Summary
With non-linear levels and main heroes that can constantly be upgraded,Metroidvaniagames have become a beloved genre. As a result of their popularity, some are designed specifically for those who love the genre, which can result in a less beginner-friendly experience, but others showcase that the developers care about newcomers.
Many games in the genre showcase a 2D visual style and gameplay that often includes simpler combat mechanics, more forgiving save systems, and clearer navigation for those who are new to Metroidvania games. They range from completely accessible to nearly every kind of gamer to providing a strong challenge to newcomers without alienating them.
The spin-off game in theBatman: Arkhamfranchise trades the open-world gameplay for a 2.5D exploration of Blackgate Prison.Batman: Arkham Origins - Blackgateis often overshadowed by its more famous brother and sister games, but that doesn’t stop it from providing gamers with a proper Batman adventure with quality gameplay.
Even from a storytelling perspective,Batman: Arkham Origins - Blackgateis worth playing for moments such as Batman first meeting Catwomanin the Arkhamverse timeline. It’s not long or all that difficult, but it still provides action-packed gameplay that feels like a 2D version of the original Batman: Arkham Asylum, which was essentially an open-world Metroidvania set on Arkham Island.
Taking heavy inspiration from H.R. Giger’s unique art style,Axiom Vergeis designed to look and feel like a spiritual successor to theMetroidgamesto create a sci-fi adventure. It features a lone protagonist on an alien planet using a variety of weapons and upgrades to destroy creepy extraterrestrial threats and solve puzzles on a winding labyrinth-like map.
Axiom Vergewas a surprising gem that burst onto the scene, demonstrating that gamers still loved Metroidvania games. It was also beginner-friendly, allowing newcomers to adjust to the gameplay while preparing them for a natural progression of difficulty that would test their skills by the end.
7Yoku’s Island Express
Metroidvania And Pinball Is An Odd But Effective Combo
Yoku’s Island Expressis a unique take on the Metroidvania genre. While it does include interconnected rooms that unlock as players progress, solve puzzles, and acquire upgrades, its gameplay mechanics differ significantly from traditional titles.Notably, there is no combat; instead, players navigate the game using pinball mechanics to launch and propel the main character, Yoku, to solve puzzles.
Unlike many other Metroidvania games,Yoku’s Island Expressis also more family-friendly. From Yoku himself to the world, everything is designed to feel like an interactive cartoon with pleasant visuals and sound. It’s also one of the easier Metroidvanias, but the pinball mechanics can still provide a challenge for most players, especially in later sections.
While the original game is a more traditional platformer with minor Metroidvania elements,Ori And The Will Of The Wispsfully embraces the genre while maintaining the colorful and vibrant visuals that made the first Ori game so enchanting for games. With each area and puzzle solved, the titular Ori character is given new upgrades to help on the journey.
Ori And The Will Of The Wispswas immediately praised on release, with many considering it a step up from the original classic. However, while it may be a Metroidvania that the majority of gamers can get into, it is still recommended that beginners play the predecessor first to truly appreciate what is a proper sequel in nearly every way.
Prince Of Persiahas been both a puzzle platformer andan action-packed hack-and-slasher, so when the series finally returned, UbiSoft combined both styles into one to createPrince Of Persia: The Lost Crown. After the franchise went on hiatus for so long, many were pleasantly surprised to seePrince Of Persiagoing down a Metroidvania route.
A new protagonist, Sargon, is introduced inPrince Of Persiaand is a member of the Immortals clan. Sargon traverses a massive mountain city that has a plethora of routes, shortcuts, and side content for the player to get lost in. The cinematic action set pieces are the frosting on top of what is an already delicious cake.
Gamers wouldn’t have the Metroidvania genre without theMetroidseries, which first established non-linear gameplay with the originalMetroidin 1986. However, as any great threequel should,Super Metroidtook what the first two games established and enhanced itto create a definitive SNES title.
Super Metroidfeatures Samus Aran going on an extraterrestrial journey, getting even more powerful, and testing players’ platforming skills. It would help establish the Metroidvania formula and iron out any kinks from the original games, thus setting up what would come in future sequels. It’s also a healthy progression of difficulty, with enough challenges to keep the player engaged but never feel like they want to throw their controller.
For many years, Castlevania had a more traditional gameplay, andCastlevania: Symphony Of The Nightwas the first game in the beloved Konami franchise to embrace the Metroidvania style. Ever since the majority ofgames in the original timelinewould useSymphony Of The Nightas the template for their gameplay.
After first being introduced inCastlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, Alucard takes over from the Belmont family as the main protagonist inCastlevania: Symphony Of The Night. As expected, players traverse through an expansive version of Dracula’s castle, leveling up and equipping new gear to take on the Prince Of Darkness and his legion of monsters.
For many,Hollow Knightquickly became the definitive Metroidvania for the modern era, mixing its beautifully dark andmacabre Tim Burton-like art styleto create a memorable experience. While it does feature classic Metroidvania tropes such as upgrades to the enigmatic Knight and an open-ended map, it also blends in elements of a Souls-like game in the vein ofDark SoulsorBloodborne.
Gamers are forced to contend with a gauntlet of bosses throughout the twenty to forty hours of main story gameplay as the faceless protagonist.Hollow Knightbecame such a bestseller that it received multiple free DLC content drops and a highly anticipated sequel withHollow Knight: Silksong.
Fans had to wait nearly twenty years for the official sequel toMetroid Fusion, but it finally came in the form ofMetroid Dread, which brought the franchise back to its 2D roots. Samus Aran is more fun than ever, and thenew 3D visuals on the Switchallow for an even better atmosphere with the visuals and sounds as she fights aliens, parasites, robots, and other sci-fi threats.
To continue the Metroidvania gameplay,Metroid Dreadintroduces even more upgrades to Samus’ signature armor, featuring new weapons and abilities that transform her into an unstoppable super soldier. While it certainly helps to have played previousMetroidgames,Metroid Dreaddoes not alienate newcomers and can stand out on its own for anyone to enjoy the addictive gameplay on the planet ZDR.
