Anything before 2000 would be nice. Pretty sure the only ones I've beaten are Super Metroid and SOTN. So I would like to know what are some of the other top older metroidvania games. Platform doesn't matter.
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Metroidvania |OT| What is a man?!
- Thread starter Red Arremer
- Start date
I actually liked the OP with the list better. In my opinion it is part of the fun, throw your opinion of a Metroidvania into the mix and see what other people think. I believe I found the most interesting games (especially Metroidvanias) in discussion about "hey, you are forgetting about this and that one!".
Anyways. Regarding 3D Metroidvanias (I know there aren't many) I really had a blast with Batman Arkham Asylum and Darksiders. Both were some of the greatest fun I had in the last console generation. Shadow Complex, as a more traditional 2D game, comes to mind as well. I played this like four times I think, thanks to new game plus. This generation the only Metroidvania which amazed me was Ori because of the gorgeous art stile and challenging plattforming portions. Unfortunately Hollow Knight does not run very well on my old laptop but I guess it would have had potential to be an amazing experience for me.
Anyways. Regarding 3D Metroidvanias (I know there aren't many) I really had a blast with Batman Arkham Asylum and Darksiders. Both were some of the greatest fun I had in the last console generation. Shadow Complex, as a more traditional 2D game, comes to mind as well. I played this like four times I think, thanks to new game plus. This generation the only Metroidvania which amazed me was Ori because of the gorgeous art stile and challenging plattforming portions. Unfortunately Hollow Knight does not run very well on my old laptop but I guess it would have had potential to be an amazing experience for me.
Retronauts Metroidvania episodes for those interested. This is a good place to start if you're interested in old 8-bit Metroidvanias.
Metroidvania Origins - https://retronauts.com/article/405/retronauts-episode-104-chronicling-metroidvania
Metroidvania II The NES Years - https://retronauts.com/article/482/...ploratory-journey-into-the-metroidvania-realm
Metroidvania Beyond the NES - https://retronauts.com/article/658/...kes-metroidvania-beyond-the-bounds-of-the-nes
Metroidvania Origins - https://retronauts.com/article/405/retronauts-episode-104-chronicling-metroidvania
Metroidvania II The NES Years - https://retronauts.com/article/482/...ploratory-journey-into-the-metroidvania-realm
Metroidvania Beyond the NES - https://retronauts.com/article/658/...kes-metroidvania-beyond-the-bounds-of-the-nes
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Thanks for the links! We did a fourth episode on the topic recently, but it was less about specific titles and more about how shifts in game design paradigms following the PS1's launch put the metroidvania format/structure on ice for the better part of a decade: https://retronauts.com/article/767/symphony-of-the-night-and-the-near-death-of-metroidvania-games
Your looks at metroidvania titles is always nothing short of amazing work man!
Been loving and appreciating it forever! Keep it up!
OP
OP
Feel free to bring em up in the thread then. I just feel like there's not much discussion if almost all posts are just "list in OP sux".
Oh awesome. I'll have to check these out!
Legacy of the Wizard and Wonder Boy in Monster Land both are really good older games of the genre.
And you'll notice it's there in that post as well.
the ZX line of Megaman games were essentially at the same time a new take on megaman and dabbing into Metroid type of exploration focused gameplay.
ZX is the true experiment, it basically took levels like you would see in any Megaman games.
Cut them in 4 parts each and arrange them in an openworld manner.
The map system provided was rudimentary but once you get it, you can never get lost.
The game is also full of small missions to basically teach you the levels and how to navigate the game world.
The general progression of the game is gated by locked doors more than skills to get and there is usually always a choice between 4 bosses/levels to tackle on ala regular Megaman.
People had issues with ZX structures, complaining that it was too easy to get lost and that the Zero games were better (while forgetting that the Zero games were pretty much preparing the way ZX would be, levels are arranged in a big map and you only tackle them 1 by 1 because you were warped at the start of a section).
so they dialed it back in ZXAdvent.
Basically the game is no longer one big interconnected world, it's a set of levels you access from a hub. There is never any chance of being lost because the structure of the game never allows it.
ZXA features map similar to the one found in ZX but since the structure of the game is starshaped with a central hub, exploration is kept to a minimum.
Basically while ZX is by no means the most complex exploration based game (it's an action Megaman game with a heavy focus on patterns and enemy waves after all), it is the closer template to the metroidvania exploration based game.
