Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Review: Trail-Tested Alien Exploration Gear That Keeps Up – But No Total Reinvention

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers classic Metroidvania action in HD glory on Switch 2, perfect for gamers craving structured adventure. Performance is everything, though veterans may want more innovation.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Field-Tested on Alien Trails

Trail-tested, gym-approved – that's how I approach gear, and while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond isn't your typical hiking boot or marathon trainer, its planetary exploration through volcanoes, frozen tundras, and vast deserts hits close to home for an outdoors enthusiast like me. After 18 years, this Switch 2 exclusive modernizes the formula without reinventing it, much like upgrading to breathable trail runners that perform but don't revolutionize your stride.

Performance and Visuals: Gear That Keeps Up with You

Performance is everything, and Beyond shines here. Docked on Switch 2, it runs buttery smooth at 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps – no drops even in chaotic firefights. Handheld drops to 1080p/720p but stays fluid. Visually, it's Nintendo's most detailed yet: HDR explosions, textured alien foliage, and Samus' suit rival real-world gear durability. Think Horizon Forbidden West-level detail on a portable powerhouse. I tested it post-14er climb, and the vibrant chaos felt like summiting in a storm – immersive without overwhelming.

Pros: Stunning HD upgrade, rock-solid frame rates, lifelike textures for alien biomes. Cons: Original Switch version likely compromised (unconfirmed by me – check other reviews before buying).

Gameplay and Exploration: Familiar Terrain with New Twists

You play as bounty hunter Samus Aran, scanning environments, blasting foes, and upgrading in first-person. New psychic powers like the Control Beam (time-slowing, joystick-controlled) add puzzle-solving flair, akin to navigating magnetic tracks on a technical climb. The Psychic Spider Ball? Basically the classic Spider Ball rebranded – functional but not revolutionary. Collect five Teleporter Keys across hubs like Sol Valley desert (your motorcycle Vi-O-La zips you around like a fat-tire e-bike on dunes).

Biomes echo my Colorado adventures: Flare Pool volcano (heat-tested grip needed), Ice Belt tundra (crampon-like freeze ray). It's tightly scripted Metroidvania – no Breath of the Wild freedom – but executes flawlessly. Side quests and upgrades keep it engaging, though I got lost in Sol Valley a few times, wasting ride time like misreading a trail map.

Pros: Thrilling new powers, badass Vi-O-La for hub traversal, fair difficulty with ammo drops. Cons: Recycles old ideas (elemental beams identical to Prime 1), scripted progression limits freedom, occasional navigation frustration.

Controls: Precision Matters on the Trail

Twin-stick aiming is intuitive for vets, with ZL lock-on for blasts. Bosses demand fine right-stick tweaks – frustrating on Joy-Cons, smooth on Pro Controller. "Mouse" mode with one Joy-Con? Disorienting for me, like switching from trekking poles to ice axe mid-hike. Stick to TV + Pro Controller for peak performance.

Pros: Familiar scheme picks up fast. Cons: Joy-Con imprecision in precision aiming, mouse mode needs work.

Story and Companions: Light Support for Solo Treks

No prior knowledge needed. Samus crash-lands on Viewros, aids near-extinct Lamorn with psychic links. Companions like engineer Myles MacKenzie offer radio hints and upgrades – helpful without ruining solitude, though hints can spoil exploration.

Pros: Self-contained story, minimal NPC intrusion. Cons: Final bosses spike unfairly hard, Samus' silence feels odd amid chatter.

Verdict

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is gym-approved for Metroid fans: bigger world, HD polish, and solid execution earn it 8.5/10. Buy if: New to series or love structured exploration (like guided hikes). Skip/Wait if: Crave open-world reinvention or hate frustration spikes. Gear that keeps up with you – worth the wait for adventure seekers, but don't expect trailblazing changes. Pair with a Pro Controller for best results.