Winter is here, and Nintendo has unleashed a masterpiece on the Switch that demands your attention. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the game fans have been yearning for, and after immersing myself in its alien worlds for a week, I can confidently say it was worth the wait. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride filled with futuristic motorbikes, ancient relics, mind-bending psychic abilities, and puzzles that will test your wits.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a true evolution of the series, or does it rely too heavily on nostalgia? Let’s dive in.
It’s been ages since I last ventured into the world of Metroid Prime. I vividly remember huddled around my GameCube in California, exploring the first game’s eerie, cavernous worlds. While I never fully connected with the 2D Metroid games, Prime’s sense of discovery—its labyrinthine tombs and otherworldly landscapes—felt like a true space odyssey. There’s always been a hint of 3D Zelda in its DNA, but Prime’s immersive power and depth set it apart. (For those curious, the original Prime is available on Switch in a stunning remaster—definitely worth your time.)
When Prime 4 was announced over eight years ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Returning to the series took some adjustment, but now it’s all I can think about. My advice? Go in blind. Skip this review, skip others—let the mystery unfold on its own. Metroid thrives on discovery, and this Switch adventure is no exception.
For newcomers, here’s the deal: Metroid Prime is a first-person shooter with a heavy focus on exploration and puzzle-solving, not just combat. You play as Samus, the stoic bounty hunter, navigating a world filled with challenges. Enemies and bosses are formidable, but the real draw is the sense of progression, reminiscent of Zelda’s dungeon-crawling. As always, Samus’s abilities are stripped away, forcing you to rediscover them piece by piece. Beyond running, jumping, and shooting, you can morph into a ball or, new to this installment, ride the Vi-O-La—a sleek, Tron-inspired space bike that adds a fresh layer of freedom.
And this is the part most people miss: While Prime 4 assumes some familiarity with the series, it’s surprisingly accessible for newcomers. I hadn’t finished Prime 2 or 3, and my memory of the first game was hazy, but the story stands on its own. Nintendo has clearly positioned Metroid for a broader audience, with Hollywood-style cutscenes and chatty side characters that feel like they’re auditioning for future films or theme park attractions. Some are cringe-worthy, others clichéd, but they don’t overshadow the experience. Thankfully, Samus’s solitary exploration remains intact—most of the time, you’re on your own, lost in the maze-like maps of Viewros.
Speaking of Viewros, this new planet is a semi-open world filled with ancient Lamorn artifacts waiting to be awakened. The game strikes a perfect balance between guidance and freedom. Maps and hints exist, but you’re often left to figure things out for yourself. The vast desert overworld is both daunting and captivating, dotted with underground caves, mysterious rubble, and odd machines. The Vi-O-La bike adds a Breath of the Wild-esque sense of exploration, though it’s more Ocarina of Time in scale. I can’t get enough of riding it, and I’m already dreaming of a Metroid game with full spaceship flight—maybe in a future installment?
Performance-wise, Prime 4 shines on both the original Switch and the Switch 2. The latter offers a buttery-smooth 60fps (or 120fps at lower resolution) and a unique mouse control mode, though I stuck with the traditional setup. The Psychic Visor, activated with the left trigger, is a game-changer, allowing you to scan creatures, items, and relics to uncover secrets. It’s a mechanic that feels both intuitive and essential.
Whether docked or handheld, the game is a joy to play. I’m nowhere near finishing (slow gamer here!), but it’s clear this title lives up to the hype. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it refines what makes Metroid Prime great. So, erase everything you’ve just read and dive in blind—the mystery is part of the magic.
Now, I want to hear from you: Does Metroid Prime 4: Beyond push the series forward, or does it rely too heavily on its legacy? And what’s your take on the new characters—annoying distractions or welcome additions? Let’s debate in the comments!
