GOTY 2024 – Most Anticipated: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

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For quite some time now, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has held the number one spot on my list of most eagerly awaited games, not just for Game of the Year 2024, but for years. It feels like an eternity since it was first announced as “Metroid Prime 4” at E3 2017, so I’ve essentially waited through the entire lifespan of the Nintendo Switch for Samus Aran’s next major 3D adventure. Since then, there have been changes in development, moving from Bandai Namco to the original creators Retro Studios, and now we finally know its title as “Beyond” and a release year, at least, thanks to Nintendo. In short, I’m thrilled about the prospect of 2025!

I have a special affection for the Metroid Prime series, especially the first game which released on GameCube in 2002. Just like how Ocarina of Time made an impact with Zelda, Metroid Prime marked Samus’ entry into the realm of 3D gaming, and it did so with the same passion that had captivated me during my Super Metroid days on SNES. The world of Tallon IV in Metroid Prime was meticulously designed, offering not just a seamless and engaging Metroidvania experience but a living, breathing world filled with personality and history.

The combat was swift, fluid, and immensely satisfying. Explosions would sometimes reveal Samus’ reflection in her helmet, with her intense gaze locked onto you from behind the visor. Accompanied by an unforgettable soundtrack and some truly memorable moments, Metroid Prime wasn’t just a launchpad for a new Metroid series, but a timeless classic in the annals of gaming.

Sequels such as Echoes on GameCube and Corruption on Wii expanded upon the foundation laid by Prime, offering fresh concepts to enhance the established gameplay. Echoes emphasized a Light/Dark mechanic for increased suspense and tactical combat, while Corruption centered around utilizing the Wii controller’s mapping and introducing additional characters and story elements to Samus’ journey. It will be exciting to discover what innovative ideas and elements are incorporated in Beyond.

From the latest trailer, it appears that the antagonist may involve Sylux to some extent. While some astute fans had already predicted this based on the secret post-credit scene in Corruption, the fact that 18 years have passed since that game (in 2025) might lead others to question continuity. However, rest assured, there seems to be no discontinuity in the storyline.

This leaves us with a lot that’s still unknown about Beyond, and the latest trailer along with its vague title don’t provide much insight into what fresh territories will be covered or innovative features it might introduce to set Beyond apart in the series. What implications could this have for Samus’ weapons, for instance? Might we expect more characters akin to those in Corruption? Could this game potentially release on the existing Nintendo Switch, or maybe even on the upcoming, as-of-yet unannounced hardware successor that Nintendo is rumored to be working on?

No one really knows what the reality will look like when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally releases, and for me, that’s pretty exciting. Retro Studios has a high pedigree with this series, and I have high expectations for what they will produce. Nintendo clearly has faith in a sequel that will have had 8 years of growing hype, that they need to deliver on. But more than anything I just cannot wait for the moment I can jump into a new 3D adventure as Samus Aran again. The wait has been too long, and the anticipation is almost too much to bear. No pressure Retro and Nintendo, but I am Beyond ready for this, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is easily my Most Anticipted game in our 2024 GOTY Awards. Here’s to 2025, and all the Prime goodness it will bring.

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2024-12-31 13:17