Nearly two decades after its most recent installment, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 system on Dec. 4. Players who previously purchased the original Nintendo Switch version can also upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 version for enhanced graphics, quality-of-life features, and faster gameplay.
The last installment was released over 18 years ago, and there was no update or information on when the next Prime game would be released. But that changed during an E3 2017 Nintendo Direct when the game was finally unveiled, but no gameplay was shown. Recently, more information has been shared about the game, and this time, gameplay footage was shown so players could get a gist of what the game is like.
The other Metroid Prime games feature first-person shooter and action-adventure gameplay. The main setting is centered in space. The main protagonist of the games is Samus Aran. She’s the main playable character players control, and she has a bunch of abilities she uses during her space-galactic journey. During those adventures, players use Samus’s suit to navigate the level's environment and aim and shoot at nearby enemies.
Now, this latest installment stands out from the other Prime games. To begin with, a little story spoiler, the Galactic Federation Research Center is attacked, and Samus, upon hearing the distress call, arrives on a mysterious planet, where she gets tangled in an unexpected disaster. Now, she must explore and fight for survival on this unknown planet to find her way home.
On this new planet, Samus can explore different parts of the planet she’ll come across on her adventure. The first place players end up is in a lush jungle that’s full of plant life and beautiful scenery. Next, players can explore a factory poured into a darkness of thunderstorms. Then, there's a research lab in the icy climates. Lastly, players travel through a facility deep within a volcano surrounded by magma.
Samus has new abilities and powers to help her on her adventure. First, she has a power beam that players can use to fire rapidly. It also includes accurately targeted missiles. Shockingly, she can now jump for the first time in the series. She can dash while being locked onto an enemy. As the game progresses, Samus will be given psychic abilities. This ability allows players to control the beam's trajectory with the illusion of Samus’s mind, enabling them to defeat enemies. The psychic gloves let players manipulate energy to activate machines. These abilities allow the player to explore more of the worlds that are not accessible from the beginning.
Since the game dropped, I've been able to play it. The graphics on the Nintendo Switch 2 look visually stunning. The game has a nice balance of fast action and smooth gameplay. The combat is also super fluid, and shooting a power beam at enemies has never felt more satisfying. The worlds that are explored feel really big, open, and alive. It gives a sense of going on your own adventure rather than sticking to a path.
The biggest flaw in the game is that there’s a vast hub world to explore, but it feels silent and empty. It was discovered that to have music being played in this area, you need to have purchased a $30 amiibo to unlock it. Another flaw is that, despite the game being open to newcomers, some enemies are difficult to defeat, which may prevent players who are not as experienced as veteran players from progressing further.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a huge step up from the previous installments. It features new abilities, powers, worlds, and characters that justify the long wait for the game. This new game not only appeals to long-term fans but also to newcomers who want to try it.