As Metroid Prime 4 Beyond's 'annoying' starting companion is revealed, new trailer confirms other NPCs will join Samus throughout the game

Feel it personally “Metroid 4: Beyond” Harsh criticism of early human companions has emerged on the internet. Now, a new trailer released by Nintendo reveals that Samus will also interact with a wider range of human characters throughout the game.

Just released on IGN Metroid Prime 4: Beyond hands-on previewwe described Galactic Federation soldier Miles Mackenzie (whom Samus spends much of the game's opening scene with) as “somewhat annoying to downright infuriating” with his “embarrassing” dialogue and constant chatter throughout the game.

In addition to Miles, Nintendo's new seven-minute overview trailer highlights three more human soldiers (it feels like we're about to get a dedicated direct), seemingly later in the game.

Beyond's structure has four main areas, accessible through its desert hub (you'll encounter Miles' forest area, then the power plant, the Frozen Research Center, and the Fire Volcano area). It is suggested that Samus will see more of the main quartet in each installment.

“Like Samus, a number of Galactic Federation soldiers were transported to Veuros,” the trailer reads. “Follow the distress call to aid the soldiers and occasionally fight alongside them. They can provide useful upgrades. If any of you hope to escape Earth alive, teamwork is key.”

A subsequent montage shows other soldiers in action, chatting back to their families, donning mecha suits and smashing down walls for Samus, and even prying open a door. Huh – couldn’t Samus do this by upgrading his new suit?

Of course, Metroid games have featured other human characters before – though Samus has usually been a silent protagonist. But the real concern here is that, aside from interrupting the solo exploration that is the core of most Metroid adventures, the human characters available in Beyond are simply too distracting and unlikeable.

As we discovered in our hands-on preview, Miles' gameplay features escort-style sections and moments where you need to protect the hapless soldier as he hides behind rocks. Let him die in the crossfire and you'll have a chance to revive him using Samus's psychic powers. If you don't do this (or try to decline), you'll see a “Game Over” screen.

“Of all the features in Metroid 4, I never expected it to include outdated escort missions with a companion who couldn't stop talking,” we wrote. For more information on the effects of playing with game NPC characters, check out Metroid Prime 4: Beyond hands-on preview Now.

Tom Phillips is IGN's news editor. You can contact Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social