There’s an old internet adage, often misattributed to Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, that claims, “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.” While not an authentic quote, it echoes the perceived philosophy of the Mario creator—prioritizing quality, even if it means waiting longer. This sentiment seems particularly relevant to the saga of Metroid Prime 4, a game that has been in development limbo for years.
Initially announced in 2017, the same year the Nintendo Switch was launched, Metroid Prime 4 was set to be one of the console’s most anticipated titles. However, two years later, Nintendo confirmed that the game’s development was not meeting their standards, leading to a complete restart under Retro Studios, the creators of the first three Prime games. This decision was a rare move for Nintendo, known for its meticulous planning and execution.
Old Samus, New Twists
Metroid Prime 4 is technically the sixth installment in the Prime series, which reimagined the iconic 2D Metroid games as 3D first-person shooters with a focus on exploration. The Prime series fits between the original 1986 NES game and 1991’s Metroid II for Game Boy, following bounty hunter Samus Aran in her missions against the Space Pirates. The latest installment picks up after the trilogy and its handheld spin-offs, introducing Sylux as the main antagonist.
The demo, showcased at a preview event in New York City, begins with Samus arriving at a Galactic Federation station to combat an invasion led by Sylux. This introductory section serves as a tutorial, guiding Samus through combat and Morph Ball mechanics. Unlike previous games where Samus often operates solo, Prime 4 introduces squad-based warfare, reminiscent of 2007’s Prime 3.
Gameplay and Mechanics
After the initial sequence, the demo transitions to a lush jungle environment called Fury Green. Here, players experience the core gameplay, which remains true to the series’ roots. Samus loses her advanced abilities early on, requiring players to explore and find upgrades, now including new psychic powers.
The first-person perspective and scanning visor return, now augmented by a Psychic Visor and Glove, allowing players to manipulate objects and solve puzzles with telekinesis. The demo culminates in a boss fight that highlights these new mechanics, though it doesn’t feel revolutionary.
Less Than Prime
Since Metroid Prime 4’s announcement, gaming has evolved significantly. Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 have expanded the possibilities of exploration games. In comparison, Prime 4’s demo feels simplistic, with linear paths and straightforward puzzles. This approach mirrors past entries like Metroid Prime 3, which simplified gameplay for the Wii’s motion controls.
Metroid Dread, released in 2021, marked a return to the series’ complex roots. While Prime 4’s full scope remains unknown, the demo suggests a cautious approach, with narrow pathways and easy encounters. Additionally, the introduction of NPCs like Mackenzie, a Galactic Federation technician, raises concerns. His interactions with Samus, while humorous, recall the missteps of 2010’s Metroid: Other M, which suffered from poor storytelling and character dynamics.
Visuals and Performance
Visually, Metroid Prime 4 is impressive, with detailed environments and lighting effects. However, some graphical elements, like waterfalls, lack complexity. The game runs smoothly, even reaching 120 frames per second in performance mode, but it feels designed for the aging Nintendo Switch, lagging behind its Switch 2-exclusive peers.
The Road Ahead
Despite its challenges, the fact that Metroid Prime 4 exists is a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to its fans. The game could have been canceled during its tumultuous development, but Nintendo chose to persevere. Metroid has never been a top-seller for the company, but it remains a beloved franchise among hardcore fans.
As the December 4 release date approaches, anticipation builds. While the demo suggests a cautious evolution of the series, fans remain hopeful that the full version of Metroid Prime 4 will justify the long wait and deliver an experience worthy of its legacy.
