Metroidvania |OT| What is a man?!

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

This thread is to discuss games that belong to the Metroidvania genre, share information and recommendations, maybe even warnings, and finally talk about upcoming titles.

What is a Metroidvania?
The term "Metroidvania" is a portmanteau of the game titles Castlevania and Metroid. It came about as a way to describe mainly action games which are similar to the Castlevania titles created by Koji Igarashi - the first and best known of which is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - and the titles of the Metroid franchise. Another term for this type of game could be "exploratory action", but Metroidvania is the most widely used term for the genre.
These games often are 2D platforming games, but can use other genres as well. Their key features are a large, interconnected world that the player can traverse rather than individual levels, as well as progressing through this world through the acquisition of power-ups, which allow the player to reach previously inaccessible areas, often also leading to return to a previously visited area in order to get past an obstacle with the newly acquired power.

What are some cool recent or upcoming Metroidvania games?
Here is a selection of games that have released in the past 3 years.
Environmental Station Alpha (2015; PC)
Ori and the Blind Forest (2015; PC, XBox One)
Axiom Verge (2015; PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, Vita)
Salt & Sanctuary (2016; PC, PS4, Vita)
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight (2016)
AM2R (2016; PC - fangame)
The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human (2016; PC)
Owlboy (2016; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One)
Hollow Knight (2017; PC, Switch)
The Mummy Demastered (2017; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One)
Steamworld Dig 2 (2017; PC, Switch, PS4, 3DS, Vita)
Metroid: Samus Returns (2017)
Castlevania: The Lecarde Chronicles 2 (2017; PC - fangame)
forma.8 (2017; PC, Switch, PS4, Wii U)
Prey (2017; PC, PS4, XBox One)
Alwa's Awakening (2017; PC)
Blaster Master Zero (2017; Switch, 3DS)
Sundered (2017; PC, PS4)
A Robot Named Fight (2017; PC)
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (2017; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One)
Iconoclasts (2018; PC, PS4, Vita)
Dandara (2018; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One, Android, iOS)
Usurper (2018; PC)

And upcoming ones:
Dead Cells (2017; PC Early Access; 2018 on Switch, PS4, XBox One)
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2018; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One, Vita)
Death's Gambit (2018; PC, PS4)
Heart Forth, Alicia (2018; PC, PS4, Wii U, Vita)
Chasm (2018; PC, PS4)
Monster Boy and the Cursed World (2018; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One)
The Messenger (2018; PC, Switch)
Forsaken Castle (2018; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One, Vita)
Blasphemous (2019; PC, Switch, PS4, XBox One)
Timespinner (TBA; PC, PS4, Vita, 3DS)
Ghost Song (TBA; PC, possibly other platforms)
Bushiden (TBA; PC, possibly other platforms)
La-Mulana 2 (TBA; PC)
Guacamelee! 2 (TBA; PC, PS4)
Ori and the Will of the Wisps (TBA; PC, XBox One)
Jarvis (TBA; PC)
Faeland (TBA; PC, possibly other platforms)
Galaxias (TBA)
Plague Huntress (TBA)
Cenote (TBA)

If I forgot any Metroidvania game that was released since 2015 (and I do mean released, not ported), let me know, and I will put it onto the list.

I disagree with the usage of this term/think that [insert game here] shouldn't classify!
That is perfectly fine, and you're entitled to your opinion. However, this thread is not intended to be an endless discussion of every single person's definition of this or any other genre, and rather a celebration of these games. I think it's fairly clear what people mean when they talk about this genre, even if this may not fit with your perceptions thereof. Don't be pedantic, please.

JusDoIt · Mar 29, 2018

Is this the place to argue that Metroid games are not Metroidvanias? Don't want to derail, I just need a place to put my soapbox.

Wizzly · Mar 29, 2018

Guacamelee 2

NoKisum · Mar 29, 2018

Indivisible qualifies as a metroidvania despite its combat system, right?

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Wizzly said:
Guacamelee 2

Yeah I added it and La-Mulana 2 to the list in the OP. It didn't copy those from my document for some reason hah.

NoKisum said:
Indivisible qualifies as a metroidvania despite its combat system, right?

I haven't played that game, so I can't say. But a turn-based combat system does not inherently disqualify a game from being a Metroidvania, as long as it fulfills the main qualifiers.
People argue Batman Arkham Asylum is a Metroidvania, too.

Zarzolaon · Mar 29, 2018

I never tire of the genre. Backed both Bloodstained and Blasphemous.

There's still several often recommended games and classics I need to play.

Hu3 · Mar 29, 2018

NoKisum said:
Indivisible qualifies as a metroidvania despite its combat system, right?

no thats a 2d RPG Valkyrie style

Green Mario · Mar 29, 2018

Metroidvanias are one of my favorite genres. I need to do my yearly replay of Aria of Sorrow.
Actually, the timing on this thread is perfect because I've recently been in a Castlevania mood.

