December 4th, 2025 marked the end of an eight-year journey for Metroid fans. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally hit shelves for Nintendo Switch 2, and the gaming community has a lot to say about it.
Metroid Prime 4 Review Scores From Major Publications
The reviews paint a picture of a competent but not revolutionary entry in the series:
| Publication | Score | Summary |
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| IGN | 8.5/10 | "A worthy successor with stunning visuals" |
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| GameSpot | 8/10 | "Great exploration, uneven pacing" |
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| Eurogamer | Recommended | "Faithful to the franchise's DNA" |
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| Kotaku | Mixed | "Beautiful but bloated" |
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How Metroid Prime 4 Compares to Previous Games
The Metacritic score currently sits at 81, making it the lowest-rated mainline Metroid Prime game. For context, the original Metroid Prime holds a 97, Prime 2 earned a 92, and Prime 3 finished at 90.
What Works in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
Critics universally praised several aspects of the game:
Graphics and World Design
The alien environments of Tallon IV's sister planet showcase Nintendo's technical prowess on the Switch 2 hardware. Dynamic weather systems, day-night cycles, and environmental storytelling create an immersive experience.
Combat and Boss Fights
The new "Surge Mode" ability lets Samus chain attacks in creative ways. Boss fights are described as "demanding but fair," requiring players to learn patterns and exploit weaknesses.
Exploration and Upgrades
Hidden areas contain meaningful upgrades rather than just collectibles. Returning to earlier zones with new abilities opens genuinely exciting paths.
Metroid Prime 4 Problems and Criticism
Not everything landed well with critics and players:
Pacing and Backtracking Issues
Multiple reviews cite a 15-hour middle section that drags considerably. Backtracking without meaningful changes to environments frustrated several reviewers.
Difficulty Spike in Late Game
The final third of the game ramps up difficulty dramatically. Some players report needing 30+ attempts on late-game bosses, a stark contrast to the accessible early hours.
Performance and Frame Rate Drops
Despite Switch 2's power, frame rate drops in busy areas mar the otherwise polished presentation. A day-one patch addressed some issues, but problems persist.
What Players Are Saying About Metroid Prime 4
Reddit and gaming forums show a divided community:
"After 8 years, I expected something that would redefine the genre. Instead, I got 'Metroid Prime, but longer.' Still good, just... disappointing." - u/SamusReturns2025
"Everyone complaining hasn't hit the Chozo Sanctuary yet. That section alone makes the wait worth it." - u/MetroidMaster88
Metroid Prime 4 Sales Numbers
Despite mixed reception, the game sold exceptionally well:
Is Metroid Prime 4 Worth Playing?
If you're a Metroid fan or enjoy atmospheric exploration games, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers a solid 25-30 hour experience. Newcomers might want to try the Metroid Prime Remastered first to understand the series' appeal.
For browser gaming enthusiasts looking for similar exploration-focused experiences, platformers like Vex 8 and Slope offer that same satisfying loop of mastery and discovery in bite-sized sessions.
Metroid Prime 4 DLC and Future Updates
Nintendo has already confirmed DLC plans for 2026, promising new planets and a "substantial post-game challenge." Whether this addresses pacing criticisms remains to be seen.