Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Review - Prime, But Not Quite Prime

A Long-Awaited Return with New Challenges

After an 18-year hiatus, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally lands on the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering a sci-fi adventure that balances franchise nostalgia with ambitious new ideas. Developed by Retro Studios, this long-awaited sequel expands Samus Aran's universe while wrestling with identity questions that make for a divisive yet compelling experience.

The game opens dramatically with Samus aiding Federation troops against Sylux's pirate forces—a bold departure from the series' signature isolation. This sets the tone for Beyond's dual nature: a classic Metroid adventure at its core, punctuated by experimental elements that both enhance and hinder the experience.

Exploration Meets Innovation

Transported to the dying planet Viewros after a catastrophic battle, Samus discovers the extinct Lamorn race's psychic technology. New abilities like the Control Beam—which lets you steer charged shots mid-air—and the Psychic Bomb add fresh puzzle dynamics, though some mechanics feel fiddly. The traversal-focused Vi-O-La motorbike introduces fast travel across the vast Sol Valley hub, though its controls can accidentally summon the vehicle when instinctively pressing the pause button.

Stages like the desolate Ice Belt recapture the franchise's haunting loneliness, while combat-heavy zones like the Flare Pool introduce squad-based mechanics where Federation allies can perish if not healed. This creates episodic gameplay reminiscent of Super Metroid's layered exploration, though frequent handholding from companions like Myles MacKenzie occasionally breaks immersion.

Visuals and Audio Excellence

Beyond pushes the Switch 2 hardware to its limits, boasting what many consider Nintendo's most stunning visuals to date. Lush biomes like Fury Green showcase breathtaking lighting and particle effects, while grotesque new enemies—including the parasitic Grievers and explosive Pyremite—demonstrate Retro Studios' artistry. The soundtrack comfortably rivals the original Prime, with biome-specific themes ranging from the thumping Volt Forge to the ethereal Base Camp.

Performance and Control Flexibility

Switch 2 owners gain two performance modes: Quality Mode (4K/60fps docked) and Performance Mode (1080p/120fps). The 120fps boost is noticeable but sacrifices resolution, making Quality Mode preferable for visual fidelity. Control options include dual-stick, gyro, and even mouse support for detached Joy-Con, ensuring accessibility across playstyles.

Divisive Narrative Choices

The introduction of chatty Federation characters marks the game's most controversial change. While companions like Myles serve as an optional hint system, their presence contrasts sharply with Samus' traditional silence. The melancholic Lamorn storyline—focused on preserving culture rather than saving the race—offers emotional depth, though broader military archetypes feel underdeveloped.

When Beyond is good, it’s among the best in the series. The problem is that Nintendo added a whole bunch of stuff on top of that—which gets in the way.

The Verge

The Verdict

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond succeeds in recapturing the series' soul: the thrill of isolation, the joy of discovery, and pulse-pounding boss fights. Yet its new elements—from the sparse open world to verbose companions—create an uneven experience. For every perfect moment of exploration in the Ice Belt, there's a frustrating misstep with the Psychic Bomb's clunky interface. Ultimately, Beyond stands as a satisfying, if imperfect, evolution—one that honors its legacy while daring to change it.