Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Hands-On: Facing 18 Years Of Expectations

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Fans of Metroid have eagerly anticipated the release of Metroid Prime 4 for quite some time. First announced at E3 2017, the game has since been delayed and rebooted, only to face further delays. However, even at its initial unveiling, it had been ten years since the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Initially, there were concerns that the game’s high expectations would be its undoing. With the Switch 2 on the horizon and Beyond now available for play, it appears that those fears may have been unfounded. It remains to be seen if the game can rise above almost two decades of anticipation, but having had a chance to play it, I don’t think it will disappoint.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been included in Nintendo’s cross-generational release plan, serving as both a farewell title for the original Nintendo Switch and an early game launch for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve only experienced the Nintendo Switch 2 version, so I can’t comment on any performance differences between the platforms; however, it certainly seems to be an excellent demonstration of what the Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of.

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Initially, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond appears stunning, skillfully balancing loyalty to the Prime series’ aesthetic while simultaneously enhancing and adapting it to a fresh platform. For instance, when you fire a shot near a wall, Samus’ reflection now appears in her visor, and she subtly squints towards the source of light. It’s evident that Retro Studios is putting thoughtful attention into preserving this franchise, even in minor details.

The demo kicks off with an action-packed sequence that reflects the evolution of the gaming industry over the past few decades. Unlike Samus, who would frequently touch down on alien planets and start exploring right away, this game launches you straight into a grand space battle, similar to a Hollywood blockbuster. As Samus maneuvers through Federation ships, offering assistance and narrowly escaping danger, she demonstrates her exceptional piloting skills alongside her bounty hunter abilities. It’s clear why she’s considered the Federation’s most reliable ally.

After that, a tutorial for the early stages of the game began, which covered the fundamentals of firing, scanning, utilizing the morph ball and bombs, among other things. This was interspersed with cinematic scenes and fights, but it was obvious that its purpose was to help me get acquainted with the game. I’m grateful for this, as Metroid Prime 4 has a fresh control scheme that will require some adaptation.

In Metroid Prime 4 for Nintendo Switch, instead of having a specific menu to choose your control scheme, you’ll have immediate access to various control options at any point during gameplay. This means you can seamlessly switch between different control styles as needed, mimicking the first-person aiming experience on PC with the use of the Switch 2’s mouse functionality. A feature that was previously experimented with in The Metroid Prime Trilogy for Wii using the Wii remote as a cursor, and also hinted in Metroid Prime Remastered.

This game is intricate yet not overwhelming. As you journey through the world, you’ll primarily use the conventional dual-stick control method. When targeting an enemy, your Joy-Con transforms into gyro pointer mode, similar to the Prime Trilogy or Remastered versions. What truly stands out is that you can effortlessly lay down your Joy-Con on a surface and it switches to mouse mode, allowing seamless control. No need for menu selections or toggling – it’s an amazing feat!

This resulted in a common sequence of actions: initially navigating using traditional controls for exploration, then employing the pointer control to attack hordes of alien insects. At the close of the demonstration, a boss creature was afflicted by a Metroid, causing it to grow Metroid-like boils all over its body. As an experienced gamer, I swiftly identified these as vulnerable spots. However, I found the precision I desired lacking with the pointer function, so I discarded the Joy-Con and switched to mouse controls instead. To my delight, everything operated seamlessly.

Occasionally, the transition felt awkward, and I’d sometimes forget that I was using a cursor, leading to missed shots. However, I acknowledge this issue appears to be more about my skills, and it seems finding a natural rhythm when switching between control schemes based on the situation might take practice, not just in the limited timeframe of a press demo.

As an avid fan, let me share my thoughts: While I’m thoroughly enjoying the new gameplay, there’s one aspect that slightly worries me – it appears to lean heavily on action sequences, which is somewhat different from the usual Metroid Prime vibe. This could be due to the initial stages, where the tutorial and excitement are combined, teaching combat mechanics in a short span of time.

However, what I’ve always loved about Metroid Prime is its eerie and lonely atmosphere. Massive battles filled with explosions and Federation soldiers don’t quite fit that description. Here’s hoping the game finds its footing and returns to its classic form post this initial action-packed introduction.

Anticipating Metroid Prime 4 from Retro Studios, given their apparent grasp of what sets this series apart for dedicated Metroid fans. The extended control options aim to minimize the divide between you and Samus, fostering the illusion that you’re the one behind the visor. Despite the prolonged wait, it seems like returning home—though this “home” is an unfamiliar alien world.

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2025-04-03 16:13