12 Best Metroidvanias On Xbox Game Pass

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As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to admit that Metroidvania-style games have held a special place in my heart for quite some time now – particularly among the independent game scene.

Over the past ten years, the game design structure featuring linked levels, substantial character advancement, and iconic adversaries has proven incredibly effective, spawning numerous exceptional titles.

In this genre, we find a variety of games – from hidden treasures yet undiscovered to contemporary masterpieces. These titles can captivate us for lengthy periods, each with its unique flair and methodology, providing vastly distinct experiences, all while maintaining the same fundamental gameplay mechanics.

Today, I’d like to honor some fantastic video games by sharing a list, focusing on the top 12 Metroidvania titles available on Xbox Game Pass, which you can enjoy if you’re a member of the service.

12.
ReCore

Between Metroid and Mega Man

Being a dedicated Mega Man enthusiast, learning that ReCore was the latest creation by Keiji Inafune left me ecstatic to the point of speechlessness.

regretfully, I can’t truthfully claim that my anticipations were fulfilled, taking into account the slow loading speeds and premature conclusion, yet it seems to have been unjustifiably criticized.

Although I acknowledge the points raised about it, what makes it intriguing is its integration of classic Japanese gaming mechanics into a captivating world populated by compelling characters.

In terms of blending elements from both Metroid and Mega Man, I was hoping for something more profound, yet I can’t deny the enjoyment it provided. ReCore’s 15 hours of gameplay didn’t have a life-changing impact on me, but it certainly kept me entertained throughout.

11.
The Last Case of Benedict Fox – Definitive Edition

Twisted Creativity

As a devoted admirer, let me share my thoughts on “The Last Case of Benedict Fox” – an unconventional Metroidvania that’s both unique and, at times, challenging. However, it’s this very creativity that makes it a game I wholeheartedly suggest you explore!

The Lovecraftian ambiance and simple yet enjoyable fight mechanics make this game engaging primarily through its intricate puzzles and narrative, even though it lacks depth in other aspects.

In the final stages of Benedict Fox’s gameplay, it isn’t the challenging boss battles or intricate puzzle-solving that shine, but instead, the captivating journey through its enigmatic and intriguing world.

Initially, the conflicts in the game irritated me so much that I stopped playing a few times. But the third time around, I paid more attention to its concepts and visuals, and I discovered it to be quite an enjoyable adventure.

10.
Journey to the Savage Planet

Fun In Its Purest Form

In a world filled with video games that often have a heavy, somber tone, Journey to the Savage Planet stands out as a delightful change of pace and is definitely worth checking out.

The blend of action, adventure, and Metroidvania aspects in this game makes for an engaging playstyle that particularly highlights exploration, thanks to its abundance of hidden treasures and enjoyable scenarios.

Despite many players enjoying its cooperative system, I personally preferred the solo experience due to its laid-back and vibrant aesthetic.

Although I don’t particularly enjoy its battle system, the joy of delving into Journey to the Savage Planet’s world is worth acclaiming on its own.

9.
Monster Sanctuary

Charming and Profound

Monster Sanctuary stands out as one of the top choices for monster-taming video games, even though it can become challenging and intricate in its gameplay.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that the blend of exploring for collectibles and the Metroidvania-style gameplay creates an incredibly unique and enjoyable gaming experience that stands out from the rest within this genre, despite its relatively insignificant narrative.

This game offers an engrossing progression mechanism, charming visual style, and vast quantities of content, making it effortless to invest numerous hours without noticing the elapsed time.

If you’re up for some occasional challenges and willing to navigate through a learning process, Monster Sanctuary is definitely a game worth buying. Initially, I wasn’t convinced it would suit my style of Metroidvania games, but its distinct qualities made the experience more than worthwhile.

8.
SteamWorld Dig 2

Back to the Underworld

SteamWorld Dig rapidly emerged as one of the cherished Metroidvania series, and SteamWorld Dig 2 significantly contributed to this popularity by propelling the franchise’s growth upon its launch.

Additionally, it preserves the visual and thematic foundation of the original, but enhances the experience by providing additional features for improved gameplay.

Yet, the game doesn’t quite match the original’s emotional resonance and creativity, resulting in it being an impressive sequel on its own, but potentially losing some significance when viewed independently from its precursor.

