The most recent Metroid games have definitely been MercurySteam's Metroid, rather then Nintendo's Metroid. And there are both benefits and sacrifices for that. One of those things being that item collection is much easier and the games are more hand holdy, something I lament but others think is great.
I was ok with the cutscenes, being someone invested in the overall Metroid story, but I can see how they are invasive. But cutscenes have always popped up in Metroid since Super Metroid, although less frequent of course.
I was also not happy about not having toggle options for the game. Yes, you can change control settings for the Switch, but that's really annoying considering it should be an option within the game itself.
Also, I agree, I think there should have been more post game content for the price point. But who knows, maybe they'll add some dlc down the line. Nintendo has been doing this lately with games, something I'm not a fan of personally but seems to be the future of gaming as a whole. Sorry you did not enjoy the game as much. I enjoyed it but as you said, some of the navigation going through the game is annoying. But having beaten the game once, it's better the next time. You can have more gun messing around and trying new stuff.
Lastly I'll say, after the first playthrough, facing the EMMIs are not as bad. I honestly find myself just cruising through the rooms now.
Good video Pam.👍
Thanks!
I'm commenting as I watch and you say the load times are long. I mean are the ssd fast? No, but I'd say there isn't anything longer than a minute.
It's loading the entire next section, including any new things that need to happen. I understand why load times are a little longer than normal.
BOTW had some serious load times too.
Your perspective is interesting and totally different than mine. The atmosphere / sound effects and how alive the enemies and world felt made me fall in love instantly. The sound track and effects are top notch, 10 out of 10 for me. It almost felt like I was in an action movie scene with the music at times reminiscent of the Predator or aliens. Fantastic!
I also thought the flow of this game was perfect. Never really had to back track to find where I was going or felt lost. It felt open but they guided you very well to the next objective.
I agree the Emmis are kinda annoying but very satisfying to get rid of those damn things.
Controls are slick but sometimes too many buttons like you said. I will agree with that.
Anyway. Thanks for your review!
Thanks for watching!
Yeah, Metroid is massively overrated. No where near a Super Metroid, a 7 out of 10 at best. There were there a few good things, but overall was very janky in a lot of parts of the game. Music is the worst in the series, controls are horrible.
I agree with you on several points, especially on your EMMI take. Absolutely not fun. Not scary, not fun, just a pace-breaking chore. I honestly have no idea why journalists and CZcamsrs find, or pretend to find, that aspect fun.
Look at the dislike ratio. Thats why. This is one of the weakest Metroid games ever made but no ones allowed to criticize it without massive opposition and harassment it seems. The God of War designer thought this game had bad game design and everyone shit on him for it. He's now a meme a literal game designer for one of the best games ever made vs a developer who made 7 and below out of ten games for their whole life until Nintendo put Metroid on the cover.
Its a jokr
Because yall are boring. Everything about the game was fun.
@@jebril there is plenty wrong with Jaffe's take. One major point being the fact that he has never played a metroid game and didn't understand the concept of hidden blocks. It tells you in the tutorial that hidden blocks were a thing and how to find them, but he says it never tells you. He's getting shit on because he's like a DSP. He's bad at the game and instead of accepting that he should play and get better, he blames the developers. You can criticize the game. There's plenty of criticism. And I see more comments agreeing or peacefully disagreeing with the points in this videos. Quit acting like a victim and lying about hate mobs when the only people getting "hate" and those who have really stupid and hilarious takes.
Pace breaking? You're never going to have a constant pace on your first playthrough of any game. On my second playthrough I fly through emmi zones. So I don't get your Pace breaking argument. People really like the game. You don't have to assume ill will on their part for liking something you don't.
@@MrFRNTIK I’ve been participating in online video game-related discourse for two decades so perhaps I should be used to it, but this comments section is mind boggling. It’s not just people disagreeing, but also thinking that others are lying about their opinions. What the heck happened to just talking about games? Everything has to be inflammatory.
Game of the year for me. Top tier Metroidvania better than extremely overrated modern games like Hollow Knight & Ori.
Okay.
Hollow Knight is way better than this game. This is the most overrated game of the year.
@@SlaveKnightGael Hollow Knight is the most overrated game in the genre. Derivative imitation taking aspects from much better games.
@@randomizer2240 Your opinion is worthless to me. It's regarded as one of the best games in all Metroidvania. I guess you just have really bad tastes, because myself and millions of others love Hollow Knight. I also think Dread is one of the worst Metroid games in the entire series, so it's pointless talking to someone like you.
I just killed the last boss after trying for quite a bit. Loved it. Great game. :)
Truly a great game.
Most people don't like it though sadly. Seems like only Nintendo shills give it high praise
@@Capt.Thrust most review sites regardless of bias have given it praise so I don’t know where that conclusion came from other than confirmation bias
@@Capt.Thrust The data says otherwise
@@Capt.Thrust Braindead ass argument. Not a Nintendo shill, I hate Nintendo, but it's one of the few good games Nintendo has released in the past few years.
Great review. I got into metroid recently so the cut scenes so it really doesn't bother me but I understand your point. The control feels great, having an option of using d-pad would be good since a lot of players use that, though its not really for me because pro controller dpad sucks. The music isn't a standout but everyone said that to Zelda BOTW when it was released maybe it'll grow on me. Emmi are just fine, nintendo could've amp it up,. The addition of invisibility cloak is fine, there are new players who aren't really that good so it would be handy. And the price being $60 for me is justified for its quality. To be fair, games from NES are priced $40 back then so games are cheaper today, so it doesn't really bother me.