ZXA is closer to early Zero games that had exploration elements but these elements were largely irrelevant to the point of the game.
They also have great music and good graphics.
ZXA being the more kitchen sink approach to the genre where ZX is really about mastering the various transformations you get.
Both games can be finished with just the base form if need be and both games (bosses included) are tailored to the skillset you have at the very beginning.
Again the point of my post never was "OP list suxxxor" but more "look at megaman ZX, it's like ZXA with a heavier focus on exploration and a more interconnected world"
Can you expand?
the few I played were always level based with single-room puzzles to progress.
Just want to say, been following your stuff for years, love it. Stay awesome.
I genuinely think they're just getting better as the years go on, since game devs get more games to learn from and more to 1-up each other on. Some of my favorites:
Hollow Knight - An incredible, sprawling action-adventure game with excellent combat and consistently great boss fights. Also maybe the most non-linear with rewarding exploration I've played. How the game manages to exude both quality and quantity in nearly every aspect is truly astounding to me, and although I haven't played the new updates they look like the address the few issues I had with the game.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition - A gorgeous platformer with brisk pacing, slick movement, and the single greatest power-up/mechanic in the subgenre imo (Bash). The game just flows from beginning to end.
Axiom Verge - A masterclass in Metroid-esque level design with really strong atmosphere and unique power-ups that I didn't see coming. The game often gets criticized for having a ton of unique weapons but only a few strong/viable ones, but I'd argue even that is leagues more interesting than just getting Super Missile pack #23 or whatever. Also has a cool secret FEZ-like layer to it.
Environmental Station Alpha - Similar to Axiom Verge, ESA exudes mystery and a unique atmosphere, and has solid level design across the board. Speaking of FEZ-like, ESA's obscure post-game rabbit hole is like nothing else I've come across in Metroidvanias.
Castle in the Darkness - Almost more straight up Castlevania than Metroidvania sometimes, but still worth including. CitD has satisfying challenge, simple yet rewarding character progression, a fun secret around every corner, and is really good about using enemy design and placement to teach the player about the nuances of the game.
Metroid Prime - Took me some thought to realize this is actually my favorite Metroid game. I won't spend a lot of time echoing the praise it has been getting for the last 17 years, so needless to say it's a wonderful distillation of the formula into a 3D space, which still has barely been done (other than the sequels). The 1-2-3 final boss punch of Ridley and the Metroid Prime phases are a fantastic finale and the prime example I go to when thinking about great boss design that utilizes all the player's abilities.
Hollow Knight - An incredible, sprawling action-adventure game with excellent combat and consistently great boss fights. Also maybe the most non-linear with rewarding exploration I've played. How the game manages to exude both quality and quantity in nearly every aspect is truly astounding to me, and although I haven't played the new updates they look like the address the few issues I had with the game.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition - A gorgeous platformer with brisk pacing, slick movement, and the single greatest power-up/mechanic in the subgenre imo (Bash). The game just flows from beginning to end.
Axiom Verge - A masterclass in Metroid-esque level design with really strong atmosphere and unique power-ups that I didn't see coming. The game often gets criticized for having a ton of unique weapons but only a few strong/viable ones, but I'd argue even that is leagues more interesting than just getting Super Missile pack #23 or whatever. Also has a cool secret FEZ-like layer to it.
Environmental Station Alpha - Similar to Axiom Verge, ESA exudes mystery and a unique atmosphere, and has solid level design across the board. Speaking of FEZ-like, ESA's obscure post-game rabbit hole is like nothing else I've come across in Metroidvanias.
Castle in the Darkness - Almost more straight up Castlevania than Metroidvania sometimes, but still worth including. CitD has satisfying challenge, simple yet rewarding character progression, a fun secret around every corner, and is really good about using enemy design and placement to teach the player about the nuances of the game.
Metroid Prime - Took me some thought to realize this is actually my favorite Metroid game. I won't spend a lot of time echoing the praise it has been getting for the last 17 years, so needless to say it's a wonderful distillation of the formula into a 3D space, which still has barely been done (other than the sequels). The 1-2-3 final boss punch of Ridley and the Metroid Prime phases are a fantastic finale and the prime example I go to when thinking about great boss design that utilizes all the player's abilities.
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Right now they are section connected openworld games with exploration related to gear acquirement and upgrades, reminds a lot a metroidvania game, but could be just me
Wow, this looks gorgeous.
It almost looks like a remake of Zelda II.
