After spending an extensive hour engaging with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the new Nintendo Switch 2 during a recent preview event, it is evident that this highly anticipated first-party game will bring surprises, both positive and negative, upon its release in December.
The announcement of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond dates back to E3 2017, serving as the sequel to 2007’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, creating a significant anticipation among players. Despite the long wait, the game continues to embody the core elements of the Metroid series, such as intuitive combat and captivating exploration. Nevertheless, with the advent of the Nintendo Switch 2 era, some modernization has been incorporated, potentially dividing opinions among traditionalists.
Following a brief introduction, participants were immersed in a tutorial mission at the game’s outset, acquainting them with Samus’ abilities like the morph ball function, scanning visor, and her iconic Arm Cannon. The unexpected turn of events occurred when Sylux, a rival bounty hunter and the primary antagonist, made an appearance alongside space pirates, chasing after a mysterious artifact. This led to a new setting named Fury Green on the planet Viewros, where players were given the opportunity to test the game extensively.
The visuals of the game on Nintendo Switch 2 greatly impressed, showing significant enhancements over the original Nintendo Switch. Whether it was the detailed portrayal of Samus, the lush cinematic landscapes, or the enhanced Arm Cannon view in first-person perspective, the game exhibited remarkable graphics and sharpness. Noteworthy features included improved textures and graphical quality, although minor imperfections like subpar grass textures were noticeable upon closer inspection.
The game offered two distinct modes focusing on resolution and frame rates: Quality Mode prioritizing higher resolution and Performance Mode emphasizing smoother gameplay. Quality Mode provided 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with HDR in docked mode and 1080p resolution with HDR in handheld or tabletop mode. On the other hand, Performance Mode offered 120 frames per second with HDR, running at 1080p in docked mode and 720p in handheld or tabletop mode. Both modes delivered a satisfying gaming experience, with Performance Mode showcasing remarkably smooth gameplay.
Combat mechanics in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond struck a balance between familiarity with the series and modern enhancements, particularly evident in the incorporation of mouse controls. The implementation of mouse controls proved intuitive and effective, allowing precise targeting and enhancing gameplay experience. The diverse enemy encounters, including challenging bosses, required strategic thinking and precise aiming, adding a puzzle-like element to the combat.
The game introduced psychic powers as new upgrades to Samus’ arsenal, enhancing gameplay mechanics and providing fresh dynamics to combat and exploration. The inclusion of puzzles throughout the mission further enriched the experience, encouraging players to utilize Samus’ new abilities effectively.
Despite the traditional minimalistic approach of the Metroid series, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond featured a substantial amount of dialogue, primarily driven by a character named Myles MacKenzie. While some purists may find the increased dialogue immersion questionable, the narrative depth adds a modern touch to the game, aligning with contemporary gaming standards.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond promises an engaging storyline, intriguing mysteries surrounding characters like Sylux and the Lamorn race, diverse environments for exploration, and innovative gameplay elements like Samus’ motorcycle Vi-0-La. The game’s modernized approach, although catering to a new audience, may pose challenges for purist fans.