Tag Archives: Dread

Metroid Dread Sparks Improved Sales For Past Games In The Series

With Metroid Dread already looking like a mighty success, both in terms of its critical reception and early sales data, it perhaps comes as no surprise that the game’s popularity appears to have kickstarted a flurry of purchases across the entire series.

Metroid fever has been running high ever since Dread’s initial reveal, with plenty of fans revisiting their old favourite games in the run-up to Dread’s launch, and series newcomers wanting to check it out for the very first time. Indeed, when we published an article discussing the best Metroid games to play before Dread, a high level of engagement suggested that fans were feeling ready to devour the entire series.

With Dread now out in the wild, it seems fans are doing just that – where they can, at least. Not all Metroid games are available on modern systems, but those that are have been climbing the eShop charts. As spotted by Shinesparkers, four Metroid games are currently in the Wii U’s top ten, with Fusion being number one, and Metroid: Samus Returns has hit the 3DS’ top three.

Interest in the franchise is certainly at the highest point we’ve seen in a number of years, which hopefully bodes well for the upcoming release of Metroid Prime 4. Incidentally, the last time we heard anything about that game was during Dread’s reveal, where Nintendo’s Shinya Takahashi said “we’re working hard” on its development.



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Nintendo’s Switch Exclusive Metroid Dread Is Already Being Emulated On PC

The Switch exclusive Metroid Dread is very much the game of the moment, but it appears some people aren’t even playing this new release on Nintendo’s hardware. As highlighted by the folks over at PC Gamer, certain individuals are already running this title on the open-source Switch emulators Yuzu and Ryujinx – increasing the resolution to 4K and unlocking the framerate.

A YouTube channel has uploaded a 10-minute “Yuzu emulator performance test” video (which we won’t be sharing here) – showcasing Dread running on a PC powered by a 6GB GTX 1060, an Intel Core i5-8400 processor, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM.

Metroid Dread running on PC via emulation

As stunning as this admittedly looks on the PC, for Nintendo, it’s probably rather concerning this has happened in just a few days. Of course, if you want to show your support for Samus’ new game, the best way to do it is to buy a copy of Metroid Dread.



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Metroid Dread Is Playable In 4k Via Emulators Already

Screenshot: Nintendo

Hey, real quick: If you are a Nintendo lawyer or employee, just like… don’t read this. It was a silly mistake. Ignore this blog. You can go now. Okay, everyone else…

Metroid Dread was officially released on October 8, but copies got out into the wild a few days before that. And even after such a short time, the game is now fully playable in 4K via various Nintendo Switch emulators.

Released yesterday and developed by Mercurysteam, Metroid Dread is the awaited 2D return of the Metroid series. You can read our full review here, but the short answer: It’s a solid game with some nice-looking visuals and surprisingly tricky boss fights. It is a Switch exclusive, as you might expect. But all you need is a Switch emulator and a decently powerful PC, and you can play Dread on your computer, right now. And it looks great.

Via the popular Yuzu open-source emulator, you can now play Dread with custom controls and unlimited FPS settings. Some players have reported minor issues with cutscenes and black screens, but according to the Yuzu devs, this is fixed by updating to the latest version of the free emulator.

Another popular Switch emulator, Ryujinx, is able to run the game at similarly high framerates, but can also play it at a much higher 4K resolution. Compared to the native 720/900p resolution available on the Switch in handheld or TV mode, this is a massive increase. And, the art style and visuals really shine in 4K.

Of course, it’s possible that certain areas of the game perform worse on certain PC setups, and depending on your computer’s specs and software setup, Dread via emulation could be a total shitshow. But it seems that for most folks with moderately powerful GPUs, things are looking damn good.

If you want to play the rest of the Metroid franchise and don’t want to shell out large amounts of money on old consoles and games, your best bet is also emulation. As is often the case, Nintendo (like most game publishers) is really bad about maintaining access to their past games outside of the few big sellers. Thank God for pirates, emulators, modders, and hackers.



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Video: Digital Foundry’s Technical Analysis Of Metroid Dread On Switch

Metroid Dread has finally landed on the Switch this week, and now the experts over at Digital Foundry have shared their own technical analysis of Samus’ new adventure.

So, how does it hold up? In docked mode, the game delivers a 1600×900 resolution, and in portable mode, it’s apparently just as stunning – running at a “native 720p” – likely to showcase the new OLED display.

In terms of the game’s performance, the target frame rate is 60fps, although sometimes there are some slowdowns possibly tied to “background streaming”. And cutscenes are capped at 30fps.

Apart from this, one notable inclusion worthy of mention in Metroid Dread is the addition of 5.1 surround sound – something that’s rarely heard on the Switch:

“With Metroid Dread, Mercury Steam not only showcases surround sound ‘done proper’ on the system, it’s also something of a masterclass in general for sound design and layout, giving us one of the most powerful aural experiences of the year.”

