10 Most Iconic Metroidvania Power-Ups

What sets Metroidvania games apart from others is the significant focus they place on permanent power-ups, as opposed to temporary enhancements that last only a short while.

Power-ups serve as the keys that unlock new areas and abilities within a Metroidvania game, allowing the world to unfold gradually as you explore. Barriers that were previously unpassable or puzzling mysteries transform into exciting paths for further discovery.

Among various genres, you’ll find an abundance of exciting power-ups to select from, some entirely novel while others appear in multiple forms. Here’s our pick of the power-ups that we particularly appreciate using.

It’s worth noting that some elements in this collection may have been initially featured in games like Metroid or Castlevania. However, we’ve intentionally altered the mix to keep things engaging and fresh.

10. Screw Attack

Metroid

In the sprawling universe of the Metroid series, one iconic power-up that stands the test of time is the Screw Attack. This is undeniably true as the visual representation of this upgrade, a small lightning bolt above a sphere, is frequently employed not just in the games themselves but also as the symbol for Metroid titles and Samus Aran, the main character.

The Screw Attack offers an ideal defense for Samus against her typical aerial vulnerability. It leverages her common aerial flip maneuver, converting her into a whirling vortex of devastating force.

Generally speaking, in many instances across the Metroid series, the Screw Attack functions primarily as an offensive jump. However, in games such as Metroid Prime, it’s not only an offensive jump but also combines with Wall Jump and Space Jump abilities, enabling you to spin repeatedly through the air, resembling a self-propelled yo-yo.

9. Speed Booster & Shinespark

Super Metroid

On most days, Samus demonstrates impressive agility, effortlessly traversing vast extraterrestrial terrains at a consistent pace that belies no signs of exhaustion. However, there’s always room for improvement in terms of speed, and her skills at penetrating obstacles could be honed further.

In the game “Super Metroid”, the Speed Booster is an ability that Samus acquires. As she runs, this feature causes her speed to gradually increase until she unleashes a powerful sprint, which is significantly faster than her regular pace and can even break through obstacles that normally would be impassable.

Furthermore, after Samus gains enough speed, she can abruptly come to a halt and employ the built-up force to propel herself directly upward in a swift, rocketing motion.

This maneuver, known as the Shinespark, isn’t just incredibly stylish; it’s a fundamental technique in speedrunning Super Metroid. You might be amazed at how many obstacles you can bypass using a well-aimed Shinespark.

8. Soul Of Bat

Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

In most video games, vampires are commonly associated with two key traits: consuming blood and transforming into bats. However, characters like Dracula and Alucard from the Castlevania series don’t often display these behaviors. This isn’t because they lack the ability to do so; instead, their portrayals in the games are different.

In the game Symphony of the Night, it’s crucial for Alucard to discover the Bat Soul power-up initially. Once he has this power, he can transform into a big bat whenever he wants, provided his Mana Points (MP) allow it, at least until they run out.

The main advantage of being a bat is that they can fly, enabling Alucard to reach high spots he wouldn’t be able to using just his jumps. Plus, with added upgrades, Bat Form gives Alucard the ability to shoot fireballs and navigate through dark areas using echolocation.

7. Crystal Heart

Hollow Knight

In numerous Metroidvania games like Hollow Knight, there’s often a pattern of dividing sections by wide chasms that cannot be crossed and are dangerous, filled with lethal pits or spikes.

It seems like you can’t make it across that big space right now. There aren’t any places to grab onto or start from here.

In the game “Hollow Knight,” the key to success involves finding the Crystal Heart and mastering its potent dash ability. By attaching yourself to any solid, upright surface, giving it a brief charge, then launching forward, you can make the Knight soar uninterruptedly in a straight path until he collides with another wall or obstacle.

As a gamer, I’ve found that this mode of transportation is an enjoyable and effortless means of covering long distances. Plus, if you manage to locate a suitable spot for recharging, it’s quite convenient for a quick dash during speed runs. However, beware of those spiked walls; collide with one, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself back at the starting point, minus any health points.

6. Pollo Power

Guacamelee!

As a dedicated fan, I must say, Metroidvania games are brimming with intricate, minuscule spaces that even our diminutive heroes can’t squeeze into. The classic solution to this predicament often involves a miniaturization transformation, similar to Samus’ Morph Ball in the Metroid series.

We prefer Guacamelee’s take on the concept, though, just for the entertainment value.

