Dead Cells, Rogue Legacy 2, And Other Roguevanias To Best Understand The Genre

Many gamers have likely experienced both Metroidvanias and roguelikes. Metroidvanias are traditional games, usually in 2D, featuring connected maps that you unlock by finding abilities that let you move around in new ways. They sometimes include features from role-playing games, like improving your character and finding better equipment. Roguelikes are known for being difficult, and when you die, you usually have to start over. However, you can often make your character stronger between attempts. The video game world is constantly changing, and one trend is to mix different genres together to create something new.

That’s where Roguevanias come in. While there aren’t as many of these games compared to traditional Metroidvanias or roguelikes, they’re definitely thriving. They successfully blend the most appealing features of both genres. Simply put, these games feature map designs and movement abilities similar to Metroidvanias, combined with roguelike elements like losing progress upon death – though you also gain lasting upgrades to become more powerful. They offer the best of both worlds – or perhaps three – which is why they’re called Roguevanias.

Dead Cells

It’s Blobbin’ Time

Dead Cells is a highly popular roguelike game, comparable to Hades, and has remained successful thanks to consistent updates and special events. During each playthrough, players explore various environments, and can unlock abilities that help them move around, such as creating vines or breaking through floors.

Gaining these abilities will open up different paths, allowing you to discover new areas or hidden items. And, staying true to the roguelike genre, Dead Cells players can earn lasting improvements – such as crafting weapons from blueprints or carrying more potions – though these won’t boost your character’s stats.

Rogue Legacy 2

A Family Affair

Rogue Legacy 2 built on what the first game offered, adding more character classes and improved upgrade systems for lasting stat boosts. While the original game included some features found in Metroidvania games, the sequel really embraced the genre with new abilities called Heirlooms that help you get around.

After discovering an Heirloom, all players in future generations can utilize that move, functioning similarly to an air dash. While these movement abilities didn’t block off many areas previously, they did simplify certain sections and occasionally revealed hidden pathways.

Trinity Fusion

Charlie’s Multidimensional Angels

Trinity Fusion is a roguelike game that stands out from the rest. You begin by controlling one character, and then unlock three more, each originating from a different reality but connected by a shared psychic link. You can switch between these three powerful women at your central hub, and then venture into their unique worlds. Gameplay involves exploring interconnected maps in a style similar to classic Metroidvania games, offering plenty of branching paths.

Some improvements will apply to all three characters consistently, but each character’s unique movement skills-earned as you progress through the story-will remain individual. For instance, Kera will eventually unlock a grappling hook. This means each character will have different ways of getting around.

Sundered

Drop Dead Drawings

Sundered will likely be enjoyed by fans of Hollow Knight due to its equally beautiful, hand-drawn art style. This game leans more heavily into the Metroidvania genre, focusing on a large, interconnected world and minimizing the temporary power-ups commonly found in roguelike games.

However, there’s a lasting upgrade system, and the dungeon changes with each playthrough after you die, though it remembers some of your progress. For instance, if you restore power to a lab early on, it will remain powered. Doors you open will also stay open, aiding your advancement. Furthermore, you’ll unlock benefits and abilities for getting around, attacking, and defending yourself.

Oblivion Override

A MechTroidvania

Developer: Humble Mill
Publisher: Paleo
Released: Jan 24, 2024
Platform: PC

Oblivion Override plays like a Metroidvania game with a focus on repeated runs. The game features many warp points that players can discover, which helps to reduce the need for backtracking as they explore different areas. A key feature of this Roguevania is the ability to unlock and control different mech types, each with unique starting weapons and abilities.

Within dungeons, players will discover a variety of short-term advantages, including improvements to their stats and the ability to acquire new weapons. Because there aren’t many roguelikes that focus on mechs, Oblivion Override stands out as particularly special.

Eagle Island

Bird-Based Exploring

Eagle Island initially launched as a traditional Roguevania game, but was later updated and re-released as Eagle Island Twist. Now, players have the option to enjoy carefully designed levels without the random, replayable elements, or they can experience the original game with all of its unique features.

In the game, players will explore a large world and then venture into dungeons. These dungeons are created randomly each time you play. While inside, players can find short-term enhancements, such as a jump boost using springs. Completing each dungeon unlocks permanent new abilities, like an electric feather that improves your owl companion, allowing you to continue exploring the world. Both the world map and the dungeons are designed in the traditional Metroidvania style, featuring warp points for fast travel.

Little Noah: Scion of Paradise

The Minions Too

Little Noah: Scion of Paradise shares many similarities with Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, particularly its protagonist, Noah. She’s an adventurer who finds herself stranded on a series of islands in the sky. Resources collected while exploring dungeons are used to fix her ship, and these repairs lead to lasting improvements, such as an increase to her maximum HP.

Rather than battling directly, Noah summons spiritual helpers in areas called Lilliputs to fight on her behalf. These areas are designed with a Metroidvania-style map, and a particularly convenient feature is the fast travel system – players can simply backtrack within each area without needing to unlock specific points. Little Noah: Scion of Paradise boasts beautiful visuals, engaging combat, and evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of 90s games with its airship and sky island setting.

2025-10-02 05:37