Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Credits Reveal a Massive Collaboration—And a New Voice for Samus
Metroid fans, brace yourselves—Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has arrived, and it’s packing more surprises than anyone expected. One of the most intriguing discoveries comes right after the credits roll: a long list of creative studios that helped bring the game to life, including the talented team at Next Level Games. And that’s not all—Samus Aran now has a brand-new voice, marking a bold new chapter for one of gaming’s most iconic heroes.
When Nintendo handed development of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond back to Retro Studios in 2019, it felt like a return to destiny rather than a shocking twist. Retro, after all, created the legendary Prime trilogy and set the gold standard for atmospheric first-person exploration. Even though many of the original developers have moved on, playing Prime 4 on the Switch 2 makes one thing very clear: Retro has lost none of its mastery.
But here’s the part most people miss—Retro didn’t work alone. The game’s credits confirm a wide network of partner studios that contributed specialized skills, textures, environments, and technical polish. This extended lineup reads like a global all-star team of developers:
- Retro Studios
- Next Level Games
- Virtuos
- Territory Studio
- Waterproof
- Keywords Studios
- Liquid Development
- Volta
- AMC Studio
- GameSim
- Smoking Gun Interactive
- Forge Studios
- Red Hot CG
- Original Force
- Devoted Studios
- Room 8 Studio
- Next Gen Dreams
- Mock Science
- Cup of Tea
- Formosa Interactive
- House of Moves
Among these partners, Next Level Games stands out for its deep Nintendo roots. You might remember their work on Metroid Prime: Federation Force for the Nintendo 3DS back in 2016—a divisive title that experimented with co-op missions and stylized visuals. In 2021, Nintendo fully acquired Next Level Games, putting them side-by-side with Retro Studios under the same corporate umbrella. For Prime 4: Beyond, the credited Next Level developers—Matt McTavish, Cavin Yen, Mark Blanchin, and Christopher Rice—joined forces to refine key gameplay and environmental elements.
Meanwhile, veteran producer Kensuke Tanabe continues to leave his signature mark on the series, contributing the in-game scan text that fans have always loved for its world-building depth and lore hints. And as for Samus herself, long-time fans might do a double-take—her voice is now provided by Erin Yvette, best known for her roles in narrative-heavy games like The Wolf Among Us and Firewatch. Motion capture performance comes courtesy of Krystle Martin, blending physical precision with Yvette’s fresh vocal tone. Longtime players will remember that Jennifer Hale voiced Samus in the original Prime trilogy—so this change is bound to spark debate.
In Nintendo Life’s review, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond earned a stellar 9/10, praised for capturing that signature sense of discovery from the GameCube classic while boldly evolving the formula with modern design and technical prowess. Reviewers lauded how Retro Studios managed to marry nostalgia with innovation—no easy task in a franchise with such a passionate fanbase.
But here’s where opinions might clash: with so many studios involved, some wonder if Metroid Prime 4 still feels like Retro’s vision or if it represents a collective evolution of the series. Does this kind of large-scale collaboration enhance creativity—or dilute a franchise’s unique identity?
What are your thoughts on Next Level Games’ involvement—and on Samus getting a new voice for the first time in years? Are these exciting signs of reinvention, or steps away from tradition? Drop your thoughts below; this might be the most divided discussion the Metroid community has seen in years.
