Metroidvania is the subgenre of Action-Adventure genre of video games used the mechanics and design that are similar to Metroid and Castlevania video game series. The term drivers from the title of Castlevania, which is considered to comprise specific aspects of gameplay compared to Metroid video game series. The term is used to invoke gameplay mechanics and concepts of two series. Where the player can explore the massive interconnected world map, through access to parts of the land is often limited by obstacles or doors that can be unlocked. Once, the player has completed the requirements or acquire special tools, items, abilities, or weapons within the game. The unlocked feature aid the player in defending challenging foes and locating shortcuts and areas. These games come with the tighter integration of the level design and story, careful design of levels and characters commands to encourage the experimentation and exploration. Most Metroidvania games are Side-scroll Platform, but can also offer other genre types. Most Games provide non-linear gameplay and have a variety of power-ups and collectibles that the player needs to collect while playing the game.

23 Best Metroidvania Games

#1 Hollow Knight

Paid
2

Hollow Knight is a side-scroll, platform, and single-player game created and published by Team Cherry for Cross-platform. The game follows the titular character’s story and his struggle on an epic quest to find out the secrets of the abandoned insect kingdom situated in Hallownest. During the task, the player has to manipulate the massively interconnected landscapes using movements and fight enemies using combat techniques.

The game offers a specific land that the player can’t access until he collects a particular amount of abilities or items. The player can jump over platforms to progress through the game. He uses a special weapon to defeat enemies while scoring the highest points by collecting items from stone. The game includes prominent features such as an interconnected world, powerful new skills, creepy characters, traditional 2D environments, 130 enemies, painted landscapes, and more. Try it out, and you’ll love it.

ADVERTISEMENT
CONTINUE READING BELOW

#2 Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones

1

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones is a Platform, Stealth-based, Single-player and Multiplayer video game developed by Curve Studios and published by Curve Digital. The game serves as the sequel to Stealth Bastard Deluxe, introducing multiple mechanics which involve puzzle sections. The story revolves around the clone, who escapes the test facility and discovers the reason behind the clones’ existence. According to the plot, the game focuses on goggles-wearing clones, where the player control multiple clones. During the gameplay, he can explore the facility, where the clones were born, unlocking equipment to access new areas as they explore. The game deals with different equipment for solving tricky puzzle, unlike the previous title which had googles. It comes with level editor, enabling the player to create his unique level by playing hurdles, obstacles, and more. The game is played from a side-scroll perspective and the player can engage in platform gameplay experience. Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones includes core features such as Linear Gameplay, Metroidvania Style, Hi-tech Gadgets, 60FPS Cut Scenes, and more. Check it out, and have fun.

#3 SteamWorld Dig

0

SteamWorld Dig is an Action-Adventure, Platform and Single-player Mining video game with Metroidvania developed and published by Image and Form. The game cast you in the role of the protagonist named as Rusty, a lone mining steam-bot who arrives at an old town. It takes place in the underground environment, and your task is to dig the old earth, search valuables while unearthing the threat. Steampunk and Western themes inspire the game, and the game introduces an underground world full of terrors, treasure, and mysteries. It consists of a variety of levels, and each level offers a challenging gameplay with challenging objectives. Control the character and start navigating the environment from side-scroll view, avoid hurdles, unleash power-ups and find treasure to progress through the game. Use your points to unlock further content in the game and become the master. SteamWorld Dig offers prominent features such as a Rich World, Underground Environment, Human Civilization, Degenerated Races, and more. SteamWorld Dig is the best Platform game to play and enjoy.

ADVERTISEMENT
CONTINUE READING BELOW

#4 SteamWorld Dig 2

0

SteamWorld Dig 2 is an Action-Adventure, Side-scroll, and Platform video game developed and published by Image & Form. The game has a Single-player mode and serves as the 4th title in the series of SteamWorld, and it is the direct sequel to SteamWorld Dig, released in 2013. Like it previous titles, the game focuses on mining element and puts the player in the role of the protagonist named as Dorothy, a steam-driven robot, appeared in the world as an ally. The player uses the pickaxe to create a path through an underground environment by mining cubes of land away. During the mining, the player needs to battle against enemy creatures that come on his way to earn points. As compared to previous games, SteamWorld Dig 2 introduces deep platform elements and a Metroidvania-style world. It has a series of levels, and each level has puzzles to complete. The player explores the world from a side-scroll perspective, and he can run and jump his way through levels to progress through the game. With enhanced mechanics, addictive gameplay, and smooth controls, SteamWorld Dig 2 is the best game to play.

