I never thought I'd see the day; during the E3 2021 Direct event, Nintendo revealed a big surprise for Metroid fans. Metroid Dread has been brought back from the dead and will be released on Switch this year.

This will be the first new 2D Metroid since 2002's Metroid Fusion; the 3DS had Samus Returns, but that was a remake of Metroid II. In other words, "Metroid Dread" is the first new Metroid in 19 years. Back in the day, it was rumored to be the successor to Metroid Fusion, so old fans will recognize the name. It is thought to feature a darker story that leans more toward the horror elements introduced by Fusion.

The trailer we saw at Direct seemed to be trying to tell a dark sci-fi story that would push the heroine, Samus Aran, to her limits. From new mobility abilities to power-ups, Samus seems to have received several upgrades since defeating X-Parasite and SA-X at the BSL station, including a Metroid DNA-based fusion suit.

My excitement for "Metroid Dread" is beyond description. Nothing was announced about Metroid Prime 4, but Nintendo did mention that they are still hard at work on a sequel to the popular trilogy. So it looks like we will still have to wait for that one.

"Metroid Dread" has a lot for Metroid fans to respond to, but Nintendo has a way of pulling off impressive feats. We can't wait for the next Prime, but in the meantime, there is plenty to do with Dredd. The trailer Nintendo released is eerie and features a new take on the popular theme song that first appeared in Super Metroid.

The first new 2D Metroid game in 19 years will be released on the Switch on October 8, 2021. Yes, I'm counting down my fingers for that date.