A New 2D Metroid Game Could Prove That Dread Was Just the Beginning
The rumored new 2D Metroid game could bring Samus’ new Metroid powers to the forefront, marking a turning point for the franchise.
As anticipation builds for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ahead of the Switch 2's launch, another Metroid game may be in the works for 2025 or 2026. The success of Metroid Dread in 2021 reignited interest in 2D Metroid games, making it possible for them to exist alongside the Metroid Prime games in a shared universe. According to reliable leaker Nash Weedle, who accurately predicted Metroid Dread's release, a new 2D Metroid game may follow in 2025, possibly expanding on the story threads laid down by its predecessor.
While Metroid Prime 4 will likely dominate discussions, the possibility of another 2D Metroid so soon after Dread has fans buzzing with excitement. If true, this new game could mark the start of an entirely new era for the franchise, with the potential to push Samus’ abilities and narrative forward in groundbreaking ways.
Samus’ Metroid Powers: A New Arc for the Series
At the climax of Metroid Dread, Samus undergoes a major transformation. The awakening of her Metroid DNA, triggered by the X Parasite vaccine from Metroid Fusion, sets the stage for a future where Samus embraces her newfound powers. While hints of these abilities appeared throughout Dread, it is during her final showdown with Raven Beak where Samus fully taps into her Metroid powers, including the dramatic acquisition of the Metroid Suit. This marks a pivotal moment for the character, signaling a clean break from her previous arcs.
For the first time in the series, Samus is no longer just the skilled bounty hunter we’ve known for years—she’s now connected to the Metroids themselves, which opens up fresh possibilities for gameplay and storytelling. A new 2D Metroid game could explore how Samus comes to terms with her Metroid DNA, learning to master her powers and navigate her complex identity.
What a New 2D Metroid Could Look Like
Metroid has always thrived on its interconnected maps and the journey of acquiring new weapons and suit upgrades. These elements have been core to the gameplay experience, but they’ve remained largely unchanged throughout the series. However, Metroid Dread has set the stage for a fresh take, with Samus’ new Metroid abilities providing an exciting opportunity to shake up the formula.
Samus’ primary Metroid power, siphoning energy from enemies, is an intriguing starting point for evolving the gameplay mechanics. Imagine a Metroid game where Samus can temporarily absorb the powers of the enemies she defeats, similar to how Zelda gains new abilities in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This ability would introduce new strategies for combat and exploration, allowing Samus to adapt her skills depending on the enemies she encounters. Players could tailor their approach to exploration and combat, opening the door for more dynamic playthroughs and non-linear gameplay in a traditional Metroid map.
This concept could mark a dramatic shift in how players approach the Metroid franchise, blending the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects with new, adaptive combat mechanics. Players would not only focus on acquiring weapons and upgrades but also on mastering the abilities they absorb, which could lead to entirely new ways of tackling challenges.
The Future of Metroid: A Bold New Direction
The potential for a new 2D Metroid game that fully embraces Samus’ Metroid powers is an exciting prospect for the series. With Samus now at a crossroads in her journey, the story could take on a fresh direction, focusing on her mastery of her Metroid DNA and the impact it has on her as a character and a hero. By pushing the boundaries of the established Metroid formula, this new game could prove that Metroid Dread was just the beginning of a thrilling new era for the franchise.
The rumors of another 2D Metroid game in the works point to a bright future for the series, one that builds on its past while embracing new innovations in gameplay and story. If these rumors hold true, 2025 or 2026 could mark the beginning of a bold new chapter for Samus Aran and her journey through the stars.