10 Worst Metroidvanias You Should Avoid

It seems we can all concur that taste is often a personal matter. However, let me tell you, I am arguably one of the most passionate advocates for the Metroidvania gaming genre around.

After experiencing numerous games, I feel confident about my general assessment of what makes a game excellent or less so.

Despite the general rule of building up rather than tearing down, that’s not the focus for this discussion. Unfortunately, I’ll be talking about several Metroidvanias that it might be best to steer clear of.

Or: Even though it’s usually more constructive to uplift instead of criticize, we won’t be doing that here. Instead, let me share some Metroidvanias you may want to pass on.

Or: In most cases, it’s preferable to add value rather than take it away. However, for this analysis, I’ll be pointing out several Metroidvanias you might consider skipping.

Certain ones are broadly criticized, while others came so close to driving me to hurl my game controller at the screen. Nonetheless, they all fall into categories that either fail to meet essential genre standards or are poorly designed. Brace yourselves, as this discussion might get turbulent.

10.
GRIME Definitive Edition

Into the Muck

Initially, when the unique game named GRIME debuted, it immediately caught my attention due to its bizarre nature. Its otherworldly aesthetic had an irresistible pull on me, causing the anticipation of its arrival on my Nintendo Switch to feel excruciating.

Unfortunately, once it got there as GRIME Definitive Edition, things only got worse from there.

On other platforms and PC, the game received generally positive feedback; however, on the Nintendo Switch, it didn’t quite gel as expected. The GRIME Definitive Edition demands precision, but struggles to deliver it smoothly on the Switch console.

Regarding its performance as a Metroidvania game, I find it hampered by some problematic balance flaws. While I’ve appreciated challenging titles in this genre like the “Blasphemous” series, “GRIME Definitive Edition” falls short of being enjoyable for me. The combination of lengthy loading times and a buggy user interface doesn’t help either.

9.
Umbraclaw

No Extra Lives For This Kitty

To put it simply, I’m a big fan of games developed by Inti Creates. Over the past ten years or so, I’ve found great pleasure in playing platformers such as the Azure Striker Gunvolt series, musical adventures like Chronicle, and even deckbuilders like Card-en-Ciel.

Just as I eagerly awaited the GRIME Definitive Edition, I had also been looking forward to an adventure titled Umbraclaw. While not strictly belonging to the genre, it successfully blended light roguelike traits with a good dose of platforming and challenging boss fights.

In this game, when death occurs, it doesn’t mean game over right away. Instead, after the character Kuon the cat is resurrected, you acquire unexpected abilities from various animals. These powers not only enable additional jumping capabilities, such as a double jump, but they also equip you with new attack methods.

As a gamer, I found the concept intriguing at first, but in practice, the unpredictable aspects of the abilities made my journey through the game a tedious task. This is a major no-no when it comes to gaming genres, especially exploration games.

With a complicated and challenging upgrade system for the gem, increasingly tough bosses, and a tiny target area to consider when using Kuon’s Final Stomp move, you’re faced with a string of unfortunate circumstances – much like being followed by an unlucky black cat.

8.
Tevi

Cute and Flighty as a Bunny

To begin, let me clarify that I hadn’t experienced playing Rabi-Ribi before embarking on Tevi. Consequently, I lacked any prior knowledge or preconceived notions as I dived into the game.

Initially, Tevi appeared well-developed, boasting a rich narrative and the quirky characters typical of anime. Had the game focused solely on its storyline without any platforming elements, I might have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sadly, Tevi seems designed as a Metroidvania game. However, its platforming and combat mechanics appear to fall short. You may find yourself traversing vast regions for extended periods without acquiring new platforming skills, leaving you unsure about your direction or destination next.

In terms of the fighting aspect, it aims to combine the experience with bullet hell mechanics, making it more challenging than entertaining. This becomes particularly difficult when you consider that most boss fights consist of several stages that need to be endured.

