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Metroidvanias are one of the longest-standing genres in gaming, with some of the most well-regarded titles. Named after Metroid and Castlevania, the main staple of the genre is that you unlock new abilities to traverse different areas. This typically means backtracking to a previous area to explore a path you couldn’t previously reach. While both of the series that inspired it were 2D action games, Metroidvania games can take the form of big-budget AAA games or indie roguelikes.
Metroid Dread
While Castlevania hasn’t had a new entry in quite some time, Metroid has with Metroid Dread. One of the best Metroidvania games, this modern release from Nintendo has all the staples of the classics. A 2D experience, Metroid Dread sees Samus battle a number of vicious robots on the alien planet of ZDR. The robots, named E.M.M.I’s, hunt Samus through different maze-like zones. These enemies can only be defeated by finding a certain weapon, so it creates an intense chase through each area until you are able to fight back.
While Nintendo has gotten some flack for its modern releases not having any teeth, Metroid Dread features plenty of challenging boss fights and intense horror elements. While not every game in the series hits this level of quality, Metroid Dread is a strong reminder of why the genre is called Metroidvania.
Dead Cells
While you might not be able to tell at first glance, Dead Cells is one of the best Metroidvania games on the market. On the surface, it looks like an intense roguelike 2D action game, where you need to die to make progress, which is true. But the hidden greatness of Dead Cells comes from its Metroidvania elements. The game features a ton of branching paths, some of which can only be explored after acquiring certain permeant items. After a few runs, you have the ability to explore drastically different areas as you try to make it to the final boss. This gives a ton of replay value in a genre where you have to do multiple runs.
Not only does the game have tons of branching paths, but the combat is excellent. There are tons of different weapons and items for you to find, leading to many interesting builds. Since items drop randomly each time, you will need to figure out the best possible build from the options given to you. Plus, it has a Castlevania DLC, if you needed more evidence it belongs on this list.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a more traditional entry in terms of a Metroidvania game. It isn’t a roguelike and is instead a straight-up 2D action platformer. What makes Hollow Knight so special is the brutal combat. It’s fast-paced and precise, requiring the player to make the most of every tool at their disposal to advance. It feels very Dark Souls-inspired, especially when it comes to boss fights. You will typically need a few attempts to learn patterns, and even then it will still be a challenge to overcome.
While that challenge might turn some people away from Hollow Knight, its incredible world will pull them right back in. Not only does it have a gorgeous art style, but its macabre world of little bug guys has a charm to it when you aren’t getting your teeth kicked in. Even if you aren’t one for intense combat challenges, Hollow Knight offers so much more to love beyond that.
Guacamelee 1/2
If you’re looking for a Metroidvania game that is a little more laid back, the Guacamelee series is the best pick for that. A funny and silly 2D platformer, Guacamelee combines over-the-top wrestling moves with fun platforming. It’s nowhere near as hard as the other games on this list and has a heavier focus on platforming as opposed to combat. That said, it still has a ton of depth to its combat, with a large variety of moves and special items that give you more and more flexibility as the game goes on.
The story is light-hearted, putting a spotlight on luchador and Mexican culture. Both games in the series are excellent and take plenty of inspiration from Metroidvania games. Both games also feature drop-in and drop-out co-op, something that’s uncommon for games in this genre.
Star Wars Jedi Series
While many of the best modern Metroidvania games are smaller titles or indies, there are a few big-budget takes on the genre. One of the best is the Star Wars Jedi series, which consists of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. This series blends the parry heavy and difficult action-combat of a Dark Souls with the exploration of Metroidvania. If the combat difficulty scares you, there are plenty of difficulty options to choose from.
While the combat is incredible, the inclusion of Metroidvania exploration is what really brings the games together. There are tons of small side paths and different areas to explore once you unlock new traversal abilities in the main story. These paths offer rewards and quests that make going back to previous areas to explore completely worth doing. The platforming is fluid and precise, but it doesn’t ask you to be perfect either. All of that wrapped in an excellent Star Wars story that focuses on new characters in the universe makes both games excellent. Plus, there is a third game coming eventually, so there are even more Star Wars Jedi adventures to look forward to.
