Over the years, Metroidvania games have often been characterized as a fusion between the style of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. Instead of simply leaping towards an objective like traditional platformers, these games emphasize discovery and non-sequential exploration.
Since Castlevania: Symphony of the Night established the Metroidvania genre back then, it’s noticeable that many recent games in this category have moved away from the platforming elements that were once a hallmark.
In many cases, they’ll frequently design characters to move as if in a side-scrolling game, yet seldom will these games present authentic platforming obstacles. Even more infrequently does the game prioritize platforming as its primary gameplay mechanic.
As a gamer, I rarely come across Metroidvania-style games that creatively incorporate the items I collect into engaging platforming puzzles, but when I do, they truly excel at this design element.
10. Haiku the Robot
Gears are Turning
Essentially, Haiku the Robot has the potential to be a fantastic platformer if its move set is utilized more extensively. While the existing platforming segments are well-done, I yearn for more frequent use of the moveset.
In many Metroidvanias I’ve played, this control system feels exceptionally smooth and fluid. Each action transitions effortlessly into the next, and Haiku maintains a swift pace throughout the game.
The game doesn’t test your platforming skills extensively, except for a handful of areas. Particularly, once you acquire the horizontal grapple, there are some intricate navigational parts, yet without lengthy tests or complex challenges.
I found the platforming aspects of the game incredibly rewarding to overcome and explore, so much so that they dominated my experience. Therefore, while this game may not offer the intensity of “Path of Pain”, it still delivers a captivating experience.
9. The Messenger
Sneaking In
Initially, The Messenger is a solid Metroidvania game that has less emphasis on platforming. However, it transforms into a strong platformer halfway through, with its Metroidvania aspects becoming weaker in comparison.
Throughout the game, the emphasis is on platforming, making every moment a test of your movement skills, and the seamless flow of it all just feels fantastic with the move set available to you.
To clarify, there are aspects of this game that require some deduction of points. Firstly, it’s quite linear, meaning half of the game follows a straight path without much room for exploration or choice. Secondly, the character movements seem to lack precision and speed, which doesn’t align with my personal preference, despite the game’s world being designed in that manner.
If you’re a fan of Ninja Gaiden and enjoy Metroidvania games, you’ll probably find this game appealing. However, if you’re seeking a full-fledged Metroidvania experience with excellent platforming, you might find it provides only a partial experience, which could leave you somewhat unsatisfied.
8. Metroid Dread
Slide to the Left
In its early days, Metroid paved the way for an entire genre, yet navigation-based hurdles didn’t play a significant role in games that were primarily about puzzles and combat. However, in Metroid Dread, the exploration aspect has been significantly amplified.
I’d like to draw attention specifically to the parts featuring E.M.M.I., as these moments frequently push you into challenging situations that demand quick thinking, and despite the high-stress nature, the excellent character handling ensures it remains tolerable rather than frustrating.
To add to my excitement, each shinespark puzzle in this game is simply flawless, taking it to a whole new level compared to what Super asked me to solve. It’s even on par with AM2R, leaving me exclaiming “I have to do THAT?” more times than I can count!
Regardless of whether you choose to confront obstacles directly or opt for stealth, evading the difficult platforming challenges isn’t mandatory, making the experience enjoyable in any case.
7. Hollow Knight
Road of Rage
If you’re familiar with Hollow Knight, you’ll recognize that many of its enhancements have two functions – they aid in combat and navigation, yet it can be disappointing how often the game prioritizes platforming over these dual-purpose upgrades.
The majority of this game revolves around combat, yet it excels particularly when it challenges you with platforming elements. What’s more, the character control is smooth, and the skill set aligns beautifully with navigating platforms. Truly enjoyable!
Among gamers, I stand out for being particularly fond of the Path of Pain in the game, which I find to be my absolute favorite due to its intense focus on precise platforming. I have a special affection for this challenge.
Besides this, it should be noted that there’s primarily one area for showcasing your platforming skills within the endgame content. The remainder, however, consists predominantly of combative challenges with no additional elements. If you enjoy such battles, feel free to dive in!
6. Ori and the Blind Forest
Pure Platforming Perfection
Similar to The Messenger, Ori and the Blind Forest can be described as having elements of a platformer rather than a full-fledged Metroidvania game. However, its integration of exploration and mechanics is much smoother, resulting in an overall more fulfilling experience for the player.
As a gamer, navigating through the intricate labyrinth of these caves is an electrifying challenge. Every move counts in mastering my positioning, managing angles, and skillfully guiding my character through these cramped passages that barely allow for maneuverability. It’s an adrenaline rush!
The thrill of leveraging your kick to propel projectiles never fails to excite; it opens up endless possibilities for dynamic movement, while its challenging level design emphasizes this effectively.
