《密特羅德 生存恐懼》（メトロイド ドレッド / Metroid Dread）是由MercurySteam與任天堂共同開發，於2021年10月8日發行於Switch平台的2D動作冒險遊戲，也是「Metroid」系列正統編年史的第五部作品，同時是橫向卷軸類型的回歸之作，距離上一部2D正統新作已經時隔近19年之久。承接《Metroid Fusion》的劇情脈絡，繼續講述賞金獵人薩姆斯・亞蘭（Samus Aran）在銀河聯邦指派下前往神秘星球「ZDR」執行任務的經歷，並逐步揭露她與Chozo族的關聯、X寄生生物的後續影響，以及自身的真實力量。

劇情方面，以極具張力的氛圍與緊湊節奏進行推進。故事開始於銀河聯邦接收到X寄生體可能尚未滅絕的情報後，派出偵查機器人E.M.M.I.前往ZDR星球，卻全部失聯。薩姆斯作為唯一能抵抗X的戰士，奉命前往調查，結果卻在抵達後被神秘的Chozo戰士擊敗、失去能力並困在星球深處，須逐步重獲能力、深入探索整個星球，最終揭示隱藏在背後的真相。整體故事以少量對白與環境敘事為主，強化孤獨與未知感，逐漸拼湊出薩姆斯的命運與Chozo族的過往，也象徵著「恐懼」（Dread）與「覺醒」的雙重主題。

操作上，是系列中操作最為流暢、動作最豐富的之作。可以奔跑、滑壘、攀牆、空中翻滾與反擊等多樣化機動能力，配合經典的變形球、導彈、冰雷射、閃避加速器（Shinespark）與空中多段跳等強化技能，使探索與戰鬥更加自由靈活。特別是「近戰反擊」與「滑壘閃避」這兩項動作大幅提升面對敵人時的即時反應感，在節奏快速的戰鬥中創造出攻守平衡的高張力局面。此外，部分段落需要進行E.M.M.I.追擊逃生，在這些時候無法與E.M.M.I.正面交戰，必須依靠潛行與路線規劃脫逃，進一步提升遊戲緊張氣氛。

關卡設計上，完整保留經典「Metroidvania」的開放式探索精神，ZDR星球被分為九大區域，包括火山地帶、冰雪洞窟、水下基地、工業設施與古代遺跡等，每個區域風格明確、機關巧妙、氣氛強烈，透過傳送點、電梯、門鎖與技能限制構築起層層遞進的探索體驗。會隨著主角取得新技能開啟原本無法通過的路徑，並鼓勵回頭探查、尋找隱藏道具與升級資源。每一區亦安排多場激烈的頭目戰，敵人設計獨特、機制多變，從變異生物到高科技機械乃至Chozo戰士，皆需玩家掌握時機與技能應用，才能順利擊倒。

E.M.M.I.系統可說是核心特色。這些曾被銀河聯邦派遣的高智能機器人如今遭受控制、成為無法阻擋的威脅。每個E.M.M.I.區域都有獨立的巡邏範圍與警戒系統，進入後需潛行或高速逃脫，一旦被發現將進入高壓的追逐狀態，被捕捉幾乎必死無疑。這種「恐懼管理」成為遊戲節奏上的亮點，也給予玩家心理與技術層面的雙重挑戰。而最終獲得特殊武器後能反殺E.M.M.I.的設計，也創造出層層解鎖的成就感。

就市場評價而言，獲得壓倒性的正面回應。評論一致讚賞其精緻的畫面表現、絲滑的操作手感、緊湊的關卡節奏與氣氛營造。許多老玩家認為它是系列自《Super Metroid》以來最佳的2D續作，而新玩家也因本作直覺化設計與教學流程迅速進入狀況。IGN給予本作9/10分，認為它成功結合系列精髓與現代遊戲設計；Game Informer與GameSpot亦給出高分。特別受到讚譽的包括BOSS戰的刺激設計、E.M.M.I.系統的創新機制，以及將經典探索與現代動作融合的成熟表現。

商業表現方面，《Metroid Dread》成為系列史上銷量最高作品，截至2023年累計銷量已突破300萬套，不僅讓這個原本偏向小眾的系列重獲新生，也顯示2D探索型遊戲在當代市場依然有強大吸引力。它不只是技術層面完成度極高的作品，更是對整個《Metroid》宇宙歷史與薩姆斯角色本質的深刻總結，為系列的未來鋪陳出新的可能性。