I dunno, using an 8-direction-only D-pad would seriously hinder your directional shooting, and aiming actually. The game seems made around the smoother analogue aiming, justifying it being analogue stick only.
Also, I hear back in 1985, NES games WERE $60. (Before they went down later.) I even saw a commercial for the original Sonic the Hedgehog game, and it used to be $59.99 too in 1991.
Games were always expensive.
BOTW had a lot of beautiful melodies, unlike Dread.
Great vid Pam! I just don't pay full price for games anymore. I can get an 80 hour crpg or tactical game for 40 bucks,maybe less. Baldur's Gate 3 is literally the only full price game I've purchased in about 7 years.
I agree with your review, and I might have been even more critical of Dread. You identified all of my major issues, especially with the map funneling you to the next point and interfering with exploration and power up discovery and how the rewards for power ups don’t feel powerful. Why get more misses and life if the boss encounters don’t require them? I found the bosses to be more head banging than even the E.M.M.I.‘s but understand how some people mastering their mechanics rewarding. Having played the past Metroids I thought I could get more power ups and eventually steam roll them. It’s like this Metroid is stuck in between two design philosophies. The exploration and becoming over powered like the original games and some new version where boss fight mechanics are the most important thing. Each version of those designs conflict with the other which makes for a frustrating game experience. My least favorite Metroid for sure.
Great review and analysis!
Thanks!
I can respect your opinion for putting out valid points, even though I don't necessarily agree with most of them. Dread is almost the perfect 2d Metroid for me, I have replayed it almost 20 times on Normal mode, 5 times on Hard mode, 10 times on Dread Mode now, and 100%'d it 4 times. One thing I do somewhat agree with, the EMMI don't really feel scary or tense especially after mid game, unlike the SA-X in Fusion which was executed better because you never knew where or when it would pop out and I think overall Fusion has a stronger atmosphere than Dread. I am okay with the music, it seems forgettable but after playing the game a lot and listening to the soundtrack quite a few times I can appreciate it. But other than the points I mentioned I have no gripes with the game at all, they give you a choice to either take the short path, or backtrack your way if you want to. For example, after defeating Experiment Z57, there is a teleportal to the east of the elevator in Cataris which directly takes you to the Screw Attack. Now you can either take that, or now that the areas are unfrozen you can backtrack manually to Artaria, collecting items on the way and get Screw Attack that way. I like that, it's great that the game gives you options like that. And I might be biased because I like to speedrun through these games and oh my lord the game has sooo many sequence breaks (a lot of them are even intentional like early bombs for quick killing Kraid, or getting early Gravity Suit, while the game is open enough where you can toy around with the abilities and get many items out of order).
At the end of the day, gameplay is what matters the most to me personally so I'm happy with what I got out of Dread while I can also understand why people wouldn't like some other aspects of the game.
I didn't mind the cut scenes except for cut scenes where Samus is not present. I feel that with Metroid you should only see what Samus sees.
Honestly I think the emmi was a really great idea just fumbled execution. I think if the rooms they could be in had level designed more catered to escaping them as opposed to just getting distance so you can use the emmi doors and the parry timing was actually telegraphed and reactable but has inconsistent timing so you have to stay on your toes and wait for the thing and react to it instead of just guessing than I probably would have loved them.
Hi Pam. Interesting points and complaints. Funny enough I had a lot of the same complaints in a review for Metroid Dread that I made and got a similar response in the comments and in dislikes. I'd say ignore the hate, nice to see someone else giving their raw take on this game regardless of the backlash.
I liked your video! It’s good to see some different perspectives.
@@Cannotbetamed1 Thanks that is great to hear!
Thanks for the review. Def agreed on the complaints related to the abilities. That's a common pet peeve of mine in games like this where you accrue equipment and abilities with practical uses - there almost always end up being a few which are just weird and gimmicky and used only in "that one dungeon", then basically never touched again. Zelda games are notorious for that too. Not the end of the world, but I always hope for at least a final level in games like this where you have to use EVERYTHING, and in unique combinations - making you give everything you've got. Instead, we usually get "Oh yeah, the Exploding Grapple Magnet... It's, uh, only useful in the water dungeon." 😅
Nice review, I have just resumed playing Samus Returns on 3DS and hoping to be caught up with Fusion as well before hopefully getting Metroid Dread for Christmas (best laid plans and all that)!
I appreciate your opinion and perspective on this game! Nice to see someone saying something besides "Please go out and buy it so we get more Metroid"😂 I'm on the fence about picking it up, but you raised a lot of good points about things I think will bother me too. Maybe I'll hold off a little bit longer to grab it!
Play the demo and maybe wait for a sale (Black Friday?)
@@darth_hylian i might just avoid dread altogether.
You're doing yourself a disservice. It's amazing.
It’s mediocre
@@Cannotbetamed1 I am a Metroid fan, but Dread is good at best, not great at all. Realy a janky game in a lot of ways.
Metroid fans have a reputation for being extremely rational and mature. We can tolerate an alternate perspective with grace and poise, especially from a seasoned and respected critic of Metroidvanias such as yourself. I’m not furious at all! People are allowed to criticise Metroid Dread!!
*Reported for crimes against humanity and me personally*
"Metroid fans have a reputation of being extremely rational and mature" is neither a rational or mature statement lol
David Jaffe saw this first hand haha
@@John-996 but let's be honest, his point was fucking shit. This video is a good and rational critique. Jaffe is just acting like a child in those videos
@@joaoassumpcao3347 But it seems to make more sense now I disagree with allot of things he says but. This game obviously has some issues.
