In various Metroidvania games like Hollow Knight and Blasphemous, it’s commonly observed that close-quarters combat using weapons or physical attacks tends to dominate gameplay.
Instead, there are some games within this genre that deviate slightly from the traditional sword-and-sorcery approach by incorporating firearms as well. Often, these changes enhance the gaming experience.
To pay tribute to these action-packed games brimming with blunderbusses, rifles, and double-barreled weapons of mass destruction, let’s highlight some fantastic Metroidvania-style games that allow players to take charge, pull the trigger first, and ponder later.
10. Journey to the Savage Planet
3D Metroidvania Action
Instead of resisting the notion of incorporating a 3D Metroidvania game, consider embracing it wholeheartedly, especially if you appreciate top-notch firearm action and classic elements of the Metroidvania genre. This quirky cosmic adventure is definitely worth your time.
The success of this game stems from its offbeat, humorous tone interspersed throughout the compact yet heartwarming narrative. Yet, it doesn’t neglect the importance of engaging combat, rewarding exploration, and offering numerous visually stunning landscapes to appreciate while playing.
This game seems to be a fun fusion of “The Outer Worlds”, “High on Life”, and “Borderlands” all wrapped up in an enjoyable package. However, the drawback is that it finishes rather quickly, so make sure to enjoy each joke along the way!
9. Shadow Complex
An Xbox Arcade Gem
Many successful independent games made their debut on Xbox Live Arcade. Titles such as Fez and Super Meat Boy were widely appreciated, yet some masterpieces like Shadow Complex did not receive the recognition they merited initially. However, it’s always good to have a second chance, isn’t it?
This game combines the fundamental gameplay elements of Metroid with the spy-themed, action-packed style of games such as Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid. Despite seeming unusual at first, the blend proves to be quite effective.
In this game, the graphics often switch between 2.5D and fully 3D for thrilling action scenes, and every aspect, including movement, lighting, and world creation, seems way beyond its era.
Too bad Shadow Complex didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, given that it truly ranks among the best games out there.
8. Axiom Verge
On The Verge Of Greatness
If you’re seeking an experience reminiscent of the early days of Samus’ adventures in the Metroid series, Axiom Verge is a game that delivers on that nostalgic feel.
This game equips you with various weapons, special abilities, and chances for exploration that mimic the experience of playing a suitable substitute for Metroid.
However, it’s important to note that while there are similarities, Axiom Verge isn’t merely a duplicate. Instead, it delivers an elevated challenge in its campaign, featuring a host of challenging and memorable bosses. Moreover, the game boasts a wide array of weapons to praise, as well as precise platforming mechanics.
The seamless transition between graphics and map sections can be a little disappointing. However, beyond that, Axiom Verge is an outstanding example of a run-and-gun Metroidvania game, offering an engaging challenge for seasoned gamers.
7. Guns of Fury
Metroidvania Slug
In terms of side-scrolling shooting games, it’s hard to find series as enduringly successful as the Metal Slug series.
In essence, Guns of Fury pays a heartfelt tribute to the iconic 2D character, Metal Slug, by emulating its style, yet it also alters the gameplay mechanics to resemble a sprawling, non-linear adventure game similar to Metroidvania.
Should you decide to give it a try, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the high-octane and explosion-filled scenes that abound in Guns of Fury.
The action is relentless, with an unending barrage of gunfire, but despite a captivating plot, it’s the intense, explosive action sequences that keep you gripped right up until the end.
It evokes the sensation of commanding a virtually indestructible ’90s Stallone figure, blending contemporary elements with nostalgic aesthetics, accompanied by an energetic soundtrack.
If you’re aiming for the ultimate super-soldier feeling, combined with engaging Metroidvania-style exploration and advancement, then Guns of Fury is the perfect tool for your arsenal.
6. Omega Strike
One For The Newbies
If you enjoy action-packed games in the style of Metroidvania but prefer a more straightforward experience without many usual challenges, then you might find Omega Strike to be an ideal choice for you.
Title showcases a straightforward Metroidvania realm that’s easy to navigate, combat and boss fights are clear-cut, and there are obvious chances to revisit areas once you acquire a fresh character or ability boost.
Essentially, it’s a Metroid meets Contra combo that is perfect for beginners to either sub-genre.