I haven't played TR games since the reboot, can't tell really.
Replaying symphony of the night again, so goddamn good, still my favorite metroidvania.
Really looking forward to bloodstained.
Really looking forward to bloodstained.
Thanks, you'll be happy to know I treat my awesomeness like David Duchovny's hand in Zoolander – vacuum-sealed for the sake of preservation.
What are you not feeling about it? I thought it had a really nice graphics and story, but the dungeon and boss design was lacking.
Owlboy is beautiful and has some great moments, but overall it felt like something was missing to me, gameplay-wise.
I dunno, it just didn't feel very satisfying fighting enemies. Also, I died once and got respawned right in the room I died. Lack of savepoints (?) sure is disappointing to me.
This gets back to arguing about what or what doesn't make something a Metroidvania but I doube really anyone would consider any Resident Evil game part of this genre. The main difference with what you're describing is that by items unlocking areas they're just treated the same as keys. And especially in Resident Evil games those keys are for specific doors/areas to be opened. Typically in a Metroidvania part of what most agree qualifies is that you're gaining new abilities that give you access to new areas, often with optional areas to return to in prior areas where you saw a path that was inaccessible previously without the ability.
The items in Resident Evil games serve no other purpose than to simply be a key instead of a new way to play (both in action or as a weapon).
Great OP! (And it was even better before limiting mentioned games to recently released ones) Thanks for the effort OP!
I think the only Metroidvanias I have ever played are Hollow Knight and Dead Cells. Hollow Knight was really really good. I think it's crazy how much quality content there is in the game for just $15. And Team Cherry have supported the game with major free updates that also add new content.
I liked the combat and movement in Dead Cells more than Hollow Knight, but in regard to almost everything else, Hollow Knight is better imo.
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Prey is an immersive sim, but I think it can also be considered a 3D Metroidvania. Though 'power-ups' are RPG progression stuff (whether it's hacking, lifting a heavy object or turning into a small object to access previously inaccessible areas) and not something you gain after defeating a boss for example.
I think the only Metroidvanias I have ever played are Hollow Knight and Dead Cells. Hollow Knight was really really good. I think it's crazy how much quality content there is in the game for just $15. And Team Cherry have supported the game with major free updates that also add new content.
I liked the combat and movement in Dead Cells more than Hollow Knight, but in regard to almost everything else, Hollow Knight is better imo.
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Prey is an immersive sim, but I think it can also be considered a 3D Metroidvania. Though 'power-ups' are RPG progression stuff (whether it's hacking, lifting a heavy object or turning into a small object to access previously inaccessible areas) and not something you gain after defeating a boss for example.
ODALLUS: THE DARK CALL was a great metroidvania in the past few years. it had branching paths, areas only reachable with new upgrades, and an awesome retro nes castlevania look. i really recommend it!
Oh yeah, that is still on my list as well. Thinking about it, BioShock also had some Metroidvania elements in it, I'd say.
I think it's a bit too free-form to be considered one, you can beat the game and access 95% of areas without having any power ups/character progression. I still think it's a good recommendation to include though, because it does scratch a similar itch (and it's a great game).
Hmm it seems legit to me. I bought for PS4 based on ERA recommending it. The whole bunny/waifu thing is a turnoff but the gameplay is legit. Seems like a massive game with tons of upgrades and locked off areas. Bosses are tough there is platforming and a good deal of bullet hell enemies too. Very satisfying game that unfortunately has bunnies and boobs that were completely unnecessary tbh
OP
OP
Thank you! As I mentioned in the thread, I kind of felt forced to remove the list of older games because the thread only became about the list rather than anything else.
I will add it to the list.
I was a bit apprehensive about adding Odallus because of its level structure, but I guess it could also be argued to be one due to the stages themselves being quite vast.
It shall be in the OP.
I think Metroidvania is a bit of a misnomer the way it's used today.
I always thought that Metroidvania was a term invented to describe Iga's Castlevanias that took the connected-but-initially-gated level design and progression system of the Metroid-series and added RPG-elements and stats. But at some point it became the term for all Metroid-style games.
Many games labelled Metroidvania only feature the connected-but-initially-gated level design and progression system but not the RPG stuff. They should merely be called Metroid-likes IMO. -vania doesn't enter into it when a game doesn't take anything from Iga-vanias except for what was already in Metroid.
Alas, this ship has long sailed and the entire genre will continue being called Metroidvania. Just my two cents.