Nah, in my experience Metroid fans are one of the loudest and most unreasonable bunch I've ever experienced in a Nintendo fanbase. If word gets around about this video you'll see an influx of Dread fans rushing in here to downvote the video without even watching it. In fact, I'm pretty sure some of that has already happened considering there's over 700 dislikes at the time of me posting this. Now, I agree that people like YOURSELF are mature and rational, but you clearly aren't representative of the entire Metroid fanbase (well, not the one I've witnessed).
I've only played about 10 hours of Metroid Dread (going slowly too, so I'm not very far into it), but I've loved it so far. I played Metroid as a boy, then Super Metroid around 1995. Those games blew my mind and I still love playing them. Same with Metroid Prime, Zero Mission, and Fusion. Anyways, I love the precise controls, awesome map, upgrades/weapons, sounds design, smooth 60fps visuals, tension of EMMI areas, relaxation of escaping said areas, and much more in Metroid Dread. It will probably be my favorite game released this year (especially since Advance Wars has been delayed till 2022). I'm looking forward to watching all of your video about it, but I don't want to have bosses or late game power ups spoiled so I'm going to wait.
Also, I ordered the 2 CD soundtrack of Symphony of the Night from Japan. I played and absolutely loved the game back when it first came out. I liked your comment that you enjoyed every single song during your playthrough.
I've not played it but most say they complete the game within 7 hours and 100% everything by 10-12 hours
So I'm surprised your not very far after 10. Just saying 😉👍
@@ZamWeazle Part of it was that I lost my save when switching to a new OLED Switch. Metroid Dread is the only game save I screwed up and lost. I'm happy about it though because it's the kind of game I enjoy starting over from the beginning (like Breath of the Wild, Kingdom New Lands, Super Mario Bros, and several others). I take my time with games I really like. I've got over 10 hours logged with A Short Hike, and still enjoy playing more sometimes.
@@GradyKallenbach I think I'm similar, I think. I take time to slowly go through and appreciate the game. I don't blaze through it to get to the end as quickly as possible. 👍
@@ZamWeazle Yeah, I just got to the "pig in chains" as a woman called it in a comment on this video and I'm at around 15 hours with Metroid 5. So I'm way behind schedule according to the how long to beat website. It took me 130 hours to beat Witcher 3. I usually pretty slow at games
@@GradyKallenbach Actually with Witcher 3 because of all the side quests it can take easily as long.
Hollow knight apparently takes around 25 hours to beat. It took me about 80 hours although that was half the side quests too. I'm 109 hours in last tine I checked and still got Trial Of The Fools and most of the pantheon battles still to beat so I'm wayyyy behind or just rubbish lol
You make some good points: the rate at which you gain some abilities is to high. You hardly have time to adapt to the previous power before you get the next. The music isn't very memorable either. The EMMIs was a less exciting version of the SAX ( evil samus from metroid fusion), but nothing of that really made me enjoy the game any less. It feels like a natural continuation of fusion, which is my favorite in the series. It's probably an A in my book. Not perfect but I had a blast playing trough it. :)
I haven’t played the game yet, but hopefully you aren’t battered with “HOW DARE YOU DISAGREE WITH ME!” in the comments; honest takes should never be frowned upon and it’s your opinion.
There are a few of those
lack of atmosphere... "graphics were proficient" completely concur.. soundtrack was not good. I play metroid mostly for the vibe. What they accomplished with the fluid controls and the action though, were very good.
The EMMIs are the worst experience ever. I dont even want to keep playing because of them.
So, what do u think of the Emmis?
Love them, best part of the game.
@@Cannotbetamed1 😂
Valid review. Most of us are bias anyways cuz we’re huge Metroid fans.
Thanks. Everyone's got their own biases.
Woah nelly! You are braver than Samus for your views on this one 😅😆 but, then again, they are your views and yours alone. Whether they are right or wrong, they are genuine. Commendable
Great review. Thanks for giving an honest opinion. I really enjoyed the Ori games. Have you played Shadow Complex?
Shadow Complex did this art style of like a 2.5D style Metroidvania similar to Dread, but over a decade earlier
Shadow Complex...is...Awesome!!!
I have, I liked it a lot
I'm glad you reviewed this-It's my fist Metroid game and you made some good points. I was a little disappointed about some of the maps so I was wondering:Should I check out Super Metroid after this or just try Hollow Knight and Bloodstained? It's my first Metroidvania ever so I'm curious to what to play next. Thanks for the review.
I’d check out Super Metroid at some point. Hollow Knight is the best of the three but Bloodstained is a lot of fun as well. All of them are worth playing.
@@Cannotbetamed1 awesome-thanks for the response!
Good review. The stealth started in metroid zero mission. Seems that they expanded on it. Recommend metroid fusion for a review as it is a fun game and would like to see what you think of the nightmare boss :)
Zero Mission only has one -- very brief -- stealth section towards the very end of the game, and it's because she lost her suit. Zero Mission's way better than Fusion.
@@AgentMorgan2010 theyre both great.
@@Bee_Mavrick We all have our opinions. I like Fusion. Fusion's good. Great boss battles. But there's stuff about it I don't like. Little more linear than I'd like, wordy cutscenes I find a little intrusive. Zero Mission, on the other hand, I think is a perfectly executed Metroid game, and probably as close to perfect as the classic Metroid's ever got.