As a gamer, swapping characters during gameplay definitely mixes things up and keeps the experience fresh. However, if you’re a seasoned Metroidvania player, you might find it more appealing as a beginner’s title rather than a challenge tailored to your gaming skills.
If you’d like to acquaint someone with the realm of Metroidvania games, this choice offers an enjoyable, fast-paced experience.
5. The Mummy Demastered
An Unlikely Modern Movie Tie-In
Regardless of whether you’re not particularly fond of The Mummy movies, let me tell you that if you enjoy fast-paced gameplay similar to Contra and the exploration mechanics found in games like Metroid, then you’ll find this unexpected movie adaptation quite enjoyable.
This game may not offer anything particularly unique in terms of its powers and progression, but it excels in tight platforming mechanics, enjoyable gunplay, and innovative elements such as having to destroy your zombie corpse to retrieve gear upon death, which gives it a Souls-like feel within the Metroidvania genre.
I encounter a few small issues with the ammunition system during battles, especially against bosses. However, these problems don’t prevent the game from delivering an exciting and enjoyable action-filled adventure overall.
4. Gato Roboto
Kitty Gundam
I have a fondness for simplistic aesthetics and I appreciate monochromatic style, both of which are featured in Gato Roboto. This is a compact yet delightful Metroidvania game where you assume the role of a cat searching for its owner. However, don’t fret; you’ll be equipped with a large mech to traverse the environment and eliminate any adversaries who dare impede your journey.
The game skillfully combines intense shootout sequences with instances where you must disembark from your mechanical suit to navigate areas that a nimble cat might find accessible.
What I really enjoyed about Gato Roboto is that I wanted even more of it. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, make sure to take your time and enjoy every bit of this hidden gem by jumping into your mech!
3. Laika: Aged Through Blood
A Bullet Time Motorvania
Among current games, Laika stands out as one of the most distinctive Metroidvania titles. It combines bike handling akin to Trials Fusion with slow-motion effects similar to those in Max Payne.
Transforming the game into a thrilling, high-octane Metroidvania, featuring unusual, precise platforming, and dramatic, slow-motion confrontations.
Learning this skill isn’t a quick process since it’s quite challenging, but once you manage to get the hang of it and reach a state of focus, you’ll find yourself immersed in an intense and sophisticated narrative filled with raw emotion that carries a potent tale of revenge.
In this game, the shooting scenes are thrilling and gratifying as you accurately eliminate opponents with exceptional foresight. Meanwhile, you’ll perform an impressive mid-air flip. If you’re looking for an action-packed experience where elegance counts, then look no further!
2. The Last Faith
Shoot & Slash
We begin our journey with a Metroidvania that I affectionately call a 2D counterpart to Bloodborne. Given my deep fondness for the original gothic Souls game, you can tell how exceptional this contemporary Metroidvania truly is.
This game immerses you in a dark and foreboding environment where you must adapt to combat mechanics reminiscent of “Souls” series, approach every interaction with some degree of wariness, and design your own character setup to handle the ensuing violence effectively.
An alternative approach could be to abandon magical abilities and instead opt for guns within the game, providing the ability to attack from a distance and fill creatures and tainted spirits with bullets.
In my opinion, it’s more advantageous to use spells over other options in general, yet it’s important to note that players always have the freedom to choose. After all, when it comes to games where having diverse building strategies is crucial, flexibility is paramount.
1. Metroid Dread
The Longer The Note, The More Dread
As a passionate gamer, I firmly believe that nothing beats the original Metroidvania run-and-gun epic when it comes to the top spot. Truthfully, any Metroid game could snatch that position, but among all the options, my favorite has to be Metroid Dread.
Although many find Prime to be their favorite in the series, I personally believe Dread stands out as the most technically skilled game, effectively conveying the feeling of being a supersoldier. Its mechanics are seamless, encouraging you to achieve a state of flow while exploring. Additionally, it is often argued that Dread has the best storyline among all Metroid titles.
As a dedicated gamer, I must confess that the upgrades in this game were somewhat lackluster, but beyond that minor quibble, let me tell you: This is an epic Metroid adventure, one for the history books! It’s definitely my top choice among all the Metroidvania games with guns out there. At least until Metroid Prime 4 makes its grand entrance.
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2025-02-19 13:40