Metroidvania is a genre that perfectly ties exploration to progress. Being able to unlock new abilities and explore areas that previously remained impenetrable is the core of every Metroidvania game. The hype for this genre is now at an all-time high with the release of Silksong, and rightfully so.
To commemorate that, we have made this list of timeless pieces that started this genre and modern hallmarks that carry the same ambition.
10. Animal Well
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch
Animal Well oozes with the developer’s creative spirit and is easily one of the most innovative Metroidvania titles out there. It relies on its serene and dark environment to carry its weight. And as the name suggests, the game is full of wacky critters that are cute in their own way.
While some may argue it should be higher on this list, its strongest point is also its biggest drawback. Animal Well is not a combat game; it focuses on environmental puzzles. Despite that, it is one of the easiest games to get into and recommend to your friends.
9. Nine Sols
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Imagine Sekiro but in a 2D sci-fi Metroidvania world, and you will get Nine Sols. It relies heavily on parry mechanics in combat and features a hand-drawn art style you can recognize from miles away. In fact, it is the amalgamation of these characteristics that the studio calls “Taopunk”.
Even though parrying is required to beat almost every boss, you might get away with it on lower difficulties. There is hardly anything negative you can say about Nine Sols. It is a complete and beautiful game with one of the best combat systems.
8. Blasphemous 2
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Metroidvania titles are often highlighted for their rich art style, and the Blasphemous games are undoubtedly among the best when it comes to that, even within the genre. The first game perfectly captured the essence of Southern Spanish art and culture, whereas the sequel took it a step further, adopting the Italian Renaissance and drawing inspiration from Fellini and Lorca.
Unlike the first title, which is widely considered more of a Soulslike, Blasphemous 2 solidifies itself as one of the best Metroidvania games and carries almost everything that made the first one so good.
7. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
The Lost Crown was exactly what the Prince of Persia franchise needed after a long decade of silent treatment. It is impressive how well the studio captured the nostalgic vibe and gave it a modern spin in an unfamiliar genre. The tense, rich combat is something many other Metroidvanias wish they had
It is often brushed aside for being a Ubisoft game, but those who have experienced what the game has to offer unanimously agree it is among the best games of recent years.
6. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, along with the Blind Forest, are easily some of the most perfect games to ever exist. There are so many things you will fall in love with as you progress, such as the memorable characters, the quiet storytelling, and of course, the smooth platforming. It has layers upon layers of elements that make it one of the most memorable gaming experiences you will have.
There’s not much else to say about the game without spoiling. And that’s exactly why you should give it a try if you haven’t already.
5. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
If you enjoyed Symphony of the Night, then this game will be right up your alley. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was created by Koji Igarashi, one of the main developers of Symphony of the Night, as a spiritual successor for the modern platforms. It first appeared as a Kickstarter, and thanks to the pitch alone, the game was crowdfunded faster than you could count your fingers.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night had big shoes to fill, and it came out beautifully. It appeals to all generations, a fresh yet nostalgic title for older gamers, while being a great entry point for new fans to get into Castlevania.
4. Metroid Dread
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
One of the more recent Metroid titles, and also among the best experiences, Dread features combat and exploration like no other. Its controls are often considered buttery smooth, to the point that many fans would advise you to first try out other entries before hopping into this one, simply because of how lacklustre the controls might feel in others.
Similar to previous iterations, Metroid Dread features a large map waiting to be explored. And even though the combat and controls are some of its key selling points, it doesn’t lack in other departments, and feels like a classic Metroid game through and through.
3. Super Metroid
Platforms: SNES
Ask any Metroidvania enthusiast about their favorite game, and chances are they will have Super Metroid in their list. It is one of the hallmarks of the genre and has inspired generations of developers and gamers alike. Despite being over three decades old, it still holds up well today.
Super Metroid is, without a doubt, one of the greatest games to ever exist, and without it, Metroidvania as a popular genre might not exist.
2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Platforms: PS1, Sega Saturn
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the entry that revolutionized Metroidvania. It is your favorite game’s favorite game, and has aged so gracefully that it even outshines some of the modern titles. Character movement is extremely smooth, and the exploration of Dracula’s Castle offers great replayability.
The reveal of the Inverted Castle still remains a big flex and adds to its already incredible world exploration. Symphony of the Night also marks the beginning of perhaps one of the most classic video game series to date.
1. Hollow Knight
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Surprise, surprise! Who would have thought? The fact that you are reading this article might be because you enjoyed Hollow Knight so much that you decided to give the entire genre a shot. Both Hollow Knight and Silksong are among the greatest, offering combat and exploration that cannot be compared, especially with their unique charm system.
Even though it is more of a modern title in some sense, there is no doubt that if there were a Hall of Fame in gaming, Hollow Knight would be there.
Honorable Mentions
- Axiom Verge
- Dust: An Elysian Tail
- Rabi-Ribi
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Guacamelee
With so many great Metroidvanias out there, debating who’s the best is inevitable. But one thing is for sure, there’s something for everyone.