The last first-person Metroid shooter was released in 2016 with Metroid Prime: Federation Force, and the series remained dormant for a while over at Nintendo.
With the recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo has given a new look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and the game is expected to be released later this year.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gameplay
A recent showcase video reveals a returning Samus Aran and the setting of Metroid Prime 4, a planet called Viewros. Check this out:
“Samus Aran has been unexpectedly transported to the planet Viewros… As she explores the planet for answers, Samus is granted psychic abilities – mysterious and ancient powers that allow her to control the trajectory of her beams, operate mechanisms and open doors.
“Why were these powers bestowed upon Samus and what will her fate be? The threads intertwining beyond space and time will weave a new tale when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Nintendo Switch this year.”
Like any game in the Metroid series, Prime 4: Beyond also features all kinds of alien creatures and plants, all of which Samus is expected to blast away with her Power Suit. Though she has the regular hand-canon powers expected of any video game protagonist, Samus has also been given some telekinetic powers, which will help with combat and traversing the environment.
Not only does Samus use her new telekinesis to solve puzzles to progress, but she can also use her powers on projectiles, allowing her to control a single bolt and aim it toward where it’s going.
Some Things Never Change
Though the Metroid series did start as a sidescroller, Prime's first–person format keeps some elements of the franchise the same no matter what the genre. Besides Samus having all of her abilities with the Power Suit, she’s always going up against all these kinds of creatures in an alien environment; it’s kind of like a kid-friendly Doom, only not as bloody and violent—but the creatures remain very crude and terrifying.
There is also the puzzle-solving element of the Metroid games, where Samus has to figure out a puzzle to unlock the next room, usually using her newfound powers. Though telekinesis is the only one featured in the trailer, fans should expect her to have all kinds of weapons in the game.
And, of course, Samus can always turn into a ball, which will help traversal in the world—specifically with puzzles.
Like every Metroid game, Samus is also given a new black and red Power Suit in Prime 4: Beyond. It’s not clear what kind of powers and abilities it has yet, but it looks pretty sleek and should be another iconic look for Samus—considering that people have been waiting years for this game.
No specific release date has been announced for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but the game is expected to launch sometime later this year for the Nintendo Switch.