Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Critical Reception

After 18 years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally been released, but it has not received universal acclaim. The game holds a score of 80 on Metacritic, with reviews ranging from enthusiastic praise to disappointment. Some critics have praised the game's ability to deliver an exciting experience, while others have criticized its design choices and storytelling. The introduction of chatty NPCs has been a particularly divisive element, with some reviewers enjoying their presence and others finding them annoying. The game's main antagonist, Sylux, has also been criticized for being underdeveloped. On the other hand, the game's graphics and sound design have received widespread praise, with many considering it to be one of the best-looking games on the Switch 2. The game's futuristic motorbike, Vi-O-La, has also been well-received, with many praising its handling and usability. However, the game's overworld has been criticized for being too large and introducing separation between biomes, making it feel like a chore to revisit certain areas. The game's psychic abilities have also been met with criticism, with some finding them to be uninteresting and not meaningfully evolving throughout the story. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers have praised the game's ability to deliver a classic Metroid experience, with some considering it to be one of the best games in the series. Overall, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a game that will likely appeal to fans of the series, but may not be to everyone's taste.