#5 Hob

0

Hob is an Action-Adventure, Open World, Isometric, and Single-player video game developed and published by Runic Games for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4. The game mixes the Puzzle-Platform, Exploration and Metroidvania elements and offers a stunning gameplay. It takes place in the brutal world in disarray. It puts you in the role of the protagonist, who discovers a planet in the peril as delve into the mystery around. You must explore the ruins from an isometric perspective, befriend spirits, and battle against rogue creatures that invade the extinction. It has various levels and each with a set of objectives that you have to complete at any cost. Unlock new areas, uncover the mysteries by solving the puzzles, and restore the peace on the planet. You can move around the globe freely, interact with landscapes and strange creatures in progress. Earn points and improve your skills and abilities. Hob includes prominent features such as Wordless Narratives, Transform the Land, Grapple with the World, Adventures, and more. Try it out, and you’ll love it.

ADVERTISEMENT
CONTINUE READING BELOW

#6 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

0

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition comes with additional content such as New Areas, New Abilities, New Secrets, multiple Modes, and more. The game mixes the Puzzle-Platform, Metroidvania and Side-scroll elements developed by Moon Studios GmbH and published by Microsoft Studios. It takes you on a thrilling, atmospheric adventure, where you takes on the role of Ori, a white guardian spirits, and Sein, the spirit tree of the forest. The player is tasked to explore the environment and move between platforms to solve the puzzles to progress through the game. The game brings a system known as Soul Links, enabling the player to rescue at will and an upgrade system that offers the player the ability to improve the skills of the character. During the gameplay, the player will discover two new environments and can master two new abilities such as Light and Dash burst. The forest is dying after a storm, and the player has to find a solution to save the forest by completing tasks. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition includes prominent features such as various Levels, Mind-bending Puzzles, Hand-painted Artwork, Animated Characters, and more.

#7 Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition

0

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition is an Action-Adventure, Platform, Side-scroll, Single-player and Multiplayer video game developed and published by DrinkBox Studios. The game offers an exciting story, in which Carlos Calaca has abducted the beloved daughter of EI President, and make a plan to sacrifice her to merge the living world with the land of dead. It mixes the Metroidvania-style Action, Platform, and Side-scroll elements and takes place in the magical world full of monsters and other strange creatures. The game mainly focuses on melee-combat and lets the player pick up his character from present and jump into the world to battle against enemies. The main job of the player is to explore the land from a side-scroll, kill enemies, face boss fights, and rescue the daughter of the EI President in the parallel dimensions. As the player advances through the event, new features, modes, and extra abilities will be unlocked. Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition includes prominent features such as Endless Fighting Action, Multi-dimensional Platform Gameplay, Unique Combat Moves, Detailed World, New Costumes, and more. Try it out.

#8 Axiom Verge

0

Axiom Verge is a fun Indie Action-Adventure and 2D Platform video game by Thomas Hepp Games. The game offers a Side-Scrolling view and allows the players to enjoy a delightful Metroidvania feel. With a brilliant backstory, Axiom Verge allows the players to control the character of Trace, a Scientist who after getting injured and a black out gets up in an unfamiliar High-tech Ancient World. Axiom Verge focuses on Hardcore Metroidvania Action and Exploration and tasks the players to traverse through an entirely new world where many fears are lurking in the dark shadows. The game lets you have weapons that you can use to overcome the enemies and enjoy upgrading your gear and stuff with all the available power-ups (over 60 different items). With an absorbing and addictive gameplay, beautiful 2D graphics, great mechanics and an overall feel of an amazing adventure, Axiom Verge offer elements borrowed from the biggest Metroidvania games such as Blaster Master, Contra, Bionic Commando and Metroid. For an excellent Action-Adventure and Platform gaming experience, do try it out.

#9 Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

0

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is an Action-Adventure, Psychological Horror and Single-player video game created by Silicon Knights and published by Nintendo. The gameplay is much similar to the title Resident Evil series. The game features several characters and allows you select your character with the statistics, who is tasked to return her or his family’s mansion situated in Rhode Island to investigate the murder of the grandfather. In the game, you have to compete against a supernatural entity and their minions who are struggling to enslave the humanity. You act as the protagonist and can manipulate the world to fulfill your tasks from a third-person perspective. You will receive points for complete the tasks and can use them to unlock additional content. There are four different alignment Rune effect such as Red spells effect, Blue spells effect, Green spells effect and more. To make the game more thrilling, it combines multiple elements such as Puzzle-solving, Metroidvania, and Horror-Survival. With prominent features, immersive gameplay, breathtaking environment and original soundtracks, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is the best game to play.

