After years of eager waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to launch, much to the delight of dedicated Nintendo enthusiasts. Initially revealed during Nintendo’s E3 2017 presentation, the game experienced a lengthy silence before making a comeback at a Nintendo Direct last year. Slated for a 2025 release, fans of Nintendo will soon dive into the next adventure of Samus Aran, which promises to be a remarkable farewell for the Nintendo Switch.
During its initial gameplay reveal last year, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond garnered significant interest due to its main antagonist, Sylux. Having made a brief appearance at the conclusion of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, players are eager to witness Samus confront this formidable bounty hunter. However, it’s important to note that Sylux isn’t the sole villain expected in this new installment, and the team at Retro Studios should definitely keep the series’ most legendary adversary in mind.
Sylux Shouldn’t Be Metroid Prime 4’s Only Big Bad
Metroid Prime 4 Should Bring Ridley Into The Fray
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is expected to include a cameo from Ridley, the infamous villain of the Metroid series. As one of the franchise’s most frequently appearing characters, Ridley has solidified his role as Samus’ greatest foe, despite often being a secondary antagonist. His legendary status as a villain stems from his involvement in the tragic fate of Samus’ parents and the devastation of her home planet, K-2L.
While Samus’ victory over Ridley in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption might suggest he won’t be in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, there are still hints that he could make a comeback. Ridley has shown up in later titles in the Metroid series, including Metroid: Samus Returns and Super Metroid. Therefore, it’s quite possible that Nintendo and Retro Studios could reintroduce this formidable Space Pirate in the upcoming game.
Ridley Is Too Iconic To Be Forgotten In Metroid Prime 4
One of the reasons Ridley might make a comeback in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is simply because he’s such an iconic figure in the series. He has been featured in nearly every Metroid game and has shown up in all the main Metroid Prime titles, except for Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Ridley is one of those characters who always finds a way to return, setting the stage for his appearance in this upcoming game.
Despite Ridley’s defeat in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, he has been cloned many times in the franchise. In the Metroid Prime series, he first appears as Meta Ridley, and later, a Phazon infusion transforms him into Omega Ridley in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. There’s every reason to think that Ridley could take on a new form in the next installment of the game.
While Samus’ victory over Ridley in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption might suggest he won’t be part of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, there are still hints that he could make a comeback in this upcoming title.
Ridley’s Return In Metroid Prime 4 Doesn’t Need To Be A Boss Fight
Ridley might not require a traditional boss battle in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond; instead, the game could delve deeper into his backstory. Since the events occur before Ridley shows up in Metroid: Samus Returns and Super Metroid, Retro Studios could utilize Samus’ pirate scanning feature to shed light on how Ridley managed to survive after the Phazon incident. There’s ample opportunity to enrich the franchise’s narrative surrounding Ridley, even if he doesn’t make a direct appearance in the game.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to reveal Samus’ showdown with Sylux, which was hinted at the conclusion of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. However, Sylux shouldn’t be the sole antagonist in this installment. Retro Studios should also consider incorporating Ridley, whether through an epic boss fight or as part of the game’s lore.