Metroid Dread is real, and it looks to be giving series heroine Samus Aran a whole host of new abilities and powers, as well as new enemies to try them out on. Revealed during Nintendo's E3 2021 Direct livestream, Metroid Dread is a new, side-scrolling entry in the long-running franchise that takes place in the main Metroid timeline. While there's still plenty fans don't know about the game, new details shown during a gameplay livestream for Metroid Dread have revealed some of what fans can expect from the full game.
Metroid Dread has been a long time coming. Originally in development for the Nintendo DS as a sequel to Metroid Fusion, the game was canceled, returned to, and canceled again - until now. It's unclear how much of the original Metroid Dread DNA is present in this new, Nintendo Switch version of the game, but it has been confirmed to be in development by MercurySteam, the creators of the Nintendo 3DS's Metroid: Samus Returns, which was a remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus.
So what new abilities and enemies can fans expect? It looks like the robotic entities seen in the game's reveal trailer will play a major role, but thankfully, Samus has a few new tricks up her sleeve to handle the nimble new foes. Here are all the new powers, abilities, and enemies revealed for Metroid Dread so far.
Metroid Dread's New Abilities And E.M.M.I. Enemies
In Metroid Dread, Samus ventures to a new, mysterious planet, where she quickly encounters mechanical enemies known as the E.M.M.I. robots. What the acronym stands for is still unknown, but it's clear they don't exactly like having Samus snooping around. The E.M.M.I. appear to be virtually unaffected by Samus' weapons, which means players will have to largely focus on evading the robotic stalkers. Should an E.M.M.I. catch Samus, it results in an instant death.
But Samus has some new abilities to deal with the E.M.M.I. threat. The Free Aim ability of Metroid: Samus Returns will make another appearance in Metroid Dread as well, which allows Samus to look around the environment and aim at enemies with more precision, only this time the ability can also be used while moving. Another move appearing from Samus Returns is the Melee Counter, which allows Samus to parry an enemy attack and then counter with an attack of her own. Players also have access to a new Dash Melee move that can be used to ram into enemies without losing forward momentum, and Samus can slide to move through tight spaces or beneath certain enemies.
A new Phantom Cloak will come in handy when hiding from Metroid Dread's relentless enemies, and players will also acquire the Spider Magnet ability, which lets Samus stick to certain surfaces. When it comes to firepower, players will find a new version of the Omega Cannon from Metroid Prime Hunters packs a serious punch. This temporary power-up supercharges Samus' normal arm cannon for a powerful attack, currently one of the only weapons revealed that can take down the E.M.M.I. machines.
All in all, it's an impressive new toolset for Nintendo's iconic heroine, and Samus is going to need every bit of it if she wants to survive her latest adventure. More details on Metroid Dread are sure to come in the months leading up to the game's release, but it already seems clear there will be plenty of new abilities, enemies, and lore for hungry Metroid fans to sink their teeth into.
Metroid Dread releases for Nintendo Switch on October 8, 2021.