4: Beyond Breaks Series Tradition Metroid Prime
The opening of the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond trailer reveals a detail suggesting a significant deviation from series convention. Though the storyline of the game is unknown, we do know that Sylux, the bounty hunter, will be returning and functioning as an enemy. This, together with the existence of Mochtroids, imply that the game might be set following Super Metroid, so deviating greatly from the past Metroid Prime games.
Mochtroids Hint at an Unusual Timeline Position in Metroid Prime 4
A big clue is the presence of Mochtroids, flawed clones of Metroids. Originally produced by the Space Pirates in Super Metroid, set following Metroid 2, mochtroids were This implies that whereas all other Metroid Prime games have been set between the original Metroid and Valhalla, Metroid Prime 4 is most likely set following Super Metroid. Metroid Prime 4 would thus be the first game of Metroid Prime to deviate from this accepted chronology.
The in-universe date of "Year 20X9" does not particularly support this chronology. The contradictory and perplexing approach the Metroid series takes to its chronology makes it challenging to precisely date events.
At least two games most certainly separate Prime 4 from other Metroid Prime titles.
The teaser features Sylux breaking out of a Federation facility built in Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Sylux also was seen trailing Samus in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. This, together with the Mochtroids, implies that Super Metroid could be explained by a considerable period of time separating Metroid Prime 3 from Metroid Prime 4.
Metroid Prime 4 could thus be set anywhere following Super Metroid. It's even conceivable that it occurs following Metroid Dread so the game may investigate the aftermath from the events of that game. Though Samus's narrative doesn't finish with Metroid Dread, this possible change in timeline suggests that Metroid Prime 4 might not be a straight sequel in the manner the earlier Metroid Prime games were. It might look at a galaxy and characters affected by the events of several games, not only its own subseries.
One much awaited game is Valhalla Prime 4. Bandai Namco first developed it; the original studio, Retro Studios, revived development in 2019. The Nintendo Switch is still set to get the game.
