Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Delivers Immersive Exploration and Dynamic Combat on Switch 2
A highly anticipated return, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond showcases meaningful advancements for the series on NintendoS next-generation hardware, including innovative Joy-Con mouse mode functionality. the latest installment in the Metroid franchise emphasizes the series’ core tenets of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense combat, while introducing new abilities for Samus Aran and leveraging the capabilities of the Switch 2.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond features challenging boss encounters, including a fight within an impressive magma lake with “beastly fire attacks.” The game also introduces new combat mechanics, allowing Samus to “pull” shielded droids using her “psychozolazo,” a technique also used to open doors, boxes, and other mechanisms.
A key feature highlighted is the Joy-Con 2 controller’s mouse mode, enabling “point and shoot very intuitively” using the right controller. While utilizing the mouse mode alongside customary button controls presents some difficulty, it’s described as notably useful for moments requiring precision or during combat. The game remains fully playable with standard laptop configurations or the Pro controller.
The game retains the hallmarks of the Metroid series, with a focus on backtracking, puzzles, and rewarding exploration. Players will acquire elemental shots – fire, ice, or electricity – to unlock new paths and secrets. The morphosphere ability returns, utilized in navigating narrow ducts and classic U-shaped platforms.
Reviewers note the game’s immersive soundtrack and outstanding graphics, calling it “an experience that is not easily forgotten.” While the open world’s potential feels somewhat untapped,Metroid prime 4: Beyond represents “a leap in quality in the saga,” offering a dynamic gameplay experience with Samus’s expanded abilities.