Zarzothic said:
I never tire of the genre. Backed both Bloodstained and Blasphemous.

There's still several often recommended games and classics I need to play.

I still need to slacker back Bloodstained. Seems like it's shaping up to be pretty awesome.

Zoph · Mar 29, 2018

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is on Switch now, too, and is absolutely one of the best in recent memory.

srtrestre · Mar 29, 2018

Cool thread

Mega Man Zero · Mar 29, 2018

Official Metroidvania logo.

and to add to the list

Rygar - NES
Shantae - Game Boy Color (GBA enhanced), 3DS VC
Shantae Risky's Revenge - lots of digital stores
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse - lots of digital stores
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap - Master System
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap - Steam, Switch, PS4, XBO
Monster World IV - Mega Drive, X360, PS3, was available on Wii VC, but that store is closed

Ryouji Gunblade · Mar 29, 2018

Bloodborne is largely about this. I love wandering around the city, forests, and cathedrals and being able to point out the destinations from afar.

You can see a lot of locations from Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls as well.

Deleted member 3897 · Mar 29, 2018

Subbed. Can't wait for Hollow Knight and Dead Cells on the Switch. Ori 2 is also very exciting.

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Zophar said:
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is on Switch now, too, and is absolutely one of the best in recent memory.

Mega Man Zero said:
Official Metroidvania logo.

and to add to the list

Rygar - NES
Shantae - Game Boy Color (GBA enhanced)
Shantae Risky's Revenge - lots of digital stores
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse - lots of digital stores
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap - Master System
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap - Steam, Switch, PS4, XBO
Monster World IV - Mega Drive, PS3, was available on Wii VC, but that store is closed

I can't believe I forgot Shantae!
And cool art. I was gonna do some, myself, but I may as well use this one. :) Thankies.

Also, shoutout to Shadio because their PSN-thread was what finally made me move my lazy arse.

Hu3 · Mar 29, 2018

Ryouji Gunblade said:
Bloodborne is largely about this. I love wandering around the city, forests, and cathedrals and being able to point out the destinations from afar.

You can see a lot of locations from Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls as well.

mmm what ?

Altazor · Mar 29, 2018

but enough talk - have at you!

arguably my favorite genre at the moment. Finished Samus Returns a couple of days ago, then Steamworld Dig 2, and started (finally!) Axiom Verge.

I hadn't felt that uneasy with a metroidvania since... probably the OG Metroid (in which I never got far) or when I played Super Metroid as a kid (and, again, didn't get far). Axiom Verge feels alien, inescrutable, and oppresive. Like an 8-bit Lovecraftian nightmare of sorts.

Unknownlight · Mar 29, 2018

JusDoIt said:
Is this the place to argue that Metroid games are not Metroidvanias? Don't want to derail, I just need a place to put my soapbox.

I'd like to hear the argument. Please go ahead.

Red Arremer said:
And cool art. I was gonna do some, myself, but I may as well use this one. :) Thankies.

It was made by Nintendo as the header for one of their eShop sections or something. That's why Mega Man Zero called it "official".

Mega Man Zero · Mar 29, 2018

Red Arremer said:
I can't believe I forgot Shantae!
And cool art. I was gonna do some, myself, but I may as well use this one. :) Thankies.

Also, shoutout to Shadio because their PSN-thread was what finally made me move my lazy arse.

Yea, it's officially the official Metroidvania logo made canonical by Nintendo. https://www.resetera.com/threads/nintendo-made-a-metroidvania-logo.20952/

I also noticed some websites straight up used my screenshot and first sentence of my post in their websites without even linking to the thread. >=(

ohhthegore · Mar 29, 2018

Zophar said:
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is on Switch now, too, and is absolutely one of the best in recent memory.

I think this is the next one I'm going to get once I finish Axiom Verge

Weltall Zero · Mar 29, 2018

Watch the thread devolve into the 130483th discussion of the term (please don't do this).

Edit: too late (first post, even :D);

JusDoIt said:
Is this the place to argue that Metroid games are not Metroidvanias? Don't want to derail, I just need a place to put my soapbox.

I would beg you and others to place your detergent containers elsewhere indeed.

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Unknownlight said:
It was made by Nintendo as the header for one of their eShop sections or something. That's why Mega Man Zero called it "official".

Mega Man Zero said:
Yea, it's officially the official Metroidvania logo made canonical by Nintendo. https://www.resetera.com/threads/nintendo-made-a-metroidvania-logo.20952/

I also noticed some websites straight up used my screenshot and first sentence of my post in their websites without even linking to the thread. >=(

Haha, glorious.