Fair enough. Although definitely not perfect it still ended up being my favorite Switch title to date. I thought it was worth the cost but do wish the game was about 30% longer. My only other main criticism is the load times, I wish the transition to each zone was only a few seconds. The shooting blocks to progress thing has always been a Metroid staple, I am guessing most people with this complaint don't have much experience in the series. Is it good game design? Maybe not but I wasn't surprised by it.
Late game you just feel like a complete badass and I love the amount of attitude that Samus has in this iteration. I also never care about being a competitionist but I felt compelled to collect everything in the game to 100% all the zones. I almost never replay games but I can see myself replaying this many times just like I did with Super Metroid.
Holy crap, when some of the classic music themes come up I was getting goosebumps on top of goosebumps. Just so good, IMO.
Dread was supposed to be a 3ds game. And it shows. Its short. Its 2.5. And its polished beyond reason. Looks like a remastered 3ds game.
Thanks for your review! I do understand your concerns with the game.
But I am still puzzled if I should buy this game or not. I never played a Metroid game for more than 1 hour in the past. Not because I didn't like it. I just never played one, because of my enormous pile of shame. I really think, that Metroid Dread looks interesting and personally I like games, that contain unbeatable enemies that chase you through the levels. Did you ever play the great "Resident Evil 2 Remake"? The new Mister X was such a great addition, in my opinion!
But Dread seems to be a mixed bag overall. So I dont know. Maybe I should play some of the old games on my Switch first :D
Oooh! I was waiting for your thoughts on this one! I’m more or less a huge Metroid fan, so this game was perfect for me, but everything you said you had a problem with was everything I had a problem with as well, more or less. I felt like the elevators and portals (load times) made the map feel separated and not as cohesive, and they would block you from backtracking a lot which was a bit aggravating.
You had a problem with all those things, yet you still found it perfect? Maybe we have different definition of the word.
@@Cannotbetamed1 perfect for me. Definitely not perfect haha sorry for the confusion. When it comes to Nintendo it can go anyway, from playing it too safe, to rehashing the same thing, too changing too much and getting backlash , or in this instance delivering better than I could hope for. I’ve got 60 hours on it already, was hopelessly addicted, so I bought Hollow Knight because of your videos and recommendation, and o love everything about it so far!
Oh man finally a review that is similar to my feelings on this game.
It has 2 unique bosses. Water thing, which has similar moves as others, and end boss. Every other boss is a variation of another enemy, or Kraid, which is the best boss in the game.
Imagine if EVERY boss has sequence skips and special scene rewards for different power ups and specific moves like Kraid does.
The game fights backtracking as hard as possible, turning any of it into faceplanting into a locked door. It shoves you forward into the next train, elevator or teleporter.
New moves don't really get a chance to shine and end up being color key cards more than anything.
Even tho I liked the emmis I agree the cloak was dumb, and was a key card 75% of the time at least.
I sincerely don't know why ppl call it GOTY. Just starving for a new entry I guess.
Definitely should have been $30-$40.
They did make it great for speedruns, but this is not a $60 game with $60 effort to me.
Huge Metroid fan here, but Metroid Dread was massively overrated. it's a decent to good game, but not great.
You give the courage to speak your mind, overcome dread and face down the EMMI'S.
A well balanced look at this latest release in the franchise.
That is for the inspiration.
Good review! I haven't played it, I love the series (2D in particular) but you seem to confirm a lot of my concerns, as well as not being a huge fan of the design and stuff.
If I had a Switch I'd get it, but I won't be doing the opposite, I don't think.
As a fan of exploration, the E.M.M.I. sections were a negative for me. The game also blocks off previous paths which made it much more linear & to return to places you had to find longer alternative routes, it was pretty frustrating as someone who doesn't enjoy missing things.
The control configuration to perform later movement upgrades was clumsy & you had to pull off some awkward button sequences (some too difficult) to get to collectables.
The graphics were good & the surroundings, while bland, fit the setting. I recommend using the easier difficulty mode for slightly more generous item drops from enemies & bosses.
I liked this kind of free-form discussion type review. Not for every time but it feels more like having a chat than listening to a presentation. Haven't played this so can't say if I agree or not, but enjoyed the video anyway. 😊
Thank you
Damn, I was certain this'd be right up your alley, in fact i was thinking of asking you whether you'll be playing it. Shame you didn't like it, but fair enough - I personally liked it a lot, although of course it is *far* from perfect. Thanks for the honest review, just sad so many people downvote you here. :(
Because we disagree with her.
I played Metroid 1-4 and tried to start this one; it seemed a little too gray and wordy for me in the beginning
Maybe when I'm older
My only previous 2D Metroid games were Super Metroid and Samus Returns on 3DS. I definitely think they could have created a video recap that you have the option of skipping, giving people the choice to either get really invested into the story or jump into the gameplay. From what I've read and the Let's Plays I've seen, the GBA games delve much more into the character and backstory of Samus and the galaxy than the NES, SNES, and GameBoy/3DS games. It's created this weird distortion in the flow of the Metroid series - I don't think we're the only ones who have played the SNES version and none of the GBA games - but this game's emphasis on the story really doesn't resonate unless you have the GBA experience. At least in the 2D games, the Metroid Prime 3D series did really great story telling through world exploration, but I thought it really fit well with a 3D game.
I agree almost entirely with this review. I loved how Samus controlled, but what good is that when the game seems like it's trying to stop you from exploring at every turn? It seemed like I was always getting blocked from going where I wanted to go. I hated the EMMI sections, and I was irritated that the EMMIs just always seemed to be right where you were even though they had the HUGE portion of the map to be exploring in. Even when you use the stealth item, they just never seemed to go away. They'd just keep circling around and around until you ran out of power.
