Anticipation for Metroid Prime 4, subtitled Beyond, continues to build since its 2017 announcement. Fans recently experienced gameplay at the NS2 Experience in Paris, showcasing high-quality visuals and engaging mechanics. The game begins with cinematic space battles, introducing players to Samus and a first-person perspective. The controls are intuitive, blending traditional and new methods. Players face agile Space Pirates and a challenging boss battle against Aberax, leaving them eager for more. Meanwhile, Metroid Prime Remastered is available for €39.99 at Fnac.
The Anticipation for Metroid Prime 4
The wait for Metroid Prime 4 has been quite a journey since its announcement in 2017. Fans are thrilled to learn that this new installment, subtitled Beyond, will be a cross-gen release for the latest Nintendo console, promising an exciting experience for FPS enthusiasts. At the recent NS2 Experience in Paris, we had the opportunity to dive into the game and engage in exhilarating encounters with the Space Pirates. The session featured a monitor set to Performance mode, boasting a resolution of 1080p with HDR and an impressive framerate of 120 fps. Although we couldn’t verify these specs on-site, the smoothness of the gameplay was undeniable. We got a glimpse of the introduction to this highly anticipated title, which is sure to captivate fans of the space opera genre.
Gameplay Mechanics and Immersive Experience
The game kicks off with a stunning cinematic showcasing intense space battles, where the enemies of the Galactic Federation launch an assault on a research facility to seize a mysterious artifact—the very one featured on the game’s logo, radiating a striking purple energy. Upon landing on the planet, players are immediately drawn to the sleek design of Samus‘ armor before transitioning into a first-person perspective. This initial segment serves as a tutorial, designed to ease players into the controls without presenting a significant challenge. The left joystick maneuvers your character, the right joystick controls the camera, ZL locks onto targets, A fires with a charge for the Beam, R activates Missiles, Y transforms into a Morph Ball, while X scans the environment. For those accustomed to the classic 2D Metroid games, adapting to these controls should be a breeze.
Initially, we played using both Joy-Con 2 controllers in a traditional setup before experimenting with a hybrid method that capitalized on the new features of the Switch 2. This involved aiming with the left controller held aloft and resting the right controller on a table like a mouse. Despite initial concerns regarding ergonomics—especially for someone familiar with console FPS gameplay—this approach proved to be remarkably intuitive and natural. While PC gamers might chuckle, the combination of using a controller for movement and a mouse for aiming offers a unique blend of the best elements from both platforms. It’s worth noting that the compact size of the Joy-Con 2 was comfortable for us, but this may vary depending on individual player preferences.
In terms of gameplay, we encountered Space Pirates that skillfully dodged our charged shots unless we had already hit them beforehand, demonstrating their agility. One particular door required shooting four locks while maintaining aim, and there were obstacles to eliminate using a Bomb in an air duct. Many players instinctively placed the Bomb and retreated, a tactic that surprisingly does not harm the player as it does in the 2D versions. The session culminated in an exhilarating boss battle against Aberax, a creature infected by Metroids, taking place in a circular arena. This formidable foe was adept at protecting its weak points, requiring players to master movement techniques like double jumps and rolling to succeed. While the mechanics were straightforward, they effectively served as an engaging warm-up. After defeating the boss, the familiar face of Sylux appeared as teased in trailers, leaving us eager to discover what unfolds next, particularly how Samus will reach Viewros.
Note: The visuals depicted are sourced from the trailer of the Switch 1 version.
In the meantime, players can enjoy Metroid Prime Remastered, available for €39.99 at Fnac.