Best Metroidvania Games Metroidvania games have carved a distinct niche in the world of gaming, offering players immersive experiences that blend exploration, intricate level design, and character progression. Few titles exemplify this genre better than classics like “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” and “Super Metroid.” These games set the standard with their interconnected worlds, hidden secrets, and satisfying character upgrades.
“Hollow Knight” brought a modern touch to the Metroidvania formula with its beautifully hand-drawn art, challenging gameplay, and a richly atmospheric world to explore. More recent gems like “Dead Cells” and “Axiom Verge” have continued to push the boundaries of what Metroidvania games can be, delivering engaging stories and innovative mechanics.
The allure of Metroidvania lies in the joy of uncovering new areas, battling formidable foes, and gradually unlocking new abilities to access previously unreachable regions – a formula that continues to captivate gamers of all stripes.
Here Is List Of Best Metroidvania Games of All Time
- Have a Nice Death
- Metroid Prime Remastered
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Supraland Six Inches Under
- Haiku, The Robot
- Rogue Legacy 2
- Tunic
- A Castle Full of Cats
- Dust: An Elysian Tail
- Touhou Luna Nights
- Supraland
- Carrion
- Skul
- Infernax
- F.I.S.T.
- Sundered
- Shadow Complex
- Grime
- Blasphemous
- Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
20 Best Metroidvania Games of All Time
1. Have a Nice Death
Who doesn’t appreciate a classic Metroidvania title? That was our thought too, which is why Have A Nice Death was created – offering its own take on that genre with both Metroidvania and roguelike elements, creating an innovative gameplay loop. Here, Death discovers that his subordinates at Death Inc are upsetting him; something which proves true even as Death finds out more information on them from them!
Moving through each department in this procedurally-generated world, using your scythe and other weapons/abilities to control any unruly employees as you take up residency within them.
More options open up as your performance in each department improves; use these battles to bring about change or let them pass unchallenged and miss out on taking that much-deserved vacation!
2. Metroid Prime Remastered (Best Metroidvania Games)
Samus Aran is no stranger to challenging missions in Metroid Prime Remastered and you’ll see her embark on her “Phazon Saga”, complete with updated graphics and mechanics as you travel towards Tallon IV – where there may be something strange hiding out there waiting.
Ridley and his Space Pirates, led by Tallon IV, are conducting experiments on Phazon. But what are their ultimate objectives, what makes it powerful and why is Tallon IV such a dangerous villain?
After your arrival on Earth, it will soon become evident when it becomes necessary for you to uncover its remains in order to discover truth, recover abilities and put an end to their plans.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi Survivor makes open-world gaming its own, making the galaxy far, far away accessible like never before! As Cal Kestis returns in this adventure game, you will explore its many planets, moons and stations with greater depth than before – from worlds that exist only briefly to those that provide rich gameplay opportunities!
As part of your travels through worlds, you can discover and complete side missions that go off-track or unlock new powers and abilities that open up new options for you. Feel free to explore what these worlds have in store. Don’t be intimidated! Give it a go and see what awaits.
4. Supraland Six Inches Under (Best Metroidvania Games)
Metroidvania games typically feature 2D side-scrollers where you battle through to reach each objective, but in Supraland Six Inches Under things are different: It takes place from first person perspective so your experience of the world may differ drastically from any of its peers on this list.
Second, this game focuses more on exploration and puzzle-solving than combat; according to its developers, only 5% of it involves fighting. You’ll spend your time roaming around in search of tools and gear to unlock new areas or solve puzzles to bypass roadblocks. Be prepared for some hilarious “gags” as the game also contains them.
5. Haiku, The Robot
Welcome to Arcadia! While we wish it were, everyone would be content in Arcadia if we said so; Haiku, The Robot brings you into a place where machinery has run wild, corrupt robots lurking about, and you must battle to take back control.
As Haiku, you will explore the world in search of answers for what happened. Along your travels, you will acquire new gear to enhance your abilities and meet characters that could become allies in this adventure.
What has happened in Arcadia that has led it down this path? What must Haiku do to save those at risk? Join in this game and find out!
6. Rogue Legacy 2
Most games force players to restart from scratch after death; but in Rogue Legacy 2, your offspring take up your quest! When your character dies in this adventure game!
The game revolves around the concept that your lineage is your greatest strength. As you embark on quests that could lead to your demise, your wealth will affect future generations through inheritance – with each child having different classes and characteristics which can impact gameplay styles.
Every new adventure brings new opportunities, so invest in your legacy and watch where it leads!