Digital Foundry signs off by saying this is easily the “best game” MercurySteam has ever worked on – breathing new life into the series.

If you would like to learn more about Metroid Dread, be sure to check out our own Nintendo Life review of the game, we awarded it an outstanding 10 out of 10 stars.



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Poll: Metroid Dread Is Out Today On Switch, Are You Getting It?

Finally, after 19 years of waiting, Metroid fans all around the world are about to discover Samus’ fifth mainline adventure. Metroid Dread is out on Nintendo Switch today.

Despite having a seriously dedicated fanbase, Metroid has always been a franchise with a surprisingly low number of total sales (when compared to Nintendo’s other major IP, at least). It’s had some truly fantastic games over the years, but hasn’t ever managed to pull in the numbers that series like The Legend of Zelda or, more recently, Animal Crossing have.

This time, though, Nintendo’s been going big with its marketing, and the overall consensus from critics is that this is the grand return fans have been hoping for.

So, we hand it over to you. Will you be buying the game? Are you already a fan of the series, or will this be your first Metroid game? Cast your votes below, and feel free to expand upon your answers in the comments.

If you’ve already made up your mind, you can go ahead and buy a physical copy here. Or if you’re still on the fence, why not let our full review help you to decide.



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Brand New Metroid Dread Spirits Are Coming To Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Image: Nintendo

Metroid Dread arrives exclusively on the Nintendo Switch this week and to celebrate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will be hosting a spirit event.

If you boot up the game, you’ll be informed by the latest message that new spirits from Metroid Dread are creeping onto the Spirit Board in the next event. By defeating them in battle, you’ll earn more SP than usual.

It seems there’ll be three spirits up for grabs – Samus, E.M.M.I., and one other that might be considered as a spoiler. In saying this, Nintendo has shown this particular character in the trailers.

Image: Nintendo

Earlier this week, Smash director Masahiro Sakurai lifted the lid on the final DLC fighter character, Sora – from the Kingdom Hearts series. Once this character arrives on October 18th, updates for the game will likely begin to slow down, including these spirit board events.

Will you be participating in the latest Smash spirit board event? Looking forward to Metroid Dread? Tell us down below.



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Metroid Dread Has Been Leaked Online Ahead Of This Week’s Launch

Image: Nintendo

Update [Tue 5th Oct, 2021 05:30 BST]: Well, it seems more than just footage of Metroid Dread has been leaked online ahead of this week’s launch. Here’s a bit more information courtesy of the Nintendo dataminer OatlmealDome:


Original story [Sun 3rd Oct, 2021 08:05 BST]: It seems Metroid Dread is the latest victim of a “leak”. According to social media and websites like ResetEra, footage of the game is now doing the rounds online.

We’ve had a look at certain parts of the internet ourselves and can also confirm this. On one page – featuring quite a lot of clips, there was footage at what’s believed to be the “second” boss in the game.

In other words, if you’re worried about any spoilers – you might want to refrain from searching or looking at anything related to Metroid Dread for the next five days until you get hold of your own copy.

The game is already in the hands of reviewers, and our Metroid Dread review will go live next week ahead of the official launch. Metroid Dread has been described as the conclusion to the original Metroid saga, so the story is expected to be very exciting.

The first 2D Metroid game with a new story in 19 years is coming this year to Nintendo Switch. Metroid Dread is a direct sequel to 2002’s Metroid Fusion and concludes the five-part saga focusing on the strange, interconnected fates of bounty hunter Samus and the Metroids, which kicked off with the original Metroid for NES.”

If we hear any other developments, we’ll be sure to let you know.



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This Week’s Japanese Game Releases: Switch OLED model, Metroid Dread, Far Cry 6, Alan Wake Remastered, more

Switch [10,388 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/nintendo/switch”>Nintendo Switch OLED model, Metroid Dread [5 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/games/metroid-dread”>Metroid Dread, Alan Wake Remastered, and Far Cry 6 are the highlights of this week’s Japanese video game releases.

Get the full list of this week’s Japanese game releases below. It should be noted that Gematsu will receive a small percentage of money from purchases made through Play-Asia links. You can also save five percent using our “GEMATSU” coupon code.

Hardware

Physical and Digital

  • Alan Wake Remastered (PS5, PS4)
  • Astria Ascending (PS5, PS4, Switch) – Launching digitally worldwide.
  • Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (PS5, PS4, Switch) – Already available worldwide.
  • Far Cry 6 (PS5, PS4) – Launching worldwide.
    • Ultimate Edition (PS5, PS4)
    • North American Version
    • European Version
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild + Expansion Pass (Switch)
  • Lyrica and Lyrica 2: Stars Align (Switch)
  • Metroid Dread (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Splatoon” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/games/splatoon”>Splatoon 2 + Expansion (Switch)
  • Shuuen no Virche -ErroR: salvation- (Switch)
  • Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania (PS5, PS4, Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Ultra Age (PS4, Switch) – Already available digitally worldwide.

