Imagine waiting 18 long years for a game sequel, only to discover it defies all your expectations in the most thrilling way possible—that's the exhilarating rollercoaster of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. As a lifelong fan, I've been on the edge of my seat since the cliffhanger ending of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption back in 2007, dreaming up what the perfect next chapter could be. Now, with this Switch 2 edition, Retro Studios has delivered something utterly unexpected, and trust me, that's a win. But here's where it gets controversial: not everyone might love the bold choices they've made. Let's dive in and explore why this could be their masterpiece yet, and why some players might feel torn.
For those new to the Metroid series, think of it as an epic sci-fi adventure where you play as bounty hunter Samus Aran, uncovering secrets in vast, alien worlds. The original Metroid Prime on GameCube revolutionized the franchise by blending first-person action with exploration, and Beyond builds on that foundation in ways that feel evolutionary yet groundbreaking. If you've wondered where Nintendo might steer the series after such a hiatus, this game answers with a resounding bang.
Right from the start, Beyond pulls you into a gripping prologue on the planet Tanamaar. Here, Samus teams up with Galactic Federation soldiers to fend off an assault by the villain Sylux and his Space Pirate allies. It's a fantastic warm-up, letting you brush up on classic moves like firing beam weapons, launching missiles, rolling into a morph ball for tight spaces, and executing double jumps. But in true Metroid tradition, this setup is short-lived—Sylus ambushes you, stripping away most of your gear and transporting Samus to the enigmatic Viewros, where you're stranded in a dangerous, creature-filled wilderness. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just a reset; it's the perfect setup for a fresh mystery.
The core plot introduces the Lamorn, a new alien race that serves as the Chozo equivalent in this installment—wise, ancient beings you gradually learn about through exploration. You don't need any prior knowledge of the series to enjoy unraveling their fate; it's accessible yet rich. Gone are the elements like Phazon corruption or Dark Samus from past games, replaced by Sylux as the primary antagonist who gets plenty of spotlight. Veterans will spot nods to the lore, but beginners can jump right in without feeling lost. For example, if you've never played a Metroid game, imagine exploring a planet that's equal parts beautiful and deadly, like discovering an alien civilization's secrets through puzzles and combat.
Visually, Beyond is a stunner—quite possibly the most gorgeous title Nintendo has ever released. Wandering the vibrant Fury Green biome for the first time, I was struck by how alive everything feels, from the detailed environments to the lifelike creatures. Lighting effects and particles bring it all to vivid life, and the art direction is so captivating that you'll often pause just to admire the scenery. If you compare it to the remastered Metroid Prime on Switch, the leap is undeniable—colors pop more, textures are sharper, and it's all enhanced by the Scan Visor, which lets you examine and catalog discoveries. This isn't just eye candy; it draws you deeper into the world, making exploration feel like a personal journey.
Complementing the visuals is a soundtrack that's arguably the best since the original Prime. You've probably heard snippets from trailers, like the adventurous Fury Green theme, but each biome has its own standout track—from the pulsing energy of Volt Forge to the serene vibes of Base Camp. I once spent 10 minutes just relaxing in Base Camp, letting the music and visuals wash over me, realizing this game has that timeless quality you'd replay years later. Paired with the audio, these moments create emotional highs that elevate Beyond to 'special' status.
The enemies and bosses are another highlight, featuring some of the most imaginative and grotesque designs in the series. Battles are intense and varied, never relying on nostalgic favorites like Ridley—instead, introduce fresh threats like the aggressive Grievers, self-destructing Pyremites, and lethal Psy-Bots. I'd love a 3D model viewer like in Prime Remastered to fully appreciate their designs, but even without it, they're memorable. For beginners, think of these as dynamic challenges that test your reflexes and strategy, evolving as you gain new tools.
Performance-wise, on Switch 2, you have two modes: Quality at 4K/60fps (or 1080p in handheld) or Performance at 1080p/120fps (720p handheld). The 120fps boost in Performance is noticeable for smoother action, but the resolution drop can make it feel less crisp. I stuck mostly to Quality Mode, where docked play looks spectacular at 4K with rock-solid 60fps—no stuttering in sight. It's worth prioritizing visuals here to fully experience the game's beauty.
Controls offer flexibility, with options like dual-stick aiming or motion controls using gyro. You can even use mouse-style aiming with detached Joy-Con. It takes a bit to adjust sensitivity, but once dialed in, it's intuitive. My preference was dual-sticks with a Pro Controller for precision, but all methods work well—great for accommodating different play styles.
Exploration spans multiple biomes on Viewros, such as the lush Fury Green forest, icy Ice Belt labs, and more. Samus retains staples like missiles, the grapple beam, and morph ball, but gains exciting psychic abilities early on. These let you remotely move objects to unlock paths, launch morph ball bombs from afar, and redirect the Control Beam for multi-target hits. I was skeptical from trailers, fearing they'd feel gimmicky, but they're integrated seamlessly, enabling cool sequences like Psychic Boost Rails—think invisible tracks that propel you through levels to find hidden upgrades, similar to the Magatsu Rail in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. It's all about empowering creative problem-solving.
Weapons evolve too. Your Power Beam stays core, but elemental beams (Fire, Ice, Thunder) now use dedicated 'Shots' ammo mapped to missiles. You'll hunt for Shot Expansions alongside Missile ones, but ammo is plentiful, rarely limiting tactics—collecting expansions becomes a rewarding scavenger hunt rather than a chore.
Traversal changes dramatically with Vi-O-La, a high-tech motorbike unlocked early. It handles beautifully, with boosts, weapons, and upgrades for zipping across the open world. The hub, Sol Valley, connects biomes logically, filled with shrines (echoing Breath of the Wild), Federation sites, and Green Crystal clusters you race through for collectibles. This open design is genius, bridging dense biomes without losing Metroid's essence—imagine escaping cramped elevators for vast landscapes, making exploration more intuitive and fun.
Collectibles like Green Crystals are finite but aided by late-game perks and Scout Bots that reveal item locations on your map. This makes 100% completion more approachable than ever, turning what could be frustrating into an enjoyable challenge. For newcomers, it's like having a helpful guide without spoiling the thrill.
Galactic Federation companions—Myles, Reger, Nora, Ezra, and the robot VUE-995—are surprisingly likable, with better dialogue and voice acting than in Corruption. They assist sparingly in fights, avoiding overstaying. But here's where it gets controversial: Myles acts as a radio guide, like Navi from Ocarina of Time, pointing to objectives. It's not constant, but I'd appreciate a mute option for solo rides. Do you prefer guided adventures or pure freedom? Share your thoughts!
Amiibo add bike skins and a radio with Metroid tunes, but locking them behind purchases feels stingy—they should be standard. Sylux's amiibo unlocks an early cutscene, otherwise requiring 100% completion.
I completed the game at 100% items and 97% logs in about 16 hours (hunting that last 3%), but casual play could hit 20+ hours for all content, or 10 for main story. Hunt collectibles for the Gallery's concept art—it's a fascinating peek into development.
In summary, after 18 years, Beyond captures the original's discovery magic while innovating boldly. The open world with Vi-O-La makes traversal exhilarating, backed by jaw-dropping visuals, fierce new foes, and charming allies. It's possibly the most ambitious Metroid yet—worth the wait. But is this the future of the genre, or does it stray too far? Do you think adding more characters and open elements enhances or dilutes the classic formula? Agree or disagree in the comments—let's discuss!
