Nintendo Direct analysis - are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and the franchise okay?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been my most anticipated game for years. But after today’s huge Nintendo direct, I’m left with somewhat mixed feelings, and some questions about the broader state of Metroid from Nintendo’s perspective. Metroid Prime 4 showed up for barely 90 seconds – essentially an afterthought in a direct of this size. But what surprised me the most was how strange or uneven some of the Prime 4 gameplay looked, and how little fanfare or how few announcements there were for the broader Metroid franchise. Looking for a more EPIC Prime 4 trailer? Check out my own!    • EPIC Metroid Prime 4 Trailer - I'll just m...   Other recent videos: I finally played Hollow Knight, and it left me deeply conflicted.    • I finally played Hollow Knight, and it lef...   The story of the Metroid Prime Trilogy - the definitive, cinematic retelling    • The story of the Metroid Prime Trilogy - t...   Mario Galaxy is still Nintendo's best 3D platformer in 2025    • Mario Galaxy is still Nintendo's best 3D p...   GameCube Games Still Look INSANE - Part 1:    • GameCube games still look INSANE in 2024.   GameCube Games Still Look INSANE - Part 2:    • GameCube Games Still Look INSANE - Part 2:...   Rayman 2: The Great Escape deserves better than its disastrous past and present    • Rayman 2: The Great Escape deserves better...   Metroid Prime 4 vs. Metroid Prime 3 is a massive leap - graphical comparison & analysis.    • Metroid Prime 4 vs. Metroid Prime 3 is a m...   Super Metroid in 2025 - does it need a remaster or remake?    • Super Metroid in 2025 - does it need a rem...   Why Metroid Prime on GameCube is still essential in 2024    • Why Metroid Prime on GameCube is still ess...   Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is definitely a Zelda game. Let's discuss.    • Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is definitely a Ze...   Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is the best looking GameCube game    • Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is the best lookin...