Metroid Prime 4 is here. It’s finally here. On December 4, 2025, fans around the world rejoiced in unison as they downloaded their copy of the game, or picked up their physical edition. No matter the format, one thing was abundantly clear in the lead-up to launch: we’ve been waiting a long time for more first-person action with Samus Aran.
Eighteen years, in fact. While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was announced in 2017, we haven’t seen an entry in the series since 2007’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Time can do funny things to a person. It can raise expectations, for one, which will contribute towards an individual’s thoughts on this adventure. So, I’ll do my best to convey my own impressions, noting there have been plenty of naysayers online who will not agree with me.
Let’s start with something we can all agree on: the visuals. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks splendid. Like, really lovely. If you were hoping this would be the game to showcase the Switch 2’s capabilities, you’ll be pleased to know those hopes have been realised. I was enthralled right from the title screen! The backdrops throughout this adventure are nothing short of stunning, taking Samus through environments spanning icy caverns, lush forests, and fiery mountainsides. I found myself frequently pausing to take it all in, snapping screenshots like I was on vacation. There’s even an abandoned building run by the very lightning bolts that continuously strike just outside. An eternally storm-based industrial zone? It’s as fascinating and breathtaking as it sounds.
Gameplay will be familiar to genre veterans. You control Samus from a first-person perspective. As Nintendo likes to say, this isn’t a first-person shooter; it’s a first-person adventure. Don’t let that put you off if you’re mainly into running and gunning, as there’s plenty of firearm-based action on offer, too. Aliens of all shapes and sizes attack at will, but I’d be lying if I said that was the main focus of the game. It’s clearly about exploration.
That feeling of isolation for which the series is known remains intact, taking Samus to various locales to puzzle her way out. While the quests feel a little on the linear side, one glimpse at the sprawling 3D map will have you thinking otherwise. There are plenty of pathways and junctions to confound you as you puzzle your way through each section.
Yes, there are puzzles aplenty in this adventure. These headscratchers are part of the charm, though it occasionally feels like a Legend of Zelda outing set in space. That’s not necessarily a bad thing by any means, but it does blur the line between the two IPs a little more than usual. Of course, the sci-fi element and first-person perspective help differentiate between Samus and Link. Plus the last two Zelda outings took a different approach for that series such that Metroid Prime 4 ends up feeling a little like a classic Zelda title crossed with a classic Metroid title. Depending on those expectations I mentioned earlier, this will make you feel comforted or frustrated. I fall into the comforted category.
Let’s talk about Samus’ new wheels. As we saw in the trailer, you now have a bike at your disposal: Vi-O-La. My initial concerns about whether this would work were soon put to rest by the ease of the controls and terrific integration into the gameplay. Vi-O-La is fun and easy to ride, allowing you to speed across terrain while retaining the ability to fire your weapon and scan objects. I particularly love how simple it is to conjure and dispense of the bike; a simple tap of the + button and it appears or disappears instantly. I also appreciate the thorough tutorial section that eases you into the role of federation bikie.
One of the game’s features that had people debating even before it was released is Myles MacKenzie. Samus stumbles upon this NPC relatively early into her adventure, and he joins you for a short while by becoming a sidekick of sorts. First of all, Myles is perfectly fine as a character. He serves as a bit of comic relief, a nerdy sort who isn’t used to fast-paced action. He steps up during combat, though, so that he’s not completely useless. And his voice actor does a terrific job. Secondly, he’s not with you for long at all, certainly not long enough to be detrimental to the game. He soon settles into a minor role, becoming someone you only interact with on occasion when your suit needs powering up.
Even the controversial desert—known as Sol Valley—is quite enjoyable. This is where Vi-O-La becomes particularly handy as you traverse this dry and desolate area in search of places to explore. It adds an open-world atmosphere between levels, helping to dispense that initial linear feeling. The sand dunes also look great, with realistic ripples visible as you power over them on your way to your next destination.
As with any Metroid game worth its weight in salt, there are collectibles aplenty on offer in Metroid Prime 4. Weapons, for one, with new abilities and upgrades sprinkled throughout your journey. You’ll also want to scan everything, from enemies to basic crates, in order to achieve 100% completion. This time around, unscanned items show as green, a handy way to discern anything you might have missed.
The Switch 2 edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sports mouse controls. These work well, though are best used on a flat surface rather than your leg to avoid cramping. It makes aiming much easier, though Samus’ lock-on ability almost negates the need for that level of accuracy. First-person purists will enjoy the option to use something more precise, though.
I have to mention audio. Bear with me, as it’s going to be hard not to gush. Put simply, the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond soundtrack is simply sublime. It’s one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard this year, and, yes, I’ve played Hades II and Silksong (both excellent, don’t get me wrong). The title screen kicks things off with a track featuring haunting vocals and a rising tempo that crescendos into something worthy of a live concert. Each area of the game is paired with a stunning soundtrack, making this one of the best audio experiences of 2026.
Overall, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers on all counts—at least from this reviewer’s perspective. With stunning visuals, an outstanding soundtrack, and solid exploration, it presents a few new tricks coupled with a feeling of nostalgia. It tries to balance that fine line between appealing to fans and newcomers, and it does well on both counts. While not everyone will agree, at face value this is a wonderfully constructed game that has been worth the wait. If you’re on the fence, do yourself a favor and play Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
