10 Best Metroidvanias That Feel Linear

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I’m just going to say it: I think short games get a bad reputation.

It’s understandable that one might link the cost of video games with their worth by assuming that longer games are more valuable, due to their expense as a hobby. This notion seems reasonable from a simple mathematical perspective.

However, when you reflect on some of the extraordinary games you’ve savored, duration is seldom the focus. Instead, it’s the emotions they evoked that linger in your memory.

It turns out that quite a few Metroidvania games can seem brief because they follow a more linear path. However, this doesn’t mean they lack quality or are inferior in any way.

Check out this collection of some terrific Metroidvania journeys! Though they may seem like traditional linear games, they offer an enjoyable playthrough that makes them definitely worth experiencing.

10.
Pharaoh Rebirth+

Ancient Curses Abound

Platform PC
Publisher Vaka Game Magazine
Genre Metroidvania
Release Date March 17, 2016

Most people associate ancient relics and treacherous tombs with the character Indiana Jones. However, there’s another adventurer not as widely recognized – a brave rabbit by the name of Dr. Jonathan Banfield!

His career was thriving quite well until his former friend, Andre, appeared, triggering events that led them both to inadvertently open a cursed sarcophagus, bringing about a deadly doom upon Banfield and themselves.

In just a handful of brief days, you must collect seven sacred relics known as the Holy Grails to lift the enchantment upon us. This quest is compact yet intense, filled with extraordinary combat against formidable adversaries and otherworldly enemies.

With only a scant number of days left on your calendar, you must hunt down seven divine artifacts called Holy Grails to shatter the spell that’s been cast upon us. This mission might be small in scale, but it’s packed with challenging boss fights and encounters with strange, supernatural forces.

If you’re keen on investing more hours into the game “Pharaoh Rebirth+“, you’ll find various challenge levels and even a Boss Challenge mode available to you.

9.
Carrion

A Bloody Spectacle

This Metroidvania titled “Carrion” offers a remarkably unique and unconventional gaming experience. Unlike typical games where you play as the hero, here you assume the role of the monster in this chilling horror adventure. Additionally, instead of exploring a world filled with fellow monsters or friendly characters, you find yourself confined within a facility teeming with armed humans.

Given that most of the game revolves around figuring out how to evade those tasty humans, it’s likely not unexpected that the gameplay in _Carrion_ is quite brief.

Experiencing a puzzle or searching for an elusive upgrade will seem prolonged due to their cunning nature.

However, when you are equipped with every terrifying power imaginable, the journey will culminate in a gruesome, spectacular finale.

8.
Shadow Complex Remastered

Jason vs. The Restoration

If you’re not familiar with Shadow Complex Remastered, that’s understandable given that it was initially released some time in the past.

If you didn’t grab it yet, you shouldn’t miss out on this pulse-pounding Metroidvania game. It’s packed with espionage, hidden truths, and the possibility of shattering America as we know it. It’s a must-have for any serious gamer like me who craves an immersive gaming experience.

And yes, there are lots of cheesy lines, but that can be a benefit to some players.

Jason discovers himself right in the thick of a plot orchestrated by a secretive organization known as The Restoration. Fortunately, he’s able to utilize their dangerous weapons against them instead.

1) Jason is going to be in dire need of assistance when facing off against that ruthless paramilitary squad. I found the new Proving Grounds challenges in the updated edition of the game particularly enjoyable.

7.
Islets

Iko in the Sky

One of my favorite new developers is named Kyle Thompson.

Initially, I found myself captivated by the unique, peace-loving Metroidvania titled “Sheepo.” Later, he unveiled another game, this time it was a series taking place on floating islands known as “Islets.

In the game titled “Islets,” you assume the role of a hopeful hero named Iko. A mysterious summons whisks him away to a collection of drifting islands, only to discover that strange creatures have begun wreaking havoc.

This Metroidvania is full of quirky humor, fun platforming, and challenging boss battles.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can confidently say that this isn’t the longest journey you’ll embark on, but its unpredictable upgrade system, coupled with its stunning aesthetics, makes it an engaging detour worth taking.

6.
Timespinner

Rewind the Clock

Given my strong affinity for the Metroidvania style games, it likely won’t shock you that I backed the crowdfunding campaign for Timespinner.

