In classicMetroidfashion,Metroid Dreadhides several valuable items in the various nooks and crannies of planet ZDR’s multiple regions. And in classic fashion, several of these will be hidden behind specialized blocks and barriers that require aspecific piece of Samus’ equipmentto break through.
For those looking to collect every item in the game, the returning Speed Booster upgrade is vital. Not just because it lets players plow through most enemies and certain blocks with ease, but also because it unlocks anextra ability that newMetroid Dreadplayers might not be aware of, one that’s key to reaching some of the game’s most hard-to-reach items: the Shinespark.
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How to Use the Shinespark
Once players collect the Speed Booster by defeating the EMMI robot in Dairon, they’re able to charge up Samus and have her run at high speeds. TheShinespark, however, makes it so players can direct Samus’ boost in any direction, allowing her to shoot through the air and destroy Speed Booster blocks that would be out of reach otherwise.
To use the Shinespark,Metroid Dreadplayers must first start up the Speed Booster by holding down the left stick while running a short distance. The Shinespark can then be charged up by crouching at any point while running, which causes Samus to stop and store up boost energy, as evidenced by her armor emitting a purple glow. Once in position, the Shinespark can be activated by holding down the B button and tilting the left stick in the direction players want to go.
Shinespark Tips and Tricks
The main thing to keep in mind with the Shinespark is that a charge only last five seconds, giving players very little time to get in position to fire one off. Some of thetrickiest Speed Booster challenges inMetroid Dreadare built around this restriction, as they place Speed Booster blocks (and the valuable collectibles they’re blocking off) at the end of long, twisting pathways well beyond the stretches of flat ground needed to charge up a boost.
Players can get around most of these by wall-jumping while boosting, as that allows them to change directions while maintaining their momentum. Other challenges, however, require players to fire off a Shinespark while in midair. Although it’s impossible to activate a Shinespark while spin-jumping (jumping while running left or right), players can cancel out of a spin-jump by pressing the Y button.
Furthermore, players can use the Shinespark while in Morph Ball form and shoot through narrow gaps. It’s also possible to switch to the Morph Ball while boosting by double-tapping the ZL button and then tapping it again to switch back. With some practice, players will be able to get the most out of the Speed Booster and the Shinespark and get that much closer to a100% completion rate inMetroid Dread.
