From the moment Metroid Prime 4: Beyond boots on the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s a sense of weight – of legacy, expectation, and the hope that the long wait might finally pay off. And for the most part, it does. The game delivers long stretches of that atmospheric, slow-burn exploration and tension that defined the original trilogy, marrying it with modern polish and a few smart new ideas that often enrich the core Metroid experience.
The premise – Samus Aran teleported to an alien world, stripped of much of her gear, forced to rebuild her arsenal while uncovering the mysteries of a lost civilization and confronting a familiar nemesis, Sylux – provides a solid foundation. In these early sections and inside the game’s many dungeon-like areas, Beyond feels like a worthy successor to what came before. The re-introduction of scanning and exploration, combined with the game’s non-linear structure and the thrill of discovering hidden lore, recaptures the old sense of alien isolation and wonder.
Gameplay largely hits the mark – combat is responsive, the classic lock-on + aimed shooting works as intended, and the addition of new psychic powers (courtesy of the in-game Lamorn civilization) gives exploration and puzzles a fresh spin. These powers allow Samus to manipulate objects, reveal hidden pathways or platforms, and interact with ancient machinery in ways that feel organic rather than tacked on.
Graphically and technically, on Switch 2 the game shines. The option to choose between “Quality” (4K/60 fps docked) and “Performance” (1080p/120 fps) modes ensures smooth, clean gameplay even in more action-heavy or visually complex moments – an important upgrade that gives even longtime fans a real “next-gen” feel. Environments, creature designs, lighting: when Beyond hits its stride, it stands among the most visually impressive entries in the series. The sound design and musical score – with its eerie ambient tones punctuated by more dramatic crescendos – further reinforce immersion, and the English voice acting works well against well-translated subtitles.
Yet the game isn’t without flaws, and some of its modern flourishes prove double-edged. The central hub – the desert region of Sol Valley, navigated via the new motorcycle VI-O-La – often feels empty and lifeless. Vast stretches of barren terrain, minimal enemy presence, and long, tedious backtracking with little reward turn what should provide freedom into one of the weakest spots of the experience. Even the motorcycle, which initially promises a fun new way to explore, struggles to meaningfully enrich the journey: its novelty wears off quickly in a world that doesn’t really demand its use.
Likewise, not all combat encounters manage to balance against the game’s best moments. Occasionally weaker enemies – or simply formulaic combat sequences – feel like padding, especially in contrast with the more thoughtful, puzzle- or strategy-based boss fights and dungeon work. This inconsistency in pacing and encounter design can at times undermine immersion, especially when it pulls away from what makes classic Metroid so compelling: clever level design, atmospheric dread, and a sense of genuine discovery.
Finally, by trying to streamline progression and make the game more accessible – with more guidance, slightly easier difficulty, and a somewhat more “forgiving” structure – Beyond softens some of the challenging, disorienting edge that longtime fans loved about earlier entries. For players seeking that older, more punishing Metroidvania feel, the gentler curve and occasional hand-holding may disappoint, though the largest audience will likely embrace it.
In the end, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond doesn’t revolutionize the series – it doesn’t need to. What it offers is a respectful, often impressive return to form: beautiful environments, strong core gameplay, and just enough innovation to keep things interesting without discarding what made the original games great. For fans hungry for more Samus, more alien mysteries and more exploring in dark, foreboding corridors – this is a homecoming worth your time. The ride through Sol Valley may wobble now and then, but the moments of tension, wonder and revelation are more than enough to remind you why you loved Metroid in the first place.
Score: 8.4/10
Press Play Media 