As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the current crop of Metroidvania games is truly something to behold. These titles are not only a testament to the genre’s rich history but also a showcase of innovation and creativity.
In recent times, there’s been a significant increase in the appeal of the versatile genre known as Metroidvania. Every day, it appears a new, talented game developer emerges, offering a remarkable Metroidvania title that deserves attention.
As a passionate admirer, let me clarify that we’re not in the least bit grumbling about it. Each fresh addition to the Metroidvania genre feels like a gift, yet with so many new releases, some gems can get overlooked.
Truly unfortunate, given how many of these top-notch titles deserve your valuable time and focus.
To bring attention to some overlooked treasures in the world of gaming, here’s a compilation of contemporary Metroidvania games that deserve more recognition. We strongly recommend adding these underrated titles to your playlist as soon as possible.
10 Afterimage
No Gods, No Masters
Let’s begin by introducing the game titled “Afterimage“. This game plunges you into a realm where the god who once reigned no longer exists. As a result, it’s only natural that in the absence of the divine, mischievous demons would take advantage and cause chaos.
This game has a similar gameplay style, ambiance, movement, and fighting mechanisms to Ender Lilies, but it also incorporates classic Action RPG elements like leveling up and skill trees, which will be familiar and enjoyable for fans of hack-and-slash games.
This game is incredibly beautiful, although its complex storyline might leave many players struggling to follow it from one scene to the next. However, the engaging gameplay and well-designed Metroidvania world compensate for this potential confusion in the narrative.
9 Ultros
Sowing Seeds For Change
The game called Ultros is quite challenging to convince people to buy for several factors. Unlike other Metroidvanias, it doesn’t offer tough combat, formidable boss battles, or demanding challenges according to most reviews.
Additionally, this game belongs to the genre of Roguelike Metroidvania, which means you’ll frequently revisit previously explored areas. Despite its unique structure and lower level of challenge, I wholeheartedly endorse playing Ultros.
This is due to the fact that the game’s eccentric visual design resembles an intriguing psychedelic experience; its plant-based mechanics offer a challenging yet gratifying learning curve, and the bizarre narrative about the origin of the powerful alien, Ultros, is captivating.
This game aims to create a unique and artistic experience within its genre, and it certainly achieves that objective exceptionally well.
Even though many gamers remain unfamiliar with the entity called Ultros, it would be beneficial for you to learn more about this mind-bending phenomenon.
8 Death’s Gambit
Dark Souls Eat Your Heart Out
If you’ve often dreamt about playing a game that blends the style of Symphony of the Night with Metroidvania genres, while incorporating challenging elements similar to Souls games, then I’m thrilled to share that such a game is already available and definitely worth exploring!
Death’s Gambit is a game that aims to deliver an exceptional 2D experience reminiscent of the Metroidvania genre, with influences from games like Salt and Sanctuary. It aspires to provide a faithful tribute to FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series in a two-dimensional format.
It performs quite well at creating a foreboding and gloomy atmosphere, offering challenging opponents that test your skills, and featuring a variety of customization options to suit different gaming approaches.
The only criticism here is that the inherent freedom of a Metroidvania is lacking somewhat here, as the game is rather linear, but if you’re into games with the harsh but fair combat the Souls series has popularised, then Death’s Gambit is a must-play.
7 Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Retro Meets Modern
Superficially, Astalon: Tears of the Earth might appear as though it were an overlooked classic from the SNES era that failed to achieve mainstream success.
Instead, it’s a contemporary hit that embraces the vintage look and gameplay style of yesteryears, all the while introducing fresh concepts of its own.
In this game, you and your team will strike a pact with Death, enabling limitless respawns. The objective is to ascend the towering structure and save the world. This is reminiscent of the Roguelike Metroidvania genre.
In a style reminiscent of Roguelike games, you’ll receive enhancements to your base that facilitate easier runs. However, this game offers an additional feature: you can utilize the unique skills of your team members to navigate previously unreachable areas, much like in the Metroidvania genre.
Playing this game seems reminiscent of a timeless arcade favorite, yet its finish and quality match that of today’s top-tier games, making it an essential pick for any enthusiast of the Metroidvania genre.
6 Tevi
Rabi Ribi’s Spiritual Successor 
I should first say that I was very on the fence as to whether I included Rabi Ribi or its spiritual successor, Tevi, here, but due to the clear leap forward in quality, you have to say that Tevi is the better option today.
