The Best Indie Sci-Fi Metroidvanias

Highlights

Metroidvanias like
Environmental Station Alpha
offer minimalist gameplay and retro aesthetics for accessible entry.
Gato Roboto
stands out with its light-hearted tone and unique black-and-white visuals in the Metroidvania genre.
Rusted Moss
brings fluid movement with a grappling hook and a melancholic atmosphere, adding depth to the genre.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of Metroidvania games. However, the list you’ve compiled here has truly left me astounded! The creativity, the depth, and the sheer variety in these titles are nothing short of remarkable.

The “Metroidvania” genre derived its name from blending elements from both “Metroid” and “Castlevania”, two games that pioneered the style’s open-ended level design and gameplay centered around exploration. Later, the characteristics of this genre were refined by “Super Metroid” and “Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night”. Since then, numerous Metroidvanias have been launched, with many belonging to the “Metroid” series (like “Metroid Dread”), but many others are independently developed games.

Over time, Metroidvania games have gained significant popularity, particularly among independent game developers. This surge is largely due to the achievements of titles like Axiom Verge and Hollow Knight. These games present players with challenging boss battles and vast, intricate worlds that invite exploration for hours on end. Notably, many developers, especially indie ones, have incorporated science fiction themes into their Metroidvania creations, a move that has led to successful outcomes.

7 Environmental Station Alpha

A Minimalist Metroidvania With A Mysterious Atmosphere

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2015
Developer(s): Arvi Teikari, Roope Makinen
Genre: Metroidvania

“Environmental Station Alpha” is a simplistic take on the Metroidvania genre, featuring traditional gameplay and vintage, pixelated graphics. While its minimalist approach might not resonate with all Metroidvania enthusiasts, it serves as an inviting gateway for newcomers to the genre.

In contrast to typical puzzles, some found in Environmental Station Alpha are decidedly unconventional. Additionally, the game’s distinctive minimalist design sets it apart from others. The game’s intriguing sci-fi backdrop, music, and sound effects contribute to a sense of mystery that permeates the entire experience.

6 Gato Roboto

A Light-Hearted Side-Scroller Set In Deep Space

Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Released: 2019
Developer(s): doinksoft
Genre: Metroidvania

Developed by Devolver Digital, the game titled “Gato Roboto” casts players as a cat in an armored mech suit. What sets it apart isn’t just the unique concept; it also boasts a stark black-and-white design that gives its graphics a clean and legible look.

In Gato Roboto, players are challenged to delve into the labyrinthine underbelly of a distant space station, confronting diverse adversaries as they go while leveraging their mech suit’s abilities. The game shines with its playful atmosphere and gratifying gameplay mechanics, making it exceptionally inviting for those exploring the genre known as Metroidvania.

5 Rusted Moss

A Melancholic Metroidvania With A Grappling Hook

Nestled on the edge of an impending invasion in a barren, desolate landscape, the game Rusted Moss skillfully evokes a melancholic ambiance similar to other Metroidvania titles like Hollow Knight. The narrative interweaves aspects of science fiction and fantasy, while its arsenal of weapons, adversaries, and boss battles reflect its distinctive theme.

As a fan, I’d say one thing that truly sets Rusted Moss apart for me is its seamless movement. What stands out most is the user-friendly grapple hook mechanic, which lets players zip through the game’s settings in a breeze, making exploration enjoyable and engaging. This feature not only offers a quick and fun way to traverse the game world but also presents unique platforming challenges that really push your skills to the limit. While Rusted Moss is essentially a classic Metroidvania, the inclusion of the grappling hook and the meticulously crafted ambiance transform it into an unforgettable adventure.

4 Axiom Verge

A Love Letter To Old-School Metroid

As a seasoned video game enthusiast with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Axiom Verge is one of the most captivating pixel-art adventures I’ve ever encountered. The game draws heavy inspiration from classics like Metroid and immerses players in an alien world brimming with otherworldly visuals. One aspect that truly sets Axiom Verge apart is its diverse array of unique weapons, which not only enhance the gameplay but also add depth to the action-packed experience. The sheer variety keeps me engaged and eager to explore every nook and cranny of this captivating universe. If you’re a fan of metroidvania-style games or simply appreciate a well-crafted adventure, I highly recommend giving Axiom Verge a try.

As a gamer, I can’t help but immerse myself in the captivating world of Axiom Verge, where biomechanical beauty meets science-fiction intrigue. The game’s narrative weaves a compelling backdrop for the action, ensuring every move feels purposeful and engaging. While Axiom Verge might be reminiscent of classic Metroid, its distinctive setting and arsenal of diverse weapons give it a distinct identity in a genre that’s becoming more crowded by the day.

3 Unsighted

A Wholly Unique Action-Packed Metroidvania

In an exceptionally extraordinary backdrop, the game Unsighted stands out as a captivating Metroidvania experience where players assume the role of a self-aware android. The androids in this world, unfortunately, are experiencing a mass malfunction, turning them into deranged, violent automatons. This central theme in Unsighted‘s narrative is the ticking clock of life for every character within the game, including the player’s character. Once the time runs out, they too will become “unsighted”, losing their sentience and sanity.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours exploring diverse gaming landscapes and immersing myself in various narratives, I can confidently say that Unsighted stands out as one of the most captivating sci-fi Metroidvanias I’ve ever played. The game’s unique timer mechanic creates a tense atmosphere that pulls players into the story like no other, ratcheting up the stakes to a dramatic degree.

2 Nine Sols

Cyberpunk Meets Taoism For A Unique Setting

The story of “Nine Sols” unfolds in a unique “Tao-cyberpunk” environment, a blend of science-fiction, the classic cyberpunk subgenre, and Taoist tradition. This distinctive setting gives “Nine Sols” a distinct edge. However, it’s not just the setting that sets it apart; its striking hand-drawn illustrations breathe life into the narrative with exceptional skill.

In the game ‘Nine Sols’, smooth platforming makes exploration effortless. But what truly captivates players is its intriguing combat system, which bears a resemblance to that found in ‘Sekiro’. This combat revolves around a parry mechanic and attacks fueled by chi, making it particularly thrilling during the numerous boss battles. If you’re a fan of Metroidvanias or games like ‘Sekiro’ that emphasize parry-based combat, then ‘Nine Sols’ is definitely worth investigating.

1 Haiku, The Robot

An Intensely Charming Metroidvania Set In A Mechanical World

Featuring a simple yet nostalgic pixel-art design similar to classic Game Boy games, the game titled “Haiku, The Robot” embodies the essence of Metroidvania games in a captivating and retro manner. In this sci-fi world dominated by robots, both friendly and hostile, you’ll find yourself exploring intriguing, atmospheric environments that offer numerous rewards, contributing significantly to the game’s charm.

Haiku, The Robot – A Peek

2024-08-05 05:34