Another intense peek at the Metroid Dread's E3 2021 reveal was the first time a look was given at the enemies and powerups Samus will find along her latest quest. Since then, Nintendo has only released short teasers surrounding the mystery of the game's plot, making this latest trailer one of the most substantial glimpses yet.
In the E3 Metroid Dread trailer and subsequent Nintendo Treehouse deep dive, it was revealed that Samus' Aeion Abilities from Metroid: Samus Returns would return in Dread, superpowered upgrades that consume the Aeion Gauge with use. Though the mechanic uses the same name as developer Mercury Steam's 3DS Metroid entry, the first Aeion Ability revealed in Dread was unique; the Phantom Cloak allows Samus to hide from the terrifying E.M.M.I. The Spider Magnet was another new upgrade shown at the time, indicating that Metroid Dread has a mix of returning features and fresh additions.
Now, return from classic Metroid is a chained-up reptile who appears to be the Space Pirate general Kraid.
A host of novel upgrades will be hidden around ZDR so that Samus can regain her lost powers. The Flash Shift is another brand-new Aeion Ability, and the Pulse Radar appears to be a reimagining of the Scan Pulse from Metroid: Samus Returns. The Grapple Beam, Ice Missile, Speed Booster, Shinespark, and Screw Attack are all confirmed to be returning in Dread, as well. Meanwhile, the Storm Missile seems like a modern rendition of the Seeker Missile from the Metroid Prime series, and the Cross Bomb upgrade adds power to the Morph Ball Bomb players know and love. Eagle-eyed viewers may also notice Samus's Metroid Dread suit changing during different parts of the trailer.
The trailer indicates an encouraging direction for Metroid Dread. Nostalgic themes from previous games have clearly been innovated upon rather than reintroduced without change, and they're matched by an apparent breadth of all-new opponents, powers, and other sci-fi spectacles.
Despite the myriad confirmations and details in the second trailer, much of Metroid Dread's story remains a mystery. While the ancient Chozo are suspect, the reason behind the Federation's E.M.M.I. robot's betrayal is still unknown. Metroid Dread's October release is fast-approaching, and the enigma of its plot is only growing.
Metroid Dread will release for Nintendo Switch on October 8, 2021.
Source: Nintendo/YouTube, Metroid Dread