In “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” from Nintendo, Samus Aran is stranded on an uncharted planet and must escape using the psychic technology of an ancient race. Gamers have waited on this sequel for a long time, but is it worth the wait?

This is a satisfying game. We progress by gradually upgrading Samus’ powers with abilities useful both in and out of combat. Every unlocked ability feels well-earned, like a nice treat. Each new area is a joy to explore. There’s a fair number of designs that feel distinct yet cohesive. The settings create a few really cool boss arenas that make the player feel small yet ferocious while they’re taking on this alien world. 

Nothing in “Metroid Prime 4” is too complex if you pay close enough attention. Combat and puzzles just require the right tools. If you apply the tools correctly, the game can feel a little simple and repetitive but also rewarding. However, some boss fights are boring whether you’ve got the right weapon or not. They go on way too long because Samus doesn’t seem to do much damage. She jumps around, evading attacks while chipping at an enemy’s health for 10 minutes — which is too long for a boss fight where you’re hardly making a dent.

The big feature that separates this game from the rest of the “Metroid Prime” series is the “open world” and the motorcycle used to traverse it. The bike is cool; the map couldn’t be worse if Nintendo had tried. It’s a big desert with very few places to explore and no diverse scenery, minimal side puzzles or challenges. What was the point? Even worse, “Metroid Prime 4” has no fast travel. When you force me to constantly crisscross the most boring game world I’ve seen in years, it feels like a punishment. Especially when I need to revisit certain areas that are across the map from each other multiple times. 

“Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” is fun, but it feels old. None of Samus’ new powers feel “beyond” what we’ve seen her do before. This feels like a game that could’ve come out two generations ago. In a time when money is tight and prices keep rising, that’s not very cool. Make new games worth the higher price.