Samus is one ofSuper Smash Bros.most enduring fighters, andMetroid Prime 4: Beyondcould be the time for her to get a moveset rework. With Samus andMetroidin general already having positive momentum after the release ofMetroid Dread,Metroid Prime 4seems to have the wind at its back. There’s more to the release than simply bringing back a beloved Nintendo franchise, though. It could also have a surprising impact on Samus' long-running role as one ofSuper Smash Bros. Brawl’s fighters.Metroid Prime 4could completely shake up Samus' place in that series.
When the Nintendo Direct releasedMetroid Prime 4’s reveal trailer, it granted a wish that fans had held onto for over a decade. The lastMetroid Primegame had been released for the Wii in 2007, leaving a 17-year drought for the series. The release ofMetroid Prime Remasteredin early 2023 brought the series back into the public eye, and now withMetroid Prime 4, the series will finally be getting its long-awaited continuation. Judging by the trailer, it looks like the game will provide the kind of action that players have been waiting for.Metroid Prime 4gives Nintendo a good outlook for 2025.
Metroid Prime 4 Could Be Important For Samus' Next Super Smash Bros. Appearance
Samus is Not Super Smash Bros. Most Competitive Fighter
While Samus was a part of theoriginalSuper Smash Bros.titleas one of the 8 default fighters, she traditionally has not been a high-tier character in the series. While her moveset is loaded with her arsenal from theMetroidgames, such as her bombs, missiles, and Grapple Beam, she isn’t as effective as a lot of the game’s other fighters. Her relative slowness and below-average melee options make it hard for her to catch up despite having some legitimately useful tools. For a character like Samus, a legendary warrior in her home series, it’s unfortunate to see her struggle competitively.
Conversely, Zero Suit Samus is often seen as a strong pick because of her excellent maneuverability and moveset.
Metroid Prime 4 Could Bring New Elements to Samus' Moveset
Metroid Prime 4could bring about a change to Samus' moveset. While theMetroid Primegames as a wholewere significantly different from Samus' side-scrolling adventures, they could also have a chance to influence herSuper Smash Bros.moveset. While not a lot has been shown so far outside of scanning and shooting, any new abilities or weapons at her disposal in the game could have the potential to replace something in her nextSuper Smash Bros.appearance. While this has the obvious advantage of keeping her appearances up-to-date, it could also give her an edge that she needs in the next game.
Super Smash Bros. Has Made Significant Changes to Fighters Before
Samus would be far from the first character to get updated after theirSuper Smash Bros.debut.Link’s blue tunic inBreath of the Wildbecame his default outfit inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, and he also got a few moveset updates, such as his Sheikah Slate Bombs. On another note, Bowser was dreadful in his original incarnation due to how slow he was, but a dramatic rework inSuper Smash Bros. 4gave him a badly-needed speed boost and far more useful kit. There is precedent for reworks inSuper Smash Bros.and it may be time for Samus to get hers.
Metroid Prime 4’s release could affect Samus beyond theMetroidseries itself. There are a lot of things that could potentially be a part of thenextSuper Smash Bros.game, and a Samus rework, even a small one, could be in the cards.Metroid Prime 4is a highly-awaited game, and fans of the series are sure to keep a sharp eye on it through its release in 2025.Metroid Prime 4could not only revive a series, it could make Samus a betterSuper Smash Bros.fighter.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
The galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter Samus Aran will embark on a new mission in Metroid Prime™ 4: Beyond, coming to Nintendo Switch in 2025.