#10 The Mummy Demastered

0

The Mummy Demastered is an Action-Adventure, Metroidvania, and Single-player video game published and developed by WayForward. The game offers brilliant gameplay based on the movie The Mummy, released in 2017. The game takes place with the events of the move, with the player assuming the role of the Pradigium soldier under the control of Dr. Henry Jekyll. The storyline follows the struggle of the protagonist who must battle evil forces of Princess Agmanet to save the day. The player can traverse a huge map which opens up as the player advances through the game. Upon killing, the game resets the player as a new character, who then must collect his items from his former selves. There are numerous levels available with increasing difficulties and the player needs to accomplish each one to become the master. The game offers fantastic retro-style graphics and atmospheric soundtracks. It mixes the Adventure, Exploration and Shoot ‘em up elements to offers the thrilling gameplay. The Mummy Demastered includes prominent features such as Fifty Hidden Relics, Obliterate Monsters, Weapons (Flamethrower, Grenades, and more), Shoot ‘em up Action, and more. Try it out.

#11 Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse

0

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse mixes the Metroidvania and Platform elements developed and published by WayForward Technologies for multiple platforms. It is the third installment in the series of Shantae and offers the exciting gameplay with improved visuals, mechanics and controls. The game focuses on the protagonist, who is a half-genie named as Shantae and revolves around her struggle to save Sequin Land from the new enemy known as the Pirate Master, with the assist of her nemesis called Risky Boots. Like its previous titles, the game casts the player in the protagonist’s role, who can attack enemies using her hair as a weapon. After losing her genie power in the previous entry, the player has to make use of various items that the player collect during the course of the game. These items include a pistol that the player can use to shoot enemies, a hat that can be used to glide through the air, a scimitar that can destroy blocks and more. The game has various levels, and the player must explore each one to fulfil the requirements of the game to save the day. Unlock additional content using the earned points and face massive bosses at the end of each stage. Check it out, and have fun.

#12 Swordigo

Free
0

Swordigo is a mix of Action Role-playing, Metroidvania, Adventure, and Platform elements developed and published by Touch Foo for Android and iOS. The game offers Single-player mode and has the similar gameplay to Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Metroid. According to the plot, the player awakes at the mid-night feeling strange and goes outside for fresh air when a strange man informs him that the mentor went into the forest and didn’t come back. After exploring the woods, the player discovers the master die. To learn the first magic bolt the player is sent to the house of Elder. As the story advances, the Elder tells the player to find the Mage Blade and must defeat the Corruptors. The game mainly focuses on side-scroll action-adventure gameplay, where the player can run, swing, jump, and can use magic spells his way through a series of levels. By killing enemies, the player receives experience points and can use these points to level up health, magic, or attack power.

#13 Song of the Deep

0

Song of the Deep developed by Insomniac Games and published by GameTrust Games is a Metroidvania and Single-player video game for multiple platforms. It features a stunning story, revolving around a young girl who set out herself on an epic adventure to find her father who disappeared while fishing. The player takes on the role of the female protagonist named as Merryn, who craft a submarine to find her father. The player explores the environment from a side-scroll perspective to navigate the ocean. During the gameplay, he or she needs to locate the special improvements, overcome obstacles, and progress through the game to unlock additional levels. Up to thirty upgrades and more than fifty additional abilities available across new areas of the sea. The environment takes place in the non-linear underwater world invaded by brutal creatures. Song of the Deep includes core features such as Unforgettable Journey, new Abilities, Search for Father, and more. With the exciting story, superb gameplay, and smooth controls, Song of the Deep is the best game to play.

#14 Alice In Wonderland

0

Alice In Wonderland is an Action-Adventure, Metroidvania, and Single-player video game developed by Etranges Libellules and published by Disney Interactive Studios. The game offers the beautiful world where it takes place and lets the player control, defends and help the female protagonist named as Alice as she struggles to explore the world of wonderland while unearthing the series of twisted mysteries. During the gameplay, the player can call on a diverse character such as Cheshire cat, and the Mad Hatter each with unique abilities and skills to overcome traps and solve challenging puzzles. The Cheshire cat uses his ability to turn himself into multiple objects and to vanish to assist the protagonist through this strange land. The Mad Hatter helps the protagonist alter her perception of the world and up to new places in the world using optical illusions. It has multiple levels, and each level offers a set of tasks that the player has to complete at any cost to progress through the game. Alice In Wonderland includes prominent features such as Explore the Stunning World, Play as multiple characters, Develop your Skills, Guide Alice, and more. Try it out, and you’ll enjoy it.

