What is Metroidvania? | The Best Metroidvania Games
In this article, we talked about the features of the metroidvania genre and the best metroidvania games for you.
There is a game genre that we have been seeing a lot lately: Metroidvania. We wanted to get to know this game genre, which takes its name from Nintendo’s Metroid and Konami’s Castlevania series, and answer the question of what Metroidvania is.
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What is a Metroidvania Game?
Metroidvania is the name given to the game genre that combines exploration-focused 2D platformer gameplay with progressive ability acquisition and an expansive map design. As players explore different regions of the map, they gain new abilities to overcome obstacles, allowing them to progress further and further into the game's world.
Metroidvania games typically feature a large, interconnected, and labyrinthine world. However, this world is not fully accessible from the beginning of the game. Players gain access to previously unreachable areas by acquiring new abilities and equipment.
Mechanics like double jumping, grappling hooks, or destroying certain types of barriers form the basis of this progression. Combat with enemies, platforming elements, and puzzles are also integrated into this structure. You can use the abilities you unlock to go back and access areas you couldn't reach before.
Features of the Metroidvania Genre
The features of Metroidvania games are generally as follows:
- It has a huge, interconnected map with inaccessible points.
- Players can unlock their character's abilities one by one only by exploring the map.
- The map is full of secret rooms, alternative paths, and locked areas. Players must explore carefully to uncover all the secrets.
- It includes elements such as character development, collecting new equipment, and solving platforming puzzles while fighting enemies.
- In this type of game, the story is usually not told directly but is presented to the player through environmental clues and hidden documents about the characters' past.
- Many games in the genre feature challenging and mechanics-focused boss battles. These battles usually test the skills the player has acquired.
- Progression in the game is generally difficult, and you only have the right to take damage a few times. Options like healing are limited.
Some metroidvania games can provide variety by offering the player combat-focused, stealth-based, or magic-based gameplay options. There are even different games that combine the metroidvania genre with soulslike or roguelike genres.
The Best Metroidvania Games
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
As one of the first games to give the genre its name, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was released by Konami in 1997. Although its sales figures were not very encouraging at launch, the game gradually gained a growing fan base, eventually managing to sell 700,000 copies in America and Japan. With its non-linear structure and the need to unlock certain abilities to access various areas, it is one of the games that not only created the metroidvania genre but also best exemplifies it.
Super Metroid
Released in 1994, Super Metroid sold 1.43 million copies by the end of 2003, and was considered one of the most successful and best games of its genre. A favorite of not only players but also critics, this game is another one that gave the genre its name. In the game, we control Samus Aran, travel to the planet Zebes, and pursue the Space Pirate Ridley. Originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, this game is still frequently played today with the help of emulators.
Hollow Knight
Developed by Team Cherry, Hollow Knight is considered one of the best examples of the modern metroidvania genre with its atmospheric world, enjoyable exploration mechanics, and challenging combat dynamics. While exploring a deserted kingdom called Hallownest, we gain different abilities and spells to reach new areas of the map, open secret rooms, and try to unravel the story. It has become one of the most iconic productions of the genre with its challenging boss battles and detailed environmental storytelling.
Dead Cells
Developed by Motion Twin, Dead Cells combines the classic metroidvania structure with roguelike elements to offer a different experience in each playthrough. We progress through randomly generated levels, collecting new weapons and abilities, and also gain some permanent upgrades after each death. Its replayability is quite high thanks to its fast-paced combat system and fluid platforming mechanics.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Developed by Moon Studios, Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the most beloved games of the genre. Controlling Ori, we navigate through the magical forest of Nibel, gaining new abilities and trying to overcome obstacles by exploring the environment. The game, which highlights platforming elements with its precise controls and creative puzzle designs, stands out especially for its difficulty level and fluid gameplay. It offers a much more emotional experience compared to other games, especially with its music and atmosphere, securing its place among the most unforgettable productions of the genre.
Blasphemous
Developed by The Game Kitchen, Blasphemous presents a gothic world adorned with dark and religious motifs. This game, which draws attention with its gameplay containing soulslike elements, challenging enemies, and tough platforming sections, has carved out a unique place for itself within the genre with its grotesque designs and heavy atmosphere. If you want to see a production that combines the soulslike and metroidvania genres, Blasphemous is for you.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Developed in collaboration by Live Wire and Adglobe, Ender Lilies stands out with its dark and melancholic atmosphere. In this game, we control Lily and make our way through a cursed kingdom, gaining different abilities from the enemies we defeat. It is regarded as one of the most successful independent productions of the genre, with its fluid combat mechanics and captivating music.
Animal Well
Published by Bigmode, Animal Well tackles the genre's familiar elements with an unusual approach. The game avoids traditional combat mechanics, offering exploration-focused gameplay that encourages players to solve puzzles using environmental clues. This production, which stands out with its pixel art, retro look, and mysterious atmosphere, brings a fresh breath to the metroidvania genre.
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