In simpler terms, Ori isn’t a game for deep, open-ended exploration. It does offer room for some revisiting areas and exploration, but it mainly sticks to its predefined paths with few opportunities for deviation or wandering off course.
5. Lone Fungus
Break My Glass Celium
The points I made about Hollow Knight squandering its platforming opportunities are the very reasons why Lone Fungus excels. Both share a comparable structure and a similar downward attack mechanism, yet Lone Fungus maximizes this aspect significantly more.
The game offers rewards designed for use in combat, exploration, and particularly platform navigation. It seems as though it was initially conceived as a platformer rather than an aspect that developed from the gameplay at a later stage.
Experiencing the ability to plummet onto obstacles for enormous velocity surges feels like I’m lastly tapping into a hidden talent that seemed underutilized before, and the course layouts seem to cater to this realization.
As a gamer, let me tell you, this isn’t your average run-of-the-mill platformer, but rather an exceptional blend of platforming and Metroidvania elements. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t compromise on either side, maintaining a smooth and engaging gameplay experience throughout.
4. Aeterna Noctis
Shadow in the Night
If you’re looking for top-notch Metroidvania games, you’ll frequently encounter Aeterna Noctis in discussions, and there’s a solid explanation for this popularity. The game’s platforming aspect is given significant attention, unlike being just an ancillary feature.
Each space within the game will challenge your abilities in some manner or another. Instead of having stairs, this game uses blocks that require jumps for height increase, making it an essential part of the game’s structure.
It’s equally difficult due to its focus on precise platforming where a single misstep could lead to falling onto deadly lava pits, requiring you to navigate carefully and maneuver skillfully to safely reach the opposite side.
I found it somewhat frustrating when I needed to go back and repeat challenging sections multiple times, but given the superb level design, I can overlook this issue because I’m a fan of games that push my skills to the limit.
3. Guacamelee!
Mucho Gusto
As a child, I encountered Guacamelee and thought it was a combat or social gathering game, so I dismissed it. However, these days I understand that it is a top-notch Metroidvania with fantastic platforming elements.
This game stands out due to its high accuracy, time-sensitive platforming challenges involving spikes and saws, along with fantastic upgrades. However, what truly captures my heart is its silliness. Rather than transforming into a morph ball, you metamorphose into a chicken, which is absurd enough for me to develop a deep affection towards the game.
This game incorporates certain fighting game maneuvers into a platformer setting, and the Kirby Super Star-inspired uppercut is an enjoyable method for achieving a vertical jump, seamlessly blending combat and platform navigation.
Each action you take is enjoyable to execute, often exaggerated and humorously absurd. Regardless of the specific game in the series you choose, you’ll consistently have a fantastic time with its Metroidvania elements and exceptional platforming.
2. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Get a Grip
Absolutely, Ubisoft has a knack for creating great games on occasion, and Prince of Persia: The Sovereign’s Crown is no exception – it stands tall as an outstanding example of the Metroidvania genre, never compromising on any of its essential elements.
The game boasts exceptional character animations comparable to those in Metroid Dread, offers exceptionally enjoyable boss battles, and platforming that truly tests your skills while seamlessly integrating with the world design, ensuring it never feels frustrating.
Gliding through the air is remarkably fluid, sometimes making me think I’m navigating a more floaty rendition of Celeste. Darting between towering, shifting spike pillars, balancing on beams above a perilous abyss, and barely clinging to a grip at times feels nothing short of exhilarating.
As a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that this game strikes an excellent balance, offering a captivating Metroidvania experience with top-notch platforming. It’s not just about platforming; it’s about exploration, discovery, and mastery. Just remember to nail the parry timing, and you’ll glide through the game like a pro!
1. Pseudoregalia
Like a Dream
Just as anticipated, Pseudoregalia stands out as it primarily concentrates on immersive 3D platforming within an expansive, free-roaming environment. The upgrades in this game are unparalleled in their satisfaction.
Progression seldom requires numerous upgrades; typically, just one or two are enough to navigate each platforming sequence. However, having the appropriate upgrades significantly facilitates progression. Essentially, the world’s accessibility depends on your skill level.
As a devoted fan, I must say that this game stands out as one of the rare 3D Metroidvania titles I’ve encountered. But what truly sets it apart is its innovative approach to 3D platforming. The moveset is entirely player-controlled, with no handholding whatsoever, making every movement a testament to your skill and achievement.
Experiencing something truly remarkable, I found myself persistently attempting an exceptionally challenging platforming level. To my surprise, I successfully navigated through it. Later, I discovered that I had inadvertently performed a sequence break – quite an unexpected twist!
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2025-03-30 18:10