My other big problem with the game was that I thought that there were just too many bosses/mini-bosses. I love a good boss fight, but I felt like ever time I was just trying to get over to look at a new portion of the map, I'd run into one. Then I'd get a new ability, backtrack, and run into another boss, then another, then another. Too many damn Chozo soldiers! I just wanted some time to run around and explore!
And this was the worst soundtrack of any Metroid game I've played. Completely forgettable, and I'm generally a big fan of the Metroid soundtracks. I was really looking forward to Metroid Dread, but I didn't enjoy it very much. It just felt to me like it was a game made by people that didn't like the older Metroid titles.
Good points about the environments. I didn’t feel the same way about the stealth though because you can actually outmaneuver the EMMI relatively easily with some good control inputs and can use the stealth quite aggressively at key moments to go undetected while moving around quickly. The grapple beam is great in some sections for doing this.
Agreed on the inability to remap controls and the music. The best thing musically was using analog synth on the save/loading melody was a great take on the original theme but the rest was unforgettable as mentioned. I liked the cutscenes though.
I agree with all of that, and to drill down your point: how the hell do you screw up a double jump???
I appreciate that you poised this as your opinion and not as fact like jaffe did even though your opinion wasn’t anywhere nearly as extreme haha.
I disagreed with most of your points although I thought that made sense what you said about missile tanks not being too important to go out of your way for since most enemies drop them. There’s a few boss fights especially the final boss where it can make a difference though. I did think that energy tanks made a huge difference during boss battles whether normal or hard mode.
I’ve played this game through 8 times and counting and I believe it did a great job by metroid fans and the genre owes a lot to these games.
Thought it was a little nitpicky though I 100% respect that you have your opinion it sounds like it maybe wasn’t just quite for you.
I enjoyed the video a lot though and your personality, I was originally annoyed by the title of the video that’s what drew me in haha because I think this game is so fantastic it really does it for me and I find it so engaging for sure. I’ve never come to your channel before but I will come back sometime.
I was wondering if it was you playing or not during the clips since you made that comment in the start of the video.
Sometimes I get the impression that we have waited so long for new metroid that there are a lot of gamers familiar with the genre but not as much with these titles who I’ve heard a lot of them hit walls with the game and are less satisfied with the experience. There are those that are new that love it too of course though.
I personally loved the emmis and found them a fair challenge that are satisfying to kill once possible. I can’t imagine some of my first metroid learning experiences be with emmis though and it is different for the series so I can understand if one doesn’t like those parts. Though I do love them and can now zip through those areas with no problems anymore. The counters are difficult to learn but possible! Each emmi has different timing and I can so see how people find it tough but I thought it was the perfect level. Then again I am obsessed with sekiro on my 18th playthrough lol..
I thought the music was chill, ambient, overall enjoyable but doesn’t get absolutely stuck in my head like other metroid games do, such as super does or zero mission does.
I thought it was very enjoyable and funny to see your opinion on some of the lore or characters and your disinterest with it as well as the cutscenes, because for me all of that stuff was in my opinion perfect to me though the one I definitely understand is the intro cutscene, after 7 or 8 times of seeing it it would be nice to be able to skip. Most other cutscenes are skippable though and I thought the counter or blasting interactive cutscenes were a great addition.
That’s fair if you didn’t like the exploration in this game, but I think only getting 37% or however much it was you ended up with isn’t the best perspective on the exploration since 100% the game is insanely gratifying and replaying the game to find or try out creative sequence breaks gives it even more life.
Wow though. $90 is a lot for a game! I feel for you…. That sucks and especially if the game isn’t for you I can understand some of your reservations with it. I respect your opinion of course personally though I couldn’t be more satisfied with the purchase and I’m unsure the exact amount of time I’ve spent it might be somewhere over 50 hours though. For the enjoyment I’ve gotten out of the game, and the special interconnected labyrinth of a world that I only find in metroid it was definitely very worth it to me for the $60 I spent.
Very smart point about how you could get hollow knight ori blasphemous etc for that price and it’s true. In my eyes though, this is the queen of the genre once you’re in love with this game or series with the world design and progression it has to offer, I personally don’t find any other games to do it the same way.
I find a level of detail in this games design that isn’t the same in other metroidvanias block by block, area to later accessible area and don’t see it done the same elsewhere. I always respect someone who enjoyed hollow knight more and while that’s a superb game it doesn’t scratch the same itch or offer the same rewarding sensation of progression with an immersive universe like that of metroid.
I love the plants and love the dog and I like your attitude about reviewing games I feel it’s respect to cast things as your opinion rather than fact.
Saying git gud was perfect lmao.
Wish you the best
I don’t think there’s a single dislike on this video and you’re casting a dissenting opinion on a beloved and long awaited classic game?
It makes sense to me why, it’s hard not to like you and respect where you’re coming from.
I'm not sure where you're seeing no dislikes, there are almost 1000.
But thanks for watching and welcome to the channel! It is me playing in the game footage I used in the video.
@@Cannotbetamed1 ah sorry about that it’s rare to have no dislikes and I gave it a like
Agreed 100% here! Borrowed it to try and I'd had enough within an hour. Hated the lack of d-pad movement, and the EMMIs killed it when it became clear they were going to be a central feature throughout. Thankfully indies have risen up to follow on from the old classics :)
Yep, indies are where it's at for these kind of games.
So strange that the dpad was a sticking point for you as the fluidity of the controls was incredible. It's rare that a game controls as well as Dread.
