With eager anticipation building for its release, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally received its Metacritic score ahead of its official launch on Nintendo Switch.
The iconic sci-fi action-adventure marks the return of Samus Aran in the much-celebrated Metroid Prime series, developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo.
This long-awaited sequel is set to debut on the Nintendo Switch, reigniting the franchise's legacy that has enthralled fans since the original GameCube title. As of this week, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sits at a Metascore of 81 based on 71 critic reviews, according to data posted by review aggregator Metacritic.
This score falls under the “Generally Favorable” category, signaling broad appreciation from industry reviewers.
However, it is notable that this rating places Beyond as the lowest-rated entry in the Metroid Prime franchise on Metacritic to date; Metroid Prime 3: Corruption holds a score of 90, while Metroid Prime Remastered for Switch boasts an impressive 97. Despite the relatively lower aggregate, critical consensus points to several standout qualities and ambitious new directions for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Nintendo Life awarded the game a 90, commending its ability to capture the sense of discovery reminiscent of the original Metroid Prime while refreshing the formula with vast interconnected biomes and slick traversal mechanics courtesy of the Vi-O-La system.
The publication applauded its art direction, intense boss confrontations, and the introduction of a compelling squad of Federation troopers, describing it as the series' boldest outing yet. Game Informer, with a score of 88, emphasized the game’s immersive atmosphere and rewarding exploration across the planet Viewros, crediting Beyond with reminding players why the Metroid universe continues to captivate nearly two decades after its last major installment. Siliconera's review, which rated the title 81, hailed both the visual and gameplay upgrades but noted that the new entry doesn't quite provide the same narrative engagement or puzzle depth as previous trilogy installments. IGN assigned Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a score of 80, recognizing its successful synthesis of classic Prime gameplay with ambitious open-world elements and character-driven storytelling.
While the reviewer pointed out issues such as an underwhelming open desert area and uneven pacing, they praised the game’s worldbuilding, technical polish, and atmospheric exploration. Destructoid, handing out a 75, remarked on the long wait since the game’s initial 2017 announcement, calling Beyond a fun and exciting adventure for fans, though marred by some persistent flaws. On the more critical end, VGC gave the game a 60, suggesting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond struggles to balance its lineage with new mechanics, resulting in uneven storytelling and gameplay that occasionally undermines its sense of discovery. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be available on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop and retail outlets, continuing the legacy of one of Nintendo’s most innovative franchises.
As Retro Studios looks to the future, anticipation remains high among both long-term fans and newcomers eager to experience Samus Aran’s latest journey.
The iconic sci-fi action-adventure marks the return of Samus Aran in the much-celebrated Metroid Prime series, developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo.
This long-awaited sequel is set to debut on the Nintendo Switch, reigniting the franchise's legacy that has enthralled fans since the original GameCube title. As of this week, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sits at a Metascore of 81 based on 71 critic reviews, according to data posted by review aggregator Metacritic.
This score falls under the “Generally Favorable” category, signaling broad appreciation from industry reviewers.
However, it is notable that this rating places Beyond as the lowest-rated entry in the Metroid Prime franchise on Metacritic to date; Metroid Prime 3: Corruption holds a score of 90, while Metroid Prime Remastered for Switch boasts an impressive 97. Despite the relatively lower aggregate, critical consensus points to several standout qualities and ambitious new directions for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Nintendo Life awarded the game a 90, commending its ability to capture the sense of discovery reminiscent of the original Metroid Prime while refreshing the formula with vast interconnected biomes and slick traversal mechanics courtesy of the Vi-O-La system.
The publication applauded its art direction, intense boss confrontations, and the introduction of a compelling squad of Federation troopers, describing it as the series' boldest outing yet. Game Informer, with a score of 88, emphasized the game’s immersive atmosphere and rewarding exploration across the planet Viewros, crediting Beyond with reminding players why the Metroid universe continues to captivate nearly two decades after its last major installment. Siliconera's review, which rated the title 81, hailed both the visual and gameplay upgrades but noted that the new entry doesn't quite provide the same narrative engagement or puzzle depth as previous trilogy installments. IGN assigned Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a score of 80, recognizing its successful synthesis of classic Prime gameplay with ambitious open-world elements and character-driven storytelling.
While the reviewer pointed out issues such as an underwhelming open desert area and uneven pacing, they praised the game’s worldbuilding, technical polish, and atmospheric exploration. Destructoid, handing out a 75, remarked on the long wait since the game’s initial 2017 announcement, calling Beyond a fun and exciting adventure for fans, though marred by some persistent flaws. On the more critical end, VGC gave the game a 60, suggesting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond struggles to balance its lineage with new mechanics, resulting in uneven storytelling and gameplay that occasionally undermines its sense of discovery. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be available on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop and retail outlets, continuing the legacy of one of Nintendo’s most innovative franchises.
As Retro Studios looks to the future, anticipation remains high among both long-term fans and newcomers eager to experience Samus Aran’s latest journey.