A worthy attempt that didn’t achieve the greatness that was possible.

7.
Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark

Beleaguered Demon Maids

As a fan who thoroughly enjoyed the initial installment of Gal Guardians: Demon Purge, I was brimming with anticipation for the sequel. The prospect of a more immersive and comprehensive Metroidvania journey in Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark had me truly excited.

Little did I know how poorly Inti Creates would handle this demonic sequel.

Among its shortcomings, the game’s management of character’s platforming skills was less than ideal. As you collect Lord Maxim’s scattered bones and bring them back to the throne room, he rewards you with upgrades. Some of these are minor stat increases, while others grant new platforming abilities.

This significantly disrupts the cycle of exploration, unveiling hidden skills, and unlocking fresh territories. It’s particularly challenging due to the random nature of acquiring abilities, like receiving multiple dash upgrades consecutively rather than entirely new skills.

It’s disappointing that the boss encounters in this Metroidvania game lack enjoyment. I’m used to experiencing intricate and demanding boss fights from Inti Creates, but these seem overpowering and disorganized instead.

6.
Doomblade

A Very Gloomy Hero

DOOMBLADE tells the story of a surprising protagonist named Gloom Girl who stumbles upon a mystical, chatty sword. Much like other games on this list, the narrative stood out as a strength. Regrettably, the jumping and platforming mechanics, despite being unique, were not executed smoothly or proved to be enjoyable.

In most Metroidvania games, you can run and jump freely using a single input method. However, in this game, you manage your character’s movement with one joystick while the other is used to target or lock-on to specific points.

1. Have I mentioned that a significant part of this game involves gliding through open voids, hoping to spot an opponent to target? Additionally, it’s worth noting that while airborne, you are still susceptible to collision damage.

2. A good portion of the gameplay requires soaring over empty space and searching for enemies to engage. It’s also important to know that even in flight, you can still sustain contact damage.

3. One key aspect of this game is spending a lot of time flying over open areas, looking for opponents to attack. It should be noted that while airborne, collisions can cause damage to your character.

4. A significant chunk of the game involves gliding through empty spaces in search of adversaries to target. Also, it’s crucial to remember that when you are flying, you can still suffer collision damage.

5. A considerable part of the gameplay is spending time soaring over open space and trying to locate opponents. It’s also important to keep in mind that while airborne, you can sustain contact damage.

In the game DOOMBLADE, one of the irritations is that the save points are spread quite far, so you’ll need to endure long distances before getting a chance to rest.

Fundamentally, what I found frustrating about this game was that it seemed to consistently favor the opponent. While I can handle a certain level of difficulty, when it’s coupled with complicated controls, the game becomes nearly impossible to enjoy.

5.
Magical Delicacy

Not Delicious

Although I’m quite fond of cooking in reality, I don’t often play cooking-themed video games. However, when I came across the visually appealing design of Magical Delicacy and learned that it blends cooking with the Metroidvania genre, my curiosity was piqued.

The game boasts an array of enchanting, whimsical witch-like characters, adding charm to the experience. However, while marketed as a Metroidvania, it significantly falls short in embodying the essence of this genre.

Instead of just being a platformer, the game primarily revolves around collecting ingredients, fulfilling orders, and rushing back home to prepare the dishes. However, simply having platform elements doesn’t automatically classify a game as a Metroidvania.

I found it difficult to enjoy the “Magical Delicacy” as an adventure because there was no fighting involved at all.

Or,

The “Magical Delicacy” wasn’t much of an exciting adventure for me due to the complete absence of combat scenes.

4.
Salt and Sacrifice

Salty, Not Sweet

There seems to be a large number of people who love games in the Souls-like genre. However, I personally don’t fall into that category. Yet, I have found pleasure in playing titles that incorporate certain Souls-like features, like Blasphemous for instance.