Honestly this is my game of the year, although I was expecting it to be because fusion is my all time favourite. I think you would have appreciated it more if you played fusion
Nice review. I thought the game was a pretty decent entry in the series, but the implementation of the E.M.M.I.s I found to be fairly lukewarm. I think the sounds they make, the way they move around the environment and the way they instantly kill you when they catch you were all pretty cool, but they didn't seem to be as much of the constant threat that they were meant to be. Most of the time it seemed like you could just avoid them pretty easily or otherwise cheese them whenever they caught you which is why they might seem to be more annoying than "dreadful". They don't seem to do a great job at pulling you into the world and selling you on the aspect of trying to outmaneuver them. They just feel like an annoying obstacle.
Also I wish they would have unlocked hard mode from the start of the game. It drives me nuts when developers lock hard mode away unless it's for a really good reason such as requiring all the abilities already being unlocked or something. I like to have my first playthrough on the hardest difficulty and I don't see why that needs to be locked so arbitrarily.
Overall though I thought the game was pretty fun. We don't get to see new Metroid games that often these days so I'm happy to jump back into the world again.
Okay-ish games are Mercurysteam's MO. I want to try this but don't have a switch, I have a feeling I won't like the EMMI parts either. Still great to hear that a Metroid title is selling and recieved well.
Great review, just adding discussion: Having recently played through the other 4 in the series, I really liked Dread’s direct continuation of the lore, and their decision to add MORE lore in the remakes of 1 and 2 means it’s what the fans were asking for. I liked the change of pace of the EMMI portions (which carry over the SA-X feel from the 4th game) - this is nice way to break up the portions, especially in the late game, of all Metroid games where Samus gets way too OP all regular enemies. I’ll conclude that I found a lot of puzzle-solving gameplay reward by chasing 100% completion. The fact that they added region-specific percentage into the menus means they acknowledge this as a gameplay mechanic, and IMHO it’s how to get the most rewarding experience.
Personally, I loved this game. The only complaint I had if anything was how frustrating some of the shine sparks were, they kept me from going to 100% completion and I ended up stopping around 90% instead. I actually felt a lot of what you didn’t like about the game made it a lot more interesting than the typical Metroidvania. I loved the graphics and the all the cut scenes especially in the boss fights, it just made them feel epic. I also really liked the story, but considering you never played Fusion I can see you losing something there. I also, just generally thought the combat was amazing and the boss fights were really fun. I could definitely get your point about the E.M.M.I.s. I definitely didn’t like them as much as the boss fights, but I did think they created an interesting dynamic and I liked the cat and mouse puzzles they added. If I were to rate it, I’d give it about a 9.5 out of 10.
I 100% understand where you're coming from on the shine spark. I came to appreciate the shinespark puzzles, though that might have been because none of them were *too* hard once you understood the mechanics, and also because there were only a handful of shine spark puzzles in the game. But I think it's borderline bad design that there are subtle nuances to the shine spark that are never explained (such as the ways to maintain momentum, and that sparking into a slope resets your state), and one of the things Pam criticized--the lack of D-pad control forcing us to use the analog stick for all movement--didn't help. I didn't have as much trouble as I was anticipating storing the energy in tight situations by pressing down, but it's definitely more cumbersome on the analog sticks than it would be on a D-pad.
If you ever do decide to go for 100%, I'd suggest looking up videos on the nuances of the mechanics - they're not all that difficult once you understand how to keep momentum, how to activate mid-spin-jump, etc. I get not wanting to hold people's hands, but the shine spark is such a chaotic ability that some prompting on what is possible with it would have been appreciated.
@@j.b.1903 It is really mostly because the Shinespark in Burenia that I stopped going for 100%. I had gotten 100% in all of the other regions aside from Ferenia at that point. That one shinespark just made me stop, so I actually did most of of them. The controls for shinesparks are just a bit clunky and when you have to chain multiple together....
I actually agree with the 'soulless' atmosphere. I love this game but I love Super Metroid more just because of the atmosphere and the feeling of isolation. Also I fucking hate ADAM.
I really like this video style a lot better then your normal reviews with the gameplay in the upper right instead of the gameplay taking up the screen most of the time. Feels more personal! Good job!
Thanks. They are much easier.
As a person who really loves the game, I find myself disagreeing with your analysis of the environments and the story because I really enjoyed those elements. However, I understand your complaints and I can see why people do not like these when compared to Super Metroid. I do agree with you on some of the abilities in the game and how to control them as that has made the game much more complicated to play. I really appreciate your honest analysis on the game and I am sorry to hear it did not meet your expectations. Looking forward to your next review.
Agreed. I loved Metroid dread. I think the mechanics and controls are sublime. They took every move that’s defines Samus and simply refined them to perfection. She moves so fluidly. And the addition of the air dash is wonderful. I can’t think of a 2D game with better controls than Dread.
I can understand why some complain about the environments. They’re not as obviously defined when compared to a game like hollow knight. Each zone is very unique and distinct. But I think dread took a more realistic approach and I can appreciate it.
I think my only criticism is it’s short length and lack of things to do after completion (I.e. new game plus, boss rush, etc). But maybe they’ll do a DLC later if the sales are good.
If only more comments could be like this, a respectful disagreement that acknowledges the validity of the creator's point of view.
@@derekarnold9 Air dash was introduce on Mega Man X. Close to 30 years now. I don't find that innovative on dashing in midair. Next you know, they will introduce sliding (Mega Man 3) and gliding (super Mario world) on Metroid. Lol.
