The Metroidvania genre and name come from the games Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. While there are many modern games like Batman: Arkham Asylum that hold features similar to a Metroidvania, the general description of a Metroidvania is a 2D action-platformer with large interconnected maps and ability-gated progression systems. This means that while playing the games, you’ll come to sections where progression is fully halted until either a new skill or item is gained that allows you to return and continue progressing. If you’re looking for a great Metroidvania, these are going to be your top 10!
10. Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 can be a divisive Metroidvania. This second entry into the series improved on general gameplay and added 2 new weapons to make combat more interesting throughout the game. The issue is that while the over-the-top gore was removed from the second game, making it more friendly for newer players, those that enjoyed the first game feel that something is now missing from the second, that it just doesn’t have the same soul that persisted throughout the first. This means that while the overall experience with Blasphemous 2 is great, returning players might not enjoy it quite as much as the first.
9. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a sequel to Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, and while many still choose Lilies over Magnolia, the improvements made to the second game can’t be denied. The combat was made smoother, and the new homunculi system is a major upgrade over the spirit system. Almost everything about this game from the map, movement, world design, all the way to the parry system have been improved. The main reason that the first game is chosen over this one is that this game can sometimes be too easy with the new quality of life changes.
8. Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth takes heavy inspiration from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for both combat and art style, making this one of the most fun combat experiences in the Metroidvania genre. It features quick up-close combat with archery and spells as secondary skills, and utilises a dual energy system forcing players to switch between the two energies to both protect and deal damage. The two main problems with the game are difficulty and story. Due to the dual energy system allowing you to heal, combat is made trivial at times, and while there is a story, it feels almost non-existent except for when you start the game and meet the bosses.
7. Hollow Knight
While Hollow Knight Silksong is finally out and is considered amazing in its own right, I feel that the first game, Hollow Knight, best deserves this spot. The game takes a strong Dark Souls-like approach to the Metroidvania genre. Combat is difficult, and the movement puzzles are created in a way to feel just as difficult while still feeling absolutely doable. While the second game definitely improves on certain aspects of the first, the sequel felt like it was made to fix a few things and become as difficult as possible, instead of an overall improvement to story and experience. This is a game that should not be missed for either Metroidvania or Dark Souls gamers.
6. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Shantae has numerous games under her belt, and Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is one of the best! This game creates a totally different feel compared to many of the other mysterious and melancholic Metroidvania games. You play as the half-genie Shantae as she transforms and dances her way through her adventures. That’s not a joke either, the game is filled with constant upbeat music that even Shantae dances to anytime you leave her standing still. This game may give off the vibes of being more for a younger audience with its over-saturated graphics, upbeat music, and ponytail hair-whip weapon, but it’s an amazing Metroidvania that should be enjoyed by all!
5. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was created by many of the same creators who worked on the older Castlevanias, and it shows. The gameplay is fun and quick while allowing for multiple ways to play, ranging from different weapons to a multitude of magical skills. While playing, you can enjoy the music and gorgeously detailed environments in whatever style fits you, once you meet the magical stylist, of course. While this and the story are new from what the developers have done in the past, the game doesn’t feel like it does a lot beyond that. Most of the mechanics and story beats seem to come straight from the Castlevania series, and while the game is fantastic, it feels like any other Metroidvania Castlevania.
4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps has fully upgraded combat, movement, and exploration, making it an almost perfect sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. Every weapon skill has its uses in and out of combat, making it so that you never feel bored or stuck just using your favorite weapon, while also not making it feel that you need to leave your favorite. The upgraded movement system is easily my favorite part of the game, especially when you’ve upgraded enough that you’re able to go into a flow state where you’re constantly jumping, grappling, and dashing through the environment, never stopping to land unless it strings together another move!
3. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow takes the series to modern times, where you play as a new and mysterious young character named Soma. This game hits all the marks of a metroidvania while adding in a new soul-stealing ability to your character’s arsenal that gives reason beyond gathering experience to grinding out enemies. The story also has numerous endings, including an extra game mode and playable characters for the bad ending! Honestly, the only reason this isn’t considered possibly the best Castlevania is due to the fact that it was initially released on the Game Boy Advance, handicapping the game with the consoles limited hardware, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing this masterpiece of a game!
2. Metroid Dread
Super Metroid and Metroid Dread both deserve this spot, but Metroid Dread is just more fun. While Super Metroid went above and beyond what was expected of a game when it came out, and is still played today, Metroid Dread sets the bar with control, playability, and visual upgrades that put you more squarely in Samus’ shoes. Instead of just playing the game, you feel like the bounty hunter herself as you both hunt your opponents and have to escape the hunt yourself. It’s for these reasons I almost always suggest Dread over Super since the release!
1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
It wouldn’t make sense to put up a top 10 list without the original that truly started it all. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night not only acted as the main catalyst that started the metroidvania genre, but it has continued to live in the hearts of its audience as the best game of that genre. With different styles of weapons and skills, gamers were able to pick up a controller and play how they wanted, whether that be fast and quick, utilizing spirits and magic, or slowly punishing enemies with slow but powerful gear. Its iconic art style and music are still being mimicked today, and I don’t know a time when a Metroidvania is mentioned where Castlevania: Symphony of the Night isn’t.
