Metroid Prime 4 is right here. It’s lastly right here. On December 4, 2025, followers world wide rejoiced in unison as they downloaded their copy of the sport, or picked up their bodily version. Irrespective of the format, one factor was abundantly clear within the lead-up to launch: we’ve been ready a very long time for extra first-person motion with Samus Aran.
Eighteen years, the truth is. Whereas Metroid Prime 4: Past was introduced in 2017, we haven’t seen an entry within the collection since 2007’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Time can do humorous issues to an individual. It may elevate expectations, for one, which is able to contribute in the direction of a person’s ideas on this journey. So, I’ll do my greatest to convey my very own impressions, noting there have been loads of naysayers on-line who won’t agree with me.
Let’s begin with one thing we can all agree on: the visuals. Metroid Prime 4: Past appears to be like splendid. Like, actually pretty. For those who have been hoping this may be the sport to showcase the Change 2’s capabilities, you’ll be happy to know these hopes have been realised. I used to be enthralled proper from the title display! The backdrops all through this journey are nothing wanting beautiful, taking Samus by means of environments spanning icy caverns, lush forests, and fiery mountainsides. I discovered myself steadily pausing to take all of it in, snapping screenshots like I used to be on trip. There’s even an deserted constructing run by the very lightning bolts that constantly strike simply outdoors. An eternally storm-based industrial zone? It’s as fascinating and breathtaking because it sounds.
Gameplay can be acquainted to style veterans. You management Samus from a first-person perspective. As Nintendo likes to say, this isn’t a first-person shooter; it’s a first-person journey. Don’t let that put you off if you happen to’re primarily into working and gunning, as there’s loads of firearm-based motion on provide, too. Aliens of all sizes and shapes assault at will, however I’d be mendacity if I mentioned that was the primary focus of the sport. It’s clearly about exploration.
That feeling of isolation for which the collection is thought stays intact, taking Samus to numerous locales to puzzle her means out. Whereas the quests really feel a little bit on the linear facet, one glimpse on the sprawling 3D map may have you pondering in any other case. There are many pathways and junctions to confound you as you puzzle your means by means of every part.
Sure, there are puzzles aplenty on this journey. These headscratchers are a part of the allure, although it often seems like a Legend of Zelda outing set in house. That’s not essentially a nasty factor by any means, nevertheless it does blur the road between the 2 IPs a little bit greater than normal. After all, the sci-fi factor and first-person perspective assist differentiate between Samus and Hyperlink. Plus the final two Zelda outings took a unique method for that collection such that Metroid Prime 4 finally ends up feeling a little bit like a basic Zelda title crossed with a basic Metroid title. Relying on these expectations I discussed earlier, this can make you’re feeling comforted or pissed off. I fall into the comforted class.
Let’s discuss Samus’ new wheels. As we noticed within the trailer, you now have a motorbike at your disposal: Vi-O-La. My preliminary considerations about whether or not this may work have been quickly put to relaxation by the benefit of the controls and terrific integration into the gameplay. Vi-O-La is enjoyable and straightforward to trip, permitting you to hurry throughout terrain whereas retaining the power to fireplace your weapon and scan objects. I notably love how easy it’s to conjure and dispense of the bike; a easy faucet of the + button and it seems or disappears immediately. I additionally admire the thorough tutorial part that eases you into the function of federation bikie.
One of many recreation’s options that had individuals debating even earlier than it was launched is Myles MacKenzie. Samus stumbles upon this NPC comparatively early into her journey, and he joins you for a short time by turning into a sidekick of kinds. To begin with, Myles is completely fantastic as a personality. He serves as a little bit of comedian reduction, a nerdy kind who isn’t used to fast-paced motion. He steps up throughout fight, although, in order that he’s not fully ineffective. And his voice actor does a terrific job. Secondly, he’s not with you for lengthy in any respect, definitely not lengthy sufficient to be detrimental to the sport. He quickly settles right into a minor function, turning into somebody you solely work together with every now and then when your go well with wants powering up.
Even the controversial desert—often known as Sol Valley—is kind of pleasurable. That is the place Vi-O-La turns into notably helpful as you traverse this dry and desolate space in the hunt for locations to discover. It provides an open-world environment between ranges, serving to to dispense that preliminary linear feeling. The sand dunes additionally look nice, with real looking ripples seen as you energy over them in your option to your subsequent vacation spot.
As with every Metroid recreation value its weight in salt, there are collectibles aplenty on provide in Metroid Prime 4. Weapons, for one, with new talents and upgrades sprinkled all through your journey. You’ll additionally need to scan every thing, from enemies to fundamental crates, with the intention to obtain 100% completion. This time round, unscanned objects present as inexperienced, a helpful option to discern something you may need missed.
The Change 2 version of Metroid Prime 4: Past sports activities mouse controls. These work effectively, although are greatest used on a flat floor quite than your leg to keep away from cramping. It makes aiming a lot simpler, although Samus’ lock-on capacity nearly negates the necessity for that stage of accuracy. First-person purists will benefit from the possibility to make use of one thing extra exact, although.
I’ve to say audio. Bear with me, because it’s going to be onerous to not gush. Put merely, the Metroid Prime 4: Past soundtrack is just chic. It’s among the finest soundtracks I’ve heard this yr, and, sure, I’ve performed Hades II and Silksong (each wonderful, don’t get me flawed). The title display kicks issues off with a observe that includes haunting vocals and a rising tempo that crescendos into one thing worthy of a reside live performance. Every space of the sport is paired with a shocking soundtrack, making this among the finest audio experiences of 2026.
General, Metroid Prime 4: Past delivers on all counts—a minimum of from this reviewer’s perspective. With beautiful visuals, an excellent soundtrack, and strong exploration, it presents just a few new tips coupled with a sense of nostalgia. It tries to stability that fantastic line between interesting to followers and newcomers, and it does effectively on each counts. Whereas not everybody will agree, at face worth it is a splendidly constructed recreation that has been definitely worth the wait. For those who’re on the fence, do your self a favor and play Metroid Prime 4: Past.