Digital-Only

  • AAA Clock (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Alan Wake Remastered ( Xbox Series [1,464 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/xbox/xbox-series”>Xbox Series, Xbox One [10,207 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/xbox/xbox-one”>Xbox One, PC [13,763 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/pc”>PC [Epic Games Store]) – Launching worldwide.
  • AmaneSwitch (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Balloon Pop: Learning Letters, Numbers, Colors, Game for Kids (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Creepy Tale 2 (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Earth Marines (Switch) – Already available worldwide.
  • Enigmatis 3: The Shadow of Karkhala (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Far Cry 6 (Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC [Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Store]) – Launching worldwide.
  • G-Mode Archives+: Tantei Kibukawa Ryousuke Jiken-Tan Vol. 7: Otonari Keiji no Sousa Memo (Switch)
  • Jack Axe (Switch, PC [Steam]) – Launching worldwide.
  • JETT: The Far Shore (PS5, PS4, PC [Epic Games Store]) – Launching worldwide.
  • Lyrica 2: Stars Align (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • No Longer Home (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Panmorphia (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey [2 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/games/puzzle-bobble-3d-vacation-odyssey”>Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey (PS5, PS4, PSVR) – Launching worldwide.
  • Prehistoric Life Puzzles (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Song in the Smoke (PSVR) – Launching worldwide.
  • Super Arcade [342 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/arcade”>Arcade Soccer 2021 (Switch) – Already available worldwide.
  • Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania (Xbox Series / One, PC [Steam]) – Launching worldwide.
  • Tetris Effect Connected (Switch) – Launching worldwide.
  • Top Down Racer (Switch) – Already available worldwide.

The PS5 [1,842 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/playstation/ps5″>PlayStation 5, PS4 [22,002 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/playstation/ps4″>PlayStation 4, and Switch titles listed above can be purchased through Japanese PlayStation [38,914 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/playstation”>PlayStation Network and Nintendo [15,192 articles]” href=”https://www.gematsu.com/platforms/nintendo”>Nintendo accounts using prepaid cards:

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Metroid Dread Footage Has Leaked Online Ahead Of Next Week’s Launch

Image: Nintendo

It seems Metroid Dread is the latest victim of a “leak”. According to social media and websites like ResetEra, footage of the game is now doing the rounds online.

We’ve had a look at certain parts of the internet ourselves and can also confirm this. On one page – featuring quite a lot of clips, there was footage at what’s believed to be the “second” boss in the game.

In other words, if you’re worried about any spoilers – you might want to refrain from searching or looking at anything related to Metroid Dread for the next five days until you get hold of your own copy.

The game is already in the hands of reviewers, and our Metroid Dread review will go live next week ahead of the official launch. Metroid Dread has been described as the conclusion to the original Metroid saga, so the story is expected to be very exciting.

The first 2D Metroid game with a new story in 19 years is coming this year to Nintendo Switch. Metroid Dread is a direct sequel to 2002’s Metroid Fusion and concludes the five-part saga focusing on the strange, interconnected fates of bounty hunter Samus and the Metroids, which kicked off with the original Metroid for NES.”

If we hear any other developments, we’ll be sure to let you know.



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Nintendo’s Metroid Dread Marketing Campaign Is Well Underway In Japan

Image: Nintendo

Nintendo has been criticised in the past for not giving the Metroid series enough spotlight compared to certain other franchises, but it seems things will be different this time around.

Ahead of the release of Metroid Dread next month, Nintendo is rolling out the red carpet for its intergalactic bounty hunter. In addition to all of the trailers, reports and social media posts it’s released so far, the company has also gone to the extent of throwing up gigantic Switch ads at train stations in Tokyo:

While it might not seem like much, keep in mind this is Metroid we’re talking about here. Seeing Samus instead of Super Mario, Link or Animal Crossing is a big deal, and it’s great to see Nintendo giving the conclusion to the original Metroid saga the attention it deserves.

It seems the new entry for Switch is already on track to become possibly the best-selling Metroid game to date – with the title topping Amazon and other pre-order charts just days after it was announced. And with Metroid Prime 4 still on the way, Samus’ resurgence is likely to only get bigger and better.

Do you think Nintendo has done enough for Metroid Dread ahead of its release? Will you be picking up Dread when it arrives on the Switch on October 8th? Show your support in the comments below.



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