Following the removal of X’tabay’s curse, Juan acquires the flexibility to transform on command between his regular robust self and a diminutive chicken shape. Known as the “Pollo Power,” this unique trait enables Juan to navigate narrow spaces easily and move swiftly.

One potential rephrase for your sentence could be: The main disadvantage of Pollo Power is that Juan lacks defenses while utilizing it. However, in the revised version of the game, you can acquire the skill to drop bomb eggs, which not only serve as a defense mechanism but also open up new paths for exploration.

5. Bash

Ori And The Blind Forest

One fulfilling aspect of acquiring new skills in a Metroidvania game lies in the empowerment that allows you to traverse and overcome larger portions of the game’s world on your own terms.

As a fervent admirer of “Ori and the Blind Forest”, I must say that it cleverly flips the conventional wisdom about abilities, as demonstrated by the Bash skill gained from the Ancestral Tree, Reem.

Using Bash, Ori is capable of rebounding from stationary items such as lanterns, adversaries, and minor missiles. This offers two advantages: initially, the impact recoil allows Ori to be launched higher or to traverse narrow chasms; secondly, it enables agile maneuverability in the game environment.

The second, potentially advantageous feature is that any projectiles Ori bashes will rebound towards their original source. Additionally, you have the ability to modify the direction of this rebound, enabling you to hurl projectiles against destructible barriers or at other adversaries.

4. Cannon Jump

Shantae And The Pirate’s Curse

In most Metroidvania games, players are granted an improved jumping ability at certain stages, this could be a double jump or an exceptionally high leap.

In a unique twist on the theme, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse also doesn’t disappoint with its fresh take – the quirky weapon called Risky’s Cannon.

Instead of firing the cannon as usual, Shantae climbs on top of it and shoots it straight downwards. The recoil provides her with an additional lift, and since the cannon can be fired thrice, she can achieve a substantial boost in both height and distance.

Moreover, given that it’s a cannon, any object immediately below Shantae will be hit by the fired cannonballs. The damage isn’t significant, but it’s useful for gradually wearing down tough enemies as you leap above them.

3. Invert

Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Among the standout features of “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” is the Inverted Castle, essentially a hidden secondary level that’s a mirror image of the initial map, flipped over.

In a playful tribute to that particular game, _Bloodstained_ pays homage to the Inverted Castle, but with a unique, modular flavor instead.

With the Invert Shard, a skill Miriam can obtain later in the game, she gains the unique ability to reverse the force of gravity solely for herself. When activated, the game’s perspective flips by 180 degrees, causing her to traverse on what was previously the ceiling, with the floor now suspended above her.

The design is remarkably clever due to its simplicity; rather than requiring the ability to fly, simply turn the entire room upside down to access nearly any high platform. As far as obstacles like walls or spikes go, they’re virtually the only things that can prevent you from exploring every corner of the map at this stage in the game.

2. Address Disruptor

Axiom Verge

One intriguing special feature that sets Axiom Verge apart in Metroidvania games is its Address Disruptor. It’s somewhat similar to ROM hacking you might have dabbled with, but here, it’s integrated directly into the gameplay.

Utilizing the Address Disruptor, Trace is able to manipulate reality in a unique way, changing the characteristics of both animate beings and stationary items. For example, when used on immovable objects, such as solid barriers, a blast from the Address Disruptor could make them temporarily passable.

Employing it against adversaries causes them to become confused and disorganized, appearing as a chaotic, disoriented state. This usually makes it simpler to dodge or conquer them.

As a gamer, here’s a fun challenge I stumbled upon: there’s an achievement for utilizing the Address Disruptor against every kind of foe in this game! If you’re looking for a reason to tinker with the fabric of the game world, this might just do the trick.

1. Bloody Knight’s Claws

Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights

Games, whether they belong to the Metroidvania genre or not, often incorporate wall jumping and scaling as key navigation elements. For example, while Mega Man could only traverse horizontal surfaces, Mega Man X introduced the ability to scale walls by kicking off them, which sets it apart.

One neat instance of such a mechanism is the Bloody Knight’s Claws ability gained from the spectral presence of the Mad Knight Ulv in the game, Ender Lilies.

Using Ulv’s remarkable spiked fingers, Lily is able to grip and cling onto any flat, upright surfaces, while also leaping repeatedly to scale greater heights.

In addition to offering fresh paths for discovery, this skill also creates intriguing jumping challenges, where you must latch onto a wall, descend, followed by a swift jump to reach the opposite wall.

2025-03-11 18:11