I loved the appeal of the lush SNES-style graphics, as well as the plot of revenge and time travel.

Although the game is enjoyable with various outcomes, it ends unexpectedly early, given its time-travel theme.

However, you might find yourself going back to redo some levels for extra endings, as well as earning different achievements. Just like I did myself!

5.
Owlboy

Bird-Brained Adventure

Purely from a visual standpoint, Owlboy is stunning.

It’s pixelated and full of minute details, and tells the tale of a mute, winged hero named Otus.

Although the narrative is engaging, the gameplay could be enhanced by simplifying the controls, and reducing dependence on items and allies for inflicting damage.

Speaking of which, this Metroidvania game by D-pad Studio stands out as something exceptional due to its rich diversity in gameplay.

If you can overcome its minor flaws, you’ll discover that despite its brevity, it’s an exceptional piece of work, crafted over a decade as a Metroidvania game.

4.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Soma’s Quest

Although I’m very much a fan of Castlevania, I didn’t love Aria of Sorrow when I first played it.

As a gamer, looking back now, it wasn’t just the futuristic scenery or the enigmatic character of Soma Cruz that captivated me initially. No, it was only years down the line that this game truly resonated with me, revealing layers of depth and meaning I hadn’t noticed before.

After playing this Game Boy Advance adventure, I discovered that it was truly exceptional. Wielding the spirits of vanquished enemies as your arsenal offered an exhilarating rush, while the climactic plot twist at the game’s conclusion left me utterly astonished.

In summary, many Castlevania experiences tend to be relatively brief, as they unfold within a sprawling, singular castle setting.

But fret not, since the final entries are truly spectacular.

3.
Iconoclasts

One Mechanic to Fix the World

Joakim ‘Konjak’ Sandberg is a wizard. I mean that in the nicest of possible ways, though.

An independent game creator skillfully crafts distinctive, engaging narratives accompanied by stunning graphics and catchy gameplay elements. For instance, one notable title in this genre is the Metroidvania named “Iconoclasts“.

The story revolves around a mechanic called Robin, a world teetering on the brink of doom, and challenging mysteries to unravel.

Robin, a skilled mechanic, is our protagonist in this tale that unfolds as a desperate struggle against time to save a world from impending destruction, filled with perplexing enigmas.

To match that level of appeal, the game’s style is mesmerizing, offering an experience reminiscent of both a Game Boy Advance (GBA) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) adventure, featuring vibrant and striking colors.

Iconoclasts was a game I spent a lot of time enjoying on my Vita, and I didn’t want it to end.

Unfortunately, upon completing it, I realized this wasn’t your typical modern Metroidvania with that coveted ‘best ending.’

2.
Metroid Fusion

The Horrors of the X Parasite

While it’s undoubtedly Super Metroid that often gets the spotlight, I must admit that I hold a soft spot for the adventure offered by Metroid Fusion. It remains one of my top picks from that remarkable franchise.

In the heart of this thrilling escapade, I found myself captivated by the central role the storyline played, as Samus confronted a menace unprecedented – the lethal X Parasite.

These formidable impersonators come close to defeating Samus at the start, and later haunt her with a ruthless counterpart.

Prior to “Metroid Dread”, it was this game that planted an ominous feeling and the apprehension of the unfamiliar in our beloved bounty hunter.

Despite being relatively brief, Metroid Fusion offers an intense gaming experience filled with immersive atmosphere, tough challenges, and formidable boss fights.

1.
Shantae & The Pirate’s Curse

Ahoy, Matey!

In the end, it was a tough decision as to which game would claim the number one spot, but I ended up awarding the gold medal to my beloved genie, Shantae.

It was quite a challenge deciding which game deserved the top position, but eventually, I chose to award my favorite genie, Shantae, with the gold.

Apart from finding the entire series delightful, I must say that among all the games, “Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse” stands out as my personal favorite.

It’s a colorful and challenging Metroidvania full of memorable characters.

Without her genie abilities, Shantae will instead rely on enchanted pirate artifacts, which bestow upon her extraordinary powers.

If you haven’t experienced this thrilling adventure so far, I highly recommend giving it a try. This game, developed by WayForward, is truly exceptional and deserves your attention!

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2025-05-31 16:10