Metroidvania games are a sub-genre of action-adventure games. The term “Metroidvania” is a combination of the names of two iconic game series: Metroid and Castlevania.
Metroid (1986) is generally considered the most influential game for the Metroidvania genre. Nintendo’s goal for the title was to create a non-linear adventure game to set it apart from other games at the time.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) is considered the defining Metroidvania game, incorporating non-linear traversal with role-playing game elements from The Legend of Zelda series. Most subsequent Castlevania games followed its approach and refined the genre.
Here are some key features of Metroidvania games:
- 2D Platforming – They are traditionally 2-D platforming games, the main distinguishing trait when comparing them to other action-adventure and RPG games.
- Interconnected World – These games feature a large, interconnected map similar to a labyrinth that players can explore. However, certain areas are inaccessible until the player acquires specific items, abilities, or knowledge. So it’s more of an “unlocking world” than an open-ended one.
- Exploration and Discovery – The gameplay encourages in-depth exploration, with hidden secrets, shortcuts, and power-ups scattered throughout the world.
- Character Progression – Players often gain permanent powerups that enhance their character’s capabilities, allowing them to overcome tougher challenges and access new areas.
- Non-Linear Progression – Players often need to backtrack to previously inaccessible areas once they have the necessary upgrades or abilities.
- Story Integration – The narrative is usually tightly woven into the gameplay, with the story unfolding as players explore and progress through the game.
Some popular titles in the Metroidvania genre are:
- A Castle Full of Cats (2022, E) – A curse has transformed a castle full of cats into warped versions of themselves. To free them, you must wander all over to search for 600+ cats in 20+ rooms. Find secret entrances and passageways to enter more locations and rescue all of the hidden cats. They need you!
- Touhou Luna Nights (2018, E10+) – In this Japanese-centric story, Sakuya Izayoi is sent to a parallel universe and is robbed of her powers. Over the course of the game, she reclaims her powers and escapes to her homeland, Gensokyo.
- Hollow Night (2017, E10+) – You’ll explore twisting caverns, ancient cities, and deadly wastelands while also battling tainted creatures and befriending bizarre bugs. The path you take and what you choose to do is entirely up to you.
- Ori and the Blind Forest (2015, E) – In this visually rich and atmospheric game, a tiny glowing woodland creature is trying to heal a diseased land. A powerful storm has destroyed the beautiful forest, and the only way to bring back the once lush and vivid world is by taking on an evil nemesis.
- Guacamelee (2013, E10+) – This game tosses players into the role of Juan Aguacate, a hard-working farmer. Juan sets off to meet his love interest, El Presidente’s daughter, Lupita. Unfortunately, things quickly become a mess as an evil skeleton bursts onto the scene and kidnap Lupita. With the village in terror, it’s up to Juan to save the day!
These games are great examples of how the Metroidvania genre continues to evolve and captivate new generations of players. Do you have a favorite Metroidvania game, or do any of these titles catch your interest? Leave a comment!