Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of those sequels that takes a very long time to come out, but instead of turning into a mess, it ends up being a fairly solid successor. That is rare in this industry, especially for a game that went through such a long development cycle. The game was first announced in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and is finally releasing nearly eight years later as a cross-generation title for Switch 1 and Switch 2. The big question is whether the final product is worth the wait.
I am a big fan of the adventure-focused exploration found in the Metroid Prime series. My first real experience with it came through Metroid Prime Remastered. While the side-scrolling Metroid games will always be classics, the first-person adventure approach was a huge success. The original Metroid Prime trilogy is widely seen as one of the best adventure series to blend classic Metroid design with a new perspective. Because of that legacy, expectations for this new entry were high, and I can honestly say I was not disappointed when I played it.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes place on a planet called Viewros. The game does not actually begin there, however. Instead, it opens with a battle between the Federation and the Space Pirates, led by Samus’s longtime rival, Sylux. During the conflict, an ancient artifact is activated and ends up transporting Samus, Sylux, and others to Viewros. On the planet, Samus discovers new psychic abilities with the help of ancient inhabitants known as the Lamorn. They choose her as the Chosen One, tasking her with preserving their legacy by carrying a Memory Fruit.
The story in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is not the strongest in the series. The writing often feels flat, with dialogue that tries to be witty and engaging but does not quite land. The rivalry between Samus and Sylux is the most refreshing part of the narrative and often carries an otherwise dull plot. The weaker aspect is the handling of the various NPCs who appear during story moments. While the writers clearly try to humanize their relationship with Samus, it never feels fully developed. That said, story is not a major part of the overall experience, so it never became a serious issue for me.
When it comes to gameplay, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers in a big way. It is a first-person adventure game with only a light focus on shooting. The controls feel great, with the option to lock on to enemies while still allowing free aim. It is important to point out that this is not a traditional shooter. Exploration is the core experience. While locked on, you can move the cursor to target weak points on enemies. Strafing also returns and feels responsive, and it plays a key role in many boss battles.
The biggest new additions come in the form of psychic abilities. These are used smartly throughout the game in both environmental puzzles and combat. Abilities range from the Control Beam to the Psychic Bomb, along with telekinetic manipulation. The controls feel smooth, especially when switching quickly between Morph Ball and first-person view. It is clear that a lot of effort went into making the animations feel seamless. I also appreciated the variety of control options, including gyro and mouse support on Switch 2. It feels like the perfect game to show off mouse controls, and it stands out as a strong showcase for the Switch 2 hardware.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond feels experimental in the sense that the developers clearly tried to introduce new ideas. This includes NPCs who fight alongside Samus, as well as an open world and the addition of a bike called Vi-O-La that is used to travel across it. The bike initially feels stiff to control, but over time, it becomes more natural as you get used to it. The open world also adds more room for exploration and leads to satisfying discoveries if you take the time to dig deep enough.
The game is split into regions, and each one has something unique to offer. Reaching a new area and then searching for its key upgrade is always rewarding, as is using newly gained powers to unlock fresh secrets. Boss fights are enjoyable, but they also feel somewhat dated. Their design is often repetitive, relying on simple attack patterns that repeat. Each boss usually has a clear weakness that must be exploited using Samus’s unlocked abilities.
I am not a big fan of the new psychic abilities. They look impressive, but their execution feels a bit awkward. The game also feels very beginner-friendly, with companions frequently guiding you on where to go. There is even an in-game radio that points you toward the next objective. This approach may bother some longtime fans, but it clearly borrows from modern game design trends.
Technically, this feels like a highly polished release. While it may not be a visual showcase, the clean image quality makes everything look sharp. It is one of the few games that runs at 4K at 60 FPS on the Switch 2, even if it is upscaled. The game also supports 1080p at 120 FPS, which is very impressive. I found it best experienced in portable mode, where VRR support helps maintain a smoother 120 FPS experience.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond may not end up being the best entry in the series, but it is still a lot of fun for fans. As the next chapter in a series that has been dormant for more than a decade, it feels like the game checks most of the right boxes. If future entries can address some of its weaknesses while building on its strengths, the series can reach the heights of its earlier games again. For Switch 2 owners, this is a must have title, thanks to its strong technical performance and excellent use of the hardware.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Game Information
- Price: $69.99
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Retro Studios
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
