New Delhi, Dec. 4 -- Nintendo's most anticipated sequel in nearly two decades has arrived, and it's splitting the gaming community down the middle. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, launching December 4 for both Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Switch 2, represents an ambitious reimagining of the beloved franchise, one that critics say either revitalizes or dilutes the series' atmospheric essence.

The game currently holds a Metacritic score of 80 based on 63 reviews, a respectable but polarizing figure for a franchise that previously commanded near-universal acclaim. While some outlets have awarded it perfect scores, others question whether the game's experimental design choices honor or betray the series' legacy.

A Development Saga Nearl...