Games

EDGE issue 419 review scores: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gets 4, Kirby Air Riders gets 5

28 December 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
14 min.
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EDGE issue 419 review scores: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gets 4, Kirby Air Riders gets 5

Summary:

EDGE issue 419 has dropped a set of scores that instantly sparked debate, and it is easy to see why. The headline grabbers are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond landing at a 4/10 and Kirby Air Riders sitting at 5/10, two numbers that feel especially loud when you consider how much anticipation surrounds those names. At the same time, the issue is not a total doom cloud – three games hit 8/10, including Routine, Hotel Infinity, and Octopath Traveler 0, which paints a more interesting picture than “everything got slammed.” We are looking at a spread that runs from sharp disappointment to genuine praise, with plenty of “pretty good but not life-changing” sitting in the middle.

What makes a score roundup like this useful is not the urge to argue with a single number, but the chance to calibrate your expectations. A 4/10 does not automatically mean you will hate a game, just like an 8/10 does not guarantee it will become your new obsession. It does mean the reviewer had strong objections, and that is worth paying attention to if you are about to drop real money and real time. We will walk through the full list, pull out the patterns, and then turn it into something practical: what these scores suggest, how they compare to the broader conversation around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and what you should check before you decide to jump in or wait.

EDGE issue 419 review scores spark controversy

EDGE issue 419 is one of those “group chat detonator” releases where a single digit becomes a whole personality for the day. The reason is simple: the scores are clustered in a way that feels dramatic. At the bottom, two games land on 4/10. Right above that, a couple of 5/10s signal lukewarm reactions rather than outright celebration. Then, sitting at the top, three 8/10s remind us the issue is not just a pile-on – it is a mixed bag with clear winners. If you are trying to decide what to play next, this kind of spread is actually helpful, because it separates “maybe later” from “worth a serious look” at a glance. The trick is keeping your brain from treating a number like a final verdict carved into stone, because taste is messy and your preferences are not a carbon copy of any magazine’s.

The full list of scores

Here is the score roundup for EDGE issue 419, laid out cleanly so you do not have to squint at screenshots or scroll through ten reposts. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – 4. Routine – 8. Skate Story – 6. Kirby Air Riders – 5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – 4. Demonschool – 6. Hotel Infinity – 8. Dispatch – 5. Sleep Awake – 6. Octopath Traveler 0 – 8. Horses – 7. Marvel Cosmic Invasion – 7. That is the full spread from low to high, and it already tells a story: the issue is not stingy across the board, but it is clearly willing to be blunt when a big name does not land for them. If you are only here for Nintendo-related chatter, the Metroid and Kirby scores are the lightning rods, but the 8s and 7s matter because they show where the issue’s enthusiasm actually went.

Quick takeaways from the spread

The quickest read is that EDGE issue 419 draws a hard line between “solid” and “special.” Three 8/10s is a meaningful signal because it is not a single outlier – it is a pattern of strong approval for specific titles. The 7/10 pair for Horses and Marvel Cosmic Invasion sits in that comfortable zone where a game can be good, sometimes very good, without becoming an instant classic for that reviewer. The cluster of 6/10s (Skate Story, Demonschool, Sleep Awake) is basically the “you might like it, but we are not throwing a party” section. Then you get the two 5/10s (Kirby Air Riders, Dispatch), which usually translates to “there are good ideas here, but the whole package does not come together.” Finally, the two 4/10s are the real statement – a rare moment where the publication is telling readers to be cautious, especially if hype is doing the decision-making for you.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lands at 4/10

A 4/10 for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the kind of score that makes people reread the line three times like it is a typo. That reaction is understandable, because Metroid Prime is not a random newcomer – it is a series with a reputation for atmosphere, exploration, and that slow-burn satisfaction when a locked door finally clicks open hours later. When a long-awaited entry gets a low number, the important part is not outrage, it is curiosity: what bothered the reviewer enough to go that low? One published recap of the issue highlights criticism aimed at pacing and structure, pointing to relentless backtracking and padding as the kind of design friction that can turn “methodical” into “exhausting” if you are not feeling the payoff. That does not mean you will share the same frustrations, but it does mean there is a specific kind of complaint here – not just “it is buggy” or “it looks bad,” but “the experience feels like it is wasting your time.” If you love Metroid for getting lost in moody corridors, you might still have a great time. If you bounce off repetition fast, this score is a big flashing caution light.

