Getting to Know the Metroidvania Subgenre and Its 7 Popular Games

5 Metroidvania Games  

Metroidvania is a subgenre of action-adventure games that combines elements of the Metroid and Castlevania game series. 

Metroid is a video game series action-adventure game which was popular on Nintendo consoles in 1986. While Castlevania is a popular gothic horror action adventure video game series from Konami. 

So it can be concluded that Metroidvania is a subgenre of action-adventure games inspired by two iconic game series Metroid and Castlevania. 

Metroid itself is famous for its exploration of a vast and interconnected world that allows for the character's abilities to be enhanced. 

While Castlevania, this game is known for its dark gothic atmosphere. Metroidvania combines the best elements of both series. 

The combination of the two games creates a unique and challenging gaming experience that emphasizes exploration and character progression. 

So what are the characteristics of a Metroidvania game? For more information, you can read the explanation below!

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Metroidvania Game Characteristics

As explained before, Metroidvania is a game that combines action and adventure. This game offers an exciting and challenging gaming experience. 

One of the main features of metroidvania games is the open, non-linear world. Players are free to explore the area as they wish. 

An important element that is definitely present in Metroidvania games is the character's ability-based progression. At first, the character's abilities may still be limited. However, up to a certain level, the character will have new powers. 

Examples include double jumps, special attacks, or unique abilities to change shape. 

In essence, Metroidvania is a genre that features two old school games in one game title. Metroidvania games are platformer games with a puzzle twist. 

7 Best Metroidvania Games List 

Are you ready to explore a vast world, conquer challenges, and solve puzzles? 

Here we will recommend 7 of the best metroidvania games that you may have never tried before. Just take a look at the full explanation below: 

Hollow Knights 

This game by developer and publisher Team Cherry was first released in 2017 for Windows PC, macOS, Linux and Nintendo Switch console platforms. PS4, and Xbox One. 

In this game you will control an insect knight who explores Hallownest, an underground kingdom that has collapsed. 

The character you control will carry a “Nail” weapon and can learn various abilities such as spells and moves to help him face enemies and exploit them. 

This game is a Metroidvania masterpiece that manages to combine attractive visuals and challenging combat. 

Although the story of this game is conveyed implicitly, it requires careful attention to understand the plot. Hollow Knights has a rich and emotional narrative. 

In this Hollow Knight game, players can also find and learn various new abilities. With these new abilities, players can access new areas and new ways to overcome obstacles. 

Ori and the Blind Forest 

Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that will take you through a dangerous forest, overcoming obstacles, solving environmental puzzles, and fighting dangerous creatures. 

Throughout the game you will control Ori exploring every corner of the Nibel forest. The Nibel forest is a vast and interconnected world. 

Players will control Ori to explore it to collect life fragments, and energy, and find secret maps. 

A unique feature in this game allows players to save their progress anywhere. The requirement to use Soul Link is that players must have enough energy. 

There isn't much dialogue between the characters with NPCs. But you can still follow the storyline just through visuals and music. 

In this game you will not only meet Ori, there are other characters such as Sein, Naru, and Kuro. These characters have their own roles and developments throughout the game. 

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a metroidvania game with a touch of roguelike in it. In this game you will play as the Prisoner, a headless creature who must fight his way out of an ever-changing prison. 

This game has a fast and brutal combat tempo, you have to have good reflexes to control the character. 

There are a variety of weapons that you can combine to create unique new attacks.

Laika: Aged Through Blood 

Laika: Aged Through Blood is a Metroidvania game that offers a unique experience for its players. In this game you can do shooting action and control a motorbike. 

You will play as Laika, a character who looks like a coyote. 

The game is available on PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, and Nintendo Switch. You can buy the game on Steam or Epic Games starting at Rp200,000 – Rp300,000 depending on the purchase package you choose. 

Axiom Verge 

Axiom Verge is a game developed by Indie developer Thomas Happ. In this game you will explore the alien world of Saudara which is full of secrets. 

There are 60 weapon options that you can master to overcome obstacles and enemies that stand in your way. 

You must travel and solve the mystery of the Trace in the air and its connection to a long-lost alien race. 

Axiom Forger is available for PC platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) which can be downloaded via Steam. In addition, you can also play it on game consoles such as PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Wii U. 

The selling price of this game varies depending on the type of console you use to play. It is estimated that the price range for the Axiom Verge game is priced starting at just IDR 300 thousand. 

Bloodstained Ritual of the Night 

Bloodstained Ritual of the Night is a game developed by ArtPlay released by 505 games. Many gamers say that this game is the successor to Castlevania because of the involvement of Castlevania's producers. 

In this game you will explore a castle filled with demons with various interconnected areas and hidden secrets. 

The game is available for PC (Windows, macOS, Linux) which can be downloaded via Steam or the Epic Games Store. 

In addition, Bloodstained Ritual of the Night is also available for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS mobile platforms. However, this game cannot be accessed for Android version 12., you must use an older version to download it. 

The Mummy Demastered 

The last metroidvania game is The Mummy Demastered. This game is developed by WayForward Technologies and inspired by the 2017 film The Mummy. 

Although inspired by the film, The Mummy Demastered has a different storyline. 

You can play this game on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. 

In The Mummy Demastered you will explore various interconnected locations. While exploring the map you will encounter hordes of monsters and bosses that challenge you with guns and grenades. 

Collect power-ups to unlock new areas and new abilities like double jumps or special attacks. 

Enjoy stunning 16-bit visuals and details reminiscent of classic games. 

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