Table of Contents
Introduction
Hey everyone, if you’re a fan of sci-fi adventures like me, you’ve probably been waiting forever for Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. After an 18-year wait since Metroid Prime 3, this game finally dropped on December 4, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and the shiny new Switch 2. I just finished my playthrough on the Switch 2 edition, and wow – it’s a rollercoaster. The highs are sky-high, like blasting through alien worlds in Samus’ suit, but some lows, especially the backtracking, had me groaning.
In this Metroid Prime 4 review, I’ll break it down simply: the Samus motorbike is pure adrenaline, but trekking back through empty deserts? Not so much. Let’s dive in – no spoilers, promise.
Why Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Feels Like Home (The Good Stuff)
Right from the start, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond nails that classic Metroid vibe. You play as Samus Aran, the badass bounty hunter, scanning everything, morphing into a ball, and unlocking powers to explore the mysterious planet Viewros. The story kicks off with a Federation base under attack, then teleports you to this ancient world full of ruins from the extinct Lamorn race. It’s lonely, creepy, and immersive – just like the originals.
Graphics and atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. On Switch 2, it’s the best-looking Nintendo game ever. Think 4K at 60 fps in quality mode, with jaw-dropping lighting, particle effects, and detailed environments. Jungles in Fury Green feel alive, factories in Volt Forge pulse with energy, and icy labs in Ice Belt give you chills. The soundtrack slaps too – rock riffs during boss fights had me pumped.
Combat shines with new psychic powers. Your Psychic Glove lets you manipulate objects, guide bullets, or chain shots to multiple enemies. Bosses are epic – picture a giant plant boss with regrowing vines you have to blast in sync. Smooth controls, lock-on aiming, and dodges make every fight feel fair and thrilling.
Samus’ Motorbike: The Switch 2 Metroid Highlight You Didn’t Know You Needed
Now, the star: Samus’ motorbike, called Vi-O-La. This futuristic ride shows up early, left by an ancient civilisation. Summon it anywhere in the massive desert hub called Sol Valley, and you’re off – boosting over dunes, sliding around corners, and even countering enemy attacks mid-ride. Smashing green crystals for energy feels satisfying, and finding hidden shrines for upgrades? Pure joy.
On Switch 2, it looks and runs buttery smooth at 120fps in Performance mode. Jumping ramps, battling pirate swarms on wheels – it’s thrilling! Controls are tight, like a dream arcade racer mixed with a shooter. I lost hours just exploring, and it connects the game’s biomes perfectly. If you’re into Switch 2 Metroid speed, this is it.
The Backtracking Blues: Where It All Falls Apart
But here’s the frustration: backtracking. Viewers have cool, self-contained biomes (jungles, factories, labs), but they’re linked by Sol Valley – a huge, empty desert. Want to revisit Fury Green for a new power? Ride your bike back through sand, fighting the same boring enemies, collecting more crystals. It’s repetitive padding that drags on.
Reviews call it a “game design nightmare” because the desert feels outdated, like old Zelda fields without the charm. Samus’s motorbike helps, but long hauls for fetch quests (like energy shards) kill momentum. Post-game cleanup? Even worse – no easy save reloads, so you’re restarting treks.
Companions add salt to the wound. Galactic Federation troopers like chatty engineer Myles radio in with hints, jokes, and “Samus, look out!” It’s handholding that spoils discovery – no mute option, and it breaks the isolation Metroid fans love.
Switch 2 vs Original Switch: A Must-Upgrade?
If you have a Switch 2, get the enhanced edition. Mouse aiming with Joy-Con 2 feels revolutionary for FPS precision. 60fps locked, faster loads, and visuals pop. On the base Switch, it’s playable but dips to 30 fps in busy spots – still worth it for fans, but Switch 2 Metroid is next level.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Stunning Switch 2 visuals and atmosphere
- Epic bosses and psychic combat
- Samus’s motorbike thrills in traversal
- 15-20 hours of rewarding exploration
Cons:
- Empty desert hub and backtracking fatigue
- Annoying companion chatter
- Some padding in quests
Overall score: 8/10. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is worth the wait for series fans – buy it day one on Switch 2.
FAQs About Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
1. Is Metroid Prime 4 Beyond worth buying in 2025?
Yes! If you love Metroid, it’s a solid return. Skip if you hate open hubs.
2. What’s the deal with Samus’s motorbike (Vi-O-La)?
A summonable bike for desert zooming. Super fun for speed and light combat, but tied to boring areas.
3. How bad is the backtracking in Metroid Prime 4?
Frustrating due to desert treks. Less than Prime 2, but feels longer because of empty travel.
4. Does Switch 2 Metroid Prime 4 run great?
Absolutely – 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps. Mouse controls are a game-changer.
5. Any post-game content?
Yes, collectibles unlock a gallery. But cleanup requires manual backups.
6. Is it beginner-friendly?
Mostly solo, but hints help. Play Prime Remastered first for context.
7. Metacritic score?
Around 81 – mixed, but fans score higher (9s from Nintendo Life and Game Informer).
There you have it – Metroid Prime 4 Beyond delivers thrills with Samus’ motorbike, but backtracking tests your patience. Grab it on Switch 2 and blast some pirates. What do you think? Drop a comment!
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