Metroid Prime 4 Hands-On: Retro Revival with a Surprising Twist
Paris, France – February 22, 2024 – A recent preview of Metroid Prime 4 reveals a faithful return to teh series’ roots, enhanced by refined controls and a possibly divisive new companion mechanic. Gamekult’s hands-on experience highlights a technically solid sequel that successfully modernizes the Metroid Prime formula for the Nintendo Switch.
The preview focuses on improvements to control schemes, notably the handling of gyroscopic aiming in portable mode, wich is noted as a significant upgrade over Metroid Prime Remastered. While mouse control in docked mode offers precision for remote-controlled shots and puzzle-solving, the Joy-Cons are described as “quite unpleasant to use over length and in such a dynamic game.” Players can seamlessly switch between gyro and mouse controls.
Beyond control refinements, Metroid Prime 4 largely maintains the core gameplay loop of exploration, atmosphere, and music that define the series. A notable change is the integration of a jump ability alongside the morphball mine, streamlining a previously established technique.
Perhaps the most surprising element revealed is the introduction of Myles McKenzie, a fully-voiced Federation engineer stranded on the planet Viewros. Players will be tasked with escorting McKenzie, who possesses a life bar – his death resulting in a game over.The frequency of thes escort missions remains unknown, but the developers appear to have invested substantially in this new mechanic.
“We’ll let you judge the potential of this comic spring for yourselves upon release,” the Gamekult preview states, acknowledging a divided opinion within their team regarding McKenzie’s role.
Metroid Prime 4 is slated for release on February 8, 2024, marking the long-awaited continuation of the critically acclaimed first-person adventure series.
