With more and more independent games being created, we’re seeing a huge rise in the popularity of Metroidvania-style games. This has led to a much wider range of options within the genre than anyone could have imagined just a decade ago.
Rather than sticking to a single formula for how games look and play, the varied experiences and resources of developers working in this style have resulted in a surprisingly wide variety of games.
We often hear the same recommendations, so you’re likely looking for something fresh and different – experiences that aren’t just the usual popular choices.
If you’re looking for fresh and unique experiences in the Metroidvania style without spending a lot of money, I’ve put together a list of eight excellent, lesser-known games you should check out.
8. Hotel Barcelona
Charisma Above All Else
While a partnership between SWERY and SUDA51 sounds promising, Hotel Barcelona is a rather unusual game that I wouldn’t necessarily recommend to everyone.
If you appreciate strong ideas, beautiful character designs, and excellent voice acting, and you already enjoy the work of these creators, you’ll likely love this game.
If you’re hoping for a classic experience with polished fighting, well-designed levels that connect seamlessly, and tough but rewarding boss battles, you’ll want to keep reading this article.
It might seem strange to include Hotel Barcelona on a ‘best of’ list, but it earns its place by completely redefining what you’d expect from a game like this.
While it leans more towards the roguelike genre than Metroidvania, it’s hard to call this game conventionally “good.” Despite that, I still find myself thinking about the many hours I spent playing it and the unique, compelling atmosphere it created, and I think that counts for something.
7. Oblitus Mortis
Debunking Myths
| Release Date | March 24, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Oblitus Mortis |
| Publisher(s) | Oblitus Mortis |
| Platform(s) | PC |
I’ve explored a lot of video game genres and mythologies recently, and it’s always exciting to find a game that showcases a culture rarely seen in gaming, like Oblitus Mortis does.
This game isn’t about complex gameplay; its strength is in everything around the action – things like its art style and, especially, the rich story and background of the game world.
Drawing on Venezuelan folklore and mythology, Oblitus Mortis features unique creatures and situations rarely seen in video games. It also incorporates elements of modern Venezuelan culture, creating a more meaningful and immersive experience than simple entertainment.
Okay, so it’s got the usual little quirks you’d expect from a smaller indie game, but honestly, if you’re looking for something really different and unique – something that actually surprised me within this type of game – I’d definitely say check it out. It’s a hidden gem!
6. Adventure of Samsara
Restoring Balance
I didn’t expect to enjoy a Metroidvania game that felt like the classic Prince of Persia in terms of how you move and explore, but Adventure of Samsara has a really captivating atmosphere that I find hard to resist.
I particularly love this game for its stunning pixel art, well-crafted world, hidden secrets, and epic battles. While releasing it on the same day as Hollow Knight: Silksong was a risky move, I admire its boldness – even if it wasn’t the smartest decision.
The game feels like the classic Atari 2600 title Adventure – it can be a little rough around the edges, but that’s easily forgiven because it’s so charmingly nostalgic.
Adventure of Samsara stands out as a solid Metroidvania because it requires you to switch weapons to overcome enemy defenses, cleverly use the surroundings during boss battles, and carefully explore the world to become powerful enough to face the increasing challenges.
5. Mark of the Deep
Death’s Door with Pirates
| Release Date | January 24, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Mad Mimic |
| Publisher(s) | Light Up Games |
| Platform(s) | PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| How Long To Beat | 16½ Hours |
Everyone who’s played Death’s Door seems to absolutely love it, and its appealing design really makes a great first impression when you start playing Mark of the Deep.
The game stands out with its unusual pirate theme, but it really shines thanks to its smooth fighting and smart level layouts, which are designed to work perfectly with the overhead camera angle.
The game’s title is tricky because it doesn’t offer much help or direction. This means you really need to remember a lot to get around, which can be annoying if you’re not used to tracking everything yourself.
While Mark of the Deep isn’t easy to pick up and play, its challenging nature is actually what I found appealing. If you like exploring without much guidance and don’t mind some slower moments, you’re in for a truly captivating experience.
4. Dandara
A New Way to Jump
Even though it began with a strange idea for a Metroidvania – restricting player movement – Dandara is a surprisingly excellent game that really delivers, despite being so different from others in the genre.
The game’s limited movement – characters can only go in specific directions – surprisingly creates a puzzle-like experience, setting it apart from other games.
Because the game moves quickly and takes place in a relatively small world, the gameplay stays fresh and exciting. Even when things feel unusual, you’re constantly learning and finding new ways to play, which keeps the experience engaging.
Dandara is a captivating game with a compelling story, beautiful art, and a unique concept that will keep you hooked. It’s a game that surprises you with its depth and offers a richer experience than you might expect.
3. Outland
When Ubisoft Was Cool
It seems strange to suggest an Ubisoft game could be made on a small budget, but Outland shows that the company is capable of creating excellent games without spending a fortune – something they seem to have forgotten.
Okay, so this game definitely wasn’t made with a huge budget, but honestly, it’s a really cool Metroidvania. Playing it, I kept getting vibes from Ori and the Blind Forest – the way everything moves, the whole atmosphere, how the combat works, and even how you unlock new abilities. It feels like a spiritual predecessor to that game, you know?
Outland is a concise game where you unlock abilities rapidly, and while it doesn’t have a huge number of levels, its polished design and careful attention to detail make it surprisingly immersive and time flies by as you play.
I first fell for this game because of how clean and simple it looked, and how well that style worked with the gameplay. But what really got me was how it reminded me of the developer at their best – truly innovative, authentic, and clearly made with a real passion to create something genuinely charming. It just felt good to play.
2. Laika: Aged Through Blood
Motorcycles, Blood, and Many Stunts
If you’re looking for a game with unexpected combinations, Laika: Aged Through Blood is a standout. It uniquely mixes the exploration of Metroidvania-style games with the fast-paced action of arcade motorcycle racing, letting you pull off stunts as part of an exciting adventure.
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The game tells a gripping story of revenge with stunning, yet brutal, visuals. Gameplay is equally intense, featuring fast-paced combat where you dodge bullets on your vehicle and battle animal-like creatures caught in a larger conflict.
The game is both creatively unique and genuinely fun to play. Despite its simple graphics, the experience is polished and consistently excellent, whether you’re completing optional tasks, exploring old areas, or simply engaging with the characters.
Laika: Aged Through Blood is a really strong game. What’s impressive is how it feels both new and like it was made by seasoned developers – a rare accomplishment, especially for an independent game.
1. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
The First Yoyovania Rocks
I know retro appeal can be a big draw, so I generally prefer games that aren’t just relying on nostalgia. However, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is genuinely excellent – it’s a fantastic tribute to the classic Game Boy Advance games of that era.
As a huge fan, I’m blown away by how perfectly this game captures the feeling of the classics it’s inspired. It’s like they took everything we loved about those old games and brought them into today’s world, not just visually, but in how everything plays. The action, the quests, even just how you level up – it all feels familiar, but it’s so much smoother and more refined thanks to years of improvements. It really nails that classic vibe while feeling totally modern.
It’s rare to find video games that are both truly creative and polished, but Pipistrello is one of them. It’s like that surprisingly brilliant and engaging classmate who always manages to impress you.
This game truly shines in every aspect – from its battles and puzzles to its story, world, characters, and stunning cutscenes. It’s clear a lot of passion and intelligence went into making it. I was surprised by how much fun I had with the unique combat, especially fighting with a yo-yo that skillfully bounces around the environment!
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a standout game for many reasons and deserves serious attention. It’s so good, it could easily be considered one of the best Metroidvania games ever made, even with its limited budget.
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2026-01-22 00:42