Metroidvaniashave been one of the most popular and beloved genres for a long time, especially among indie games.
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The gameplay formula of interconnected maps, deep progression, and memorable bosses is truly functional and has producedmany wonderful games over the last decade.
From unknown gems to modern classics, the genre boasts titles capable of absorbing us for hours, each with its own style and approach, and offering us very different adventures despite sharing the same core gameplay.
Between Metroid and Mega Man
As a longtimeMega Manfan, when I found outReCorewasKeiji Inafune’s new game, I was overjoyed beyond words.
Unfortunately, I’d be lying if I said my expectations were adequately met, especially given its terrible loading times and the feeling of ending too quickly, but the experience was unfairly hated.
While I understand the criticisms, it features fascinating ideas,taking traditional Japanese gameplay structures and adapting them to a rich universe with engaging characters.
Given its combination ofMetroidand Mega Man, I expected something deeper, but I can’t deny the fun it offered. ReCore’s 15 hours of gameplay didn’t change my life, butthey did entertain me quite a bit.
11The Last Case of Benedict Fox - Definitive Edition
Twisted Creativity
The Last Case of Benedict Fox
The Last Case of Benedict Foxis a rather unusual Metroidvania for better or worse, but one I recommend for its sheer creativity.
Its Lovecraftian atmosphere and basic but entertaining combat system support a game that ultimately captivates with its puzzles and story, despite not being deep in any regard.
The Last Case of Benedict Fox’s gameplay doesn’t end up being its strong point because of incredible bosses or complex combinations, but ratherthe experience of exploring its strange but fascinating universe.
I admit to having felt annoyed with the battles at first, which made me quit the game on a couple of occasions. However,the third time I focused more on its themes and aesthetics, and I truly found it an entertaining journey.
10Journey to the Savage Planet
Fun In Its Purest Form
Journey to the Savage Planet
In a market where most video games tend to take themselves too seriously,Journey to the Savage Planetis a highly recommended breath of fresh air.
Its combination of action and adventure with Metroidvania elements drives a gameplay where exploration shines, mainly due to the large number of secrets and fun situations to encounter.
I didn’t appreciate its co-op system as much as many other players, but I found the solo experience more than enjoyable thanks to its casual and colorful style.
While I’m not a fan of its combat,the sheer fun of exploring Journey to the Savage Planet’s universe is more than enough to deserve praise.
9Monster Sanctuary
Charming and Profound
Monster Sanctuary
Monster Sanctuaryis easily among the best video games formonster taming, despite how difficult and complex it can turn out to be.
The combination of specimen collection and Metroidvania-like features offers one of the most singular and fun experiences in the entire genre, even with its inconsequential story.
Between its progression system, cozy art direction, and massive amounts of content, it’s a title you can sink dozens of hours into without even realizing how much time has passed.
If you can handle the occasional grind and patiently accept the learning curve, Monster Sanctuary is a safe purchase. I thought it wasn’t going to be my kind of Metroidvania, but it’s so unique that the try was completely worth it.
8SteamWorld Dig 2
Back to the Underworld
SteamWorld Dig 2
SteamWorld Digquickly became one of the most beloved Metroidvania series in the genre, andSteamWorld Dig 2had a lot to do with it given how much the franchise grew through its release.
Besides expanding its core mechanics,it maintains the first installment’s visual and conceptual essence, though with more tools to make it feel better in comparison.
However,the game lacks the same impact and inventiveness, making it a very solid sequel but less relevant if not considered as part of a package alongside its predecessor.
This doesn’t detract from its merits, as it’s a more complete Metroidvania, but it’s not as memorable as SteamWorld Dig. Still, it’s highly recommended if you liked the first. It won’t leave as much of a mark on you but will provide plenty of hours of fun.
7Ori and the Blind Forest
An Emotional Journey
Ori and The Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forestis one of the most emotional and heartwarming Metroidvanias I’ve ever played, which fully explains why it’s so beloved within the community.
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Although I find its gameplay inferior to several of its peers, with its unintuitive level design and limited combat,the fluidity of its platforming and its artistic beauty fully sustain its quality.
Considering its gorgeous soundtrack and truly sentimental story,Ori and the Blind Forest connects with the player with a particularly rare easewithin the genre.
I’d say I hold it in lower esteem than average because it has many sections that genuinely frustrated me, but it’s a captivating creation thatleft me in awe from beginning to end regardless.
6SteamWorld Dig
Digging as a Lifestyle
SteamWorld Dig
I’m a massive fan of games that combine genres or take specific gameplay cores and approach them from diverse perspectives,and that’s why I loveSteamWorld Dig.
Even without considering its iconic art,the way the game takes the act of digging and builds an entire gameplay structure around it is truly mind-blowing.
Although the Metroidvania influence is less palpable than in its successor, the game has a much stronger and unique identity, focused more on its fun puzzles and characters.
I’ve always struggled to admit I like it more than SteamWorld Dig 2 because the latter feels more polished. Yet,I will always be clear that my first recommendation for anyone new to the series goes to SteamWorld Dig.
5Spiritfarer
Reinterpreting Death
Spiritfarer
As a fan ofThunder Lotus Games, I admitSpiritfarerinitially raised my eyebrows, as the title doesn’t follow the style of the studio’s previous works.
However, in probably one of the biggest rebukes I’ve ever received, the game proved to me that it’s easilyone of the last couple of years' best indie games.
Admittedly, it’s more of a management game than a Metroidvania, but it draws on the lessons the developer learned fromSunderedto provide it withseveral of the genre’s common progression features.
Consequently, this manifests itself in notable doses of backtracking and a fairly non-linear overall approach, which thoroughly supports its heartwarming story and characters.
When talking about cozy games,mentioning Spiritfarer is essential, which makes it even more unique as a Metroidvania, since this genre is usually anything but cozy.
4Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Defying Destiny
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Contrary to what happened between the two SteamWorld Dig installments,Ori and the Will of the Wispsstrikes me as a vast improvement over Ori and the Blind Forest.
From the aesthetics to the narrative, including the combat,platforming, level design,soundtrack, and progression,the second installment of Ori’s journey is vastly superior to his first.
Without losing any emotional or artistic qualities, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a better and more fun video game, but also a more compact and transcendental story.
Plus, the controls are better, the escape and boss sequences are superior, and overall,the entire game feels like a step forward for a franchise that is already part of Metroidvania history.
3Nine Sols
A Divine Work
Nine Solsis one of those video games that never ceases to amaze you with every step you take, which is surprising considering how incredible its beginning is.
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With each new area, boss, and upgrade, everything in the game improves in indescribable ways, especially sinceit features one of the last decade’s most precise and outstanding combat systems.
As a platformer, aMetroidvania, and even a Soulslike game, the title is highly competent. The bosses are fantastic, the story is engaging, the setting is magnificent, and everything works together like a symphony.
It has absurdly high difficulty spikes, and you’ll occasionally get lost, butNine Sols boasts such intelligent and detailed design thatyou’ll eventually be convinced of its greatness.
The number of games I’ve completed to the max can be counted on one hand, and the fact that Nine Sols is part of said group speaks volumes about its quality.
