Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Annoying NPCs Were Almost Even Worse

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So, I’ve been digging into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and it’s pretty cool, but apparently things could have been way weirder! Dataminers found a bunch of stuff that didn’t make it into the final game, and some of it was actually more controversial than what did end up in there. It’s been a long time coming – the development was apparently rough – but now that it’s finally out on the Switch and Switch 2, we’re all exploring Samus’s new adventure. It’s got a lot of the classic Metroid feel, but there are definitely some choices in this one that have people talking.

The Metroid series often creates a sense of isolation by featuring tight, enclosed spaces and desolate alien environments. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond largely maintains this feeling, but Retro Studios has introduced some new elements that deviate from it. One key addition is Vi-O-La, a motorcycle that allows the protagonist, Samus Aran, to quickly move around the large and empty Sol Valley, which serves as a central hub connecting different areas. However, the most debated change for many players is the inclusion of non-player characters (NPCs) that Samus can encounter during her journey.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Cut Companion Dialogue

A key difference in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond compared to past Metroid games is that Samus will rescue Galactic Federation Marines who then join her as temporary allies. This was revealed at a recent preview event, and a character named Myles Mackenzie, a talkative technician, has become a focus of concern for many players. The worry stems from the feeling that this addition clashes with the traditionally solitary experience of Metroid games, introducing both escort-like missions and constant companion chatter.

Fans of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond may have missed out on extra content. Data miners found audio files for conversations that were cut from the game. These conversations, featuring the troopers Samus meets, would have likely taken place at the Base Camp and added more depth to those characters’ stories and personalities.

Image via Nintendo

Though some Metroid fans might have considered them optional, the game included conversations that revealed more about the background characters. These troopers often used humor to make the exchanges more engaging. For example, VUE-995 and Private Armstrong chatted about everyday things like exercise, while Sergeant Duke jokingly suggested VUE-995 needed oil because of a squeaking noise. Armstrong also shared that she loves dogs and has one named Bowser waiting for her at home.

Image via Nintendo

It’s currently unclear whether the removed audio lines have been completely cut from the game or if they might be used later. They could appear in a future update to Metroid Prime 4, perhaps as part of a New Game+ mode that fans have requested, or in a larger content expansion. Another possibility is that Nintendo removed the NPC conversations to avoid potential criticism, while still preserving a key part of the Metroid Prime 4 experience.

Game Rant | Image Sources: Nintendo

Despite lacking the typical talkative characters, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has sparked a lot of disagreement among fans. This isn’t surprising, considering the game had a difficult and lengthy development, including a complete restart and a change in developers to Retro Studios. The final game appears to blend fresh ideas with elements designed to evoke nostalgia, and players are still debating whether these elements successfully come together.

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2025-12-16 19:38