There are great Metroidvanias, and then there are games that get too frustrating because of the backtracking or getting lost. Not every Metroidvania is a classic, and even the prime examples can be hard to recommend to those new to the genre. For example, Super Metroid still looks, plays, and sounds great for the series, but it’s not exactly user-friendly to help players progress.
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What Metroidvanias then manage to be open to new players while still feeling creative and not a walk in the park? These examples have a nice variety to their settings, characters, and gameplay, and shouldn’t be missed. Hopefully, they will turn any nonbeliever into a fan.
Axiom Verge
A Weapon Around Every Corner
Axiom Verge
- Released
- March 31, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania
Axiom Verge is a great Metroidvania as it solved one of the major problems of the genre: weapons. The variety and speed at which players obtain them in Axiom Verge is astounding, from typical sci-fi blasters to a drill gun.
Without revealing too much, there’s also a fourth-wall-breaking element to the game, which will make uncovering secrets that much more engaging. With a great look and soundtrack, this is as good a place to start as any.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
A Secret Entry
Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Released
- August 25, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
Batman: Arkham Asylum was astounding in several ways when it was released in 2009, first and foremost being that it was a genuinely compelling Batman game. The reason could be the combat, emphasis on stealth, or the story, which was filled with actors from the '90s cartoon. It could also be the fact that it’s a Metroidvania in disguise and one of the few good examples in 3D.
Batman will lose his equipment when he gets ambushed in Arkham Asylum, and will slowly retrieve it as the story continues, like some explosive gel that can blow up walls. For Batman fans, it’s the perfect game to dip their toe into the Metroidvania genre.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom In The Mist
PersonaVania
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
- Released
- January 22, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a somewhat recent example, and while it can be challenging in some places, an upgrade system can improve stats. The big hook of the game allows the protagonist, Lilac, to bind robotic souls to her mind, which is something that needs to be seen.
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Instead of Lilac physically using weapons herself, she summons these souls, akin to a Persona game, which are aligned to specific buttons. They can attack with swords, guns, or come out half cocked and ready to smash something into the ground.
Gato Roboto
Adorable And Fun
Gato Roboto
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 74 /100 Critics Rec: 63%
- Released
- May 30, 2019
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
For those looking to fall in love with a Metroidvania protagonist, look no further than the cat star of Gato Roboto. Early on, their owner will become ill, so players have to don the mechanized suit instead, making the cat look like Samus Aran from the Metroid series.
The standard suit is not the only one players can find, as they can pilot a sub, too. Gato Roboto is adorable, the black and white aesthetic helps it stand out, and it’s not hyper-violent, which can make it good for kids, too.
The Knight Witch
A Metroidvania Bullet Hell
The Knight Witch
- Released
- November 29, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Language
- Genre(s)
- Action, Platformer
The Knight Witch is a recommendation for those who love bullet hell shooters. Instead of a linear progression of levels, players will travel across a big map connected by larger biomes. Instead of a ship, players are a witch riding around on a broom and casting spells, which can be learned and upgraded throughout the game.
The bullet hell nature may sound intimidating, and it is challenging at first. It will become easier once players get past that first bump, and then they will be treated to something new and different.
Monster Tale
Tame Your Pal
- Developer: DreamRift
- Publisher: Majesco Entertainment
- Released: March 22, 2011
- Platform: DS
Monster Tale got passed up on the DS for having a generic box art and looking like it was aimed toward kids. Truthfully, it is a kid-friendly Metroidvania, but that doesn’t mean players should be dismissive of it. When a young girl named Ellie stumbles into a world of monsters, she hatches a creature that bonds to her called Chomp.
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Players can blast enemies with Ellie’s magic bracelet, while Chomp will automatically attack enemies. Players can put Chomp to rest on the bottom screen to eat, grow stronger, and evolve. It’s sort of like a Pokemon Metroidvania that only focuses on raising one monster.
SteamWorld Dig 2
When In Doubt, Pinky Out
SteamWorld Dig 2
- Released
- September 21, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Indie Games
SteamWorld Dig 2 has the sickest gameplay loop of any Metroidvania out there. While there is standard Metroidvania exploring, there’s also a lot of digging. Dorothy is a young female robot who can dig, gather materials, and then sell them back to the town to get upgrades.
Thanks to water supply and inventory restrictions, like most SteamWorld games, players will often have to head back to town and drop off gear while catching a drink. Recent Donkey Kong Bananza fans may be intrigued by this one.
Yoku’s Island Express
Pass The Ball
Yoku's Island Express
- Released
- May 29, 2018
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
The final example, Yoku’s Island Express, combines Metroidvanias with pinball games. Yoku is a courier by day, who soon gets roped into a journey to save his home with his only friend being a round stone.
Players can push it around to solve puzzles or, most importantly, enter pinball-like tables. It’s a bizarre composition at first glance, but it quickly becomes a joy after a few tables, and the positive vibes of the game are infectious.
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