One of the longest waits in the gaming world is finally over. Samus Aran’s new adventure has officially been released, and the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4 review scores have been shared by the gaming press. However, the initial chart is divisive among series fans.

Why are Metroid Prime 4’s review scores low?

The game opened with a score of 80 on Metacritic, receiving generally positive reviews from critics. While this score alone is a sign of a good game, it remains the lowest average in history compared to the series’ storied history. As you may recall, the first Metroid Prime reached a peak of 97, Echoes 92, and Corruption 90.

This 80-point average doesn’t mean the game is bad. However, the years of immense anticipation and the high bar set by the series seem to have led critics to be a bit harsher on the new game.

The most striking aspect of the reviews was undoubtedly the game’s visuals. Taking advantage of the Switch 2’s technical capabilities, the game received top marks for its visual improvements and atmospheric details. However, the other side of the coin is the pacing. Critics agree that pacing issues in some sections have pushed the score below 90.

Community is happy with the game
Despite this drop in ratings, the player community is more positive. Most players agree that the game still offers a very strong “Prime” experience. While these scores may hurt the game’s chances in the “Game of the Year” (GOTY) race, the return of Samus was enough to keep fans happy.

So, what are your thoughts on the announced Metroid Prime 4 review scores? Do you think they’re deserved? What are your thoughts?