《銀河戰士 Prime 4》（日文：メトロイドプライム4，英文：Metroid Prime 4），正式副標題為《Metroid Prime 4: Beyond》，是Retro Studios開發，任天堂負責發行的第一人稱動作冒險遊戲。銀河戰士 Prime系列的正統續作，自2017年首次發表後歷經重啟與漫長開發期，終於於2024年6月的Nintendo Direct上正式公開副標題與首支預告，並於2025年在Nintendo Switch及 Switch 2同步發售。

劇情延續自《Metroid Prime 3: Corruption》，講述主角薩姆斯·亞蘭（Samus Aran）在摧毀Phazon與Aurora系統後，前往銀河系邊陲一顆未命名的新星球「Viewros」，調查銀河聯邦所遺失的研究設施與古老文明遺跡。這段旅程中，意外獲得一種神秘的心靈力量，能操縱裝置、偏轉能量軌跡，甚至影響敵人行動，這也是新核心系統。心靈能力的加入，象徵著在力量與角色深度上的雙重進化。

與此同時，系列老玩家熟悉的賞金獵人「Sylux」也終於成為主要反派。他曾於《Metroid Prime: Hunters》中短暫登場，並在Prime 3的隱藏片尾戲中暗示其勢力崛起。在《Beyond》中，Sylux掌控一支由太空海盜組成的武裝集團，試圖奪取銀河聯邦秘密實驗技術，並企圖操縱生物兵器「Mochtroid」，作為對抗銀河聯邦與薩姆斯的終極武器。這場衝突將揭開薩姆斯與Sylux之間未知的過去與宿命。

操作方面，保留系列一貫的探索與射擊融合設計，依然可自由在3D環境中掃描、變形為球體進行穿越、使用導引光束、冰凍射線等武裝，搭配心靈能力系統，打造出更加立體的解謎與戰鬥機制。遊戲設計強調非線性探索與多層環境互動，延續Metroidvania風格的經典設計。Switch版本支援傳統Joy-Con控制，而Switch 2則提供最高4K解析度與120幀表現，並支援新型Joy-Con 2控制器，提供近似滑鼠般的高精準瞄準操作，特別適合進行高速射擊與空間戰鬥。

自公開後，市場與媒體的反應普遍高度正面。玩家與評論家一致肯定Retro Studios的回歸與畫面表現的飛躍進化。預告片中的視覺風格融合科技與自然，營造出詭異而優雅的異星氛圍。部分粉絲對於「心靈能力」的加入表示驚喜，也有少數人對此變革持觀望態度，擔心影響原始銀河戰士系列的硬派氛圍。不過整體來看，《Beyond》被視為系列自《Prime 3》以來最重要的轉折點，不僅象徵系列重生，也可能成為Switch世代末期最具指標性的壓軸大作之一。

總而言之，《Metroid Prime 4: Beyond》不只是銀河戰士系列的延續，更是結合故事敘事、戰術進化與科技美學的壯闊冒險。既是獻給老玩家的回歸禮物，也是為新世代玩家打造的全新體驗，在2025年掀起一次星際探索的熱潮。

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Japanese: メトロイドプライム4, English: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond) is a first-person action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. It is the long-awaited mainline sequel in the Metroid Prime series. Originally announced in 2017, the project underwent a full development reboot and a lengthy production cycle before finally being officially reintroduced with a subtitle and debut trailer during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct. The game is scheduled for a simultaneous release in 2025 on both the Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Switch 2.

The story picks up after the events of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, following bounty hunter Samus Aran as she travels to a newly discovered and unnamed planet on the outskirts of the galaxy, later revealed to be called Viewros. Her mission is to investigate a lost Galactic Federation research facility and uncover the remnants of an ancient civilization. During her exploration, Samus unexpectedly gains a mysterious psychic ability that allows her to manipulate devices, redirect energy pathways, and even influence enemy behavior. This new ability becomes a central gameplay mechanic, symbolizing a dual evolution in both Samus’s power and her character depth.

Meanwhile, long-time fans of the series will recognize the return of the enigmatic bounty hunter Sylux, who finally steps into the spotlight as the primary antagonist. First appearing briefly in Metroid Prime: Hunters and teased in a post-credits scene of Prime 3, Sylux now leads a heavily armed faction of space pirates. His goal is to seize a secret experimental technology developed by the Galactic Federation and weaponize a bio-organic entity known as the Mochtroid as a tool to challenge both the Federation and Samus herself. The conflict between Samus and Sylux is set to uncover unknown ties from their past and a shared fate that has been quietly building across the Prime saga.

From a gameplay perspective, Beyond maintains the series' signature fusion of exploration and shooting mechanics. Players can freely navigate richly detailed 3D environments, scan objects and enemies, transform into the Morph Ball to access narrow passages, and utilize familiar weapons like the Power Beam, Ice Beam, and guided projectiles. The addition of psychic powers enhances puzzle-solving and combat with new layers of interaction. The game remains faithful to the nonlinear design ethos of the Metroidvania genre, emphasizing layered environmental exploration and upgrades that gradually open new pathways.

The Switch version supports traditional Joy-Con controls, while the Switch 2 version boasts enhanced performance with up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. It also supports the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, offering mouse-like precision aiming ideal for fast-paced shooting and spatial combat. These upgrades position Beyond as one of the most technically ambitious entries in the franchise.

Since its re-reveal, the game has received widespread praise from both the gaming community and media. Fans and critics alike have expressed excitement over Retro Studios' return and the significant graphical leap showcased in the trailer. The visual design blends futuristic tech with lush, alien nature, evoking a haunting yet elegant extraterrestrial atmosphere. The introduction of psychic abilities surprised many fans—some embraced the fresh gameplay possibilities, while others expressed caution, concerned it might compromise the series' traditionally gritty tone. Nevertheless, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is widely viewed as a major turning point for the franchise, marking its rebirth and potentially serving as a definitive closing chapter for the Nintendo Switch era.

In summary, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is not merely a continuation of the iconic franchise but a bold fusion of narrative depth, tactical innovation, and technological artistry. It stands as a love letter to veteran fans and a gateway experience for a new generation, set to ignite a renewed passion for interstellar exploration when it launches in 2025.