9 Metroidvanias That Get Better As You Go

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Without immediately breaking the fourth wall, let me clarify that this idea may appear somewhat whimsical at first glance. However, it’s important to remember that most Metroidvania games tend to improve as they progress.

In theory, delving deeper into the mysteries of the world may offer greater comprehension, reveal hidden paths, and bestow numerous rewarding abilities. Yet, in practice, things don’t always unfold as expected.

Some Metroidvania games shine right from the get-go without requiring a gradual build-up. On the other hand, others kick off with a bang but lose steam towards the conclusion, and I’m afraid Owlboy falls into that category. In essence, certain Metroidvanias may take some time to fully reveal their potential.

If you’re open to investing some time, these Metroidvania classics will repay you with a collection of adventures that rival the best in today’s genre.

9.
The Last Faith

It Gets Good, Have Faith

The game “The Last Faith” boasts several appealing aspects. It boasts a striking art style that combines beauty, grittiness, and gothic elements, perfectly complementing its foreboding mood and ambiance. Moreover, it offers precise platforming mechanics similar to Castlevania, yet seamlessly integrates these with swift, intense combat akin to Bloodborne that is Soulslike in nature.

As a fervent admirer, I must admit that while The Last Faith offers a captivating experience overall, it saves its finest moments for the latter stages of the journey.

As a devoted player, I must admit that prior to engaging in the epic battle against The Edwyn, The Starscourge Horror, the game felt relatively simple and devoid of excitement. However, once this formidable challenge was met, the game transformed into a vibrant, pulsating experience filled with increasingly difficult and varied bosses and biomes.

Moreover, an abundance of engaging power-ups enhances the excitement of both exploration and combat. Initially, it may seem tedious, but persist, as the rewards are substantial and well worth the effort.

8.
Animal Well

Big Brain Time

Animal Well stands out as an exceptional game, primarily due to its authenticity in being one of the rare Metroidvania titles that does justice to the label, since it is genuinely designed as a Metroidvania.

In this meticulously crafted indie game, having knowledge equates to power. Consequently, at the start, you might find yourself disoriented, puzzled, and swamped. Emotions not typically sought after by gaming enthusiasts.

Indeed, everything in this game serves a purpose, intentionally guiding you to investigate, test theories, and ultimately uncover solutions leading to those satisfying “Eureka” instances. Each fresh revelation brings forth more opportunities, making Animal Well a testament to discovery and exploration.

Additionally, you’ll find thrilling power-ups hidden throughout the game, which breathe new life into familiar favorites. And let me tell you, there’s a shady and intriguing side to this world that is definitely worth exploring. If Balatro takes indie game of the year in 2024, it will be well-deserved, but this game would have been equally deserving of the title.

7.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

When It Rains, It Pours

If you’re familiar with the genre of Metroidvania games, you might frequently encounter the inquiry, “What games are similar to Hollow Knight?” This query is not uncommon, given that Hollow Knight often serves as an introduction to the current era of Metroidvania titles.

For quite a while now, whenever someone asks me about my favorite game, I’ve been quick to respond with “Ender Lilies.” However, there are possibly newer contenders out there, but for the moment, it remains my go-to choice.

The reason for this is that the game shares characteristics similar to those found in Souls games, such as challenging battles and a grim, dismal setting. However, it’s not just that – the game also features difficult navigation, a gradual build-up of progression, and doesn’t hold back on toughness.

To put it simply, this remarkable Metroidvania title truly shines once given the chance to unfold its unique features over time.

6.
Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori’s Big Break

While it might seem unusual to categorize Ori as a “slow burn,” considering that one of its games is among the shorter Metroidvania titles, this characterization still holds merit due to two key factors.

Initially, as you embark on this journey, your character’s skill tree remains untouched, leaving you with minimal abilities, making you quite weak and exposed to danger. This can lead to some initial annoyance or difficulty.

Next, the game is built around critical instances and heartfelt storytelling. Crafting a deep and moving narrative like this requires time and care, which might sometimes make the pace feel sluggish until the next exciting or tense sequence occurs.