7. Tunic (Best Metroidvania Games)
Tunic stands out as an extraordinary game. Combining classic isometric titles with challenging gameplay to deliver an experience gamers will love, it promises an experience sure to thrill.
As an adventuring creature, you must head to an island to search for mythical treasure. Unfortunately, the game manual contains indecipherable text which won’t help much at first – especially as pages arrive one at a time!
As your adventure continues, keep your eyes peeled for new clues and items around each corner – and stay open-minded as this journey unfolds!
8. A Castle Full of Cats
Metroidvania and hidden object games don’t typically go together, but A Castle Full of Cats breaks this trend and brings both genres together with unique results!
As its title indicates, Catcastle is a castle filled with cats that has been cursed. Due to the curse, all the cats have become warped versions of themselves and require your assistance in liberating both them and their castle from its curse. You must search far and wide in order to locate over 500 cats! Secret passageways provide entrance into other locations where additional cats need your help! They need you!
9. Dust: An Elysian Tail (Best Metroidvania Games)
Dust: An Elysian Tail stands out among this list for being almost ten years old, making it an absolute classic at this point and for anyone who has yet to experience its amazing hack-and-slash gameplay.
The well-developed story with voice acting, unique art style (almost 3D/2D in nature) that brings something different, it’s hard to look away! Combine its smooth gameplay and engaging mechanics and it is no wonder it became such an instant classic.
10. Touhou Luna Nights
Metroidvania games offer something truly beautiful: each has their own individual hook. A prime example is Touhou Luna Nights. Not only does the game boast solid gameplay mechanics and draw on classic titles such as Castlevania while offering something fresh like Shovel Knight;
its sprawling map with various points of interest filled with enemies awaits players to fight or explore, level up, save at save points, explore and level up again to complete levels for leveled up characters; with Japanese storytelling for added flavor!
11. Supraland
Supraland and Six Inches Under are new Metroidvania titles to join this list of games; however, the expected Metroidvania gameplay hook may not be present; players find themselves instead dropped into a literal sandbox as they take control of a little red soldier character. To play, the aim is to cross over to the other side of the sandbox and inform King Lear about your village’s water supply being cut off; this sets in motion an exploration aspect to the game.
Players will find themselves jumping between platforms, solving puzzles, and coming back later to unleash new powers. Unlike games such as Carrion, Tunic or Rogue Legacy 2, Supraland series focuses more on puzzle platforming with some Metroidvania elements thrown in for good measure.
12. Carrion (Best Metroidvania Games)
Carrion takes a different approach by casting players as monstrous parasites. We take on the role of being villains instead of noble heroes, providing an unforgettable monster experience to be enjoyed! After being created in an underground lab, players emerge at the beginning of the game to kill everyone in sight, exploring caves, ruins, passageways and much more while slaughtering both soldiers and scientists alike.
Carrion delivers an addictive gaming experience where grabbing soldiers or scientists and eating them alive is second to none. Carrion adds some puzzles here and there to keep players engaged, but sliding around walls and passageways is what truly makes this game worth playing – once you do, you’ll know what I mean!
13. Skul
Skul: The Hero Slayer stands out among its peers due to a unique gameplay mechanic: changing skulls. Players can both discover skulls throughout the game and switch them whenever desired; when switching, your whole gameplay style changes: instead of wielding an axe like you used to.
The now become a flying genie with magical powers or even an ant with power to squash roots from its arms; with so many skulls available throughout it keeps players constantly engaged and ensures no boredom!
14. Infernax
Infernax isn’t your average Metroidvania game. In fact, some of its visuals and curses may even be quite frightening! Decisions you make during the game could influence its conclusion and you will battle multiple bosses – just like Metroidvania games! Additionally, an open world awaits to reveal new hidden areas.
“This game contains mature themes that may not be suitable for all, such as saucy language, violent acts in the name of justice, copious amounts of gore and halfclothed demon people of varying degrees of attractivity. By installing this game you hereby confirm that this contents is acceptable to you… co? Cool.”
15. F.I.S.T. (Best Metroidvania Games)
F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow Tech just hit the market at this writing and takes players into Torch City – once an animated community full of animals before machines began marching through and taking it over. When these machines stormed in, Torch City fell victim to their onslaught and its inhabitants fled in panic, leaving only remnants behind to rebuild it once more. Once forced to adapt to his new way of living, Rayton finds out that many of his friends have been arrested.
