Metroid Dread

A surprise sequel after nearly 20 years, Metroid Dread brings back the legendary exploration and progression and merges it with excellent modern combat and some of the best boss fights ever.

More than anything else, Metroid Dread feels like going back to a place of comfort after a long time away. Though the gameplay is refined and new features have been added to the mix, Dread sticks closely to the formula of its predecessors. In the end, for longtime fans like myself, that's probably for the best.

A stylish, visually sumptuous return for 2D Metroid, and an adventure that proudly sits alongside the series' best.

There I was, many hours into Metroid Dead, completely stumped as to where I should go. And I was loving every minute of it.

Frustrating boss battles and cumbersome controls distract from an otherwise fun and isolating adventure

Intense combat and a series of challenging boss fights require a high level of play, but the thrill of victory is incredibly sweet

Samus Aran's return after 20 years is welcome – but other games have taken up her mantle in the meantime

In design terms, what most impressed me about “Metroid Dread” was how the developers guide you through the game’s sprawling areas. Although there is ample incentive to backtrack after Samus acquires a new powerup, the game never wasted my time. At no point was I needlessly sent crisscrossing over environments to determine where to go next. Usually, when Samus acquires a new powerup, there is a place nearby where she can use it to open a previously-unexplored suite of rooms. The game does not lack internal momentum.

With a near-perfect balance of nods to the past and fresh ideas, Metroid Dread brings cinematic flair, fast-paced action and a surprising story to the side-scrolling classic. This is the comeback fans have been waiting for.

Metroid Dread is likely to give those that have been counting down the days to its release exactly what they want: a thrilling experience in line with what they loved about past games.