In simple terms, if you miss out on playing the Ori games, you’re missing out on something truly special. These games are not only heartfelt and expertly designed but also visually stunning, making them stand out among Metroidvania franchises. So, I strongly recommend you embark on your first Ori adventure as soon as possible.

5.
Ultros

For The Greenthumbs in the Chat

I greatly enjoy playing Metroidvania-style games that offer something fresh and unique, either through innovative mechanics or by combining genres creatively. Unfortunately, I haven’t encountered many games that can rival the bizarre, mind-bending quality of Ultros.

The game captivates players quickly, but its initial stages are dreamlike, deeply mysterious, and seem to repeat the same events constantly. Yet, once you grasp the game’s animal-themed mechanics, it all makes perfect sense.

This game resembles Roguelike (Rogue-like or Roguelike-like), and it may take some time to find the ideal equilibrium. However, once achieved, you’ll witness for yourself why numerous independent gaming enthusiasts were captivated by this enchanting narrative.

4.
Salt and Sanctuary

Slow Burn Souls

In terms of games that build tension slowly, few genres can match the Soulslike genre for sheer abundance. The challenges posed by these games are so steep and their worlds so cryptic that failure is almost inevitable, making it necessary to persistently try and learn from your mistakes until you finally crack the code.

It’s not surprising that Salt and Sanctuary, a game that aims to emulate the feel of 2D Dark Souls, may require some time before it draws the player in.

Once you discover a setup that suits you and navigate through the harsh environment, you’ll quickly realize that it’s just as thrilling and rewarding as some of Miyazaki’s most acclaimed works.

3.
Pseudoregalia

Parkour Perfection

If you enjoy Metroidvania games, it’s quite likely that you also appreciate platformer games. This is because many Metroidvania titles don’t achieve widespread popularity without incorporating solid platforming mechanics as an essential part of their gameplay.

Generally speaking, the jumping mechanics are gratifying from the start itself, often enhanced by an extra leap or double jump for variety and novelty.

In Pseudoregalia, I found myself taking it easy at first as I gradually honed my parkour abilities with every fresh discovery. The game lets me wall jump, perform backflip gainers, and then use these new skills to link combos and scale unprecedented heights. It requires some practice, but mastering these intricate platforming tricks delivers a satisfaction unlike any other.

Moreover, incorporate Dark Souls-style combat mechanics, coupled with the fact that it’s a 3D Metroidvania, makes this game truly unique. It’s an underappreciated gem and is highly recommended for any platforming enthusiast who enjoys metroidvania games.

2.
Nine Sols

A Steep Learning Curve

If you expected Nine Sols to be similar to a typical Souls game from FromSoft when you started playing it, but instead found it to be something entirely distinct, then you might find the gameplay experience in Nine Sols to be quite familiar.

While the game might appear to be a charming, hand-drawn Metroidvania title that many would find appealing, it’s actually one of the most challenging games within the genre you can play.

As a gamer, diving into

As you master the skill of parrying and collect resources to enhance your character, it becomes apparent that this game is top-notch. It’s among the best 2D Soulslikes in recent times, a gaming experience you should not miss out on. However, remember it’s not going to be a walk in the park.

1.
Hollow Knight

Don’t Let The Early-Game Bug You

The phrase ‘It gets good, I promise’ and Hollow Knight. Truly a match made in heaven.

Without a doubt, the game sets an intense mood from the very beginning, and its visuals, backdrops, and Christopher Larkin’s exceptional music blend seamlessly to hint at something extraordinary. However, it might take some time before the true enchantment unfolds.

In simpler terms, “The Forgotten Crossroads” feels dull and unwelcoming; it offers minimal guidance to players during their initial journey, making exploration challenging at first, and the early boss battles are somewhat underwhelming.

Starting at Greenpath, the game becomes non-stop action, offering an abundance of exciting battles, captivating locations to discover, and challenges reminiscent of Soulslike games. Initially, it may be difficult to get into, but if you give up, I’d encourage you to try again. It could become more enjoyable during your second attempt.

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2025-06-02 12:39