NoKisum · Mar 29, 2018

Mega Man Zero said:
Official Metroidvania logo.

and to add to the list

Rygar - NES
Shantae - Game Boy Color (GBA enhanced), 3DS VC
Shantae Risky's Revenge - lots of digital stores
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse - lots of digital stores
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap - Master System
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap - Steam, Switch, PS4, XBO
Monster World IV - Mega Drive, X360, PS3, was available on Wii VC, but that store is closed

It's funny because I was on my Switch the other day looking to see if Nintendo's Metroidvania page was still on the news just to see what games they put in it, but it's either gone or buried.

Weltall Zero · Mar 29, 2018

Chasm (TBA)

I have a feeling when our distant descendants make a Metroidvania thread, it will still include the exact same line.

D.Lo · Mar 29, 2018

Unknownlight said:
I'd like to hear the argument.

The argument is that the term was originally used to describe Castlevania games that ripped off the Super Metroid formula (right down to the exact mapping system design and even map colours), to distinguish them from the original stage based action Castlevania formula.

It's ridiculous to then back-apply anything to do with Castlevania to actual Metroid games, when the entire concept of the name means 'structured like Metroid'. Castlevania has had no influence on Metroid.

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Weltall Zero said:
Watch the thread devolve into the 130483th discussion of the term (please don't do this).

Edit: too late (first post, even :D);

I would beg you and others to place your detergent containers elsewhere indeed.

I put a disclaimer into the OP. Hope this helps. :v

Unknownlight · Mar 29, 2018

D.Lo said:
The argument is that the term was originally used to describe Castlevania games that ripped off the Super Metroid formula (right down to the exact mapping system design and even map colours), to distinguish them from the original stage based action Castlevania formula.

It's ridiculous to then back-apply anything to do with Castlevania to actual Metroid games, when the entire concept of the name means 'structured like Metroid'. Castlevania has had no influence on Metroid.

That makes sense, but I feel like that's moreso an argument for saying that "Metroidvania" is a bad name for the genre, not that Metroid games aren't Metroidvanias.

Weltall Zero · Mar 29, 2018

Red Arremer said:
I put a disclaimer into the OP. Hope this helps. :v

*looks above and below*
... you might want to put it in huge, bold, red letters... and even then I have a feeling it won't do much. :D

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Weltall Zero said:
*looks above and below*
... you might want to put it in huge, bold, red letters... and even then I have a feeling it won't do much. :D

I'm not sure non-mods are allowed to put red letters, but I made it larger. :P

JusDoIt · Mar 29, 2018

Unknownlight said:
I'd like to hear the argument. Please go ahead.

I agree with what D.Lo said, but will also argue that SOTN added considerable gameplay wrinkles (most importantly RPG leveling, random upgrade drops, and shops) that are not present in classical Metroid games. As such Metroidvanias are descended, but distinguished from 2D Metroid.

Funky Dude Sparks · Mar 29, 2018

SoTN on SWITCH WEN?

Mega Man Zero · Mar 29, 2018

Another upcoming game, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom. https://www.resetera.com/threads/mo...ng-this-summer-previews-round-up-thread.3330/

jb1234 · Mar 29, 2018

One of my favorite genres! Hollow Knight is the best one I've played.

Selerulf · Mar 29, 2018

I recommend Alwa's Awakening. It's a very simple game, but really fun if you like retro platformers.

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Selerulf said:
I recommend Alwa's Awakening. It's a very simple game, but really fun if you like retro platformers.

I decidedly avoided putting this game on the list because I ended up really disliking it haha.

Civilstrife · Mar 29, 2018

This thread has me thinking about an actual Metroid/Castlevania crossover.

I suddenly want that more than life.

Noogy · Mar 29, 2018

Blaster Master was my first Metroidvania, and still one of my favorites. A huge inspiration as a dev.

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Noogy said:
Blaster Master was my first Metroidvania, and still one of my favorites. A huge inspiration as a dev.

It's Noogy! Hi Noogy. :D
I was kind of torn about adding Blaster Master to the list, actually. I hadn't played it in a long time and seem to remember that it was structured a bit more in regards to levels.

Altazor · Mar 29, 2018

Noogy said:
Blaster Master was my first Metroidvania, and still one of my favorites. A huge inspiration as a dev.

Hi Noogy, I really liked Dust when I played it a couple of years, so thank you for a great game!

D.Lo · Mar 29, 2018

Civilstrife said:
This thread has me thinking about an actual Metroid/Castlevania crossover.

I suddenly want that more than life.

Metroid Other M is already that. It has the characters of Metroid with Igavania's weak level design and talky talky animu story with bad voice acting!

Noogy · Mar 29, 2018

Red Arremer said:
It's Noogy! Hi Noogy. :D
I was kind of torn about adding Blaster Master to the list, actually. I hadn't played it in a long time and seem to remember that it was structured a bit more in regards to levels.