Despite not being as impactful as SteamWorld Dig, it offers ample entertainment and is a more comprehensive Metroidvania. If you enjoyed the initial installment, this is still strongly recommended to you.

7.
Ori and the Blind Forest

An Emotional Journey

Playing Ori and the Blind Forest was an incredibly moving and heartfelt experience for me, a reason why it has earned such a cherished place among gaming enthusiasts.

As much as I appreciate the visual charm this game boasts, I can’t help but feel that its competition offers a more engaging gameplay experience. The level designs sometimes feel confusing, and the combat options are rather limited. However, the seamless platforming mechanics keep me hooked, making it a joy to navigate through the stunningly beautiful environments.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel deeply touched by Ori and the Blind Forest. Its enchanting soundtrack and heartfelt narrative make it exceptionally easy for me to connect with this game in a unique way within its genre.

I might express it as follows: “I find it less impressive than most people do, primarily due to parts that really annoyed me. Yet, this work is so intriguing that it left me amazed from start to finish.

6.
SteamWorld Dig

Digging as a Lifestyle

As a gaming enthusiast who adores blending elements from various genres and fresh approaches to familiar gameplay mechanics, let me tell you, I’m smitten with the delightful SteamWorld Dig.

Remarkably ingenious, how the game manages to construct a full gaming experience from the simple act of digging, even disregarding its famous artwork.

Despite showing fewer similarities with its subsequent title, this game boasts a far more distinct and personalized character, emphasizing its engaging puzzles and captivating characters.

I’ve found it tough to openly acknowledge that I prefer it over SteamWorld Dig 2 due to its refined and polished feel. However, I’d like to make it crystal clear: when introducing someone new to this series, my top pick is undeniably SteamWorld Dig.

5.
Spiritfarer

Reinterpreting Death

Being a follower of Thunder Lotus Games, I must confess that at first, Spiritfarer made me raise an eyebrow, given it seems to deviate from the typical style of their past productions.

To my surprise, this game stands out as one of the finest indie games from the recent past, delivering a rebuke of sorts that I found quite significant.

Indeed, it leans more towards a management game rather than a Metroidvania. However, it incorporates several typical advancement aspects that the developer gained insight from Sundered.

As a result, it shows up as significant instances of going back and changing things, along with a somewhat unstructured style throughout, both of which effectively enhance its charming narrative and characters.

Discussing comfortable games, it’s crucial to bring up Spiritfarer, making it stand out uniquely among the Metroidvania genre. This genre is typically not associated with comfort or warmth.

4.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Defying Destiny

Compared to the shift I noticed between SteamWorld Dig games, Ori and the Will of the Wisps feels like a massive leap forward from Ori and the Blind Forest for me as a gamer.

In terms of visual appeal, storytelling, action sequences, level structure, music, and character advancement, it’s clear that the sequel in Ori’s adventure series surpasses its predecessor significantly.

In terms of both enjoyment and artistic depth, Ori and the Will of the Wisps surpasses its predecessor by offering a more condensed, profound narrative while still maintaining an engaging, entertaining experience.

Additionally, the controls have been improved, the escape and boss encounters are more engaging, and the game as a whole seems to represent a significant advancement for a series that has already left its mark on the Metroidvania genre.

3.
Nine Sols

A Divine Work

Nine Sols stands out among video games, consistently astonishing you at each progression, an impressive feat given its already remarkable start.

As I delve deeper into this game, discovering fresh zones, formidable bosses, and enticing upgrades, it feels like a continuous leap forward in gaming excellence. This is largely due to the fact that it boasts one of the most refined and exceptional combat systems from the past decade, making every battle a thrilling experience.

This game excels as both a platformer, a Metroidvania, and a Souls-style game. Its boss battles are top-notch, the narrative keeps you hooked, the environment is breathtaking, and all these elements harmonize seamlessly, much like the perfect blend in an orchestral symphony.

As a gamer, I must confess that Nine Sols can be quite challenging, with sudden difficulty jumps here and there, and at times I might find myself disoriented. However, the sheer brilliance and intricate design of this game will eventually win me over. It’s like a complex puzzle that once solved, leaves you in awe of its grandeur.

I’ve only managed to fully complete a handful of games, and the inclusion of Nine Sols in this exclusive category underscores its exceptional quality.

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2025-05-05 19:10