The two games share similarities as they are both adorable side-scrollers that fall under the bullet hell metroidvania genre. They boast pixel graphics, challenging boss fights, and an unexpectedly enjoyable narrative that keeps you hooked throughout your gaming experience.
While Rabi Ribi may be funnier, this game offers a more mature storyline that adds depth and allows for growth throughout its playtime. The gameplay, though, still retains a resemblance to Rabi Ribi, but with thoughtful adjustments and enhancements.
Incidentally, Tevi is significantly larger than its spiritual precursor, providing a greater value for your investment. With an abundance of Astral Gear to collect, dive right in and start exploring!
5 Aquaria
Underwater Gameplay That Doesn’t Suck
Straight away, it’s clear what’s on your mind. It’s like playing a whole game that seems reminiscent of the tricky underwater levels from your beloved games; I can’t imagine anyone wanting such a challenge!
When a game like Aquaria delivers an underwater adventure flawlessly, it compels you to let go of any prior expectations about playing games underwater.
By harnessing the enchanting allure of the Mermaid’s song, players can uncover hidden paths, transform into stronger forms, and vanquish formidable sea creatures dwelling deep beneath the ocean waves.
It’s worth noting that this game came out in 2007, so it may seem quite basic compared to the advanced games we have nowadays.
Despite its lack of emphasis on combat skills, this game stands out thanks to its engaging exploration mechanics, intriguing traversal, and rewarding gameplay. Therefore, it remains an attractive choice for players.
4 Cookie Cutter
Non-Stop Violence
As a gamer, I’ve found myself exploring some seriously grim and atmospheric worlds in today’s Metroidvania games. But let me tell you, Cookie Cutter shakes things up by being an over-the-top, joyful game that defies the notion that these types of games need to be so dour.
As the character Cherry, you’ll journey through a colorful universe, using intense physical fights to take vengeance on INFONET and the Denzel adversaries who symbolize this oppressive tyranny.
This game carries a hint of the Scott Pilgrim style, featuring comic book-style action, a cool, gritty allure, and intense, music-opera-like violence that doesn’t let up.
In this game, your strongest asset is anger, making it an excellent outlet for venting frustration. If you need to blow off some steam, give “Cookie Cutter” a try.
3 Aeterna Noctis
An Eternal War
Aeterna Noctis
This story isn’t your typical battle between light and darkness, as it strays from the conventional path where goodness ultimately prevails over evil.
In this captivating Metroidvania game, you take on the role of a leader who is bound by an eternal conflict. Freshly reborn, your mission is to restore your lost abilities and aim to dominate the world once more.
The title immerses you progressively into the mythos of its world and the heartrending story of its fated protagonists. At the same time, it presents a visually stunning world and game mechanics that emphasize platforming over intense combat.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself completely hooked on this game. It’s visually stunning with eye-catching graphics, and the gameplay is daring and consistently delivers an enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a challenge or just want to immerse yourself in something new, you definitely need to give it a try – trust me!
2 Owlboy
A Little Help From My Friends
In most Metroidvania games, players gradually acquire abilities that transform them into a powerful solo force, capable of performing extraordinary deeds. But in the game “Owlboy“, you’ll need some assistance from a companion to achieve success.
In this stunning Metroidvania adventure, you’ll master the art of navigating Otus skies using his basic flight controls. However, it’s by gathering companions and exploiting their abilities that you’ll be able to vanquish enemies, uncover hidden locations, and conquer towering bosses who obstruct your progress.
This game provides an exquisite soundtrack and visual aesthetic that are delightful to immerse yourself in, and with a playtime of just ten hours, it doesn’t outlast its appeal.
Each interaction presents itself as an intriguing mystery to unravel, and the narrative unfolds at a captivating pace. This makes it an essential choice for any fan of the Metroidvania genre.
1 Sheepo
Casual Metroidvania Bliss
Lastly, there’s an underappreciated Metroidvania game that’s quite enjoyable in a casual setting. It delivers one of the best compact Metroidvania adventures available now, with its smooth, enjoyable, and fulfilling gameplay.
With well-balanced tempo, an array of distinct and captivating abilities to learn, and the liberty to interact with different game segments at your own pace.
While it’s true that the game doesn’t have a lot of story depth, it appears that the plot serves primarily as a means to showcase exceptional gameplay. However, given the quality of the gameplay, you rarely find yourself yearning for the more detailed narrative expositions.
If you’re on the hunt for a game featuring precise platforming, entertaining abilities that change your character into various creatures, and visually appealing yet simplistic designs, then Sheepo is just what you’ve been seeking!
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2024-11-06 20:39