Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a captivating yet flawed sequel that attempts to blend familiar elements from the Metroid franchise with new mechanics reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda series. The game successfully revisits its vintage gameplay, but it suffers from some narrative shortcomings and an anticlimactic ending that may leave fans underwhelmed. Set on a mysterious single world, players explore five key biomes, each functioning like dungeons that offer backtracking and environmental interaction. The introduction of allies, however, has sparked mixed reactions as Samus remains mostly silent amidst the chatter. Overall, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers engaging action but may not meet the high expectations of dedicated fans.

What are the key features of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond includes classic Metroid gameplay elements, exploration across multiple unique biomes, allies that provide assistance during gameplay, and new mechanics like psychic powers and a vehicle called Vi-O-La for navigating the game world. The game also features revisiting areas for upgrades and backtracking, akin to classic Zelda structures.

Metroid is renowned for its exploration and atmospheric gameplay, and the franchise has a dedicated fanbase since its inception in 1986. The original Metroid Prime, released in 2002, redefined 3D action-adventure gaming and has influenced numerous titles within the genre. The anticipation for Metroid Prime 4 has been high after a long development process, adding pressure on Retro Studios to deliver a worthy continuation of the beloved series.