Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of the most anticipated Nintendo releases in years. Yes, you have guessed it right! The fourth Prime entry has finally arrived on Nintendo Switch and Switch after a troubled development cycle. However, it was scrapped once and rebuilt completely at the Retro Studios.
While testing this game for this Metroid Prime 4 review, I have found that it has quickly become clear that the game has soared to its highest moment. However, it occasionally stumbles due to pacing issues and modern design choices that clash with the iconic atmosphere of the franchise.
A Return to Atmospheric Exploration
The story opens with Sumus mysteriously transported to the alien world, where she starts resolving the ancient secrets of the Lamorn race. Do you know the biggest twist? Samus has gained new psychic abilities, which have enabled her to manipulate objects, shift platforms, unlock puzzles, and enhance her visor functions.
The power has brought a refreshing mechanic to exploration, if some puzzles feel like variations of classic Prime upgrades. Still, the thrill of scanning environments, discovering secrets, and navigating hauntingly beautiful corridors is at the heart of the Prime experience.
Gameplay: Classic Prime Combat with Modern Fluidity
Combat mainly sticks to the proven lock-on formula. However, it has the following major refinements:
- Faster dodges
- Smoother Morph Ball transitions
- Fluidly switch between visors
- Flashy elemental beams with both combat and puzzle uses
The boss fight is a highlight, as it is massive, cinematic, and tightly designed. However, some action-heavy segments feel more like mid-2000s corridor shooters than the atmospheric Metroid Prime formula fans adore.
The Biggest Misstep: The Desert Hub and Motorcycle
The Overworld hub, Sol Valley, is one of the most divisive parts of Metroid Prime 4, where Samus uses a new motorcycle to traverse a large desert. The bike controls well. However, the design feels outdated due to the following reasons:
- Sparse activities
- Repetitive encounters
- Few meaningful discoveries
- Forced padding through green-energy collection
The desert resembles an attempt at Zelda-style open-world exploration. However, it lacks the personality and depth needed to make it engaging.
Companions: Charming Yet Occasionally Overbearing
Samus frequently interact with Galactic Federation companions for the first time. However. Some characters add warmth and humour. In contrast, others deliver excessive one-liners and unwanted hints.
It is true that their presence brings cinematic flair to the gameplay. However, many longtime fans might find their chatter breaks Metroid’s signature sense of solitude. Thankfully, large stretches of the campaign still allow Samus to explore in atmospheric silence.
Visuals & Performance: Nintendo’s Most Stunning Game Yet
Here is where I want to appreciate this game in this Metroid Prime 4 Review. Moreover, the game runs on the Nintendo 2 Switch. In addition, it has the following elements:
- 4K 60 fps in quality mode
- 120 fps in performance mode
The environment of this game is breathtaking, as it includes gothic factories, storm-lashed cliffs, and glowing alien ruins. Moreover, extraordinary lighting, sound design, and art direction elevate it.
It holds a smooth 60 fps even on the original Switch. Hence, it proves that Retro Studios masterfully optimised both versions.
Level Design: More Zelda-Like, Less Labyrinthine
Unlike Metroid Prime 1’s big interconnected world, Metroid Prime 4 divides the map into separate large areas that work like individual dungeons. Below are the details about the map:
- Enter zone
- Acquire key upgrade
- Defeat boss
- Exit
This streamlined structure makes Metroid Prime 4 the most approachable entry for newcomers, but veterans might miss the deeper and maze-like exploration.
Story Weaknesses of Metroid Prime 4: An Underused Villain
The lore of the Lamorn race is attractive. However, the main villain, Sylux, plays a surprisingly small role despite years of buildups. It leaves parts of the narrative feeling incomplete, especially compared to the trilogy’s tightly crafted emotional arcs.
Final Verdict – A Brilliant Yet Imperfect Comeback
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a triumphant revival and a conflicted experiment. Moreover, its breathtaking worlds, tight combat, atmospheric solitude, and technical perfection make it a powerful addition to the franchise. However, its misjudged open-world hub, inconsistent pacing, and noisy companions prevent it from becoming a masterpiece.
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