After years of silence and speculation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has reappeared strongly in the video game scene with new gameplay. shown during the Nintendo Direct held on March 27. The new installment of this iconic saga starring Samus Aran has generated great excitement among fans, who have finally been able to get a glimpse of what this ambitious proposal developed by Retro Studios will be like.
The trailer shown not only allowed us to see never-before-seen gameplay sequences, but also revealed new mechanics, environments and abilities. with which Samus will have to face the challenges that await her. However, despite the amount of information provided, The title still does not have a specific release date., although it is planned to arrive throughout the year 2025. For more details about the game, you can check the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gameplay.
A new planet full of mysteries: Viewros
The story of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond begins with Samus being suddenly transported to a mysterious alien world called Viewros.This planet is notable for its dense vegetation, ancient stone structures, and a gigantic tree that dominates the horizon. Throughout the gameplay, we've seen how The protagonist explores ruins, scans ancient artifacts, and confronts insectoid-looking creatures. in an environment reminiscent of the first games in the series but with a clear graphic evolution.
The planet seems to have an ancient and symbolic origin, full of secrets yet to be revealed. The ancient civilizations that left their mark on Viewros could be closely linked to the new ability that Samus develops. during their stay in this world. The development of these psychic abilities may be reminiscent of other groundbreaking titles such as Half-Life: Alyx, which also incorporated new gameplay elements.
New mechanics: psychic powers for Samus
One of the highlights of the new footage has been the addition of a mechanic never seen before in the series: Samus now has psychic abilities that allow her to manipulate the environment and control projectiles.These abilities, activated by a purple energy emanating from his free hand, are key to solving puzzles, accessing new areas, and combating enemies more strategically.
Thus, we have been able to see how the protagonist He passes through doors using his telekinesis, moves energy spheres from a distance, and redirects shots to hit multiple targets.. This new dimension of gameplay not only expands the playable options but also introduces a more narrative component to the story, as A mysterious figure refers to Samus as “the Chosen One”, suggesting that there is a greater purpose behind her new powers. This incorporation of innovative abilities is similar to what we saw in the death stranding gameplay, where the mechanics impacted the gameplay experience.
These mechanics could even be integrated with the Joy-Con motion control system, allowing for a more immersive experience by taking advantage of the console's gyroscope. While official confirmation is pending, this integration promises to add an interesting level of interactivity to combat and exploration.
Return of classic gameplay with modern touches
Despite the introduction of these new skills, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond keeps many of the franchise's iconic features intactThe use of the scanning visor, the first-person perspective, Samus's transformations—such as the Morph Ball—and the interconnected level structure are all present.
However, the technical aspect has taken a great leap forward compared to its predecessors. Samus's suit design has been updated with glowing lines and a new purple visor., while the end of the trailer offered a glimpse of an all-new red suit, the specific function of which is still unknown but which could be linked to advanced abilities or a specific phase of the story. This type of graphical evolution has also been noticed in other games, such as the Final Fantasy VII Remake.
A development with ups and downs and prolonged silence
The path of Metroid Prime 4 has not exactly been easy.Originally announced at E3 2017, the game generated a wave of excitement with just the glimpse of its logo. However, in 2019, Nintendo publicly announced that development would be restarted and transferred to Retro Studios, the creators of the original trilogy.
Since then, The game went a long period without news, except for some rumors and key hirings in the studio. Throughout this time, the company released other titles in the franchise, such as Metroid dread and the remastering of Metroid Prime, which helped keep the spark of interest in the series alive. But it wasn't until early 2024 that we were able to see the first trailer for this revamped version we now know as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
The recent appearance in the Nintendo Direct has served to reassure fans and confirm that the project is moving forward steadily., although Nintendo is still offering few details about its progress or a more concrete release window. This is reminiscent of other game announcements that have kept the community in suspense, such as the Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls.
The connection with Nintendo Switch and its possible successor
One of the great unknowns remains Whether Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be tied to the current Nintendo Switch or if it will be one of the launch titles for its successor, the rumored Nintendo Switch 2. For now, Nintendo has confirmed that the game will be coming to the current console, although given that its release is scheduled for 2025, It is not ruled out that there could be an intergenerational version..
Furthermore, The trailer has focused entirely on gameplay and showing off the game's new features., but there have been no references to technical or visual improvements that might be present if this were a title optimized for a more powerful console. This is a concern that has also arisen with other releases, such as Doom: The Dark Ages.
Narrative elements and symbolism
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond seems to want to go further in terms of narrative. The new trailer shows scenes with dialogue and cinematics that could give more depth to the plot., just as it was in previous installments like Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. The revelation that Samus has been chosen by unknown forces raises questions about her role in a larger crisis, and the nature of her new powers suggests that the events of this installment could have repercussions for the Metroid universe as a whole.
The colossal tree at the center of the planet Viewros, the stone figures scattered across the stage, and the insectoid enemies that appear to protect certain key areas, indicate that there is a mythology and a history to unravel. All of this contributes to generating an atmosphere of mystery and exploration, a hallmark of the series since its inception. This evolving narrative can be compared to other games that also address complex and symbolic themes, such as Gollum trailer.
The presence of an unknown character who identifies Samus as “the Chosen One” introduces a new element of uncertainty that could be key to the game's plot development. Is Samus connected to an ancient prophecy or has she simply fallen victim to a fate she doesn't understand?
It's clear that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is building on the foundations of its legacy to deliver an experience that blends nostalgia, innovation, and a deeper narrative. With more polished gameplay, new mechanics, and a world to discover, The fourth numbered installment promises to be one of Samus Aran's most ambitious adventures., although we will still have to wait to find out the exact date on which it will reach the hands of players.