Despite a few tweaks and new features – motion controls, psychic powers, a nonlinear hub world, and the occasional side character – this is Metroid Prime through and through. It’s without a doubt the closest the series has ever felt to the original Metroid Prime, in terms of tone, gameplay, and quality. Time will tell where I place Metroid Prime 4 in the ranking of the overall series, but fresh off my first playthrough I feel comfortable putting it among the likes of Super Metroid and the original Metroid Prime. It’s the best Switch 2 title yet, and I have to imagine that fans of the series will find themselves captivated by Metroid Prime 4.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the best Switch 2 game to date and seems perfectly designed to take advantage of the console's features. It returns to its roots but takes things in a new direction. It's a visual spectacle with incredibly detailed and sharp graphics.
I have been looking forward to Metroid Prime 4 beyond since 2017 and I must say it was definitely worth the wait. Retro Studios delivered more than I expected them to, with me screenshotting some views and locations because I'm asking myself "This is on Nintendo?!" Anyhow. I've been an enjoyer of the prime series since 2002. And what I will say is it definitely lives up to the series reputation. Beautiful visuals, creatures that feel like they naturally belong to the environment, and controls that feel just as intuitive as I remember prior games being. There are SOME nitpicks I do have however. I would love more to do in the open world desert location of Sol Valley. It definitely has some interesting places for the player to discover and they're worth checking out! BUt the vast layout of the desert makes it feel desolate without anything to do. But each of the individual regions which you will undoubtedly be spending WAY more time in have been fully fleshed out with amazing biomes and life that wants to get ya at every turn. And while I dislike the fact some stuff are unlockable via Amiibo, everything is essentially something that you can unlock without as well so take that as you will. I do not have a problem with the NPC Characters either. While Miles is silly and maybe not the most badass marine out there, he does his job which is to be support and a tech guy. Samus is neither of those and her having someone able to offer it to her adds a bit of life that was otherwise missing and helps to remind me that Samus isn't just a solo hunter. Prime Hunters and 3 showcased this in some shape or form as did Other M and it's good to see the trend kind of coming back. Overall, I have spent over 10 hours in the game already and while I am not completely finished with the game, I still have much more in me and what I've experienced in the first 3 explorable zones have left me eager for more. While I wish I could give it a 9.7 or 9.8 due to the slight drawbacks I've found, I think the game is perfectly playable and enjoyable.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond clearly follows in the footsteps of the original trilogy: a solid, immersive adventure, driven by a strong atmosphere, more interesting combat than expected, and truly memorable bosses. It could be criticized for its somewhat predictable exploration, a very linear structure, and a few underutilized powers, but the gameplay loop remains enjoyable once it gets going. On the Switch 2, the game serves as a true technical showcase, with convincing display modes and a wide range of control options, including a surprisingly successful mouse mode. Without revolutionizing the formula or the genre, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond reminds us why 3D Metroid remains unique and stands out as one of the most important titles in Nintendo's 2025 catalog, if not the most important. That is, provided you accept that it prioritizes mastery over risk-taking.
Same Samus, different world means Beyond is a fine combination between everything that makes Metroid games great, with some much needed additions. The open world addition isn't really that great, but the play with new psi-powers and bike keep the gameplay fresh.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the game I wanted it to be, but I can’t say the same for anyone else. It’s a series that has been on hiatus for so long that fans have likely built up impossible expectations inside their heads that are never going to be met, or an ignorant form this new game needs to take at all costs.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is undeniably a strong entry in the series. It captures the core elements that made the franchise a classic 18 years ago, while adding a few new twists. The joy of revisiting those nostalgic sensations in a fresh adventure is undeniable, but it also works against the game. Unlike Metroid Dread, which successfully modernized the series' formula, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond plays it safe, sticking to the familiar without taking bold risks. Beyond a few new abilities, features like the desert setting and the motorcycle feel lackluster, and its more linear, guided design feels like a step back compared to previous titles. However, Metroid Prime 4 still stands out as a highly enjoyable adventure, and arguably one of the most visually impressive games on the Nintendo Switch 2. Its stunning visuals and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack are sure to leave a lasting impression.
It’s obvious: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the weakest entry in the Prime series. Is the full restart from scratch to blame? We will probably never know, but this central desert that impoverishes the overall level design is a major flaw one simply cannot overlook, as its harmful influence can be felt throughout the entire game. Add to that an omnipresent and irritating hand-holding, a story that handles its antagonist and secondary characters very clumsily — not outright terrible, but of questionable interest — and we end up with an experience that does not live up to our high expectations… Even so, it’s hard not to enjoy a proposal that is technically very solid, with a dynamism and freedom in combat that feel genuinely pleasant and are supported by plenty of good little ideas.
(Review is for Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an essential game for Nintendo Switch fans. I truly believe this game is on the same level as Luigi’s Mansion 3, Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza, and more. Metroid Prime 4 proves again that Nintendo Switch is the home of incredible stories and timeless adventures.
This game is a travesty for 8 years worth of development. The environments have lost all their personality. The bike is a useless item that has no function other than to drive you around A MOSTLY EMPTY DESSERT, which the game keeps forcing you through at every available point. TThe bosses are reskins of one another. Most of the attacks carry across in nearly all cases. There's about 6 enemies in the game that get different colours. Theres also the boss fights on the bike which aren't difficult but a chore to do as the bike is beyond useless. And whoever help you you may be collecting those green crystals throughout the game, because it's been 4 hours of a 12 hour playthrough. Tedious padded, misbalanced nonsense. And you may be on adderal for the final boss because you need the reflexes of a coked up squirrel be in any way useful. Boring tedious **** gets a 4 as the music is phenomena.
Zero sense of discovery. A formula shift for Metroid that genuinely does not work. An empty desert hub connecting multiple hyper linear zones that completely railroad the player and practically hand everything to the player on a silver platter. The game asks very little from the player. Most gameplay involves just having the right power. Occasionally there will be a more interesting morph ball platforming section or more involved puzzle. The bosses are one of the only highlights of this games. Truly abysmal level design.
SummaryOne of the greatest bounty hunters in the galaxy. Capable of completing any mission—no matter the danger. Planet Viewros: An unknown planet. Samus suddenly finds herself transported to the greenery of an ancient jungle. Explore the mysterious planet to find a way home. Scan stone statues and ruins for clues on how to move forward. Battle...