The Metroidvania genre is more popular than ever, with indie and even AAA developers throwing their hats into the ring.
Metroidvania’s are rewarding to play thanks to their tangible progression as you earn new abilities that open up the map. The only issue is many games in the genre are pretty tricky, and the worst offenders assume you’re already a seasoned player.
If you want your first foray into Metroidvania’s to let you fall in love with the genre, here’s a selection of excellent titles to do it with.
10Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Returning To The Series' Roots
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
While I much prefer the 3DPrince of Persiagames, there’s no denying thatThe Lost Crownis asolid 2D Metroidvania.
In many ways,Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownfeels like a natural evolution from the original, which sometimes felt pretty cheap. New abilities are dished out at a comfortable rate, and skills and mechanics are well-explained.
Combat and movement are as slick and responsive as expected from a AAA studio, and the title is a great introduction to the charismatic prince.
Surprisingly,The Lost Crownis pretty difficult, but that doesn’t mean a newcomer won’t enjoy it. If the challenge is insurmountable, there are plenty ofdifficulty presets and modifiersto tune the experience to your liking.
9Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
Solve Problems With Your Fists
Guacamelee!
Guacamelee!is a superb Metroidvania whereyou play as a luchadorcalled Juan on a quest to save his childhood friend.
The game is heavilyinspired by traditional Mexican folklore, resulting in a beautiful setting and art style you won’t find elsewhere. As you’d expect from a luchador, Juan likes to get up close and personal with his opponents, and combat is satisfying and responsive.
The game feels more like a solid action platformer at times, and while thelater bosses are pretty tough, you’ll rarely get hopelessly lost. If all else fails, there’s evenlocal co-op.
I must mention thatthis recommendation is specifically for the original.Guacamelee! 2is a brilliant game but is also well-known for its punishing difficulty.
Cute And Charming
Isletshas a reputation for beingone of the easiestand most accessible games in the genre, making it perfect for newcomers.
The story is wonderfully simple; the world is made of five distinct environments but is split into multiple pieces, and it’sup to you to restore order.
Islets is a 2D platformer for the most part, and while some bosses can be challenging,your route through the game is quite linear. Branching paths often end up in the same location, but the benefit is you may’t get lost, and you’re always making progress.
If you’re looking for a gentle entry point into the genre,Isletsis the game for you.
7Dust: An Elysian Tail
A Hidden Gem
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Dust: An Elysian Tailboasts some of themost stylish combat in the genrewith flashy visuals and a charming story.
The game plays like a slick2D platformerand is pretty challenging in that department.You’ll need quick reflexesto conquer demanding jump sequences, but the best part of the game for me is the fights.
I’m a sucker for things likecombo counters, andDust’s sword-based combat is a perfect match for the mechanic. Shredding groups of enemies feels great, and while the controls are simple, there’s more to it than mindless button-mashing.
Dustisnotably more linearthan many other Metroidvania’s, so it may be worth considering if exploration isn’t your strong suit.
6Shantae and the Seven Sirens
A Lighthearted Adventure
Shantae and the Seven Sirens
TheShantaeseries has come a long way in recent years, andThe Seven Sirensis a great entry point for anyone looking to get into Metroidvania games.
Shantae and the Seven Sirensis a bright, colorful 2D platformer with ahearty dose of humorand fourth-wall-breaking. You’ll unlock many abilities throughout your journey in the form of transformations. you’re able to become a drill to dig through terrain and even a cute lizard to climb walls.
Thesetransformations feel seamlessas you can quickly choose what you need with the D-Pad instead of choosing them through a menu like in the older games.
Puzzles are tailored to Shantae’s abilities, and asthere’s nothing too taxing, you should always feel like you’re making progress.
I’ve not played everyShantaegame, but a solid alternative toSeven SirensisPirate’s Curse, as it’s not too difficult. Each game in the series is its own self-contained story, so you’re able to dive in with whatever title you like the look of.