I always thought that Metroidvania was a term invented to describe Iga's Castlevanias that took the connected-but-initially-gated level design and progression system of the Metroid-series and added RPG-elements and stats. But at some point it became the term for all Metroid-style games.
Many games labelled Metroidvania only feature the connected-but-initially-gated level design and progression system but not the RPG stuff. They should merely be called Metroid-likes IMO. -vania doesn't enter into it when a game doesn't take anything from Iga-vanias except for what was already in Metroid.
Alas, this ship has long sailed and the entire genre will continue being called Metroidvania. Just my two cents.
Thanks for making this thread OP! I'm playing through Shantae and the Pirate's Curse on Switch at the moment. I can't wait to play Hollow Knight when it finally releases on Switch, heard all of the raving about the game. It's on Steam at the moment, but I'm trying my best to hold out.
The soundtrack could be better, but it's easily my favorite as well. It just never gets old to me.
OP
OP
The soundtrack is legit great, it just suffers from being on the GBA's pretty lackluster soundchip. I recommend trying to find some arrangements on Youtube. Top Floor is one of the best tracks in the series.
Replaying symphony of the night again, so goddamn good, still my favorite metroidvania.
Really looking forward to bloodstained.
Don't forget that iga was "assistant director" on SOTN and wasn't even the director of the game, and his portable games were all vastly inferior to it. That combined with the insipid graphics shown so far...
Thanks for the detailed list OP
Ive been trying to keep up and follow many of these games and its really nice to have them all in one place and have a topic dedicated to them
Ignore the posters that are bent on arguing what is and isnt a metroidvania
They can make their own topic for that. Im just happy to have an active topic and list dedicated to tracking games made in similar styling
Ive been trying to keep up and follow many of these games and its really nice to have them all in one place and have a topic dedicated to them
Ignore the posters that are bent on arguing what is and isnt a metroidvania
They can make their own topic for that. Im just happy to have an active topic and list dedicated to tracking games made in similar styling
In case anyone missed it, Hollow Knight is on sale on Steam and Steam World Dig 2 is free on Twitch Prime for people with their Amazon Prime accounts linked to Twitch.
I just finished Iconoclasts and I liked it a lot, but didn't think it was particularly good at being a Metroidvania. You got few upgrades other than the tweak system which was nearly pointless. Good story and characters in an interesting world though!
I am thinking of going back to play some of the Castlevania games I have missed over the years.
I am thinking of going back to play some of the Castlevania games I have missed over the years.
damn, that looks straight from a DS Igavania. Great stuff, hopefully the level design + soundtrack are up to scratch!
How have I missed this thread?
The next Metroidvania I play has its work cut out for it, Hollow Knight was top tier.
Maybe I should ease them back in with that momodora thing I downloaded and then kinda forget to ever start.
The next Metroidvania I play has its work cut out for it, Hollow Knight was top tier.
Maybe I should ease them back in with that momodora thing I downloaded and then kinda forget to ever start.
It's my favourite genre. The best recent one I played is Steamworld dig 2. It's just a little short which seems to be the only thing that hurts these games.
Any metroid fan owes it to themselves to play AMR2 though. The fan remake of Metroid 2: it's amazing and extremely challenging and has some amazing ideas of its own. It might be a little too hard for it's own good sometimes but it's designed for Metroid Purists.
Any metroid fan owes it to themselves to play AMR2 though. The fan remake of Metroid 2: it's amazing and extremely challenging and has some amazing ideas of its own. It might be a little too hard for it's own good sometimes but it's designed for Metroid Purists.
Don't sleep on Castlevania: The Lecarde Chronicles 2. It is the best Castlevania game since SoTN. It even has Robert Belgrade contributing his voice to the game.
Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht-IL7eccrE
The game can be downloaded here: http://the-mig-page.wifeo.com/castlevania-the-lecarde-chronicles-2013.php
The game is extremely well designed and feels like a true Castlevania game.
Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht-IL7eccrE
The game can be downloaded here: http://the-mig-page.wifeo.com/castlevania-the-lecarde-chronicles-2013.php
The game is extremely well designed and feels like a true Castlevania game.
I'm setting myself up for GBA/DSVania but with fresher assets. With that in mind I should hopefully be fine.Don't forget that iga was "assistant director" on SOTN and wasn't even the director of the game, and his portable games were all vastly inferior to it. That combined with the insipid graphics shown so far...