Metroid Dread

## Development

### Developer(s)

MercurySteam
Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development

### Director(s)

Fumi Hayashi
Jose Luis Márquez

### Composer(s)

Soshi Abe
Sayako Doi

## Release

### Release Date

**Nintendo Switch**
WW: October 8, 2021

### Rating

**ESRB:** T
**PEGI:** 12
**CERO:** B
**ACB:** M

### Genre

Action-adventure
Metroidvania

***Metroid Dread*** is an action-adventure Metroidvania game developed by MercurySteam and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The title is the fifth mainline entry in the *Metroid* franchise, and the first original 2D entry in the series since *Metroid Fusion*. It was released on October 8, 2021.

## Synopsis

Following the events of *Metroid Fusion*, bounty hunter Samus Aran travels to the planet of ZDR after learning that a group of organisms known as X Parasites had survived and landed on ZDR. However, during her exploration, she is attacked by several robotic enemies known as E.M.M.I.s, and must survive as she investigates the reason behind their corruption.

## Development

Development of the title first began soon after *Metroid: Zero Mission* was released, with development focused for the Nintendo DS console. However, in 2005, it was reported that development had been cancelled or placed on hold for the title. Despite speculation in following years, *Metroid Dread* did not make appearances or continue in development.

In 2017, a new title and remake of *Metroid II: Return of Samus*, titled *Metroid: Samus Returns*, was announced for the Nintendo 3DS. Developed by MercurySteam, the title was the first overall 2D entry in the series since Metroid Fusion. Believing *Metroid Dread* could be properly represented on modern hardware, Nintendo and producer Yoshio Sakamoto enlisted MercurySteam in developing the title for the Nintendo Switch.

## Release

*Metroid Dread* was first revealed in 2005, after being shown on an internal software list of upcoming Nintendo DS titles. Despite this, the title was not officially announced and presumed to have entered development hell; it was once again mentioned in a February 2006 issue of *Official Nintendo Magazine*. However, the game once again continued to not be mentioned in future sources. A reference to the title was included in *Metroid Prime 3: Corruption*, stating "Experiment status report update: Metroid project 'Dread' is nearing the final stages of completion;" developer of *Corruption*, Retro Studios, denied a connection. The reference was edited to refer to a "dread class turret" in the Japanese translation of the game.

During Nintendo's E3 2021 Nintendo Direct livestream, *Metroid Dread* was officially confirmed to be in development, and was advertised as *Metroid 5*. It will serve as a sequel to *Metroid Fusion*, and has been stated to serve as the end of the *Metroid* franchise's current story arc. The title was released on October 8, 2021.

## Notes and references

1. ↑ [[1]] (2021-06-15). METROID DREAD REPORT VOL. 1: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE REVEAL TRAILER (English). Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved on June 15, 2021.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1  Metroid Dread - Development History - Nintendo Switch | E3 2021 on the Nintendo YouTube channel (backup link)
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *Metroid Prime 3: Corruption*
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1  Metroid Dread – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch | E3 2021 on the Nintendo YouTube channel (backup link)