Metroid Prime 4 is right here. It’s lastly right here. On December 4, 2025, followers world wide rejoiced in unison as they downloaded their copy of the sport, or picked up their bodily version. Irrespective of the format, one factor was abundantly clear within the lead-up to launch: we’ve been ready a very long time for extra first-person motion with Samus Aran.
Eighteen years, the truth is. Whereas Metroid Prime 4: Past was introduced in 2017, we haven’t seen an entry within the collection since 2007’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Time can do humorous issues to an individual. It may possibly increase expectations, for one, which is able to contribute in the direction of a person’s ideas on this journey. So, I’ll do my greatest to convey my very own impressions, noting there have been loads of naysayers on-line who is not going to agree with me.
Let’s begin with one thing we can all agree on: the visuals. Metroid Prime 4: Past seems to be splendid. Like, actually pretty. In case you have been hoping this is able to be the sport to showcase the Swap 2’s capabilities, you’ll be happy to know these hopes have been realised. I used to be enthralled proper from the title display! The backdrops all through this journey are nothing in need of gorgeous, taking Samus by environments spanning icy caverns, lush forests, and fiery mountainsides. I discovered myself continuously pausing to take all of it in, snapping screenshots like I used to be on trip. There’s even an deserted constructing run by the very lightning bolts that repeatedly strike simply outdoors. An eternally storm-based industrial zone? It’s as fascinating and breathtaking because it sounds.
Gameplay will probably be acquainted to style veterans. You management Samus from a first-person perspective. As Nintendo likes to say, this isn’t a first-person shooter; it’s a first-person journey. Don’t let that put you off in the event you’re primarily into operating and gunning, as there’s loads of firearm-based motion on provide, too. Aliens of all sizes and styles assault at will, however I’d be mendacity if I stated that was the primary focus of the sport. It’s clearly about exploration.
That feeling of isolation for which the collection is thought stays intact, taking Samus to numerous locales to puzzle her method out. Whereas the quests really feel somewhat on the linear facet, one glimpse on the sprawling 3D map can have you pondering in any other case. There are many pathways and junctions to confound you as you puzzle your method by every part.
Sure, there are puzzles aplenty on this journey. These headscratchers are a part of the attraction, although it sometimes seems like a Legend of Zelda outing set in area. That’s not essentially a foul factor by any means, nevertheless it does blur the road between the 2 IPs somewhat greater than common. In fact, the sci-fi aspect and first-person perspective assist differentiate between Samus and Hyperlink. Plus the final two Zelda outings took a unique method for that collection such that Metroid Prime 4 finally ends up feeling somewhat like a traditional Zelda title crossed with a traditional Metroid title. Relying on these expectations I discussed earlier, it will make you’re feeling comforted or annoyed. I fall into the comforted class.
Let’s discuss Samus’ new wheels. As we noticed within the trailer, you now have a motorbike at your disposal: Vi-O-La. My preliminary considerations about whether or not this is able to work have been quickly put to relaxation by the convenience of the controls and terrific integration into the gameplay. Vi-O-La is enjoyable and simple to journey, permitting you to hurry throughout terrain whereas retaining the flexibility to fireplace your weapon and scan objects. I notably love how easy it’s to conjure and dispense of the bike; a easy faucet of the + button and it seems or disappears immediately. I additionally respect the thorough tutorial part that eases you into the position of federation bikie.
One of many recreation’s options that had folks debating even earlier than it was launched is Myles MacKenzie. Samus stumbles upon this NPC comparatively early into her journey, and he joins you for a short time by turning into a sidekick of kinds. To start with, Myles is completely advantageous as a personality. He serves as a little bit of comedian aid, a nerdy type who isn’t used to fast-paced motion. He steps up throughout fight, although, in order that he’s not utterly ineffective. And his voice actor does a terrific job. Secondly, he’s not with you for lengthy in any respect, actually not lengthy sufficient to be detrimental to the sport. He quickly settles right into a minor position, turning into somebody you solely work together with now and again when your go well with wants powering up.
Even the controversial desert—referred to as Sol Valley—is sort of pleasing. That is the place Vi-O-La turns into notably helpful as you traverse this dry and desolate space seeking locations to discover. It provides an open-world ambiance between ranges, serving to to dispense that preliminary linear feeling. The sand dunes additionally look nice, with practical ripples seen as you energy over them in your technique to your subsequent vacation spot.
As with every Metroid recreation price its weight in salt, there are collectibles aplenty on provide in Metroid Prime 4. Weapons, for one, with new skills and upgrades sprinkled all through your journey. You’ll additionally wish to scan every thing, from enemies to fundamental crates, to be able to obtain 100% completion. This time round, unscanned objects present as inexperienced, a helpful technique to discern something you may need missed.
The Swap 2 version of Metroid Prime 4: Past sports activities mouse controls. These work effectively, although are greatest used on a flat floor moderately than your leg to keep away from cramping. It makes aiming a lot simpler, although Samus’ lock-on capability virtually negates the necessity for that stage of accuracy. First-person purists will benefit from the possibility to make use of one thing extra exact, although.
I’ve to say audio. Bear with me, because it’s going to be laborious to not gush. Put merely, the Metroid Prime 4: Past soundtrack is solely chic. It’s probably the greatest soundtracks I’ve heard this yr, and, sure, I’ve performed Hades II and Silksong (each wonderful, don’t get me mistaken). The title display kicks issues off with a monitor that includes haunting vocals and a rising tempo that crescendos into one thing worthy of a dwell live performance. Every space of the sport is paired with a surprising soundtrack, making this probably the greatest audio experiences of 2026.
General, Metroid Prime 4: Past delivers on all counts—a minimum of from this reviewer’s perspective. With gorgeous visuals, an excellent soundtrack, and stable exploration, it presents a number of new methods coupled with a sense of nostalgia. It tries to stability that advantageous line between interesting to followers and newcomers, and it does effectively on each counts. Whereas not everybody will agree, at face worth it is a splendidly constructed recreation that has been definitely worth the wait. In case you’re on the fence, do your self a favor and play Metroid Prime 4: Past.
