Metroid Dread - Entry 2: First Encounters on ZDR

When I land my ship on ZDR, I take an elevator into the depths of the planet to investigate a facility. As I descend, I begin to lose connection with my ship's AI, Adam. Just before losing signal, Adam instructs me to look for a network station that I can use to reconnect with it. 

When I exit the elevator, I encounter a mysterious Chozo warrior that appears to have been waiting for me. It is prepared for a fight wearing ceremonial silver armor, a decorative headpiece, and a red draping cloak. It immediately attacks me and in the ensuing battle, the elevator I had used was destroyed. This warrior overpowers me, and as he holds me, defeated, by the neck in his outstretched arm he speaks to me in the Chozo language.

Hadar....sen omen. ("Power is Everything")

But just before I lose consciousness I feel a strange surge that courses through my entire body. 

When I regain consciousness I am laying on the floor of the cave with the destroyed elevator across a chasm in the distance. The chozo warrior may have left me alive but my Power Suit is in a significantly weakened state, stripped of its components. Stranded in ZDR’s lowest depths, I venture onward—alone—to find a way to return to my ship.

As I make my way through the deep caves, I discover a Network Station that I use to connect with Adam. I grow suspicious when it refers to me as “Samus” rather than it's normal call name for me, “Lady.” Given the Chozo’s technological prowess, I cannot assume these stations are secure—I must consider the possibility that they’ve been compromised. Still, with few options available, I proceed to upload my data.

Adam comments on the strange circumstances surrounding my sudden loss of consciousness during the encounter with the unknown Chozo warrior. He also notes that dramatic physical changes appear to have occurred within me, which could also explain my current weakened state. I must return to my ship on the surface as soon as possible.

I’m able to download some data about the planet, revealing that this area is called Artaria. It is a subterranean zone in the deepest part of the planet. It is a blend of natural cave systems and pools with long abandoned scientific infrastructure. I recognize aspects of the architecture and high-tech infrastructure to be distinctively of Chozo design.

Pressing forward into the facility, I move cautiously, aware of the limited capabilities of my stripped down Power Suit. I search for materials that might help me restore its functionality. Along the way, I locate a few containers that increase my missile capacity. I also encounter several sealed doors that I’m currently unable to open, making a mental note of their locations for later.

Dropping into a more central section of the facility, I’m confronted by E.M.M.I.-01P, which emerges menacingly from a steam-shrouded corridor—my only path forward. Though visibly damaged, the unit’s core targeting systems remain operational. But something is wrong. The research robot locks onto me without hesitation and starts coming towards me with what appears to be an intent to "sample" me! My blaster is useless against its reinforced armor, and with no clear escape, panic threatens to overtake me.

But its damaged limb proves to be my narrow advantage. As it lunges to grab me, I manage to knock away its arm, momentarily stunning it. Seizing the opportunity, I slide beneath its legs and leap to a raised platform. The E.M.M.I., crippled by its injuries, cannot climb after me. I’m safe—for now.

The next room is a dead end, but at its center is a strange Central Unit energy core unlike anything I’ve encountered on ZDR so far. It reminds me of biological AI that controls and directs facility operations—like a mini-Mother Brain. As I approach, the energy surges into my suit, temporarily supercharging my arm cannon. My blaster evolves into the Omega Beam—a weapon capable of piercing E.M.M.I. armor. However, my suit can’t fully contain this raw energy. I can feel its instability, and I know I’ll only have a few precious shots before it dissipates.

I return to face E.M.M.I.-01P.

The unit reacts instantly, lunging toward me—but this time, I’m ready. I charge the Omega Beam and release a concentrated blast, tearing through its armored shell and destroying it. The threat is neutralized. With the residual power of the beam, I fire again, this time at a sealed door. The blast is enough to force it open, but the energy fades immediately afterward.

The Omega Beam is gone—but a new path lies ahead. I press forward, deeper into the facility, uncertain of what awaits, but more determined than ever.

I press deeper into Artaria, navigating a labyrinthine path that feels increasingly restrictive. With so many of my Power Suit’s abilities stripped away, my path is limited, and each obstacle feels like a reminder of how vulnerable I’ve become. My surroundings grow colder, darker—the mechanical pulse of the facility echoing around me like a warning.

Eventually, I encounter a strange electromagnetic barrier. Unlike others I’ve seen, this one seems to react subtly to my presence. Tentatively, I pass through it. Before I can get my bearings, I sense movement above.

Without warning, E.M.M.I.-02SM drops from the ceiling.

Its optics flash red as it locks onto me, fully operational and unscathed. I freeze for half a second—but that’s all it needs to begin its pursuit. Knowing my weapons are useless against it, I turn and sprint. The terrain narrows, and I slide through a tight crevice just ahead—too small for the E.M.M.I. to follow directly.

But it doesn’t stop.

I catch a glimpse of it leaping upward, scanning for an alternate route to flank me. Its persistence is chilling. I move faster, scanning for a way out. The facility is a twisted maze of metal and shadow, and I can hear its movements echoing behind me, gaining.

Just ahead—another narrow passage. I drop into a slide, barely fitting through, and burst into the room beyond. The electromagnetic barrier hums just behind me as I pass through it again.

On the other side, I stop, knowing it can’t follow me. For now, I’ve escaped—but I need to find a way to fight back before my options run out.

Shortly after escaping the E.M.M.I., I locate another Network Station tucked into a quiet chamber of the facility. I connect to it and link with Adam. The moment the data sync completes, his voice crackles through the comms, steady and analytical.

"Based on your encounters, it is evident that both E.M.M.I. units were attempting to capture you. Given their behavior, we must assume they have been compromised—hacked and reprogrammed."

The weight of his words settles heavily. I had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed sends a chill through me. These machines were designed for research, not pursuit. Not murder.

Adam continues, detailing their detection systems. "E.M.M.I. units operate within designated zones. These areas are heavily monitored. If an E.M.M.I. detects a disturbance, it will enter a heightened alert state. If it detects your exact location, it will engage pursuit immediately."

He pauses for emphasis before concluding, "Your current weapons are insufficient. Should an E.M.M.I. capture you, survival is unlikely. Therefore, your highest priority within an E.M.M.I. zone is to avoid detection entirely. Stealth, speed, and escape must take precedence over combat. In these areas, your mission is simple: survive."

His voice fades from the speaker, leaving me alone with the cold truth. I disconnect from the station and move to the next door, every footstep now weighed with renewed caution.

This isn't just about completing the mission anymore. It's about staying one step ahead of an enemy that doesn't tire, doesn't hesitate—and won’t stop until I’m dead.