5 Metroidvania Games Reviewed Higher Than Hollow Knight

by

I often think about the development of Hollow Knight – it’s one of my favorite stories in gaming. It wasn’t just that their Kickstarter campaign almost failed, barely reaching its funding goal at the last minute, but also because it perfectly shows how a small idea can grow into something amazing.

Hollow Knight succeeded because it revitalized a popular game style with innovative ideas. It features a huge, seamlessly connected world that changes as you play, a unique and intriguing story based on original mythology, and a cast of wonderfully strange characters.

Many people feel the same way, especially since the game quickly became popular worldwide when it came out in 2017 and continues to be one of the most successful independent games ever!

The game was also very well-received by critics, earning an impressive average score of 89 on OpenCritic. This makes it one of the highest-rated Metroidvania games of all time.

Interestingly, a handful of other games in this style have actually surpassed it, which might surprise you. While not many reach this level – remember, we’re focusing on top performers – those that do are just as impressive. Let’s explore them in more detail, shall we?

5. Ori and the Blind Forest

A Masterpiece of Tears and Precision

Most people would agree that Ori and the Blind Forest is as beautiful and difficult as Hollow Knight—and some even find it more challenging. The platforming sections are incredibly demanding, requiring a high level of skill, especially when you’re under pressure!

Putting humor aside, Moon Studios’ first game made a huge impact when it came out – and I was definitely impressed! It stood out thanks to its well-designed gameplay, beautiful graphics, a story that was both simple and deeply moving, and, of course, a truly memorable ending.

The chase sequences are incredible, and thinking about everything the game does so well, it’s clear that Ori and the Blind Forest truly stands out. It perfectly blends all its elements, something very few games achieve. It delivers everything you want in a Metroidvania: a compelling story, exciting action, challenging gameplay, moments of intense panic, and ultimately, a lot of joy.

It’s not surprising the game quickly became popular beyond its initial fanbase, captivating players of all ages. This broad appeal is the main reason it consistently receives such high praise from critics compared to other games.

4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

It wasn’t surprising to see this game on the list. After the success of the first Ori game, Ori and the Will of the Wisps was a natural follow-up, and it really delivered by making almost everything better than before.

While some players might miss the simple appeal of the original game, the sequel is much more ambitious. However, it’s clear that the platforming is significantly improved, and the combat and character progression are much more polished and in-depth.

Wow, this sequel just grabbed me from the very beginning! Everything feels so much smoother and more polished than before. The gameplay is incredible, the world is absolutely gorgeous to explore, and the music is just beautiful. Honestly, it’s completely captivating – I was hooked instantly!

Making a sequel to a game that’s already become a classic is incredibly difficult. But Will of the Wisps managed to do just that, and it’s considered even better than the original Blind Forest – and even surpasses Hollow Knight, for many players.

3. Hollow Knight: Silksong

SHAW

It’s tough for a sequel to be better than an amazing original, but Hollow Knight: Silksong seems to have done just that! Reviews suggest it’s even surpassed the already fantastic first Hollow Knight game, and I agree with that assessment.

While Silksong clearly builds upon the atmosphere of Hollow Knight, it feels like a significant improvement, particularly in how levels are designed, how the game flows, and how quickly the story unfolds. Right from the start, the story is easier to follow, making the game even more captivating.

The new version also features a much larger game world. You’ll find almost twice as many rest benches – 82 compared to the original game’s 44.

So, picture this: you’re now playing as Hornet, and she’s got a whole new moveset that’s both awesome and tricky to master. Plus, seriously, every turn you take feels like a boss fight is just around the corner! There are tons of side quests, and the NPCs you meet are completely wild. Oh, and Shakra’s voice acting? Incredible. Honestly, put all that together and you’ve got another Metroidvania that’s just… perfect.

2. Dead Cells: The Queen & the Sea

The DLC That Became Essential

We realize this is technically downloadable content, not a standalone game. However, we’re making an exception in our ranking for two key reasons: Hollow Knight already has a very high score, making it difficult for anything to surpass it, and this expansion isn’t a typical one – it’s truly special for fans of Dead Cells.

In addition to the main game and existing expansions, “The Queen & the Sea” introduces a ton of new stuff – everything from weapons and outfits to new areas, challenging bosses, and even a pet! That alone makes it a worthwhile addition.

It also nicely ties up some older storylines, making an already fantastic and confident action game even better.

This DLC is the largest yet for the game, providing a fantastic ending to the expansion trilogy and a satisfying conclusion to Dead Cells overall. As a result, it was well-received by critics and earned a place among the top-rated games.

1. Metroid Prime Remastered

A Timeless Benchmark Reborn

Since “Metroidvania” gets its name from the Metroid series, it makes sense to name the best game in the franchise as the top pick, and I’m glad we’re all on the same page!

The original Metroid Prime brilliantly transformed the core elements of the genre—exploring, revisiting areas, and unlocking new abilities—into a captivating first-person 3D world. This creates a deeply immersive and atmospheric experience where every hallway feels like it holds a secret, and each upgrade meaningfully alters how you interact with the game’s environments.

The recently remastered version, Metroid Prime Remastered, builds on the original game’s excellence. It preserves the heart of the 2002 classic while updating it with modern improvements, including refined controls that work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons and a stunning visual upgrade that makes the game feel both fresh and enduring.

Even after all this time, the game still feels remarkably new, quick to react, and innovative. For fans of Metroidvania games, this isn’t just a recommendation – it’s essential to play, own, and fully immerse yourself in!

Read More

2025-11-27 20:40