Is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a game for you?

The hype around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is real as it could be one of the most ambitious entries in the series yet. This latest installment gives Samus Aran exciting new tools and opens up the world of exploration in ways longtime fans haven't seen before. But what's behind the hype for the upcoming Samus Aran adventure?

New mechanics, technical enhancements, and more

Innovating in a long-lived franchise like Metroid is always a risk. Fans always expect novelties, but they have to be grounded on the foundations set by previous games. The more changes a game introduces, the bigger the risk of disappointing the fans is. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes quite a few bold steps in a new direction, and the new additions seem to be worth it. The biggest buzz comes from Samus' new psychic powers. The "Psychic Glove" and "Psychic Visor" let players manipulate objects, guide projectiles, and even move environmental hazards. These abilities contribute to making the game more interactive and engaging, both in puzzles and combat, requiring creative thinking to tackle boss fights and challenges. This adds a new layer of interactivity that positions the game beyond the level of a mere shooter.

Traversal also gets a major upgrade. Samus can now ride the futuristic Vi-O-La motorcycle to navigate expansive hub areas, creating a more open-world feel without abandoning the series' core exploration and backtracking mechanics. Combined with the signature atmospheric environments, that range from alien jungles to eerie space stations, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond promises to keep the haunting, immersive vibe Metroid is known for.

Technically, the game shines. It will release on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2, with options for 4K visuals at 60fps or smoother 1080p gameplay up to 120fps. Updated controls, including mouse-style aiming with Joy-Cons, make combat more precise and responsive than ever. Of course, the Nintendo Switch 2 version is far superior in terms of performance, but overall, the game delivers a solid experience on both platforms.

However, not everything is perfect. Companions and larger hub areas could dilute the classic feeling of isolation for some players. Open-world traversal may feel repetitive in some areas, and the introduction of the psychic powers and cinematic elements could make the game too different from its predecesors for those that are expecting a similar experience.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond marks a major evolution for the franchise, balancing classic exploration and combat with fresh, modern mechanics. It's a step forward that could define Metroid for years to come, but long-time fans of the franchise should better approach it with an open mind, or they may find themselves very disappointed.

The release of the game is scheduled for tomorrow on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and you can visit our comparator to check out the best discounts for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond if you want to join Samus Aran in her latest adventure.