The Best Areas In Metroidvania Games

Key Takeaways

The best Metroidvania games feature diverse areas incorporating mechanics, lore, and music to perfection.
Blasphemous 2, Ori and The Blind Forest,
and
Hollow Knight
host some of the best areas in Metroidvania games.
Unique areas like the Mother of Mothers, Ginso Tree, and City of Tears offer captivating gameplay and atmosphere.

As someone who has traversed countless Metroidvania realms, I must say that each area, much like a chapter in a well-written book, leaves an indelible mark on one’s gaming journey. However, if I were to pick one that truly resonates with my heart and stirs my memories, it would undoubtedly be the City of Tears from Hollow Knight.

One of the selling points of any Metroidvania is the diversity of the areas featured while experiencing the game. The best Metroidvania games usually feature a set of areas that incorporate mechanics, lore, and music to perfection. Areas are the life essence of Metroidvanias. They bring the world alive and give purpose for a player to keep exploring and returning to discover any secrets they missed.

Over the years, there have been plenty of standout areas across a variety of Metroidvania titles. This article lists the six best areas in Metroidvania games that every player will appreciate and enjoy when they explore it for the first time.

1 The Mother Of Mothers (Blasphemous 2)

The Abandoned Church

In the sequel titled “Blasphemous 2”, the Penitent One makes a comeback to the land known as the Grand Matriarch, but it has been devastated by the events that transpired in the previous game, “Blasphemous”. This new setting effectively preserves the essence of the original’s Grand Matriarch location.

In the sequel to Blasphemous, both the Grand Incense Burner and the Triad’s Knot have been obliterated completely, unlike their significant roles in the initial game. The region now features an eerie yet enchanting soundtrack that adds to the haunting ambiance of the desolate church.

In the second installment, Blasphemous 2, they’ve skillfully blended the finest aspects from the original “Mother of Mothers” with new additions that seamlessly complement the sequel.

2 Ginso Tree (Ori And The Blind Forest)

The Source Of Nibel’s Waters

In the game “Ori and the Blind Forest,” the Ginso Tree setting stands out among other areas in Metroidvania games as one of the most skillfully designed. This part of the game effectively portrays the deteriorated condition of the Ginso Tree and presents the player with a significant challenge early on. Upon gaining the Bash ability midway through, controlling Ori becomes smoother and more enjoyable.

The absolute finest experience in this region is the renowned journey post-Ginso Tree’s purification, often regarded as one of the greatest levels in video game history. This adventure comes complete with an exceptional soundtrack that can truly be hailed as the game’s top musical score.

3 City Of Tears (Hollow Knight)

The Capital Of Hallownest

In the sprawling heart of Hollow Knight lies the monumental City of Tears, the bustling commercial epicenter and regal capital of Hallownest. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the once-great splendor of this realm, now marred by the relentless spread of the Infection. The incessant drizzle, stemming from the ever-bleeding Blue Lake high above, casts an air of melancholy that deepens with every note of Marissa’s haunting ballad echoing through its streets. As I journeyed here, I could not help but feel a sense of both awe and sorrow for this once-magnificent city now reduced to ruins.

As a devoted player, I find myself drawn to the City of Tears, a place richly intertwined with other game realms like the Royal Waterways, Forgotten Crossroads, Kingdom’s Edge, Fungal Wastes, and Resting Grounds. This city serves as a tranquil haven for us players to take a breather before resuming our adventures. Among its many charms, The Soul Sanctum, Watcher’s Spire, and the Tower of Love stand out as exceptional sub-areas. These locations are home to formidable bosses such as the Soul Master, Watcher Knights, and The Collector, making them must-visit destinations for any dedicated gamer like myself.

4 The Big Tree (Laika: Aged Through Blood)

The Religious Epicenter Of The Birds

In the game “Laika: Aged Through Blood,” the colossal tree, known as The Big Tree, serves as the primary location and is the largest area to explore. This towering tree stands as a monument revealing the horrific acts perpetrated by the Birds’ cult and their religious practices. Essentially, The Big Tree can be seen as an intricate labyrinth that challenges the player to demolish structures erected upon it. By doing so, the objective is to undermine the morale of the Bird army.

This location is teeming with diverse bird species and offers distinct combat and platforming hurdles that will test even the most skilled players. The vastness of this area sets it apart as the premier destination within the game. Reaching its peak, which is The Big Tree, marks the climax of the mission where players must engage and defeat Pope Melva VIII. In essence, The Big Tree encapsulates the finest aspects of Laika: Aged Through Blood, seamlessly blending narrative and gameplay in a challenging yet contemplative quest.

5 Mouldwood Depths (Ori And The Will Of The Wisps)

The Darkness Of Niwen

In the realms of Ori and The Will of the Wisps lies the Mouldwood Depths, a region holding one of the four crucial pieces – the Eyes of the Forest – to restore Seir. This part of the game is undeniably its most terrifying. It’s characterized by prolonged periods of absolute darkness that can swiftly envelop Ori and lead to their demise in the blink of an eye.

Adventurers must cautiously traverse a darkened landscape filled with spiky traps and eight-legged creatures. The enveloping ambiance, haunting music, and eerie mood of the area draw players deeper into the mystery, compelling them to continue uncovering the hidden truths shrouded in darkness.

In due course, gamers will encounter the region’s boss, Mora – widely regarded as one of the top boss battles in the Ori franchise. The Mouldwood Depths offers a mix of various elements, earning it a spot among the finest zones in Metroidvania-style games.

6 Olrox’s Quarters (Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night)

The Domain Of Olrox

Among all the exceptional parts in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Olrox’s Quarters is undoubtedly one of the most striking areas. Its ambiance, skillfully created by the captivating and eerie soundtrack, truly sets it apart.

Despite being a compact and sometimes overlooked locale, Olrox’s Quarters truly shines with its engaging content designed for players. Notably, this zone introduces the renowned character, Olrox, who ranks among the top bosses in the game.

2024-10-01 06:33