Therefore, it becomes time for Rayton to don his uniform again and wage resistance war against the legion in hopes of defeating them. This 2.5D video game lets players unlock an assortment of unique weapons to use against enemies. These may range from giant mechanical fists, drills, and whips; everything you need for defeating them lies within this world! In terms of combat, puzzle solving, platforming gameplay can all be found here!
16. Sundered
Sundered is a Metroidvania game inspired by Lovecraftian horror. We play as Eshe, who finds herself alone in the desert before being drawn down into an underground civilization that once was at war but now lies in disarray; players must venture through this underworld in an effort.
To take control themselves of this dangerous underworld and fight two opposing forces for control of it all. Just like other Metroidvania titles on this list, there are multiple paths available before reaching its endpoint – three in total!
17. Shadow Complex (Best Metroidvania Games)
Shadow Complex is a 2.5D video game originally released exclusively for Xbox 360 but later made available across other platforms such as Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Initially centered on couple Jason and Claire exploring caverns together before she goes missing.
And Jason finds an underground complex filled with soldiers – to find Claire again and escape he must explore all corners of this underground bunker complex, taking out enemies along the way while making use of any useful advanced gear he finds there.
18. Grime
Grime is a Metroidvania game in the vein of Souls with an unusual and challenging narrative attached. Your character essentially represents an abstract statue-Esque guy with a black hole for a head; something abstract enough? However, the world around you is somewhat strange and out-of-place for lack of better words. Along the way you will meet numerous characters with interesting backstories which will gradually emerge over time.
The gameplay in The Souls Reaver 2 is highly enjoyable as you explore a vast world, uncover hidden treasures, make platforming jumps, and face bosses to gain new powers. Like in Souls Reaver 2, some time will likely be spent reviewing inventory screen items before moving forward towards significant enemy encounters.
19. Blasphemous (Top Metroidvania Games)
Blasphemous is one of the more recent games on our list, released in 2019 and set in a fictional medieval time period. Players take on the role of an anonymous knight attempting to clear Cvstodia from its many enemies after an evil plague has struck; you might be the last hope standing to save it and restore its pristine condition after an incredible massacre has taken place there.
Amid brutal combat and exploration lies secret after secret waiting to be discovered; for some this may feel too much like Souls-esque Metroidvania gaming but for others it could prove rewarding and offer hours of enjoyable gameplay – don’t give up and go patiently and this could become an incredible adventure!
20. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Bloodstained is a two-game franchise designed as the spiritual successor to Castlevania by Koji Igarashi, creator of Konami’s Castlevania series. As they offer Metroidvania-esque gameplay experiences. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon provides players with the Metroidvania experience while visually mimicking classic NES games.
Players take control of demon-slayer Zangetsu as they traverse across his world to defeat all evil. Players embarking on the Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 journey will seek to end an evil demon which has taken up residence within a castle. As they search through this massive structure in search of this monster, players will encounter minions roaming about and protecting halls and corridors from you as you search.
In addition, party members with unique abilities will join you and offer assistance during this quest. If this game appeals to you then there is also Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2, so keep an eye out! If this game satisfies you then Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is available if this game intrigues you
Conclusion
Metroidvania games have made a lasting impression in the gaming landscape, captivating gamers with their intricate level designs, exploration, and character advancement. Metroidvania games continue to provide unforgettable adventures from classic titles like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid to cutting-edge titles such as Hollow Knight, Dead Cells and Axiom Verge that push their genre boundaries.
These games draw players into interconnected worlds, inviting them to uncover secrets, defeat formidable foes and unlock new abilities gradually while immersed in immersive stories. While it would be impossible to pinpoint an absolute best Metroidvania game, its lasting allure lies in exploration; making this genre beloved among gamers of all types.
FAQ
What is a Metroidvania game?
Metroidvania is a subgenre of action-adventure games characterized by open-ended exploration, interconnected level design, and character progression through the acquisition of new abilities. Players often backtrack to previously inaccessible areas as they unlock new skills.
What are some classic Metroidvania games?
Classic Metroidvania games include “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” and “Super Metroid,” both of which are considered pioneers of the genre.
What are some modern Metroidvania games worth playing?
Modern Metroidvania gems include “Hollow Knight,” “Dead Cells,” “Axiom Verge,” “Ori and the Blind Forest,” and “Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.”
Can you recommend a Metroidvania game with a compelling story?
“Hollow Knight” and “Ori and the Blind Forest” are known for their captivating narratives, immersing players in richly developed worlds with emotionally resonant storytelling.
Are Metroidvania games typically challenging?
Yes, many Metroidvania games are known for their challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and tough boss battles. However, the level of difficulty can vary from game to game.
