Since Metroid Fusion launched in 2002 we've had the 3D Metroid Prime series, we've seen a couple of remakes of the classics in 2D, but we haven't seen an original game in the mold of the earliest Metroid games. Until now. Suffice to say, 19 years is a long time to build hype. Enter Metroid Dread. The lethal X Parasites, natural enemies of the Metroids and thought to have been eradicated, have been sighted on the mysterious planet ZDR. It's up to you, Samus Aran, to investigate. It's a simple enough premise that leads you deep into Metroid lore, paying off plot threads left dangling nearly two decades ago. In a bit of a statement of intent, the game deposits you at the core of ZDR, challenging you to work your way up. 'Yes,' the game is saying, 'you're going to spend your time exploring a sprawling subterranean environment, but it's not going to be QUITE what you're used to.' You begin the game depowered, hunting down power-ups and abilities that will allow you to go toe to toe with all the nasty things lurking below the surface of ZDR. Classics such as the morph ball, grappling beam and ice missiles return, but developer Mercury Steam has some tricks up its sleeve, too. Melee combat benefits from the counter introduced in the 3DS remake of Metroid II, and it's enhanced with a dash this time out while a sliding move opens up Samus's range of movement. That's important, by the way. Also beneath the surface of ZDR are the force sent there ahead of you, the eight foot E.M.M.I. robots, but now they want you dead. They patrol their own areas and they can and will kill you on sight, with running and hiding basically your only option, making your range of movement pretty important. It adds a stealthy, horror-ish element to the series which offers some welcome punctuation to more familiar modes of play. Metroid Dread has been a long time coming, and fans and comers alike will have a blast with it.

Please note this product is Pre-Owned and in good condition and working order.