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5Steamworld Dig 2
Grab A Pickaxe
SteamWorld Dig 2
TheSteamworldgames have their fingers in many pies, and their take on Metroidvania’s is a fantastic starter game in the genre.
You play as a robot named Dorothy inSteamworld Dig 2and join her on a quest to find Rusty,the original game’s protagonist. On the surface, you’ll complete tasks for NPCs in the town, but most of your time is spent underground.
Mining is surprisingly addictive, and you’re always earning upgrades to make your time below the surface more manageable.
Steamworld Dig 2makes the list because itoffers plenty of freeform exploration, but it’s light on challenge, and you likely won’t get lost.
The originalSteamworld Digis also fun but far simpler thanSteamworld Dig 2. It’s a decent game if you insist on starting there, but it’snot really a Metroidvania, and it isn’t required to enjoy the sequel.
4Ori and the Blind Forest
I’m Not Crying, You Are!
Ori and The Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forestis arguably the prettiest game on this list, with a charismatic protagonist, jaw-dropping visuals, and wonderful controls.
You play as Ori, an adorable spirit creature who’s far more mobile than most Metroidvania protagonists.Ori and the Blind Forestfeels so good to control;it’s like playing an accomplished platformerwith exploration mechanics expertly woven into the gameplay.
And you’ll certainly want to explore.Ori and the Blind Foresthas some ofthe most picturesque scenery and backdropsI’ve ever seen in a video game. The difficulty curve is firm but fair, and if you enjoy the original, you’ll adore the sequel,Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
I won’t spoil anything, but beware,the intro video is a real tearjerker!
3Shadow Complex
A Palette Cleanser
Shadow Complex
Many Metroidvania’s delve into high fantasy and melee combat. If you prefer amore grounded setting, let me introduceShadow Complex.
Shadow Complexis a2.5D platforming adventure gamewhere we trade the supernatural for cutting-edge weapons and soldiers. You play as Jason, who unwittingly stumbles across an underground military complex with his girlfriend, Claire.
Before you know it, you’re stealing a high-tech soldier suit and playing with experimental tech. The 2.5D perspective means you mustpay attention to enemies in the background, and combat is punchy and visceral.
Your progression is tied to suit and weapon upgrades, which are dished out at a comfortable rate. You can spend ages just messing around with the Gel gun, and the game doesn’t overstay its welcome with a 5-6 hour runtime.
2Hollow Knight
A Genre Defining Title
Hollow Knight (Dupe)
We can’t have a Metroidvania list withoutHollow Knight, and whileit’s a difficult game, its numerous redeeming qualities make it an absolute must-play, and it evenworks on the Steam Deck.
Hollow Knightis set in the beautiful, if bleak, world of Hallownest, a once triumphant kingdom that’s fallen into ruin. As with the best Metroidvania’s,exploration is encouraged and rewardedwith snippets of juicy lore and even powerups.
Combat inHollow Knightissimple on the surfacebut surprisingly nuanced, and your mastery of the mechanics will be tested by a colorful cast of bosses.
I admittedly got lost inHollow Knightmany times during my playthrough, butthe world and atmosphere are so well-craftedthat I never got frustrated.
While beloved by many,Hollow Knightis one of the tougher games on this list. Still, give it a shot and join us in patiently waiting forSilksongto be released!
1Metroid Fusion
My First Of Many
Metroid Fusion
You could go with anyMetroidgame (it’s in the genre name, after all!) and have a good time. My pick isMetroid Fusion, asit was my first foray into the genre, and if I can beat it, anyone can!
Metroid Fusionoffers an epic adventure on board a space station full of monsters. Samus starts her journey with minimal abilities but steadily earns them through the story.
I holdMetroid Fusionin such high regard because ofthe game’s antagonist, the SA-X. I’ve never been scared of a 2D adversary before, but there’s a first time for everything.
There are some tricky parts, but if you’re willing to take a few game-over screens on the chin, there’s plenty to enjoy.
The only downside toMetroid Fusionisit’s a GBA game, and the only legal ways to play it are on original hardware or as part of theNintendo Switch Online + Expansion Packsubscription.
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