Metroid Prime 4 is right here. It’s lastly right here. On December 4, 2025, followers all over the world rejoiced in unison as they downloaded their copy of the sport, or picked up their bodily version. Regardless 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 sequence since 2007’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Time can do humorous issues to an individual. It will probably elevate expectations, for one, which is able to contribute in direction of a person’s ideas on this journey. So, I’ll do my finest to convey my very own impressions, noting there have been loads of naysayers on-line who is not going to 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. In case you 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 environments spanning icy caverns, lush forests, and fiery mountainsides. I discovered myself continuously 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 repeatedly strike simply exterior. An eternally storm-based industrial zone? It’s as fascinating and breathtaking because it sounds.
Gameplay shall 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 in case you’re primarily into working and gunning, as there’s loads of firearm-based motion on provide, too. Aliens of all styles and sizes assault at will, however I’d be mendacity if I stated that was the principle focus of the sport. It’s clearly about exploration.
That feeling of isolation for which the sequence is thought stays intact, taking Samus to numerous locales to puzzle her manner out. Whereas the quests really feel a bit on the linear facet, one glimpse on the sprawling 3D map can have you pondering in any other case. There are many pathways and junctions to confound you as you puzzle your manner by every part.
Sure, there are puzzles aplenty on this journey. These headscratchers are a part of the appeal, although it often seems like a Legend of Zelda outing set in house. That’s not essentially a nasty factor by any means, but it surely does blur the road between the 2 IPs a bit greater than standard. After all, the sci-fi aspect and first-person perspective assist differentiate between Samus and Hyperlink. Plus the final two Zelda outings took a unique strategy for that sequence such that Metroid Prime 4 finally ends up feeling a bit like a basic Zelda title crossed with a basic Metroid title. Relying on these expectations I discussed earlier, this may make you’re feeling comforted or pissed off. I fall into the comforted class.
Let’s speak about 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 convenience of the controls and terrific integration into the gameplay. Vi-O-La is enjoyable and straightforward to experience, permitting you to hurry throughout terrain whereas retaining the flexibility 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 respect the thorough tutorial part that eases you into the position 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 start with, Myles is completely fantastic as a personality. He serves as a little bit of comedian reduction, a nerdy type 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, actually not lengthy sufficient to be detrimental to the sport. He quickly settles right into a minor position, turning into somebody you solely work together with now and again when your go well with wants powering up.
Even the controversial desert—generally known as Sol Valley—is sort of gratifying. That is the place Vi-O-La turns into notably helpful as you traverse this dry and desolate space looking for locations to discover. It provides an open-world ambiance 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 skills and upgrades sprinkled all through your journey. You’ll additionally need to scan every little thing, from enemies to fundamental crates, so as to obtain 100% completion. This time round, unscanned gadgets present as inexperienced, a helpful option to discern something you might need missed.
The Change 2 version of Metroid Prime 4: Past sports activities mouse controls. These work properly, although are finest used on a flat floor moderately than your leg to keep away from cramping. It makes aiming a lot simpler, although Samus’ lock-on means virtually 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 laborious to not gush. Put merely, the Metroid Prime 4: Past soundtrack is solely elegant. It’s the most effective soundtracks I’ve heard this 12 months, and, sure, I’ve performed Hades II and Silksong (each glorious, don’t get me fallacious). The title display kicks issues off with a monitor that includes haunting vocals and a rising tempo that crescendos into one thing worthy of a dwell live performance. Every space of the sport is paired with a shocking soundtrack, making this the most effective audio experiences of 2026.
Total, 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 properly on each counts. Whereas not everybody will agree, at face worth this can be a splendidly constructed recreation that has been well worth the wait. In case you’re on the fence, do your self a favor and play Metroid Prime 4: Past.
