Samus Aran is back in action, and it's a momentous occasion for fans of the beloved Metroid series. After an 18-year wait, Retro Studios has finally released its long-awaited game, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Does this highly anticipated title live up to expectations?
Classic Metroid fans will be thrilled to find that Prime 4 retains the atmospheric and eerie feel that defined the original games. The pace of exploration is deliberately slow, allowing players to soak in the foreboding environment as they navigate through the deserted facilities. As Samus delves deeper into the frozen laboratory, the tension builds up with each new discovery - a long-dormant beast waiting to be unleashed.
Newcomers to the series will also appreciate the introduction of psychic powers that enhance Samus's abilities and make her suit glow with an intense purple light. The controls are intuitive, with optional inputs such as using the Nintendo Switch remote as an aiming device or transforming into a rolling ball for added mobility.
While the game's visuals evoke a Giger-esque design reminiscent of classic sci-fi horror movies, there are also nods to other abandoned Nintendo franchises like F-Zero and Star Fox. The floaty controls on Samus's motorcycle and training courses feel eerily familiar, evoking memories of these long-forgotten series.
However, not everything about Prime 4 feels like a Metroid game. A new companion character named Myles MacKenzie sometimes offers awkwardly delivered quips that interrupt exploration, leading to frustration for the player. Samus also encounters more annoying soldiers whose conversations and helpful tips feel forced, drawing away from the tense atmosphere.
A spotty autosaving system means that players must replay entire sections of gameplay after accidental deaths - a frustrating experience, especially in environments filled with lava and danger.
Despite some missteps, Metroid Prime 4 feels like an experimental game from another era. While its slow pace might feel tedious or archaic to modern gamers, it now serves as a nostalgic reminder of the series' origins. The game's classic structure, featuring five distinct boss battles in varied arenas, is both predictable and endearing.
For fans of the Metroid Prime series, this reunion tour with the old formula is a joyous occasion. While some new material may not hit its mark, the return to form is undeniable. The wait for Prime 4 has been long, but it's clear that Retro Studios' dedication to crafting a genuine classic has paid off.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to release on December 4th and will retail at £58.99.
Classic Metroid fans will be thrilled to find that Prime 4 retains the atmospheric and eerie feel that defined the original games. The pace of exploration is deliberately slow, allowing players to soak in the foreboding environment as they navigate through the deserted facilities. As Samus delves deeper into the frozen laboratory, the tension builds up with each new discovery - a long-dormant beast waiting to be unleashed.
Newcomers to the series will also appreciate the introduction of psychic powers that enhance Samus's abilities and make her suit glow with an intense purple light. The controls are intuitive, with optional inputs such as using the Nintendo Switch remote as an aiming device or transforming into a rolling ball for added mobility.
While the game's visuals evoke a Giger-esque design reminiscent of classic sci-fi horror movies, there are also nods to other abandoned Nintendo franchises like F-Zero and Star Fox. The floaty controls on Samus's motorcycle and training courses feel eerily familiar, evoking memories of these long-forgotten series.
However, not everything about Prime 4 feels like a Metroid game. A new companion character named Myles MacKenzie sometimes offers awkwardly delivered quips that interrupt exploration, leading to frustration for the player. Samus also encounters more annoying soldiers whose conversations and helpful tips feel forced, drawing away from the tense atmosphere.
A spotty autosaving system means that players must replay entire sections of gameplay after accidental deaths - a frustrating experience, especially in environments filled with lava and danger.
Despite some missteps, Metroid Prime 4 feels like an experimental game from another era. While its slow pace might feel tedious or archaic to modern gamers, it now serves as a nostalgic reminder of the series' origins. The game's classic structure, featuring five distinct boss battles in varied arenas, is both predictable and endearing.
For fans of the Metroid Prime series, this reunion tour with the old formula is a joyous occasion. While some new material may not hit its mark, the return to form is undeniable. The wait for Prime 4 has been long, but it's clear that Retro Studios' dedication to crafting a genuine classic has paid off.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to release on December 4th and will retail at £58.99.
the atmosphere and sound design are SO on point, it's like we're actually in a creepy sci-fi horror movie lol i mean, who doesn't love a good dose of tension and foreboding? 
but ugh, the autosaving system needs to be seriously improved - it's like they're trying to annoy us on purpose 
and don't even get me started on the annoying soldiers... can't they just be more silent and stealthy like normal soldiers?
it's like we're playing an old game, but with all these new bells and whistles. i'm stoked to see what Retro Studios has in store for us this time around!
. And yeah, the new powers are a great addition, but let's hope they don't feel like an overpowered crutch from now on. The controls could use some tweaks too, but overall, Retro Studios has done a solid job staying true to the series' roots.
. It's not like it ruined the game for me or anything, but it did break the immersion a bit. And can we please just have autosave be more reliable? 
A little frustration is normal when you're playing a hard game, but this was just annoying.
. I love how the game pays homage to old Nintendo franchises too - F-Zero and Star Fox fans will feel right at home 
. All in all, Prime 4 is a must-play for Metroid enthusiasts 
, even if it's not perfect.
! i mean, the atmosphere and vibes are so on point, it's like stepping back into that eerie frozen lab 
. the controls are super intuitive too, i loved using the nintendo switch remote as an aiming device 
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, like when myles macKenzie shows up and starts spouting awkward one-liners 
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. fans of the series will love it, even if some new stuff doesn't quite hit the mark 
metroid fans have been waiting like forever for this and it's finally here! the atmosphere is so eerily familiar and the controls are still as smooth as ever 
can't wait to dive in and explore the frozen laboratory! 
! The atmosphere is so intense and eerie, it's like the old days all over again 
. But overall, it's a solid game that'll keep you hooked for hours on end 
. The nostalgia factor is strong with this one, and Retro Studios nailed the classic Metroid feel 
. Can't wait to see what they do next! 
can you guys explain what this "psychic powers" thingy does tho? 
also, why do they have to replay entire sections of gameplay after dying?? 
, it's literally just sitting there batting at that string like it's trying to catch it... anyway back to Metroid Prime 4... I don't get why they made Samus's motorcycle controls all floaty, doesn't that just feel weird? and what's up with the Myles MacKenzie character, I mean I guess he's supposed to be a cool sidekick but those quips are just cringeworthy 
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. I mean, who needs a compelling narrative or balanced gameplay mechanics when you can just have an atmospheric setting and some decent exploration time? The new psychic powers are cool, I guess - it's not like we haven't seen similar powers in other games already 
. I mean, who does Samus have now? That awkwardly delivered quip- Dispenser 
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. Can't wait to spend hours replaying those boss battles and collecting more arm cannon parts 
anyway Retro Studios did an amazing job capturing the classic Metroid vibe and I'm low-key hyped for this release on 12/4 can't wait to get my hands on it 
I'm loving the nostalgia vibes with this game! The slow pace of exploration feels so deliberate and immersive, it's like you're actually uncovering secrets in a creepy abandoned lab 
the atmosphere is SO immersive, you can feel that eerie vibe from the first time you step into the frozen lab. and oh man, those psychic powers are a total game changer! 
can't believe retro studios couldn't get that one right i mean i know the game is from another era and all but c'mon 2025 we should be able to save whenever we want now 
