An Appetizing Introduction

Despite Samus’ position as a founding fighter in Super Smash Bros., the Metroid series doesn’t get consistent releases the way Mario and Zelda titles do. Metroid Dread’s 2021 launch was the first original 2D entry in ages, and it seems Nintendo is ready to follow it up with Metroid Ravenous for the Switch 2. Its reveal trailer at the September Nintendo Direct showed off a dark tone, and the game is set to tell a story about Samus dealing with a dangerous new power.

“I was attacked by unknown assailants and sustained grave injuries,” Samus says during the trailer. “I don’t know where I am. Getting back to the surface won’t be easy. My chances of getting off this moon are slim at best. Still – I will survive. And I will make it home. Even if I have to feed on my enemies to do so. It’s eat or be eaten.”

As Samus says, her new ability in Ravenous has her draining the life force from her opponents. In one instance, she catches a four-legged alien that charges her and brutally lifts it by the throat. Her arm glows pink, and the alien slowly fades from existence. We also see a couple scenes where Samus attempts to drain the life from larger foes, going for gaps in bosses’ armor. While we won’t spoil Metroid Dread’s story, the power is likely connected to that game’s revelation.