Metroid Prime 4: Did Nintendo Drop the Ball?
After eight long years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has officially landed, and so have the reviews. Sitting at an 79 on Metacritic, the game is earning “generally favorable” praise, but that number comes with a bit of a reality check: it’s the lowest score in the core Metroid Prime series and the lowest for any Metroid title since Federation Force nearly a decade ago.
So what’s going on here? And is an 79 the score fans expected, or feared?
A Solid Score…but Not a Showstopper
Here’s the thing: most players expected Prime 4 to be a console-selling, must-play blockbuster. After almost a decade of anticipation, many imagined a near-perfect return for one of Nintendo’s most beloved sci-fi icons.
Instead, critics describe a polished-but-safe entry that doesn’t push the series forward as dramatically as some hoped. That’s the core issue: Beyond looks competent, but not groundbreaking. For a franchise with so much prestige, and for a game that’s been rebooted mid-development, an 81 feels more “good enough” than “epic comeback.”
This naturally has some fans wondering if the wait was worth it.
Visuals, Atmosphere, and That “Empty Desert” Feeling
A recurring complaint from reviewers? Certain environments feel visually underwhelming. One example making the rounds is a desolate desert section that players say lacks atmosphere, especially thanks to the surprising absence of music.
For newcomers, this might feel like a stylistic misstep. For longtime fans, it might be easier to forgive, especially if they enjoy slower-paced exploration. Still, when you wait eight years, you kind of want every biome to wow you.
Is Metroid Actually a Niche Franchise?
It’s a surprising question that popped up once reviews dropped. Some argue Metroid appeals to a smaller, more hardcore player base. But let’s be honest: when your series is so influential that it becomes part of the gaming lexicon (Metroidvania!), you’re far from niche.
Metroid has been a core Nintendo pillar for nearly 40 years. It may not sell Mario numbers, but it absolutely sits at the top of the company’s prestige lineup. That’s exactly why this release carries so much weight—and why an 79 feels like a missed opportunity.
Nintendo needed a home run right now. Beyond might be a solid triple, but it's not the grand slam fans were hoping for.
Your Turn
Now that the game is finally out in the wild, what do you think?
Is an 79 fair, too harsh, or too generous?
Does Metroid Prime 4: Beyond live up to the hype—or fall short after such a long wait?
Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation!
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