We played Metroid Prime 4, ask us anything | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessCreatorsMobilePolicySecurityTransportationReviewsExpandLaptopsPhonesHeadphonesTabletsSmart HomeSmartwatchesSpeakersDronesScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthEntertainmentExpandGamesTV ShowsMoviesAudioAIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee All ShoppingCarsExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersOther TransportationFeaturesVideosExpandYouTubeTikTokInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.We played Metroid Prime 4, ask us anythingComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GamingCloseGamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GamingEntertainmentCloseEntertainmentPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EntertainmentNintendoCloseNintendoPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NintendoWe played Metroid Prime 4, ask us anythingShare all your burning questions about Samus’ latest adventure.Share all your burning questions about Samus’ latest adventure.by Ash ParrishCloseAsh ParrishVideo Games ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Ash ParrishDec 3, 2025, 1:00 PM UTCLinkShareImage: NintendoAsh ParrishCloseAsh ParrishPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Ash Parrish is a reporter who covers the business, culture, and communities of video games, with a focus on marginalized gamers and the quirky, horny culture of video game communities.Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of those games that been a long time coming. Fans have been waiting almost a decade for the next entry in Samus’ first-person adventures. Early previews painted an alarming picture of overly chatty sidekicks ruining what’s traditionally a lonely and moody experience. Meanwhile formal reviews run a gamut of opinions, leaving the game in the interesting if tiresome discourse-inducing “7 / 10” range — not perfect, not awful, but possessed of a certain something that makes it uniquely more interesting than many higher scoring games.RelatedMetroid Prime 4 excels when it’s actually being MetroidSo what exactly is that something? Does Metroid Prime 4 even have it and if it does, does it make it worth the eight-year wait? My colleague Andrew Webster (who reviewed the game) and I want to answer those questions and more from Verge subscribers right here in the comments. Since the game isn’t out yet, we can’t answer anything too spoilery, particularly as it pertains to the story. But if you wanna know about Samus’ cool new bike, her new friends, new powers, and just what generally makes a Metroid game shine, just ask. 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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a title burdened by a protracted development cycle of nearly a decade, represents a significant and potentially contentious return for Samus Aran and the established DNA of the Metroid Prime series. Early critical discourse surrounding the game has manifested in a largely polarized landscape, characterized by a spectrum of opinions broadly falling within the “7/10” range. This assessment isn’t indicative of outright failure, but rather a state of nuanced evaluation suggesting the game possesses particular qualities – an “something” – that elevate it beyond typical high-scoring titles while simultaneously failing to fully satisfy the expectations cultivated by the series’ historically solitary and atmospheric experiences. The protracted development has undoubtedly contributed to this situation, generating considerable anticipation and, consequently, heightened scrutiny. The game’s success hinges on its ability to skillfully manage this legacy, potentially offering a compelling reimagining while simultaneously honoring the core tenets of what defines a successful Metroid Prime title.

The prevailing critical sentiment, as evidenced by the initial reviews, centers on a perceived imbalance within the game’s design. Specifically, the inclusion of a more interactive sidekick is generating considerable debate. While intended to enhance the player experience by offering contextual guidance and exposition, early opinions suggest this addition undermines the series' traditional emphasis on exploration, environmental storytelling, and player-driven discovery. This dynamic represents a core tension – how to introduce narrative elements without sacrificing the core identity of a game known for its deliberate pacing and immersive atmosphere. The "something" that elevates the game beyond a standard review score may thus rest on the execution of this balancing act.

Furthermore, key aspects of the Metroid Prime experience – the feeling of isolation, the methodical pace of exploration, and the uncovering of secrets through careful observation – appear to be under pressure. The extent to which the game can effectively retain these elements while incorporating a more interactive component will ultimately determine its success. This is not to suggest outright failure, but rather a critical balance needing to be achieved.

A critical element likely driving the contentious 7/10 evaluations is the perceived cost of this shift. It speaks to a broader concern regarding series continuity, where a game has been allowed to diverge substantially from its roots. It is in this context that the “something” – the execution of this balancing act – takes on extraordinary importance. Does the game successfully meld elements of familiar Metroid Prime gameplay with a degree of interactivity, or does the former suffer in the process as a result? The degree to which it manages to retain all the elements of what makes a Metroid Prime game shine will ultimately drive the overall perception of the game’s value and place within the broader series canon.

The question of Samus Aran's characterization also appears to be, in part, a driver of the critical discourse. The game is expected to continue establishing Samus as a stoic, almost inscrutable protagonist—a cornerstone of the Metroid Prime experience. Any deviations in this portrayal are likely to generate pushback from fans who value this established characterization. The challenge, therefore, is not just in refining the core gameplay, but also in maintaining the integrity of Samus' persona.