How that compares to the wider critical conversation

What makes the 4/10 even more interesting is that it exists alongside a broader public conversation that is not singularly focused on one number. In early reaction and analysis elsewhere, you can find criticism that targets specific choices, like how certain modern open-world habits can clash with the classic Metroid rhythm, or how a companion presence can undercut the quiet satisfaction of figuring things out yourself. Separately, community chatter has also centered on annoyances like a talkative sidekick, to the point where some players have discussed adjusting audio settings to make the experience more tolerable. None of that proves EDGE is “right” or “wrong.” It does suggest that even outside one magazine’s verdict, there are recurring themes people are debating – pacing, guidance, and how much freedom actually feels rewarding. If you are trying to reconcile the shock of a 4/10 with the idea that plenty of people are still enjoying the game, this is the cleanest explanation: the game can be technically polished and still frustrate certain reviewers because of design priorities. Sometimes the arguments are not about quality in a vacuum, but about what kind of experience a series should be delivering.

Kirby Air Riders gets 5/10

Kirby Air Riders sitting at 5/10 is less “jaw on the floor” and more “oh, so it is one of those.” A five usually signals that the game is not a disaster, but it is also not meeting the promise of its concept. With something like Kirby Air Riders, expectations are slippery: some people want a tight, endlessly replayable arcade loop, while others want a party-friendly package packed with modes that keep a group laughing even when the mechanics are simple. A recap discussing the issue frames the criticism in a very relatable way – lots on the menu, but not enough that feels truly satisfying once you start eating. If you have ever played a game that looks busy and generous but somehow leaves you feeling like nothing has real weight, you already understand how a 5/10 can happen. The important takeaway is that this score is not saying “avoid fun.” It is saying the fun might be thinner than the box suggests, and that matters if you are buying based on nostalgia or on the hope that it becomes your new go-to party pick.

Why a middling score can still be worth your time

Here is the part people forget when they see a 5/10: plenty of “middle” games become personal favorites because they hit a specific itch. If you love quick sessions, simple inputs, and a game you can hand to a friend without a ten-minute explanation, a 5/10 does not automatically disqualify it. It just means you should be more picky about what you expect. Think of it like a theme park ride: not every ride needs to be a life-changing masterpiece, but you do want it to feel smooth, memorable, and worth the line. If Kirby Air Riders offers variety but the core handling or progression does not feel satisfying, some players will bounce fast. Others will treat it like a snack – a fun bite-sized thing you come back to when you want something light. If you are deciding whether that is you, the smartest move is to watch a couple of matches, pay attention to how the game rewards skill versus randomness, and ask yourself a brutally honest question: “Will we still boot this up in three weeks?”

The standout 8/10 titles in the issue

Before we get lost in the drama of low scores, the 8/10s deserve their moment in the spotlight, because they show where EDGE issue 419 is genuinely excited. Routine and Hotel Infinity both land at 8, and Octopath Traveler 0 joins them at the same mark. That is not a tiny compliment – an 8 signals the reviewer found something notably strong, whether that is execution, originality, craft, or just the way everything clicks together. If you are the type of player who uses a score roundup as a shopping shortlist, these are the immediate “look closer” candidates. Also, emotionally, it balances the conversation. The issue is not a negativity festival. It is a split decision set where certain games clearly impressed while others fell flat. That is a healthier way to read the roundup: not as a verdict on gaming as a whole, but as a snapshot of what landed for this publication at this moment.

Routine and Hotel Infinity

Routine hitting 8/10 is notable because it suggests the game delivers a strong, cohesive experience rather than a “cool idea that runs out of steam.” An 8 often means atmosphere and execution are working together, not fighting each other. Hotel Infinity also landing at 8/10 creates an interesting pairing: two games that, by title alone, hint at mood, mystery, and possibly experimental structure. Even if you know nothing about either, the score tells you the issue found them rewarding enough to stand above the crowded middle. If you are scanning for something that feels different from the loud, mainstream release calendar, these are exactly the kind of entries that can become sleeper hits in your own library. The practical move is simple: check gameplay clips for pacing and readability, then look for reviews that describe what you actually do minute-to-minute. A strong vibe is great, but you also want to know whether you will enjoy the hands-on loop.