I am going to retry Metroid series again. Starting with Super Metroid and then Zero mission as some people suggested. I couldn't get Metroid back during NES days. I am a Mega Man fan though.
It's her critique of the game. I try Zelda Bow and I have harsh words on it because I am also not a fan of Zelda. I compare it to many open worlds that has been there. People blasted my criticisms on it. If you take off the nostalgia feelings and critique by the game itself, then you see the flaws.
@@derekarnold9 perhaps Mario 3 is sorta like gliding. Not sure though but floating up and steadily going down.
Or Joust.
Strongly disagree, already played through it twice. Next I have to figure out how to sequence break. My only nitpick is the music is mostly ambient but forgetable, best music was the Super Metroid tunes put into cutscenes. Other than that, ranks up there with Super Metroid, SotN, Hollow Knight, Ori 2 as one of the greats in the genre. Bosses are epic, controls are smooth, EMMI's were new along with a few power ups and mechanics.
Glad you liked it.
How the heck are you justifying such lack or exploration and linearity in a metroid game? This isn't even close to the metroidvanias you mentioned.
@@hepzibahhez9965 no, in many ways, its actually better. The use of buttons for like every ability rather than constantly using a separate screen to manage it. I only switched screens for the map. Also the last true new 2D Metroid game was Fusion and that was way more linear than Dread and didn't even let you go back at in
certain areas.
It does really guide you along, but honestly it did make it enjoyable. Seems to be the way with modern games to add hand holding. I whole heartedly support this game, I want more of this, loved it. I found the EMMI sections frightening and intense, maybe I’m just a baby.
@@l-wook EMMI sections had good sound design too where you can hear them with the beeping sound effects and then when it spots you it plays that music, which most music in the game is pretty forgettable, but they nailed the sound design on the EMMI sections. I luved this game.
Very well put together casual review. I agree with all your general points. Specifically the boss fights were not as fun for me because I didn't like the learning process at all. I also felt that with the Emmis, regardless of what I do, they always seem to catch me. As if the game constantly cheats to put me under pressure. Like you said it's hit and miss all the way. As a long time fan I actually enjoyed the story, but the ending really put me off in that regard.
Initially, I didn't like the EMMIs, mainly because I had difficulty escaping and beating them. I kept playing, though, and gradually, I got much better. I got to the point where I actually enjoyed escaping and fighting the EMMIs. The harder the EMMI was to beat, the more satisfaction I got from beating it. I wish they had included an orange EMMI in the game. I was also disappointed that you don't actually get to fight the red EMMI. One other thing I didn't like was that there weren't enough big bosses in the game, such as Corpius, Kraid, Drogyga, Experiment No. Z-57 and Raven Beak. I thought the music was great except for the Ferenia area. I also thought this game had a great atmosphere to it. I would give the game a 9 out of 10.
Your honesty and not caring about pandering to the public's opinion are the reasons why I love your videos. Awesome review!
I appreciate that!
I don't share your exact tastes, but I love your detailed critiques and (sometimes brutal :-P) honesty when reviewing games. In this case it sounds like Dread is exactly everything I feared it was, having played this company's previous 3DS Metroid. A shame Super Metroid and Metroid Prime seem to be the peak of the series, and we all just really want to relive that quality experience. :-\
In my opinion, Metroid Dread is equally good as Super Metroid. There are things that Metroid Dread does better than Super Metroid. Now there are things that Super Metroid does better than Metroid Dread, that's why I have them and Prime equally rated. But the best way to know if you will like it is to play it yourself.
Metroid dread is even with Super metroid. Its that good game. Dont bash the game if you have not even played it. Some of criticism are highly exaggerate.. The game is linear in early game.. like any other metroid game in past but it def open later on.. Emmi arent really that bad. Even if they are not your thing.. they will not ruin the pace of the game. This game has best bosses and Samus controls like perfect..
I mostly enjoyed Dread, though I did have a few small nitpicks that are similar to what you touched on:
- Some of the powerups went underutilized, which isn't exclusive to this game by any means.
- E.M.M.I.s wore out their welcome with me around the fifth or sixth encounter. I think the concept is great, but perhaps a few less would have made for better pacing for myself.
- The music was serviceable, but wasn't anything overly catchy. Perhaps that's because all the iconic tunes from previous games have been in my head for 20-25+ years and some of what is in Dread will grow on me over time.
That said, I was satisfied with pretty much everything else on offer. I think this is a game that is designed to be accessible for the less familiar fans, but was *crafted* for the die-hard crowd:
- The story elements are hard to appreciate if you've not kept up with the more "recent" releases (namely Fusion). I can understand why you were apathetic towards this particular aspect.
- Finally getting some closure on the main Metroid story arc and just having another fresh 2D game in the series after 20 years hits different for those that have actively been waiting for it.
- The satisfaction of learning sequence-breaking is a franchise staple and very clearly and purposefully designed into the game, but this isn't something the "layman" is going to pick up on quickly or easily. Rather, the game rewards multiple playthroughs and taking some innovative and often less intuitive approaches to locating upgrades. The sheer amount of stuff people have already picked up on is staggering and the world-record speed run times are being broken almost every day.
It isn't a perfect game, but it plays very well, looks solid (mostly; I mean, we ARE talking Switch capabilities here), implemented a few new ideas and abilities (Flash Shift is definitely a fantastic addition), and mostly hits all the notes that Metroid fans have come to expect. Is it the most innovative game? Certainly not, but... why mess too much with a proven formula? Now we just need Prime 4 to hurry up and drop...