The game, Salt and Sacrifice, doesn’t fully deliver on my expectations as it requires near-perfect mastery of both linear progression and open exploration. Initially, the game offers a rather constrained path for you to follow, but eventually, it opens up for freer navigation.

However, instead of encountering bosses at fixed spots, you’ll be on a chase as you track down elusive mages by following their trail of slain bodies. The challenge lies in catching them before they vanish through teleportation.

Not only does the pursuit continue, but at some point, their frustration grows so much that they choose to strike you down unexpectedly, usually employing a swift magical attack.

Playing games resembling “Souls” can already be quite challenging, especially with fixed arenas. However, in an environment such as “Salt and Sacrifice”, they transform into a real headache.

3.
Mars 2120

In Space, Nobody Can Hear You Scream

Back when Mars 2120 initially dropped, I unfortunately didn’t manage to grab a copy. Fast forward to today, I stumbled upon an ad for it on the eShop, and boy, did it look intriguing! Granted, it seemed a tad simplistic at first glance, but there was something about it that sparked my interest, promising an enjoyable gaming experience nonetheless.

Gosh, I made a mistake there. Although it had an appealing visual style and intense soundtrack, Mars 2120 turned out to be one of the most disappointing Metroidvania games I’ve encountered in a while.

Despite some players disliking tutorials, this game benefited from having one. I was clueless about the controls when plunged straight into the game, almost getting defeated by the initial aerial adversaries that attacked me.

In contrast, while you possess both melee attacks and long-range weaponry, it’s challenging to hit the tiny targets of numerous agile flyers with your ranged options.

The game had quite a few challenging and merciless bosses, such as a colossal spider that forces you against a wall and repeatedly regenerates its health. To add to the frustration, the Nintendo Switch edition experiences excruciatingly lengthy loading periods and poor handling in platforming sections.

Mars 2120 could have been a solid, albeit basic, Metroidvania. Instead, it’s a nightmare in space.

2.
Exile’s End

Lost in Space

At times, it may prove challenging to stand out amidst a sea of similarities. However, while not essential for every genre, it generally benefits you to include something attention-grabbing to catch the reader’s eye.

Initially, the game titled Exile’s End seemed promising on paper. It boasted a retro aesthetic reminiscent of the Amiga era, and was developed by renowned creators such as Kenji Yamagishi. However, it’s rather peculiar that the actual gameplay feels surprisingly bland despite these impressive credentials.

The game’s backdrops seem to be created with a repetitive, clone-like approach, giving it a very ordinary feel. Unfortunately, enemies often attack as soon as you enter a fresh area.

In this game, you won’t find an endless supply of ammo, and discovering several upgrades often requires throwing grenades into concealed crevices – a process that can be quite annoying.

At least, Exile’s End offers a brief journey. Regrettably, the most disheartening expedition comes at the end.

1.
Ebenezer and the Invisible World

Bah, Humbug!

Just like the other games in this list, at first glance, “Ebenezer and the Invisible World” appears acceptable. It offers an original twist on “A Christmas Carol,” where you step into the role of a heroic Scrooge, utilizing spectral companions to turn things around.

Despite finding the narrative engaging, playing the game was an altogether different experience for me. When I launched it on Steam, I encountered numerous technical issues. The ghost abilities would inexplicably fail to function, Scrooge seemed to have forgotten how to cling to ledges, and various other glitches were present.

Managing the power of your spectral assaults added an extra layer of challenge, as they drain from a finite reserve that dwindles rapidly. Although Scrooge moves swiftly with his stick, it pales in comparison to the strength of your ethereal companions.

However, the most challenging aspect is navigating through this undeniably beautiful landscape. Save spots are scarce and spread out widely, making progress tedious. Activating more spectral trains for swift transportation requires a significant amount of energy.

However, what’s most challenging to accept is the excessively powerful game bosses, that seem less entertaining and rather frustrating to your time and resources. Perhaps Scrooge would be better off revisiting classic Christmas tales and avoiding video games altogether.

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2025-04-26 16:43