Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The story of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond receives praise for its atmospheric worldbuilding, environmental storytelling, and ties to the Metroid lore. Critics like Gamepressure highlight the exploration of the Lamorn civilization’s tragic history through logs, scans, and companion interactions, while Geeks & Com and Shacknews commend its ambitious expansion of the universe, emphasizing Samus’ journey on the mysterious planet Viewros and her psychic abilities. The game’s reliance on environmental storytelling—such as holographic reconstructions and fragmented narratives—creates a sense of mystery that aligns with the series’ signature tone. IGN Italy and 4News.it note the engaging progression of uncovering the Lamorn legacy, balancing lore depth with exploration, while DualShockers appreciate how the narrative subtly weaves through gameplay without overt exposition. These elements collectively create a rich, immersive backdrop that appeals to longtime fans. However, the narrative faces significant criticism for its underdeveloped characters, weak plot structure, and repetitive mechanics. Twisted Voxel and VGC point out flat writing and unengaging NPCs, with Sylux’s rivalry failing to elevate the story despite some moments of tension. GameOnly and IGN Spain criticize plot holes and an underdeveloped antagonist, while Gamer Guides and TheSixthAxis highlight issues like forced dialogue from Galactic Federation soldiers and overbearing guidance from characters like Myles MacKenzie, which clash with the series’ isolation themes. The reliance on scanning and logs for context, as noted by INVEN, alienates new players, and GameInformers and Eurogamer lament an underwhelming conclusion that leaves unresolved threads. Repetitive fetch quests and a lack of emotional depth in Samus’ interactions further detract from the experience, with Gamersky and Manual dos Games calling out the game’s failure to develop compelling characters or a cohesive narrative. Overall, critics agree that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a mixed bag, balancing strong worldbuilding and atmospheric exploration with significant storytelling flaws. While Gamepressure, Geeks & Com, and Shacknews praise its ambition and lore integration, the majority of reviews—such as those from Twisted Voxel, VGC, and IGN Spain—highlight underdeveloped characters, a lack of emotional resonance, and pacing issues. The game’s reliance on environmental storytelling and exploration remains its strongest asset, but its narrative shortcomings prevent it from reaching the heights of previous entries in the series. Despite this, many critics acknowledge its efforts to expand the Metroid universe, even if they fall short of expectations.

The gameplay of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond receives praise for its retention of core Metroidvania elements and innovative additions that enhance exploration and variety. Critics like Twisted Voxel highlight the strong gameplay experience driven by new mechanics such as psychic abilities, control options (gyro/mouse), and an open-world design that adds diversity. Wccftech and Gamepressure commend the game’s smooth movement, first-person platforming, and expanded level design, which emphasize exploration and backtracking. The introduction of the Vi-O-La motorcycle for traversal is noted as a functional and enjoyable addition by Thumbsticks and IGN, while Geeks & Com appreciate the balance between classic mechanics and fresh elements like psychic powers. Many reviewers, including GameOnly and Le Bêta-Testeur, praise the dynamic combat system, strategic depth in puzzles, and the satisfying loop of progression through power-ups and environmental interaction. However, the game faces significant criticism for its over-simplified Metroidvania design, repetitive mechanics, and underdeveloped open-world elements. Eurogamer.pt and Gamepressure argue that the hub system feels artificial, with areas like the desert lacking engagement despite their scale. The reliance on backtracking and the Vi-O-La bike is frequently cited as tedious, with VGC and TheSixthAxis noting that repetitive traversal segments and forced revisits to the same zones dilute the experience. IGN Italy and GameRant criticize the open-world desert as underutilized and frustrating, while STWGames Italia and Metro GameCentral highlight overly linear level design and simplistic puzzles. Additionally, mechanics like psychic abilities and the scan visor are deemed clunky or underdeveloped by GamesRadar+ and HCL.hr, with some critics (e.g., Gamefa) pointing to outdated systems like lock-on targeting and wave-based enemies that feel archaic compared to modern standards. