Metroidvanias prioritize exploration and the gradual unveiling of the game world through the acquisition of new abilities, encouraging players to think creatively and persevere. As the genre has grown in popularity, it is essential to recognize the most influential and top-rated titles since its inception.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the best Metroidvania games available.
1. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight, released in 2017, marked the impressive debut of Team Cherry, a small game development team from Australia. Due to its amazing graphics, compelling soundtrack, and carefully designed stages, the game soon became a popular favorite among Metroidvania lovers. The player takes on the role of the Knight, who sets out on a perilous trip through a huge underground network of tunnels and deserted cities, fighting mighty opponents and learning the truth about Hallownest's terrible past.
With a playtime of approximately 60 hours, players can explore the richly curated content and discover hidden areas in Hollow Knight.
2. Super Metroid
No list of top Metroidvania games would be complete without including Super Metroid. While the original Metroid introduced the concept of a non-linear platformer, Super Metroid refined and perfected the gameplay. Regarded as the quintessential Metroidvania game, Super Metroid features Samus revisiting the planet Zebes and encountering new and old enemies while exploring changes since her previous visit. The game emphasizes clever exploration and features a hauntingly memorable soundtrack.
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, a sequel that builds upon and enhances its predecessor, continues the story of the forest spirit Ori in his search for his lost friend in a new land. The game features charming creatures, touching moments, and visually stunning levels to explore. While it is recommended to play Ori and the Will of the Wisps as it stands out among the rest, it would be a mistake not to play Ori and the Blind Forest beforehand as the former beautifully builds on the latter.
4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Since its release in 1997, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has established a legendary reputation as one of the best games in the Castlevania series. The game centers on Alucard, the half-vampire son of Dracula who explores his father's castle in search of upgrades, artifacts, and weapons to use in fight against the evil forces. The gameplay of the game emphasizes exploration and discovery while adding RPG aspects.
5. Metroid: Dread
Metroid: Dread, a sequel that fans have been waiting for since 2002's Metroid Fusion, finally arrived after a whopping nineteen-year gap and received glowing reviews. The game features Samus Aran, who is sent to the enigmatic planet ZDR to investigate the Federation's missing EMMI units. These units were dispatched to examine the sightings of the mysterious X Parasite.
As Samus explores the planet's depths, she confronts and avoids the corrupted EMMI while traversing ancient laboratories, eerie cave systems, and alien ruins.
6. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Players can use a distinctive combat system in the game Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night to explore a strange castle full with hideous monsters that is heavily influenced by Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The game offers players a variety of combat tactics to choose from, including guns, martial arts, spells, and heavy, slow weaponry. It also boasts excellent graphics and refined gameplay.
Bloodstained is a capable and expertly made sequel to the finest that Castlevania has to offer, even though it may not quite achieve Symphony of the Night's level of greatness.
7. SteamWorld Dig 2
Although SteamWorld Dig was an enjoyable game, it now appears to have served as more of a demonstration of concept compared to its sequel. SteamWorld Dig 2 has significantly enhanced the mechanics, controls, and overall flow of the game, resulting in a remarkable and flawless experience throughout.
Although trying out the first game is recommended to explore the captivating SteamWorld universe, SteamWorld Dig 2 is undoubtedly the superior and more refined Metroidvania.
8. Guacamelee! 2
Due to its improved fighting and cooperative capabilities while preserving the same humor and plot as its predecessor, Guacamelee! 2 gets added to this list. The universe built in the first game is expanded upon by the introduction of the Mexiverse, a multiverse with a Mexican flavor. Guacamelee! 2 also incorporates wrestling combos and further develops the combat mechanics of the chicken form. While there is debate as to whether it is superior to the first game, both titles are definitely worth playing for Metroidvania fans.
9. Blasphemous
Blasphemous, which draws its inspiration from Roman Catholic iconography, is one of the bloodiest games on this list and leans heavily into dark fantasy themes. As you progress through the corrupted lands of Cvstodia, you'll encounter grotesque creatures, battle monsters, and meet enigmatic allies. While the game's setting and atmosphere are impressively realized and contribute to its inclusion on this list, it's worth noting that the game's challenging difficulty may prove frustrating for even the most experienced Metroidvania players.
10. Metroid: Zero Mission
The 1986 video game Metroid, which became a cultural phenomenon, helped create the Metroidvania subgenre. The NES, however, had some drawbacks as a result of its technological constraints. To improve upon the original idea, Metroid: Zero Mission was launched in 2004 as a remake with new graphics and design.
To improve the player experience, Zero Mission fixed the original game's design problems and introduced fresh story components. Additionally, Zero Suit Samus, a character who has gained a lot of popularity among fans, was added in the game.
>>> Read more: Top 10 Best Visual Novels On PC (2023)
Comments