'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' marks the beginning of a new era for this great classic

After decades of history and having become one of Nintendo's most influential sagas, Metroid It's back in full force with Metroid Prime 4: BeyondThe release comes after a long and complex development process, having been announced at the now-defunct E3 2017 trade show. During this time, the title has undergone various internal redesigns and processes, showing very little sign of life; a prolonged silence that has also fostered a certain anticipation for its launch.

The sub-saga Prime It has always stood out for combining exploration and atmosphere. Metroid with a first-person camera. This approach puts the action through the eyes of Samus Aran, the iconic bounty hunter and protagonist of the saga. This characteristic feature contrasts with the platforming and side-scrolling controls of the original titles or more recent ones such as Metroid DreadNintendo envisions this new chapter as an accessible entry point for new players unfamiliar with the series, as it concludes the narrative arcs of the main games to date. However, loyal fans and those familiar with the franchise's chronology will find more pieces and references to draw upon.

The new Beyond It's also presented as a cross-generational title, fulfilling its announcement promise by being released for the original Switch, but it's on the Switch 2 version where it will truly shine, offering higher resolution modes and improved performance. Finally, the Switch 2 version will allow the use of the mouse mode of the controllers for more precise aiming, switching between grip modes smoothly and without interruption. Metroid Prime 4 Published this Thursday, December 4th, the new book invites readers to explore a previously unknown alien planet, taking the saga into a scenario as uncertain as it is promising.

A new rival and a mysterious planet

The game's main antagonist appears to be a certain Sylux, an enigmatic rival bounty hunter who had made brief appearances in previous titles, but who now emerges as the protagonist's new nemesis. The game's plot begins when the villain attacks a research facility, triggering a distress signal that the heroine decides to follow. However, the trail leads her to Viewros, a completely unknown planet where she soon discovers the remains of an extinct civilization and landscapes that hold more questions than answers. As the planet reveals its secrets, the main mission becomes clear: escape Viewros alive.

As is usual in MetroidExploration is a fundamental pillar: scanning, observing, and interpreting the environment are necessary to find the right path and continue the adventure. The Vi-O-La takes center stage with the first-person camera, providing clues and expanding the planet's lore with valuable information, including details about the various enemies Samus will have to face if she wants to achieve her goal. One of the standout new features is the vast central desert of Viewros, an open space connecting several regions, which the protagonist can traverse using the Vi-O-La, an ancient motorcycle-like artifact. This vehicle allows for combat on the move and greater freedom in exploring the desert's vast expanses with a third-person camera.

A classic arsenal and new psychic powers

Samus's classic repertoire returns to Metroid Prime 4The arm cannon with beams and missiles, the jumps, the dodges, and the indispensable Morph Ball, which allows you to squeeze through the narrowest spaces. But Beyond It introduces a significant new element: psychic abilities, mysterious powers that the protagonist will acquire as the adventure progresses. Among the revealed abilities are the control beam, which allows her to redirect projectiles with pinpoint accuracy, and the psychic glove, capable of activating and manipulating the energy of ancient devices. These capabilities unlock new ways to solve puzzles and eliminate enemies and obstacles, but above all, they open the way to previously inaccessible areas, reinforcing a core mechanic of the series.

Despite her lone wolf reputation, Samus won't be entirely alone on Viewros. Several Galactic Federation soldiers are also trapped on the planet and will interact with her sporadically. Some will join the fight, others will share relevant information, and still others will explore alongside the bounty hunter, also searching for a way to escape the planet. Between fragile alliances, relentless enemies, and a ruined world full of mysteries, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond It's being touted as one of Nintendo's most ambitious releases in recent years. The title marks a highly anticipated return for the series, aiming to usher in a new era for one of video game's most iconic heroines.