#15 Aliens: Infestation

0

Aliens: Infestation is a Metroidvania-type Side-Scrolling Shooter, Run and Gun and Action video game by WayForward and Gearbox Entertainment. The game allows you to recruit your own team of marines and go fighting against the enemies in a truly action oriented and fast-paced game-play. With unique characters, huge cache of weapons and your ability to switch between the characters is what makes this game interesting. The permadeath feature of the game excludes the character permanently that dies during the action, however you can recruit new characters during the game-play after unlocking them. The game basically tasks you to go against the alien enemies, who have invaded the planet and because of your reputation, you are hired to eliminate the intruders and neutralize the infestation. With a marvelous bit of apocalyptic setting, amazing visual details, a well-written storyline and an immersive game-play, Aliens: Infestation is a fun game to play.

#16 Traps n’ Gemstones

0

Traps n’ Gemstones is mix of Adventure, Action, Metroidvania and Platform elements developed and published by Donut Games. The game deals with exploration, treasure hunting, and interaction elements and lets the player assume the role of the adventurer. It offers a brilliant story, in which the artifacts have suddenly disappear from the pyramid that has been protected by Bedouins. You as the freelance archaeologist must explore the world of Egypt to assist the non-player characters to solve mysteries. During the game, you have to find rare items and weapon to assist you on the adventure. You will discover terrifying environment, strange creatures, and mind-bending puzzles as you get deeper into the pyramid to discover the treasure. You can roll, slide, ride mine carts, and swim your way to fulfill the requirements of each level. Traps n’ Gemstones includes core features such as Non-linear Gameplay, Inventory, a variety of Levels, challenging Quests, etc. are core features to enjoy.

#17 Blaster Master Zero

0

Blaster Master Zero is an Action, Metroidvania, Co-op, Single-player and Multiplayer video game created and published by Inti Creates for Nintendo Switch. The game serves as the remake of Blaster Master, released by Sunsoft. The plot of the game focuses on the protagonist named as Jason Frudnick, who embarks on an epic mission into a stunning world to save the frog creature known as Fred. During the gameplay, the player controls the protagonist and effort to explore the massive environments where he has to kill various mutant enemies. The player can exit the tank to navigate multiple areas into the tank vehicle can’t venture. He can explore the world from a side-scroll perspective using a vehicle, shoot enemies to kill and earn points. There are a series of levels, and each level needs completion of certain tasks. The player needs to defeat both mid-bosses and area bosses to access new items, upgrades, and sub-weapons. In Multiplayer mode, the player can explore the land with his friend and engage himself in platform gameplay experience. Blaster Master Zero includes prominent features such as Side view Maps, Top-down Mode, Area Bosses, a series of Levels, and more. Try it out, and you’ll love it.

#18 Elliot Quest

0

Elliot Quest is a Single-player, Metroidvania, Adventure, and Platform video game published and developed by Ansimuz Games for cross platform. The game brings the similar gameplay to Metroid, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. It takes place in the stunning world and the story revolves around the protagonist named as Elloid, who is cursed by the demon and turn into a demon-like creature. The game lets the player takes on the role of the protagonist, and set out him on an epic quests to find a cure. It mixes the Action-Adventure, Side-scrolling, and combat elements. In the beginning, the player can perform little but can jump, run, and shoot arrows, but get access to new items as the player gain experience points. After getting enough points, the player can jump longer, and unlock new abilities. During the exploration, the player can encounter non-player characters and can interact or communicate with them using dialogue to get hints or information about the quests. Elliot Quest includes key features such as Explore the Island, Customization, Hidden Secrets, Solve Puzzles, Find Weapons, and more. Try it out, and you’ll love it.

