Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – First Impressions After 2 Hours

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers a stunning visual experience on the upcoming Switch 2, showcasing gorgeous graphics in both handheld and docked modes. After spending two hours with the game, I’m buzzing with anticipation for the full release, though my preview left me wondering just how much Nintendo held back.

To put my impressions in context, I need to mention two other Nintendo titles I previewed before their launch. Last September, I got an early look at The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom in New York. The game’s novel system for collecting and conjuring copies of items and enemies initially impressed me, but the final version felt less creative than I’d hoped. My preview session turned out to be overly optimistic, as the full game didn’t live up to its early promise.

Then there was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in May 2023. Nintendo invited me to a high-rise in New York about a month before launch, where I was stunned by the intricate contraption-building mechanics and the expanded world featuring floating islands. Representatives advised avoiding certain pits on the map, but once I had the game at home, I discovered they were hiding a massive underground realm, the most fascinating part of the adventure. That preview barely scratched the surface of what the full game offered.

Now, having played Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for two hours in New York, I’m largely delighted but uncertain whether this experience will be more like Echoes or Tears. Nintendo clearly concealed significant parts of the game, and I don’t feel I truly know what Metroid Prime 4, scheduled for release on Switch and Switch 2 on December 4, will ultimately deliver.

During my session, I started with the introductory segment on a Switch 2 in handheld mode, the same segment available at public showcases. In this high-action tutorial, bounty hunter Samus Aran pilots her ship to a planet where Galactic Federation troops are battling alien forces at a research facility. The sequence culminates in the explosion of a mysterious device, setting the stage for the adventure.

Switching to a docked Switch 2 on a large TV, I explored what appears to be the game’s first major area: Fury Green, a lush jungle on the planet Viewros. True to the series’ roots, this segment emphasizes exploration and discovery over pure combat. I spent over an hour scanning exotic flora and fauna, collecting basic upgrades like missiles and morph ball bombs, frequently consulting my map, and facing off against a boss. It’s classic Metroid Prime gameplay through and through.

The Fury Green section captivated me with its beautiful design and thoughtful details. Retro Studios has crafted an immersive environment filled with rich scenery and subtle touches that bring the world to life. For instance, I noticed tiny insects diligently carrying leaves across a fallen log, adding a layer of authenticity to the jungle setting.

![Image: A detailed view of the Fury Green jungle, highlighting vibrant foliage and atmospheric lighting.]

Another standout moment involved using Samus’s new psychic abilities. With her psychic visor, she detected a special purple orb, which she then manipulated using a psychic glove to unlock a strikingly designed door. This mechanic hints at fresh puzzle-solving dynamics that could deepen the exploration experience.

![Image: Samus employing her psychic glove to interact with a mysterious purple orb on an ornate door.]

While my time with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was thoroughly enjoyable, the shadow of Nintendo’s selective previews looms large. I’m excited to see if the full game reveals hidden depths that make it another standout entry in the beloved series.

(Source: Game File)