A look into the Switch 2's best upcoming game: Metroid Prime 4

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

With the most recent Nintendo Direct, a very surprising appearance (to me) was Metroid Prime 4. With this direct being dedicated to games releasing on the original Nintendo Switch, I didn't expect to actually see Prime 4 make an appearance in any way until next week. However, I am more than happy to be wrong. Metroid Prime 4 is one of my most anticipated games of all time, and easily the game I'm looking forward to the most this year (even including Grand Theft Auto 6).

Amidst the seven year gap between the original announcement (2017) and the first proper trailer (2024), I was skeptical the game even existed in any capacity. After the announcement of a complete overhaul in development, I honestly gave up hope on ever seeing the game, and if I did, it wouldn't be the game I wanted. However, like earlier, I am glad to be proven incorrect in my assessment. Bringing back the old dogs over at Retro Studios (which I still don't understand why they weren't the developers in the first place) is the right call, and with a promise to see a graphics boost thanks to the Switch 2, I couldn't be more excited.

Starting with the first trailer last year, it brought back everything I wanted. The always excellent Varia Suit, the intro theme, which has remained my alarm tone for almost a decade, and the hyped return of Sylux made me watch the trailer countless numbers of times. Everything about the game screamed 'me' and more info couldn't come soon enough. A new planet to explore, a familiar yet exciting villain, and eventual new gameplay features is all I really want from a Metroid game.

Bounty Hunter: Sylux | Metroid Prime 4 Announcement Trailer

With today's showcase, I'm able to further cement that this game is on the top of my most anticipated games. Taking place on Planet Viewros, a new location for the series, it seems to bring forward the mysterious exploration aspect from previous titles, with the need to scan relics and carve your own way forward. With the new planet brings new enemies, the alien species native to the planet, and of course the return of the Space Pirates, seemingly led by returning villain Sylux. Sylux debuted in the Nintendo DS spinoff, Metroid Prime Hunters, and has been teased ever since, including the credits to Metroid Prime 3 and Federation Force. What leads to any of this is unclear, but with an army of Metroid behind him, I cannot wait to see whatever his plan may be.

Keeping in line with each consistent Prime game, this one introduces its own new gameplay feature, Psychic Abilities. These abilities can be used to operate structures and redirect shots from your blaster. Seemingly bestowed onto Samus for reasons that include her new 'Chosen One' title, hopefully the powers can play a part in boss fights as well. Lastly, the introduction of a new suit makes me hopeful for even stronger and better abilities to tie in with its acquisition, however far in the game that may be. Speaking of the suit, I am a big fan of its look so far; the red and purple colors go well together and the gray areas of the suit really nails the 'alien' look that each suit upgrade in the series gets.

10/10 on the new suit

In a series dominated by 8/10 and above titles, there is a lot riding on this game to do well for the series. Metroid has never been as heavy as a hitter, saleswise, as other series such as Mario, Legend of Zelda or Kirby. However, personally, Metroid has always been above them in terms of quality and overall enjoyment. Even at the series' worst I can walk away with a 'wasn't TERRIBLE' mentality (though Other M really pushes it). With the original developers taking the helm, I'm really hoping this game knocks it out the park and blows away expectations. I can't handle another decade long break from this series, and with how long this game has been in development, it would burn even harder if this game does fail. I will remain optimistic and idly anticipate it as much as I can. When in 2025 it releases is unclear as of now, however my bets remain on it being a launch title for the Switch 2. Could be wrong, but no matter when it releases I'll be there on day one to sink all my available time into with the many playthroughs I can already see myself taking.