What is Metroidvania?

Metroidvania is quite a common and increasingly popular style of platformer. Its design makes it feel more challenging, rewarding, and engaging. The genre was born in 1986 and has inspired dozens of the best overall games since then.

It is easy to confuse a platformer with a Metroidvania game. This article defines the genre and covers five of the best Metroidvania games.

What is Metroidvania?

Metroidvania is a unique style of platformer that is a sub of the action-adventure genre. Interestingly, it is inspired by two games, both of which launched in 1986: Metroid and Castlevania.

Metroidvania games are based on two important characteristics. First, they feature an open world that you can explore freely, going back and forth as you wish. Second, you unlock new items and abilities along the way, such as weapons and powers. Notably, not all parts of the open world are accessible at first, and you must meet certain requirements like obtaining specific items or abilities to unlock them.

Interestingly, the Metroidvania and platformer genres share many similarities, making them easy to confuse. For example, players can unlock new abilities and go back and forth in both games. However, the genres differ in one key aspect: Metroidvania games feature one huge open world, while platformers feature several interconnected worlds or stages.

Metroidvania Gameplay

The gameplay style in Metroidvania games is quite unique and enjoyable. It blends several concepts, including exploration, upgrade systems, and elaborate storytelling.

Exploration is one of the main aspects of Metroidvania gameplay. Games are set in one huge open world that players can explore however they wish. They can go back and forth in any direction without the absolute limitations you would encounter in linear games. However, some parts of the open world are usually locked and require specific items or abilities to unlock.

Collecting items is also a major aspect of the Metroidvania gameplay. You move around the game’s world as you look for items like weapons and keys. Notably, some items you collect enable you to access locked parts of the open world. Moreover, some items can help you upgrade your character or weapons, enabling you to do more. Interestingly, Metroidvania games require some experimentation as you learn your way around the map, study where everything is, and learn how to overcome various challenges.

Interestingly, Metroidvania games are like one big puzzle based on an intriguing story that unfolds as you keep going. They feel more engaging than most other genres. It is also worth noting that most Metroidvania games feature retro aesthetics like the original games for a nostalgic 1980s vibe.

Best Metroidvania Games

Playing Metroidvania games is the best way to understand the genre. Fortunately, the genre boasts dozens of impressive games, including the following five:

5. Monster Sanctuary

Monster Sanctuary is an adventurous, action-packed game inspired by the Pokémon concept. The game involves capturing monsters, taming them, and then using their skills to your advantage. There are 111 monsters, and each one possesses unique abilities and powers, requiring a strategic approach to how you use them. Moreover, you can combine certain monsters to harness their synergy skills.

You mostly use your monsters in fights against AI-controlled enemies or other real-life players in the PvP mode. You can also use them to solve environmental puzzles as you explore the beautiful world. Interestingly, you can ride or fly on some monsters as you explore the open world.

4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. The adorable forest spirit Ori makes a comeback as she navigates the dangerous forest to find Ku, the adorable baby owl. However, she discovers a bigger problem, one that threatens the entire forest.

The story is intriguing and emotional, making the gameplay feel more engaging. Moreover, Ori faces dangerous enemies. Fortunately, the brave spirit has new abilities that can get him through any situation. The game features sharp graphics and beautiful environments for stunning visuals.

3. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, one of the original Metroidvania games. It features the latter’s best aspects, including a big and beautiful gothic world for you to explore, creative environmental puzzles, and exciting action. Moreover, it adds some humor and reference to the gameplay, making it more entertaining and immersive.

Notably, the game is developed by Koji Igarashi, the mind behind Castlevania. Interestingly, it utilizes cutting-edge 2.5D graphics and features 3D models cast in a 2D environment.

2. Dead Cells

Dead Cells combines the core concepts of Metroidvania and roguelike games. To this end, you can upgrade your abilities and find new items while exploring the world around you. Moreover, you can die and resurrect over and over again.

The game is about a blob of cells that can inhabit bodies and move through them. The gameplay involves fighting enemies as you explore the open world and collect weapons and items that upgrade your abilities. Dying is not an issue, as the blob simply possesses another body. Interestingly, the level layout changes every time your body dies. Notably, the developers release regular updates to add new items, locations, and other components that keep the game fresh and interesting.

1. Hollow Knight

Games with cute characters are usually lighthearted and have positive stories. However, Hollow Knight combines cute characters and a depressing setting with great results. It is based on a cute character on a mission to save a fantasy subterranean world from a supernatural disease.

The 2D environments are hand-drawn and sharp, but the atmosphere feels depressing to make the story more immersive. Moreover, the controls are tight for a smooth gameplay experience. Exploring the world is a fun adventure, and you must fight your way through over 130 enemies and 30 big bosses.

Did you find our review of the Metroidvania genre helpful? What are your favorite Metroidvania games? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.