The Gamescom trailer for Metroid Dread has dropped and shows us a plethora of new and returning abilities that Samus will have in the upcoming game. The Chozo is also heavily featured in the trailer, shown in combat against Samus.
Pulse Radar
Pulse Radar is similar to the Scan Pulse that was introduced in Metroid: Samus Returns. Like the original, it scans Samus surrounding areas and reveals nearby blocks that can be destroyed.
Flash Shift
Flash Shift is a dash ability that allows Samus to travel a set distance forward or backwards in an instant. It is incredibly useful for traversing areas and dodging enemies.
Based on the gameplay footage, it looks to be quite similar to the dash ability in Hollow Knight, for those who want a comparison to another game (that also happens to be a Metroidvania).
Flash Shift looks to be an very interesting ability that modernizes the combat in Metroid games. Though, from the looks of it, it temporarily empties the Aeion Gauge before it refills to its original amount, which means it can’t be used alongside other Aeion abilities.
Storm Missile
Storm Missile looks quite similar to the Seeker Missile introduced in the Metroid Prime games. It appears to function similarly: lock-on to multiple targets and unleash missile on them.
The difference here, however, is that a barrage of missiles is fired at the targets instead of simply firing a single missile for each target locked on.
Cross Bomb
The Cross Bomb, in simplest terms, is like a Bomberman-like ability that detonates a bomb that exploded in all four directions.
Grapple Beam
The Grapple Beam returns, which allows Samus to latch onto certain grapple points to swing across obstacles and also pull aspects of the environment towards her, opening up paths or activating switches.
In Metroid Dread, however, it seems to have a function similar to The Legend of Zelda’s Clawshot, in that it allows Samus to latch onto the grapple point.
Ice Missiles
Ice Missiles return again. These have a freezing effect, and Samus can easily destroy frozen enemies with a follow-up attack. Furthermore, some enemies can be frozen to be used as platforms.
Speed Booster and Shinespark
Making a return is the Speed Booster. This allows Samus to run at great speed, smashing through certain obstacles as well as damaging enemies in her path. Think of it as the Juggernaut ability.
Credit: Nintendo Credit: Nintendo
When Samus is in her Speed Boost state, she can launch herself in a direction she chooses, allowing her to travel in a straight line at long distances.
Screw Attack
And finally, we have the Screw Attack, perhaps Metroid’s most iconic ability. With this ability, Samus performs a spin jump where she surrounds herself with powerful energy that damages enemies and breaks certain obstacles.
There are likely many more upgrades that will be acquired in the game, including Samus’ suit upgrades, as the trailer shows her suit’s appearance changing appearance throughout it. Metroid Dread releases worldwide on October 8.
You can also check out a previous Metroid Dread report that celebrates the series’ 35th Anniversary.
