5 Years Later, Metroid Dread’s Perfect Ending Is Still One of Nintendo’s Best

Five years after its release, Metroid Dread continues to hold a special place in my memory. The game's thrilling ending, in particular, remains vivid in my mind. In Metroid Dread, Samus Aran is sent to the planet ZDR by the Galactic Federation to retrieve EMMI robots that were sent to find the last living X parasites. The mission takes a dark turn when Samus is captured by a Chozo warrior named Raven Beak and left stranded with no power-ups.

This leads to a terrifying escape story where Samus becomes prey to the robot EMMI, who want to extract her Metroid DNA.

The central theme of the game revolves around Samus' struggle with her own body, as the Metroid DNA within her leads to a monstrous transformation. This brings to light a personal horror story of a woman slowly becoming the very thing she dedicated her life to killing. Metroid Dread's powerful ending effectively captures this conflict, as Samus faces her deepest fear: becoming a Metroid herself.

The Metroid DNA fully takes over, turning Samus into a green-skinned hulking creature, leaving her in a Kafkaesque metamorphosis. This haunting moment raises the question of whether Samus is in control of her body or acting on instinct during the fight against Raven Beak.

While the game ends with Samus flying off into space, still hunted and reduced to an animal state, the sequel, Metroid Ravenous, looks set to delve deeper into these themes. With Samus now embodying the very Metroid species she once fought to eradicate, her arm has become a crucial part of her survival. The Metroid suit will also play a larger role, potentially adding an exciting new dimension to Samus' relationship with her host body.