Sixteen years on from the original concept for Metroid Dread, which was originally planned for release on the first Nintendo DS handheld console, the fifth numbered game in the Metroid series is finally here, in playable form, on the Nintendo Switch. The hybrid console is arguably the perfect platform to showcase Samus' first truly original two-dimensional entry in the series since Metroid Fusion first released in 2002 on the Game Boy Advance to critical acclaim.

Since the early 00's Metroid Prime was released on the Nintendo GameCube, successfully bringing the series into the third dimension, it was to be the first game in a trilogy created by Retro Studios which would take the games into the Wii era, where we also received Metroid: Other M in 2010 which was co-developed by Team Ninja, this was an interesting take on the series which got a lot of gameplay elements right, while putting perhaps too much emphasis on the story, with some nonsensical plot devices; though it still remains a solid entry in the series.

Another seven years passed before the Metroid series would be entrusted to another developer, MercurySteam who had previously worked on the Castlevania series, which included the 3DS title Castlevania Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate; a two-dimensional sequel to the three-dimensional reboot which appeared on other consoles. This experience put them in good standing to create Metroid: Samus Returns in 2017, which was a full remake of Metroid II; Return of Samus which was released on the Game Boy in the early-Nineties.

With the release of Metroid: Samus Returns, the third-party developer brought the classic game up to date with complete freedom of movement and aiming, owing to the use of the 3DS circle pad over the D-Pad, (for better or worse) a reimagined game world with altered boss battle encounters, a full-map which is the biggest upgrade from a remake perspective, and the counter system, when in close combat.   

Taking all of those elements, while attempting to bring the Metroid series back in style, this collaboration between MercurySteam and Nintendo is certainly a moment in the series which will not be forgotten, as Metroid Dread takes all of the best elements from the aforementioned remake, now thankfully with full analogue control and a level of precision in Samus' movement which quite simply hasn't been achieved until now. This is a Metroid title which takes a certain amount of risk, balanced with the reward of careful exploration that the series is known for, combined with a modern approach to gameplay which amplifies the core elements, while leaving it slightly exposed yet somehow stronger overall for daring to be different, despite mostly sticking to its well-worn arm cannon.

Welcome back Samus Aran, for while you may be clad in yet another new power-suit, this is the new direction which has been forged for the series, it's clearly going to please many fans while possibly slightly alienating others, but make no mistake; this is Metroid 5.