Should I Play Metroid Fusion Before Metroid Dread?
As a long-time fan of the Metroid series, you might be wondering if you should play Metroid Fusion before diving into the latest installment, Metroid Dread. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between the two games and help you decide if playing Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread is a good idea.
Is Metroid Fusion a Prequel or a Sequel?
Before we dive into whether you should play Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread, let’s clarify their relationship. Metroid Fusion is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that was released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance. Metroid Dread, on the other hand, is a first-person action-adventure game that was released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch. While both games are part of the Metroid series, they do not follow a linear storyline. Instead, they take place in the same universe but have different settings and characters.
What Happens in Metroid Fusion?
For those who might not know, Metroid Fusion follows the story of Samus Aran as she faces off against a new villain, the Space Pirates. The game takes place after the events of Super Metroid and before the events of Metroid Prime. In the game, Samus discovers a mysterious DNA sample that alters her ability to use the Power Suit, forcing her to battle against her own clones and other enemies to uncover the truth behind the Space Pirates’ sinister plans.
What Happens in Metroid Dread?
Metroid Dread is a sequel to Metroid Fusion, but it doesn’t require players to have played Fusion to understand its story. The game follows Samus Aran once again, but this time, she is on the planet ZDR, trying to find the last survivor of a group of astronauts who vanished during a space mission. As Samus delves deeper into the planet’s mysteries, she discovers a mysterious organization, the Federation, that seems to be behind the strange occurrences on ZDR.
Is It Necessary to Play Metroid Fusion Before Metroid Dread?
While both games share a common universe, playing Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread is not strictly necessary to understand the story of the latter game. However, playing Metroid Fusion might enhance your experience of Metroid Dread, especially if you appreciate the connection between the two games.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to play Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread:
- Character Connection: Playing Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread gives you a better understanding of Samus’s character development and her connection to the Space Pirates and the DNA sample that changed her. This knowledge will help you appreciate her determination and fighting spirit in Metroid Dread.
- Storylore: Metroid Fusion provides backstory to the Metroid universe, including the events leading up to Metroid Dread. Understanding the events in Fusion will help you connect the dots and appreciate the connections between the two games.
- Gameplay Style: Playing Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread allows you to experience a different gameplay style, with a focus on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. This style is less intense than the first-person shooter gameplay of Metroid Dread, which might provide a refreshing change of pace.
However, Playing Metroid Fusion Before Metroid Dread is Not Mandatory
If you don’t plan to play Metroid Fusion, you can still enjoy Metroid Dread without missing out on essential information. Metroid Dread includes a comprehensive introduction to its story, characters, and setting, making it accessible to new players.
Here are a few reasons why you might not need to play Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread:
- In-Game Tutorials: Metroid Dread includes extensive tutorials and exposition that will help you understand the story and gameplay mechanics. This means you won’t feel lost or disconnected from the game’s events.
- Newcomer-Friendly: Metroid Dread is designed to be an entry point for new players, so even if you haven’t played Metroid Fusion, you can still enjoy the game without worrying about missing key information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing Metroid Fusion before Metroid Dread is not necessary but can provide a richer gaming experience for fans of the series. If you have time to play both games, you can enjoy the nostalgia and exploration of Metroid Fusion, which will add depth to your understanding of Metroid Dread. However, if you’re short on time or prefer the first-person shooter gameplay of Metroid Dread, you can still enjoy the game without feeling left behind.