#19 Mystik Belle

0

Mystik Belle is a 2D Action Role-playing, Side-scroll, and Metroidvania video game created and published by the Last Dimension. The game takes place in the stunning environment and introduces the pixel graphics. You take on the role of the protagonist, who is a student of mystical arts. The story revolves around the protagonist, who has few friends, the teachers and the staff of his school are such means. Puff in Dragonland, SlightlyMagic and the Dizzy series inspire the game. The game mainly focuses on adventure and point-and-click elements. The player can take on the role of the female protagonist and can manipulate the world from a side-scroll perspective. There are various levels available with increasing difficulty, and the player needs to face up to 10 challenging boss fight to progress in the story. During the game, the player can interact with non-player characters, solve inventory puzzles and score points by defeating enemies like other adventure games. With superb mechanics, addictive gameplay, and brilliant controls, Mystik Belle is the best game to enjoy and play.

#20 Forma.8

0

Forma.8 is an Adventure, Metroidvania and Single-player Action video game developed and published by MixedBag Srl. The game takes place in the huge world and offers a thrilling story revolves around the protagonist, who is stuck on the surface of the alien planet. As the protagonist, you must fulfil the requirements of the mission to save your life and find a way to escape. Explore the environment to find and restore the lost, but powerful energy resource before it’s too late. During the gameplay, you must solve dozens of mysteries, unlock power-ups, and progress in the adventure to earn points. During the gameplay, you can battle against deadly enemies and can face powerful bosses. It offers beautiful hand-drawn vector graphics and smooth 60FPS. Uncover the truth behind the scene and show off your abilities to become the master. Explore the dystopian land from a side-scroll perspective and immerse yourself in adventure experience. With the superb story, addictive gameplay and smooth controls, Forma.8 is the best game to play and enjoy.

#21 Rabi-Ribi

0

Rabi-Ribi is an Action-Adventure, Anime, Metroidvania, Side-scroll, and Single-player Shoot ‘em up video game developed by CreSpirit and published by Sekai Project. The game takes place in the thrilling environment and offers a well-written story revolves around the female protagonist named as Erina, whose is a rabbit and her life is turned down, when she discovers herself in the strange world and transformed into a human with rabbit ears. Along the way, the protagonist interact with pink-haired fairy, mysterious creatures and Ribbon, who selects to stay by the side of the protagonist. The game sets out all the heroes on an epic quest to restore the life of Erina. It mainly focuses on 2D platformer, exploration and shoot ‘em up elements that offers non-linear gameplay. The player can explore the land from a side-scroll view, battle enemies and can smash them before they smash the player or fend off him or her to fulfill the tasks. There are four different difficulty settings and the game offers more than nine areas and over twenty subareas to navigate. More than sixty items and upgrades can be used by the player while exploring the world. Rabi-Ribi includes core features such as 20 illustrate Characters, 40 Boss Battles, 100 Attack Patterns, Upgrades and more. Try it out.

#22 Disney DuckTales Remastered

0

Disney DuckTales Remastered is a Metroidvania, Side-scroll and Platform video game developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Capcom. The game supports Single-player mode and serves as the HD remake of DuckTales, released in 1989. It represents the 2D hand-drawn characters in 3D modelled levels. The game revolves around the protagonist named as Scrooge McDuck like the original title, where the protagonist must travel around the world to find five treasures to increase his fortune. During the gameplay, the player can swing his cane to break and strike objects and can bounce on it like a stick to attack foes from above. This method enables the player to reach the higher areas, as well as bounce across the difficult obstacles and hazards that would hurt the player on his foot. It comes with a variety of levels, and the difficulty will be increased as the player advances through the story. The game rewards the player with points, and the player can challenge his friends to beat his record. Disney DuckTales Remastered is the wonderful Platform game to play.

#23 Dust: An Elysian Tale

0

Dust: An Elysian Tale is a mix of Beat ‘em up, Action Role-playing and Metroidvania elements created by Humble Hearts and published by Microsoft Studios. It takes place in the fictional world populated by anthropomorphic creatures and offers the well-written story, following the protagonist, who finds himself in the forest meadow, approached by a floating word called the Blade of Ahrah. According to the story, the protagonist joins the Fidget, a small flying creature known as Nimbat, who serves as the guardian of sword and embarks on a quest to find out the answers. It offers the world of Falana, where the game is set and the gameplay is presented by side-scrolling plane. The player controls the main character and struggle to remember his past. The Blade and Ahrah is the main weapon of the character and he must follow the Fidget to explore the environment and complete a variety of objectives while battling against enemies. The player receives experience points for each killed enemy. With cool features, engaging gameplay, and immersive graphics, Dust: An Elysian Tale is the brilliant game to play.