**Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – A Worthy Contribution to the Franchise with Significant Drawbacks**

Almost ten years after its initial announcement, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* has finally been released on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This newest chapter in the *Metroid* series places players once again in the role of Samus Aran, offering a visually captivating first-person sci-fi journey infused with hours of exploration and puzzle-solving. However, it suffers from bothersome NPCs, a monotonous desert hub area, and a lackluster antagonist, resulting in a mixed reception.

**Narrative and Environment**

*Metroid Prime 4* kicks off with a large-scale cosmic confrontation akin to *Halo* or *Star Wars*. Samus is engaged in combat against a legion of Space Pirates commanded by the villain Sylux, attacking a Galactic Federation facility. The conflict swiftly transitions to the alien world of Viewros, where Samus is transported along with Sylux and Federation soldiers. Although initial encounters lay the groundwork for a compelling narrative, the game ultimately falters in storytelling richness, especially in character development and the driving force of its villain.

**Frustrating NPCs and Conversation**

Upon arrival at Viewros, players encounter a team of galactic soldiers, including the excessively cheerful Myles. These characters conform to overused sci-fi clichés and incessantly bombard Samus with unwelcome advice, compromising the solitary exploration that *Metroid* is celebrated for. Myles, in particular, becomes a constant distraction, frequently interrupting exploration with inconsequential prompts, diminishing the immersive experience.

**Level Design and Aesthetics**

*Metroid Prime 4* excels in its level design. Each environment is carefully constructed, presenting a blend of intricacy and approachability that satisfies players’ cravings for exploration. Areas like the eerie Ice Belt add layers of atmospheric tension, while combat remains refreshingly captivating despite its familiarity. The game operates at 120 FPS, delivering a visually coherent experience that stands out on modern screens, setting a new benchmark for Nintendo’s first-party offerings.

**The Sol Valley Desert**

One contentious aspect is the vast Sol Valley desert, which acts as a hub linking various levels. While navigating on a motorcycle can be exhilarating, the extensive emptiness and the need to return to this area for game advancement detracts from the overall flow, resembling more of a time drain than a significant gameplay feature. The desert’s layout suggests an open-ended exploration that ultimately feels deceptive, as players are still confined to a relatively linear progression.

**Underwhelming Villain**

Sylux, a longstanding character in the *Metroid* lore, assumes a surprisingly minor role in this installment. His motivations are inadequately fleshed out, making it difficult for players, especially newcomers, to resonate with him. The absence of meaningful interaction with this character diminishes the stakes of the narrative, leaving players with unresolved queries.

**Final Thoughts**

*Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* is a visually stunning and mechanically robust addition to the *Metroid* franchise but is hampered by unsatisfactory design decisions such as overly intrusive NPCs, a dull desert hub, and underdeveloped antagonists. While the core gameplay remains enjoyable and the level design shines, these shortcomings hinder it from achieving the heights anticipated of a series adored by many. The game demonstrates significant effort but is undeniably flawed, leaving fans with mixed emotions as they explore the terrains of Viewros.