After the Metroid Prime series (and the primarily forgettable Metroid: Other M), the big N hired MercurySteam to provide us with a look into the past.

The game’s overview on Nintendo’s website emphasises that this is going to be a 2D game: “Join intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran in her first new 2D Metroid story in 19 years: Samus’ story continues after the events of the Metroid Fusion game when she descends upon planet ZDR to investigate a mysterious transmission sent to the Galactic Federation. The remote planet has become overrun by hostile alien lifeforms and chilling mechanical menaces. Samus is more agile and capable than ever, but can she overcome the inhuman threat stalking the depths of ZDR?

Face off against unrelenting E.M.M.I. robots: once DNA-extracting research machines, the imposing E.M.M.I. are now hunting Samus down. Tensions are high as you evade these E.M.M.I. to avoid a cruel death while finding a way to take them down. Find out what turned these mechanical wonders into the scourge of ZDR and escape with your life.

Feel Samus’ power grow as you gain manoeuvres and abilities: acquire new and familiar skills as you traverse the many environments of this dangerous world. Parkour over obstacles, slide through tight spaces, counter enemies, and battle your way through the planet. Return to areas and use your new abilities to find upgrades, alternate paths, and a way forward. Explore the sprawling map, evade and destroy E.M.M.I. robots, and overcome the dread plaguing ZDR,” Nintendo wrote.

Metroid Dread will thus be the continuation of 2002’s GBA game Metroid Fusion’s story, developed by Metroid: Samus Returns’ dev team (which is why parrying seems to be part of the gameplay). The game will launch on October 8, exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

Source: Gematsu