Octopath Traveler 0

Octopath Traveler 0 landing at 8/10 is the sort of score that will make series fans sit up straight. The Octopath name carries expectations around art direction, party building, and turn-based combat that feels tactical without becoming homework. An 8 suggests the issue sees this entry as more than “another one,” which matters because sequels and spin-offs can sometimes feel like they are repeating a formula without sharpening it. If you are already invested in the series, this score can act like a green light to pay attention rather than assume you can wait for a sale. If you are not a JRPG person, do not panic – an 8 does not mean it is suddenly for everyone. It means it likely does what it is trying to do very well. The best way to use that information is to check whether the game’s rhythm fits your life: are you craving long sessions and party management, or do you want something you can finish in weekend-sized chunks?

The solid middle of the pack

The 6/10 cluster is where most score roundups quietly live, because a six is rarely scandalous. Skate Story, Demonschool, and Sleep Awake all sit at 6/10, and that usually signals “interesting, with caveats.” Maybe the premise is fresh but the execution is uneven. Maybe the systems are good but the pacing drags. Maybe the mood is great but the mechanics do not have enough variety to stay exciting all the way through. Dispatch at 5/10 also sits near this zone, and together they form the “try it if it matches your taste” shelf. This is where you stop treating scores like a ranking and start treating them like a filter. If you love experimental vibes, a 6 might still be exactly your thing. If you want tight polish and constant momentum, a 6 might feel like work. The key is to use the score to prompt better questions, not to end the conversation.

Skate Story, Demonschool, Sleep Awake, Dispatch

Skate Story at 6/10 suggests a game that might be stylish and memorable in flashes, but not consistently strong from start to finish. Demonschool also at 6/10 likely sits in that space where the concept is appealing, yet something about balance or structure holds it back from a higher tier. Sleep Awake at 6/10 reinforces the idea that the issue saw it as competent but not exceptional. Then there is Dispatch at 5/10, which implies the reviewer found more substantial problems, even if the core idea has potential. If you are shopping in this range, lean on specifics. Watch for how the game feels in motion, how readable the UI is, and whether the early hook stays interesting after an hour. A “middle score” can hide a gem that fits you perfectly, but it can also hide a game that feels like a great trailer stretched into a longer experience. Your time is the real currency here, so spend it where the minute-to-minute looks genuinely fun.

Two 4/10s in one issue

Seeing two 4/10 scores in the same issue is the part that makes EDGE issue 419 feel unusually sharp. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 both land at 4, which instantly invites comparison even if the games are wildly different. That comparison is not about genre. It is about disappointment, because low scores often carry the subtext of “this should have been better.” In one case, it is a storied Nintendo series with a long shadow behind it. In the other, it is a blockbuster franchise that releases under massive expectations and relentless yearly pressure. When both get the same number, the message is not “these games are identical in quality.” The message is “the reviewer had strong reasons to push back.” If you are a fan of either series, the healthiest reaction is not rage scrolling – it is curiosity about what specifically did not land, and whether those pain points align with what you personally care about.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 joins the bottom tier

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 scoring 4/10 puts it in the same “proceed with caution” bracket as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for this issue. For some readers, that is shocking, because Call of Duty often gets graded on a curve where spectacle and production values carry a lot of weight. A low score suggests the issue was not impressed by the package as a whole, whether that is creativity, campaign structure, multiplayer freshness, or the feeling that the series is repeating itself. Even if you have fun with it, a 4/10 is a loud sign that the reviewer believes the experience is not delivering enough new excitement or cohesion. If you are deciding whether to jump in, the practical approach is to look for details that match your habits. Do you primarily play multiplayer with friends no matter what? Then you might still have a great time. Do you buy for a memorable campaign or for innovation? Then this score is a strong nudge to research before you commit.

How to read EDGE scores without losing your mind

Reading scores without melting down is a skill, and yes, we can learn it. The biggest trap is treating a number like a universal truth rather than a shorthand for one reviewer’s experience. Scores are useful because they compress information, but they also flatten nuance. A 4/10 can come from “bad execution,” but it can also come from “this design choice drove me nuts.” A 5/10 can mean “fine, but forgettable,” which is not the same as “unplayable.” And an 8/10 can mean “excellent for its audience,” not “everyone will love it.” With EDGE issue 419, the smartest reading is to use the extremes as prompts. The low scores tell you where to look for potential deal-breakers: pacing, repetition, structure, and whether the game respects your time. The high scores tell you where the issue felt craft and payoff were strong. Then you do the final step that people skip: you match that to what you actually enjoy, not what you wish you enjoyed.