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as a competent but flawed entry in the series. While it successfully blends classic Metroidvania exploration with new mechanics like psychic powers and the Vi-O-La bike—praised by Wccftech and Le Bêta-Testeur—its open-world design and linearity often clash, creating an inconsistent experience. IGN and DualShockers note that the game’s strengths in combat, puzzles, and control schemes are undermined by repetitive elements and underdeveloped sections, such as the barren Sol Valley hub. Despite these issues, many reviewers (e.g., GameInformers, PlayUA) agree that the core gameplay remains engaging for fans of the series, even if it fails to innovate significantly beyond its predecessors. The game’s balance between nostalgia and modernization leaves it in a liminal space—respectable but imperfect.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, highlighting its technical prowess and artistic ambition. Reviewers like Gamepressure and Wccftech lauded the game’s atmospheric world design, with distinct regions such as the lush jungle, icy cryogenics lab, and Chrono Tower offering thematically rich environments that immerse players in a vivid alien landscape. The Switch 2’s capabilities were frequently celebrated, with GameOnly and WayTooManyGames noting the "stunning visuals" achievable through 4K/60fps and 120fps modes, while IGN Italy and CGMagazine described the game as "absolutely GORGEOUS," emphasizing detailed textures, lighting effects, and biomes like the Flare Pool and Ice Belt. The art direction was also a standout, with TheSixthAxis praising its H.R. Giger-inspired biomechanical aesthetic and GameRadar+ highlighting the tactile, evocative level designs that set it apart from other FPS games. These critiques underscored the game’s ability to leverage modern hardware for a visually immersive experience. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws, particularly in specific areas or technical execution. The desert region, often referred to as the Valley of Sol or Sol Valley, faced consistent criticism for its lack of detail and visual monotony. STWGames Italia and NintendoBoy described it as "barren," "flat," and "unattractive," contrasting sharply with other biomes like the lush jungles or icy environments. Gamefa and Gameblog also criticized low-quality textures and technical issues in open areas, while Shacknews noted performance drops to 720p in handheld mode. Additionally, some reviewers felt that certain zones, such as Sol Valley, lacked the environmental richness of earlier entries, with Merlin'in Kazanı and Saudi Gamer pointing out underdeveloped or lifeless open-world sections. While these critiques were not universal, they highlighted the game’s unevenness in visual execution across its vast world. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond represents a significant leap forward for Nintendo’s graphical capabilities. IGN, Game Informer, and Eurogamer all called it the "best-looking Nintendo title" to date, with Gamepressure and INVEN emphasizing its polished art style and technical optimization on the Switch 2. While some areas like the desert or hub worlds fell short of expectations, the majority of reviewers acknowledged that the game’s strengths—such as its atmospheric environments, detailed character models, and dynamic lighting—far outweighed its flaws. The ability to choose between graphical modes (e.g., GameOnly’s 120fps performance) further showcased Retro Studios’ technical skill, cementing Beyond as a visually impressive entry in the series despite its imperfections.