Storywise this game was bit underwhelming and it didn't capture the dread of Metroid fusion. The controls and environments were great tho
Amazingly well thought and thorough video.
Im old enough (36) to remember playing through Metroid on my NES and Super the year it released. So a lot of the cut scenes/lore you don't care for are a lot more relevant for me.
I can see why you feel the way you feel.
Thanks!
I like your channel, you give more perspective to the reviews and it is just wonderful to see you agree or disagree as many of us do. I mean, popular games are "Tabu" to mark them with "I don't like this or that" tag. For example not everyone loves Zelda BoTW, even if it is a master piece, there are things some people may not like (like many empty areas in a vast map) for instance, but it seems you cannot tell about it (even with some strong points and building up a fair discussion). That said, Metroid Dread is a very good game and it was a long journey since we had another 2D Metroid (that was not a Re-make) to enjoy a new one. I bought the collector's edition for the release price avoiding scalpers and I don't regret it. Meanwhile I will continue enjoying your channel. Thanks Pam!
Yeah BotW ppl really can't handle any complaints for it it seems
For example, I don't like any Zelda or Mario game (I have played, no interest in any of the rest). That's a controversial opinion I think?
@@JoakimOtamaa really? Which ones have you played?
Great review!
I’ve personally been loving this game but I would be lying if I said I never got lost or a little annoyed.
It feels like a lot of people are forgiving many of the games faults purely on the fact that this is the first new Metroid we have had in a while.
Thanks!
@ Miguel I do feel that many can be forgiving when nostalgia and things like that are involved. But I do think that if the overwhelming majority of people think it’s solid than it probably is. Unfortunately u just can’t please everyone so of course some will dislike.
But if a game is truly bad, nostalgia can’t save it, The GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition is a perfect example. Millions of us have nostalgia for that including me. Some people are okay with the release but the overwhelming majority feel it’s trash because of how poorly updates were given to it and then having the audacity to claim it’s The Definitive Edition. Metroid Dread is nothing like GTA Trilogy in terms of its level of quality and attention to detail. And people appreciate that.
This this is a good honest and fair review, I enjoyed the game a lot and I found some of the later bosses pretty challenging. But this is definitely not a perfect game, I agree the Emmis don’t add a whole lot to the experience ( and are frustrating) and the way you take them down is incredibly routine.
I think if they had broken the blaster kamehameha cycle and put in new ways of dealing with them it would have helped immensely. I didn’t mind the use of cutscenes overall, but I really began to dread…the quick time Event cycle of the later boss fights.
All in all this is a great review :)
Thank you! I agree some variation in how to defeat the EMMIs would have gone a long way. Every time I got the dialogue box saying my weapon was useless now (just enough charge to get out of the room where you get it and shoot one EMMI) I kind of laughed at how ridiculous that was.
@@Cannotbetamed1 I know! I think Samus is using one of those solar powered eco-death rays, they're greener than your ordinary death ray but don't last as long :(
While I overall am enjoying the game quite a lot, and some of the things you didn't care for aren't a problem for me (for example, I actually like the EMMIs, but I more enjoy running from them than hiding from them, so I also don't stealth much), I do completely agree about the D-Pad. Every other non-3D Metroid game I've ever played has been on a D-Pad, and I really can't think of any good reason this one couldn't have let us use one, too. It would've made some actions in the game way easier to execute.
the Free Aiming absolutely needs to be on a stick. And the Free Aim was a legit addition. They've already attempted fluid movement on a D-pad with modern 2D Metroid. It wasn't terrible, but it was inferior.
It’s become one of my biggest pet peeves to not allow me to control a 2d game with the d pad. It’s so much more precise.
You'll need to play Metroid: Zero Mission and Metroid Fusion soon
Love these games. Samus Returns and Dread feel competent, but the style of this current company when they make Metroid games just doesn't really match up to what I want it to be. I'm appreciative of the Indie scene when it comes to this, because stuff like Hollow Knight keeps my interest in the genre maintained.
Not unless they get ported to a non handheld system.
@@Cannotbetamed1 yeah that is the frustrating part. I think you can buy them for the Wii-U however. Keep up the great work on your vids!
Play them fullscreen on the VisualBoy Advance Emulator
Zero mission is great but i feel out of the two, fusion is #1
This review is straight fire water. I completely disagree, but I love it for the reason I appreciate all of your content. I can tell this is your genuine opinion, and not what the Internet told you your opinion was supposed to be, and I applaud that.
Thanks!
I really loved this game. But I agree with _almost_ all your points of criticism. Mainly the excessive cutscenes, instances where the game takes control away from you to show flashy cinematics, the blandness of the environments, the blandness of the soundtrack, the disincentive to backtrack, and the weird pacing and quick obsolescence of many of the upgrades. Those criticisms are all spot on IMO. But I guess the _good_ parts of the game - the boss battles, the controls, the enemies, the upgrades, etc. - were _so_ good to me that I was able to forgive those shortcomings more than you were.
I think my _main_ disagreement with your criticism was on the EMMI mechanic. But I guess this is just a difference in preference. Some of the most heart-thumping, thrilling, engaging moments, to me, was escaping the EMMI. I remember how scared it made me, how anxious and urgent I felt, and I really loved that elevated feeling they gave. Ok, the temporary arm cannon you use to kill them feels a bit contrived, I agree with that. I would have preferred if each one needs to be killed by a permanent upgrade that you get, after encountering them a lot. That would improve the cathartic feeling of getting stronger throughout the game. But, overall, I _loved_ that mechanic.