I’m not convinced by the mouse.
I distinctly remember the outcry whenMetroid Primewas first revealed on the GameCube.
“Metroid isn’t a first-person shooter!”
the people cried, comparing it to Xbox’s Halo that released a year prior.
Metroid Prime was a first-personadventure.
It didn’t need twin-stick controls.
It had a lock-on instead!
This was replicated in the console’s re-release of the complete trilogy.
For this one, Nintendo has implemented mouse capability.
And it feels like the game has been built for this kind of aiming.
Those points aren’t always vulnerable, meaning careful shots are required.
Shooting isn’t the issue, though, despite this short demo being particularly action-focused.
Samus can jump around enemies and, while locked-on, double jump to dodge.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 event had players sitting at desks using mouse controls on a mouse pad.
As such, I played Metroid Prime 4 with each Joy-Con 2 placed on my thighs.
This worked surprisingly well, with the controls still responsive despite being on an uneven surface.
Nintendo told me the sensitivity can be tweaked too, allowing for smaller movements.
I also tested the mouse controls this way playing Mario Party Jamboree’s new minigames.
Table play was definitely preferable.
I also appreciated the use of rumble to mimic the feel of the wheels turning.
Thankfully for Metroid Prime 4, there are alternative control options.
Maybe a tense combat sequence or boss demands the precision of mouse controls, while exploration is more laidback.
There’s another option: the pro controller.
Mouse controls won’t be an option, but perhaps pointer controls will be?
In all, Metroid Prime 4 does wonderfully exemplify the varied control options Switch 2 provides.
I just hope the changes in control style aren’t a sign the series is losing its adventure roots.
Mouse controls certainly aren’t necessary for that.
