In a surprise announcement during Tuesday’s E3 Direct, Nintendo unveiled the latest entry in the 2D line of Metroid games, Metroid Dread. After assuring fans that development on Metroid Prime 4 was ongoing, the Direct cut away to the trailer. Teasing the name Metroid 5, the trailer showed off scenes from the game before revealing the official title of Metroid Dread. Dread was originally conceived over a decade ago for the Nintendo DS and plagued with difficulties in the years since but was never formally put into production until now.
Metroid Dread continues Samus Aran’s story in the first, new mainline Metroid game in 19 years. Developed by MercurySteam (in partnership with NintendoEPD), the studio behind the critically-acclaimed Samus Returns (2017), Dread takes place after the events of the last 2D, Metroid game, Metroid Fusion (2002). In the game, players will suit up as Samus as she journeys to eradicate a lethal parasitic infestation on an alien planet. Once she gets there, however, she encounters dangerous robotic soldiers known as E.M.M.I’s that will stop at nothing to hunt her down and destroy her.
According to Nintendo, Dread will conclude the story arc that began with the original Metroid (1986) when it releases on October 8, 2021. It will release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch and will be getting a Special Edition that comes with a steelbook case, art cards, and a 190-page art book with art from the entire series. A set of amiibo featuring Samus in her new suit and one of the new E.M.M.I enemies will release alongside the game and offer unique functionality with Metroid Dread. The game, special edition, and amiibo are all available for pre-order now at various retailers and digitally through the Nintendo eShop.