Metroid Dread (Japanese title: メトロイド ドレッド / Metroid Dread) is a 2D action-adventure game jointly developed by MercurySteam and Nintendo, released for the Nintendo Switch on October 8, 2021. It marks the fifth entry in the main Metroid chronology and represents a long-awaited return to the side-scrolling format — nearly 19 years after the last original 2D Metroid title. Continuing the narrative of Metroid Fusion, the game follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she is dispatched by the Galactic Federation to the mysterious planet ZDR. There, she gradually uncovers the hidden connections between herself and the ancient Chozo race, the lingering effects of the X Parasite, and the truth behind her own latent powers.

The story unfolds with an intense, suspenseful atmosphere and brisk pacing. It begins when the Galactic Federation receives intelligence suggesting the possible survival of the X Parasite, prompting them to send a group of E.M.M.I. reconnaissance robots to planet ZDR — all of which mysteriously go missing. As the only warrior immune to the X Parasite, Samus is sent to investigate. Upon arrival, however, she is ambushed by a mysterious Chozo warrior, stripped of her abilities, and left stranded in the planet’s depths. She must gradually reclaim her powers, explore the vast environment, and ultimately uncover the shocking truth behind the planet and its inhabitants. The story is told with minimal dialogue and a focus on environmental storytelling, enhancing the feelings of isolation and uncertainty while gradually piecing together Samus’s destiny and the Chozo’s past — reflecting the dual themes of “Dread” and “Awakening.”

In terms of gameplay, this is the smoothest and most versatile entry in the series. Samus can run, slide, wall-climb, air-dodge, counterattack, and more, combining these moves with classic abilities like the Morph Ball, Missiles, Ice Beam, Shinespark, and multi-jump upgrades. These mechanics make exploration and combat far more agile and dynamic. The addition of melee counters and slide-dodging greatly enhances real-time responsiveness in combat, striking a tense balance between offense and defense in fast-paced encounters. Certain sequences involve fleeing from relentless E.M.M.I. units, where direct combat is impossible. During these moments, players must rely on stealth, map awareness, and clever route planning to survive, significantly heightening the game’s tension.

The level design stays true to the classic “Metroidvania” open-ended exploration spirit. The planet ZDR is divided into nine distinct areas, including volcanic zones, icy caverns, underwater bases, industrial facilities, and ancient ruins — each with a unique visual identity, cleverly placed traps, and strong atmospheric presence. The world is interconnected through teleporters, elevators, locked doors, and skill-based progression barriers, offering a layered and evolving exploration experience. As new abilities are acquired, previously inaccessible paths become open, encouraging players to backtrack and uncover hidden items and upgrades. Each area also features multiple intense boss battles, with distinct enemy designs and varied mechanics, ranging from mutated beasts and advanced machines to powerful Chozo warriors — requiring precise timing and mastery of abilities to defeat.

At the heart of the experience is the E.M.M.I. system, one of the game’s signature features. These highly intelligent reconnaissance robots, once deployed by the Galactic Federation, have now been hijacked and turned into unstoppable threats. Each E.M.M.I. zone has its own patrol routes and alert system, and once detected, players are thrust into a high-stakes chase. Getting caught typically means instant death, creating a persistent “fear management” element that punctuates the game’s pacing. Eventually, players gain access to special weapons capable of defeating E.M.M.I. units, providing both a strategic payoff and a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

In terms of reception, Metroid Dread received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Critics widely praised its polished visuals, fluid controls, tight level pacing, and masterful atmosphere. Many veteran players hailed it as the best 2D entry since Super Metroid, while newcomers found the intuitive design and accessible tutorials easy to pick up. IGN awarded the game a 9/10, lauding its successful fusion of classic series elements with modern game design. Outlets such as Game Informer and GameSpot also gave high scores, with particular praise for the thrilling boss battles, innovative E.M.M.I. mechanics, and the seamless blend of classic exploration with contemporary action elements.

Commercially, Metroid Dread became the best-selling title in the series’ history. As of 2023, total sales have surpassed 3 million copies, revitalizing what was once a niche franchise and proving the enduring market appeal of 2D exploration-based games. It’s not only a technically accomplished title but also a profound narrative and thematic culmination of the Metroid universe, offering deep insights into Samus’s character and setting new possibilities for the future of the series.