Score context, taste, and what to look up next

If you want to use this roundup like a pro, pick one thing you care about most and chase that detail. Love exploration and quiet discovery? Look for discussion about how often the game interrupts you, how frequently it funnels you into chores, and whether rewards feel meaningful. Hate backtracking? Look for commentary about structure and late-game pacing. Playing with friends? Look for how quickly a multiplayer loop stays fun after the novelty wears off. This is also where you widen your inputs. Compare what EDGE issue 419 says through the lens of other outlets and players, especially when you see recurring themes. If multiple places mention similar friction points, that is a stronger signal than any single score. Finally, remember the hidden truth: sometimes a game with a low score becomes a great fit because it scratches a niche itch. The goal is not to “agree” with a number. The goal is to avoid buying the wrong experience for your taste.

What to do next if you are deciding what to play

Now we turn the roundup into something you can actually use. First, decide whether you are risk-averse or curiosity-driven. If you want safe bets, your shortlist from EDGE issue 419 starts with the three 8/10s: Routine, Hotel Infinity, and Octopath Traveler 0. If you are curiosity-driven, the 6/10 cluster might still be worth your time, especially if the games are doing something stylistically bold. For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at 4/10 and Kirby Air Riders at 5/10, the move is not “never play them.” The move is “play them with eyes open.” That means looking up what the criticism actually targets and deciding whether that would bother you. If the complaints hit your personal pet peeves, waiting is smart. If the complaints are things you do not care about, you might enjoy the game anyway and wonder why everyone is yelling. Either way, you are making the decision – not the hype, not the outrage, not a single digit.

A practical checklist before you buy

Use this quick checklist to keep your wallet and your time safe. First, watch raw gameplay, not just trailers, and pay attention to pacing: how often are you actually playing versus being told what to do? Second, check whether the criticism you are seeing is about mechanics (which you will feel every minute) or about preferences (which might not matter to you). Third, look for repeated mentions of the same issue across different voices – if several unrelated sources highlight the same friction, it is probably real. Fourth, consider your habits: are you finishing long games right now, or are you bouncing after a few sessions? Fifth, be honest about what you want this month. Do you want a moody single-player adventure, a party-friendly multiplayer pick, or a JRPG you can sink into? EDGE issue 419 gives you a map. You still choose the route. And yes, you are allowed to pick the “weird” choice if it looks fun, because fun is not a democracy.

Conclusion

EDGE issue 419 delivers a score spread that is easy to react to and smarter to interpret. The headline numbers are loud – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at 4/10 and Kirby Air Riders at 5/10 – but the full picture matters more than the shock. Three 8/10s (Routine, Hotel Infinity, Octopath Traveler 0) show clear enthusiasm, while the 6/10 range highlights games that may be appealing depending on your tastes. The best way to use this roundup is as a filter, not a verdict. If you love certain franchises, let the scores push you toward better questions rather than instant anger or blind hype. When you match the criticism and praise to what you personally value, you end up with the one thing that matters: a decision you will not regret after the first hour.

FAQs
  • Is a 4/10 basically a “do not buy” sign?
    • It is a strong caution, not a universal ban. Treat it as a prompt to research the specific complaints, then decide if those issues would ruin the experience for you.
  • Why can one outlet score a game low while others are more positive?
    • Different reviewers value different things, and a single design choice can be a deal-breaker for one person while barely registering for another. Comparing recurring themes across multiple reactions is usually more informative than comparing numbers.
  • What should we do first if we were excited for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?
    • Look up what the criticism targets, especially anything related to pacing and structure. Then watch a stretch of unedited gameplay to see if the loop looks like your kind of fun.
  • Does a 5/10 for Kirby Air Riders mean it is not fun with friends?
    • Not necessarily. A five often signals that the package does not fully come together, but party value can be very personal. Check how the core mechanics feel and whether matches stay interesting beyond the novelty.
  • Which games look like the safest picks from the list?
    • Based purely on the scores, the three 8/10 titles are the clearest “start here” options: Routine, Hotel Infinity, and Octopath Traveler 0. After that, the 7/10 games are solid candidates if their style appeals to you.
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