During today's Nintendo Switch Direct, fans were treated to an exciting new glimpse of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, showcasing innovative psychic-infused gameplay and a striking new red-and-purple suit for Samus Aran. The footage highlighted a range of psychic abilities that Samus will utilize to navigate the game's environments upon its release later this year. The gameplay has a distinct BioShock-like feel, with Samus scanning ancient stone figures and engaging new adversaries on the mysterious planet Viewros using controlled bursts of purple energy.
Little is known about Viewros, a lush jungle world where Samus finds herself unexpectedly transported. The planet centers around a colossal tree, which appears to have been a focal point for intelligent life for centuries. While Nintendo remains secretive about the exact launch date within the 2025 release window, the Direct provided insights into how these new psychic abilities will function. Players can expect to use these powers not only to manipulate mysterious mechanisms but also to guide energy shots through the planet's diverse wildlife.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has experienced a tumultuous development journey. Initially announced with just a title logo at E3 2017, the project disappeared for years, underwent a developer change, and finally reemerged last year with gameplay footage. Today's Direct, focused solely on the current Nintendo Switch, leaves many wondering if Metroid Prime 4 will receive any enhancements for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. However, it is confirmed that the game will be playable on both platforms.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from today's Nintendo Switch Direct, you can find more details [ttpp].