TheMetroidseries has been long dormant, with the last 2D entry releasing nearly two decades ago. In between then and now there have been a number of spin-offs such as theMetroid Primetrilogy, but these were generally disconnected from the main storyline started with the originalMetroidin 1986. The exception to this isMetroid: Other M,which is considered by many fans to be the worst in the series due to a number of drastic changes to the successfulMetroidformula. These included giving the playable character, Samus, a voice as well as more nimble and action-focused gameplay diverging from the tankiness ofSuper Metroid.
The most recent entry in the 2D storyline,Metroid Dread, has been marketed and received by the community as a return to the series' roots. It finally wraps up a story thirty-five years in the making and gives closure to Samus' relationship with the X Parasite, the Chozo, and the Metroids. However, playing through the game,Metroid Dreadactually takes a lot more pointers fromOther Mthan the series' best-reviewed entry,Super Metroid.
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Other M’s Ideas in Metroid Dread
Metroid: Other Mis largely considered a failurebecause of two huge changes. The first is how the title handled the Samus. Due to technological limits, most video game characters created in the 1980s were silent except for the odd grunt or jump noise, which even Samus did not have. Giving her a voice and allowing players access to her inner monologue with film-quality cutscenes sounds like a great idea in concept, butOther MSamus came across as whiny, and a poor direction on the voice acting performance did not help with its lackluster writing. InMetroid Dread,Samus is a lot more confident, and while she does speak it is saved for special occasions to not break the atmosphere of Planet ZDR.
Most of Samus' characterization inMetroid Dreadcomes from her actions rather than her voice, and this is thanks to the fast-paced action combat. The use of the parry mechanic allows Samus to perform stylish maneuvers when battling her most fearsome foes. Even whenSamus comes face-to-face with Kraid, she simply readies her weapon while staying cool instead of talking to herself as she might inOther M.
This is all compared to the relativelyclunky feeling ofSuper Metroidwhich, despite having one of the first English voice lines in Nintendo history, did not provide much in the way of characterization for Samus. The only similarity betweenSuper MetroidandMetroid Dreadis their 2D format, asOther Mwas more of a 2.5D experience with brief first-person moments using Samus' missiles. Even this kind of perspective shift is employed inDreadwhen Samus uses the Omega Cannon to destroy various E.M.M.I. robots.
Thedifference betweenMetroid Other MandMetroid Dreadcomes down to the execution of these ideas. WhereasOther Mwas a little heavy-handed with its story and maternal themes,Dreadleaves much more room for nuance and interpretation. The gameplay operates in a similar way, while both are undoubtedly more stylish and interactive thanSuper Metroid,the technology and control scheme of the Wii did not doOther Many favors. Furthermore, the sparing use of Samus' voice allows for her actions to do most of the talking, which is very in-line with how the character has always been portrayed.
