Metroid Dreadcaused a huge stir on its reveal, and the hype has not slowed down. One of themost anticipated games slated for release in fall 2021, especially by Nintendo fans, it is the first 2DMetroidgame in many years.
A return to form for 2DMetroidgames,Metroid Dreadalso brings a host of new elsements and lesser utilized elements from previous titles in the franchise. New foes seem both plentiful and frightening, but not every boss and enemy is a new face. One boss in particular is making an unexpected return, but in a slightly different situation than before.
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In thelatest trailer forMetroid Dread, Samus was briefly shown facing off against an old foe. Not exactly one of the main characters or foes from a previous title, but a very recognizable one nonetheless: Kraid. A staple from early titles, Kraid is a giant pot-bellied space dragon, and one of the most recognizable bosses of theMetroidseries, even getting a cameo in aSuper Smash Brosstage. In the trailer, Kraid is still easily recognizable, but a bit redesigned and, most interestingly, chained to the wall.
Kraid’s manacles and collar bolt him to the wall securely, seemingly making him less of a threat to Samus. This likely won’t be the case of course, since Kraid is likely standing in the way of something she needs. As a literally half-screen sized roadblock, Kraid has previosuly been introduced as a boss that tests patience and platforming. For this new incarnation, little gameplay has been revealed yet, but it will be interesting to see how being chained up hinders and changes Kraid’s movement. Of course, this raises the question: which ofMetroid Dread’s new deadly enemiesmanaged to capture and chain up Kraid?
It’s possible that the new Chozo foe managed to capture Kraid, but that’s not the scariest scenario. The recentMetroid Dreadtrailer also highlighted the X-Parasite, a returning threat that makes many enemies even deadlier. Ridley become infected when the X-Parasite last graced the franchise, and it may well be Kraid’s turn for an X-Parasite surprise this time.
Whatever the case, Kraid’s appearance is a good callback toMetroid’s past, and chaining him to the wall leans hard intoMetroid Dread’s threatening theme. Whatever foes Samas has to take out that captured Kraid are clearl not to be trifled with. It’s just one of the reasons whyMetroid Dreadcould be leading into the franchise’s best years.
Metroid Dreadis currently slated to release on August 08, 2025 for Nintendo Switch.