The overwhelming consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are a standout achievement, significantly enhancing the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack for its immersive quality, with Gamepressure highlighting its ability to amplify tension and emotional moments, while Wccftech noted its "eerie atmosphere" that complements exploration. Geeks & Com celebrated its nostalgic yet modern approach, and Thumbsticks called it "outrageously good," emphasizing its role in creating an immersive sci-fi experience. Nintendo Blast lauded the dynamic shifts in music during action and quiet moments, while Le Bêta-Testeur described the adaptive, zone-specific themes as hypnotic. Zoomg’s blend of retro synthwave with orchestral grandeur and PlayUA’s praise for its cinematic quality underscore the soundtrack’s ability to evoke both nostalgia and innovation. Critics like Pure Nintendo and SpaceNerd.it highlighted the "sublime" and "memorable" tracks, with specific mentions of haunting vocals and area-specific themes that deepen the game’s mysterious tone. The music’s capacity to balance minimalistic tension with epic crescendos, as noted by Tom’s Hardware Italia and COGconnected, further solidifies its impact on the player’s experience. Despite these accolades, some critics pointed to notable shortcomings. Final Weapon and Manual dos Games criticized Sol Valley for its complete lack of background music, calling it a jarring contrast to the game’s otherwise cohesive audio design. DualShockers echoed this sentiment, noting that the absence of music in certain areas felt like a missed opportunity. Cerealkillerz was particularly critical, describing the soundtrack as "generic synth tracks" with repetitive warning sounds that undermined immersion. Additionally, Gamefa highlighted the frustration of the Sound Gallery being locked behind purchases, detracting from the overall experience. While most reviews focused on the music’s strengths, some noted minor issues with specific areas lacking musical accompaniment or transitions feeling overly dramatic. These critiques, however, were relatively isolated and did not overshadow the broader praise for the soundtrack’s innovation and emotional resonance. Overall, the majority of critics overwhelmingly praised Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s sound design and music, recognizing it as a pivotal element that elevates the game’s atmosphere and storytelling. Even with minor criticisms about specific areas or technical aspects, the consensus was clear: the soundtrack is a triumph, blending nostalgia with modern innovation to create an immersive sci-fi experience. Reviewers like Gameblog and The Outerhaven Productions called it one of the best Nintendo soundtracks in recent years, while IGN and MonsterVine highlighted its legendary status. Despite some reservations about Sol Valley’s lack of music or repetitive elements, these were seen as minor drawbacks in an otherwise exceptional audio design. The game’s ability to balance atmospheric tension, emotional depth, and environmental immersion through its music solidified its reputation as a standout title in the series.

The voice acting in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond receives mixed but generally balanced praise, with several critics highlighting its competent execution and narrative support. Nintendo Blast notes that the English voice work "supports the narrative well," while Tom’s Hardware Italia commends the high-quality expressions of characters despite Samus remaining silent. Pure Nintendo praises Myles MacKenzie’s performance for providing "comic relief" and enriching character interactions, and TheGamer acknowledges the emotional impact of developed companions like Sylux. Additionally, Video Chums appreciates how the vocal cast adds levity without overshadowing the game’s serious tone, suggesting that some characters successfully balance humor with narrative depth. These positives indicate that while not groundbreaking, the voice acting contributes meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere and character dynamics. However, numerous critics criticize the voice acting for its uneven quality, clichéd dialogue, and lack of depth. VGC lambasts Myles MacKenzie and Armstrong as "poorly executed" with "annoying" and "out of place" dialogue, while Gamer Guides calls the Galactic Federation soldiers’ lines "generic." Metro GameCentral compares the voice acting to an "80s children’s cartoon," and Restart.run finds characters' dialogue "clunky and unconvincing." Samus’s silence is a recurring issue, with Eurogamer and Entertainium criticizing her lack of vocal presence as inconsistent with her role, while others like Gameblog note that underdeveloped NPCs weaken narrative engagement. Critics also highlight the overuse of stereotypical tropes—such as HCL.hr’s critique of "stereotypical and annoying" Federation subordinates—and Qualbert.com’s observation that characters like Myles MacKenzie feel "tedious," underscoring a broader sense of unpolished execution. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with critics divided between appreciating certain performances and criticizing systemic issues. While some praise specific voice actors (e.g., Pure Nintendo’s nod to MacKenzie) and the narrative support of vocal characters (TheGamer), the majority highlight flaws like clichéd dialogue, Samus’s silence, and underdeveloped NPCs. The lack of localization options and uneven character depth further polarize opinions, with some finding the voice acting "acceptable" (LevelUp) and others calling it a "minor drawback" (Nintendo Blast). Despite these critiques, the game’s voice acting is neither universally panned nor celebrated, reflecting a nuanced reception where its strengths are tempered by notable shortcomings in consistency and character development.