Hey :) Yeah, if you recall you can eventually reach levels 2, 4 and some later ones right from region one, so they are all connected in a way. It blew my mind the first time when I realized that one of the other entrances was right above the place where you start the game. And since you earn new abilities in each region to access others, it fits the genre nicely.

VikingJoseph · Mar 29, 2018

I finished Metroid: Samus Returns not too long ago. I loved it so much I actually beat it twice in a row, both on normal and hard (I have no amiibos so no Fusion mode for me for now). It is a game that really grows on you over time. At first I felt I found the game frustrating at first because the controls felt awkward to me for the first several hours of the game. Overtime however, the controls clicked with me and I really understood what the game was about. The boss fights felt satisfying to conquer even after dying a dozen times once you figured out the enemy's strategy. It was nice to see a Metroid that finally nailed combat. Playing Hard Mode was even more fun than the first time through the game as I understood the game mechanics for the whole game during that playthrough.

Kyra · Mar 29, 2018

I approve of this thread. Play Hollow Knight.

staedtler · Mar 29, 2018

I'm playing through Hollow Knight now (just beat the

Mantis Lords

). What a fantastic, atmospheric game. I was pretty apprehensive because the characters are a bunch of bugs but wow. Nice challenge, great music, great art.

Mega Man Zero · Mar 29, 2018

VikingJoseph said:
I finished Metroid: Samus Returns not too long ago. I loved it so much I actually beat it twice in a row, both on normal and hard (I have no amiibos so no Fusion mode for me for now). It is a game that really grows on you over time. At first I felt I found the game frustrating at first because the controls felt awkward to me for the first several hours of the game. Overtime however, the controls clicked with me and I really understood what the game was about. The boss fights felt satisfying to conquer even after dying a dozen times once you figured out the enemy's strategy. It was nice to see a Metroid that finally nailed combat. Playing Hard Mode was even more fun than the first time through the game as I understood the game mechanics for the whole game during that playthrough.

I hated how all the health, ammo, save, and teleport stations were spread out all over the place.

VikingJoseph · Mar 29, 2018

Mega Man Zero said:
I hated how all the health, ammo, save, and teleport stations were spread out all over the place.

That is one thing I feel was the weak point of the game. Or more generally, as much as I loved it, the level design could have been stronger. Though I do feel that the weird placement of ammo, health, save stations were easier for me to overlook once I had a very good grasp on the movement and combat of the game. I did also feel that the areas were also bland as well compared to other Metroid titles. If Mercury Steam does develop another Metroid, hopefully they improve on that front to make an even better game.

Odeko · Mar 29, 2018

I actually only got into 2D Metroidvanias pretty recently (over the last year or so) and have totally fallen in love. From the Big Two series, I raced through Zero Mission, Super Metroid, Fusion, and Samus Returns, and for Castlevania I've only played Aria of Sorrow. Then on the indie side I've played Ori and Guacamelee, neither of which did much for me, and Toki Tori 2 and Steamworld Dig 2 which were great, and I'm anxiously waiting for Hollow Knight on the Switch.

Anyone have any suggestions to tide me over until Hollow Knight? Of the games I've played Aria of Sorrow, Zero Mission, and Super Metroid were by far my favorites, so I definitely need to try out some more Igavanias. I'd prefer games on handhelds, but can do other platforms too.

Deleted member 7450 · Mar 29, 2018

The therm is pure unadulterated garbage and I hate, hate, hate it so very much.

With that said though, SYSTEM SHOCK. GO PLAY IT.

JusDoIt · Mar 29, 2018

Odeko said:
Anyone have any suggestions to tide me over until Hollow Knight? Of the games I've played Aria of Sorrow, Zero Mission, and Super Metroid were by far my favorites, so I definitely need to try out some more Igavanias. I'd prefer games on handhelds, but can do other platforms too.

You probably shouldn't run through anymore Igavanias until you play Symphony of the Night first. It's the standout of the series and it still holds up. I didn't play it for the first time until like 2010.

Red Arremer · Mar 29, 2018

Odeko said:
Anyone have any suggestions to tide me over until Hollow Knight? Of the games I've played Aria of Sorrow, Zero Mission, and Super Metroid were by far my favorites, so I definitely need to try out some more Igavanias. I'd prefer games on handhelds, but can do other platforms too.

Environmental Station Alpha is excellent. It is simple and doesn't really do a whole lot of super creative stuff at first, but as you proceed through the game and go towards full completion, the game just goes nuts. I was very much reminded of the older Metroid games with it, and there's a whole lot of awesome stuff to discover. I can elaborate a bit more if you want, but yeah. Heavily recommend it. Probably one of my favourite Metroidvania games in the last couple years.

Funky Dude Sparks · Mar 29, 2018

Noita will be so goddamn good

Metroidvania |OT| What is a man?!

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