The technical performance of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been largely praised across platforms, particularly on the Nintendo Switch 2. Critics like Twisted Voxel and Wccftech highlighted its "smooth 120 FPS performance" and "stable frame rates (4K/60fps and 1080p/120fps)" on the newer hardware, with Geeks & Com noting "excellent optimization" and STWGames Italia calling it "impeccable" with no bugs. The Switch 2 version also benefits from adjustable graphical settings, such as 4News.it’s mention of 4K/120fps options and Cloud Dosage’s praise for "solid optimization." On the original Nintendo Switch, while some compromises exist—like 4News.it noting lower resolution and texture degradation—the game runs smoothly at 60fps, with GamePro stating it "pushes the older hardware to its limits" but maintains consistent performance. The cross-gen compatibility is also a plus, as IGN Spain noted the "AAA-quality optimization" across both platforms. Despite these positives, several technical and design flaws were identified. On the Switch 2, issues like INVEN’s critique of a "navigation system (McKenzie) that fails to provide timely hints" and SpaceNerd.it’s complaints about "long loading times and repetitive traversal in the desert hub area" detract from the experience. Uagna pointed out "poor auto-save systems" and "visual glitches," while VDGMS criticized "clunky open-world traversal" and a "sluggish motorcycle mechanic." On older hardware, PlayUA noted "inconvenient 3D map markers" and "occasional freezes," and Game Rant mentioned "mouse controls" that felt "awkward." Additionally, ProjectN and Eurogamer highlighted the desert area’s "lack of interactivity" and "design inconsistencies," which, while not technical bugs, impacted immersion. These issues, though varied, collectively suggest areas where the game’s execution fell short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers strong technical performance, particularly on the Switch 2, with Twisted Voxel and Wccftech emphasizing its "polished" and "optimized" nature. While some reviewers like GameOnly and Chicas Gamers noted minor issues, the majority agreed that these flaws did not overshadow the game’s technical achievements. On the original Switch, while performance was stable, visual compromises were inevitable, as 4News.it acknowledged. The game’s ability to run smoothly across both platforms—especially with options like 120fps and 4K settings—was widely praised, though design and navigation shortcomings, as critiqued by INVEN and SpaceNerd.it, remained notable drawbacks. Ultimately, the technical foundation is robust, but its success hinges on addressing these peripheral issues to enhance player experience.

The reviewers who highlight positive aspects of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s replay value emphasize its exploration-driven design, collectible-focused mechanics, and post-game incentives. Wccftech notes that the game’s expansive world and 15-hour campaign encourage repeated playthroughs, with completionists spending up to 30 hours on 100% completion. Nintendo Blast and Le Bêta-Testeur praise hidden secrets, backtracking, and secret areas that entice players to revisit zones, while Zoomg points to a New Game+ mode and altered enemy placements as motivators for multiple runs. Game Rant and 4News.it also highlight the appeal of collecting all scans, items, and unlocking concept art in the Gallery, suggesting that exploration and discovery are core to its replayability. Additionally, Gameblog and Video Chums mention re-exploring transformed stages and sub-levels as engaging post-playthrough activities, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on uncovering hidden content. However, several critics argue that the game’s replay value is significantly hindered by repetitive mechanics, linear design, and lack of substantial post-game content. Eurogamer.pt and Eurogamer criticize the simplified Metroidvania structure, repetitive open-world exploration, and an artificial sense of progression, while GamesRadar+ and Metro GameCentral point to tedious overworld traversal and a lack of new ideas. Game Informer’s save system issues prevent revisiting content after the final area without manual backups, and PlayUA and Entertainium highlight the game’s linear structure and "empty" open world as deterrents. Critics like Merlin’in Kazanı and Qualbert.com note that grinding for Green Energy Crystals and the absence of post-game content reduce long-term appeal, while IGN Italy and HCL.hr suggest that even hidden secrets and multiple endings fail to compensate for a lack of innovation or meaningful choices. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward moderate replayability, with strengths in exploration and collectibles offset by significant flaws. While reviewers like Wccftech, Nintendo Blast, and Zoomg celebrate the game’s potential for multiple playthroughs through secrets, Hard Mode, and New Game+ mechanics, others such as Eurogamer.pt, GamesRadar+, and PlayUA argue that its repetitive design, linear progression, and lack of post-game incentives limit long-term engagement. The divide reflects a game that offers enough depth for completionists but struggles to maintain appeal beyond the initial playthrough due to structural and content-related shortcomings.