The Metroidvania archive
Every Metroidvania,
reviewed.
204 in-depth reviews — from genre-defining classics to obscure indies. Find your next world to get lost in.
- Reviews
- 204
- Masterpieces
- 15
- Rated 4+
- 88
Top rated
The masterpieces
Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Astalon isn't representative of everything a Metroidvania can do, but it has best-in-class level design and a compelling narrative to back it up. A great pick for those that like to explore
Castlevania Aria of Sorrow
Even with the limitations of the GBA hardware, Aria of Sorrow is packed with variety and flavor, and is perhaps the best work Koji Igarashi has ever been a part of. Share
Environmental Station Alpha
A station full of rewarding mysteries to unlock, hidden behind a fair difficulty curve that just keeps escalating to instense extremes. Truly a masterpiece of difficult game design. Share
Guacamelee! 2
- Local Co-op. Surpasses the original in every way, and the original was great. Enjoy challenging combat, exciting brawling, and a remarkably heartbreaking story - and do it with a friend. Share
Supraland
Takes the First Person Puzzle Game genre pioneered by Portal and enhances it with Metroidvania tropes in a magnificent display of masterful game design. Do not let this one pass you by. Share
Phoenotopia Awakening
While the difficulty and some features may grate against individual preferences, its immersiveness and gameplay variety combine to make Phoenotopia Awakening an absolute masterpiece.
Difficulty ranking
The hardest Metroidvanias, ranked
All 204 games scored from brutal to relaxed using our reviews and Steam player reviews. Top of the list: Castle in the Darkness, La-Mulana, Environmental Station Alpha.
The archive
All reviews
204 games
Within a Deep Forest
Between the atmosphere and the wholly unique nature of Within a Deep Forest's challenges, this game should be on any tricky platfomer fan's "must play" list.
PSYCRON
A decent mini-metroidvania that will satisfy any Metroid-like cravings you might have as long as you're not too distracted by how much it pays homage to that inspiration.
Wario Land 3
Immortality might not be all that it's cracked up to be, but Wario Land 3's sheer creativity is still likely to put a smile on your face even compared to its modern competition.
Vomitoreum
If you've been waiting for an FPS Metroidvania, Vomitoreum delivers, albeit in a small dose. As a first person shooter/platformer though it needs a lot more to stand out as competitive.
Unbound: Worlds Apart
Unbound has some great platforming supported by a toolkit of gimmicks that will take you beyond your imagination, but it could use better narrative theming and it might be a bit slow for some
Axiom Verge 2
The multi-dimensional exploration design carries Axiom Verge 2 even as its combat still leaves a lot to be desired. It completely captures the joy of breaking down a spatial puzzle.
Grime 1.0.4
A fun enough souls-like with an emphasis on parrying and a unique death mechanic that only ends up being disappointing because of how great its potential actually is.
Elliot Quest
Bosses are hit or miss, the map design is a little sloppy, and the payoffs are disappointing, but there is still a lot here for exploration enthusiasts to fall in love with.
Indivisible
The combat doesn't reach its full potential, and the platforming is clunky to say the least, but if you can get past that there's a meaningful narrative that might make it worth it.
Frauki’s Adventure!
If you're able to get past some of Frauki's Adventure's rougher edges, you're in for a short and sweet, and brutally challenging mini adventure with some fun exploration as a bonus.
Insect Adventure
What Insect Adventure lacks in polish it makes up for with its rich world design. Freedom-filled movement and non-linearity supports an addictive loop of rewarding exploration.
Control
Control is weighed down a bit by some AAA tropes, but that doesn't stop it from being an immersive narrative masterpiece and a gratifying power fantasy.
Trash Quest
Trash Quest will provide a good hour of platforming goodness, and the Salvation DLC will knock you out of your chair. It's all over a bit too quickly, but the price is perfect for that.
Rocketron
Rocketron gives you an overpowered rocket gun that lets you both defy gravity and mow down your foes like they were made of tissue. Fans of the run and gun genre will surely be pleased.
ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
While it does have fantastic level design and boss fights, the mechanics aren't particularly novel. Where Ender Lilies truly shines is its incredible atmosphere and cathartic narrative.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Astalon isn't representative of everything a Metroidvania can do, but it has best-in-class level design and a compelling narrative to back it up. A great pick for those that like to explore
Fearmonium
Fearmonium provides some standard Metroidvania gameplay making it hard for it to stand out on those elements alone, but the story and theming make it wholly worth your time.
Simona’s Requiem
One of the most honestly advertised games on Steam, if you go into Simona's Requiem with the right expectations you'll surely come out of it with warm feelings that are hard to duplicate
Paradox Vector
The impossible hallways and mind trickery can be brilliant at times, however it's not really a Metroidvania, and the lackluster gunplay and unfair feeling monster encounters bog it down.
Myastere -Ruins of Deazniff-
The physics are wonky, the exploration is poorly directed, and the combat is generally frustrating or boring. The localization is funny, but that's not enough to recommend on its own.
8Doors: Arum’s Afterlife Adventure
While the combat is a bit disappointing, if you were interested in this game for its advertised afterlife adventure and the atmosphere, there's a lot to fall in love with here.
Lyle in Cube Sector
Its unforgiving lack of checkpoints and weird block throwing mechanics may make learning this game a chore for some, but it is fair and satisfying to complete, with some spectacular level design
Endless Memories
The randomness of its loot system clashes with the extreme scope of its level design, resulting in quantity over quality that makes harder to recommend over so many other options.
Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth lacks the same charm found in other Team Ladybug games, and isn't as "Metroidvania" as we'd like, but there's still fast-paced action fun to be had with it.
Knytt Underground
Knytt Underground's gameplay elements are great, but there's just so much of it that it can get tedious, which is where its immersive atmosphere and narrative become really important.
Hero Core
Hero Core is a wholly fresh take on Metroidvania tropes that has possibly even started its own subgenre. Being free there's absolutely no reason not to try it out.
Gargoyle’s Quest
As far as Gameboy games go, Gargoyle's Quest is very good. Unfortunately we have a lot better than Gameboy these days, making it harder to sell the repetition and punishing design.
Mega Man ZX Advent
A marked improvement over its predecessor, but it does so by taking a couple of steps backward from the Metroidvania design that its most unique features might make you crave
Super Skelemania
Thanks to its emphasis on platforming and creative ideas, Super Skelemania offers a delicious dose of Metroidvania goodness in a short and sweet package.
Rabi-Ribi
If you like Bullet Hell, just good well-designed bosses, or if you enjoy challenging yourself with sequence breaking runs, Rabi-Ribi is master-in-class in all three. Accessible to all. Share
Monster Sanctuary
A monster collecting turn-based battler wrapped up in a Metroidvania world. It accomplishes this rather eloquently in the ways that matter the most. even if there are a few small caveats
Mega Man Zero ZX
Combining Mega Man X with Metroidvania level design seems like a match made in heaven, but Mega Man ZX needed some significant changes to make it really work.
Dr. Atominus
It's not particularly challenging, and it will likely be over in less than an hour, but that's also part of the point. Dr. Atominus is another fun Mini Metroidvania experience.
A Robot Named FIGHT!
Local Co-op. The Most "Metroidvania" of the Rogue-vanias. Has a slower pace and slightly awkward controls taken from Super Metroid. An excellent infinite loop of Mini-Metroidvania goodness Share
Aggelos
An expertly crafted callback to simpler times while still maintaining a modern approach to game design. Unique and imaginative power-ups and puzzles place Aggelos above the competition. Share
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
With a little patching, Bloodstained could surpass the best of the Igavania genre. As-is it's still one of the best Igavanias yet. Share
Castlevania Aria of Sorrow
Even with the limitations of the GBA hardware, Aria of Sorrow is packed with variety and flavor, and is perhaps the best work Koji Igarashi has ever been a part of. Share
Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow
- An excellent follow up to Aria of Sorrow with improvements and additional RPG elements. Some new features could have used a little more thought, but overall meets the Castlevania standard Share
Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse
A glorious evolution of the original classic, with multiple paths to choose from and several endings to see. Perhaps the best Classic-vania of them all. Share
Castlevania: The Adventure
The Classic-vania games have a reputation for difficulty, but Castlevania the Adventure serves to be nothing more than a study piece of how to be unfair with its challenges. Share
Dandara
Delightfully unique concept that will provide a novel challenge to wrap your brain around. Falls just short of its full potential, but it's worth playing if the premise appeals to you. Share
Death’s Gambit
It's good, but it's definitely not finished. There are plans to rectify some of its flaws, so you may want to wait, but for now it still has well thought-out level design and fun bosses. Share
Environmental Station Alpha
A station full of rewarding mysteries to unlock, hidden behind a fair difficulty curve that just keeps escalating to instense extremes. Truly a masterpiece of difficult game design. Share
Escape from Tethys
More "Metroid-like" in that you power up entirely through what you find by exploring. Excellent map design and decent combat is held back by some lackluster production values. Share
Furwind
Not a true Metroidvania, but worth checking out anyway if you like the genre. Great visuals, music, and spot-on controls for fun platforming challenges make this easy to recommend. Share
Guacamelee! 2
- Local Co-op. Surpasses the original in every way, and the original was great. Enjoy challenging combat, exciting brawling, and a remarkably heartbreaking story - and do it with a friend. Share
La-Mulana 2
I suggest playing the first one first, but for those who have already done that and want more La-Mulana, this is really the only way to get it, and NIGORO delivers well. Share
Last Stitch Goodnight
Like Ice Cream and Pickles, it has good ideas that simply don't mix well. Exploration is fun, and I recommend checking it out for its pseudo-philosophy ideas, but overall poor execution. Share
Legends of the Universe – Cosmic Bounty
- Addresses some of the major issues with the first game, while taking a couple of steps backwards in interesting level design. Retains the same fun aesthetic, but hard to recommend. Share
Legends of the Universe – Starcore
- A good effort. Borrows its style from Mega Man and 90s Sega Genesis games, but lacks the same kind of tight design that made the classics of that era great. I look forward to its sequels. Share
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Metroid Prime 2's focus on exploration and atmosphere demonstrates spectacularly the high potential for the 3D Metroidvania. While not perfect, it's a standout in gaming history. Share
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
While there are some standout scenes, the Metroid identity is somewhat lost in Metroid Prime 3's more linear focus. The motion controls are novel - when they work correctly. Share
Mortal Manor
Substance over style. If you can push past the incredibly frustrating process of getting good at the game, you can easily get your money's worth in terms of time per dollar spent. Share
Paradox Soul
A Cover-Shooter/Metroidvania Hybrid that has just enough content to wear out its welcome before its "True" ending. A unique mini-metroidvania. Share
Robot Wants It All
Join Robot in six challenging games with twelve remixes. One of the best compilations of Mini-Metroidvanias on Steam, with a wide variety of modifications that up the replay value to 11. Share
Spooky Ghosts Dot Com
Extraordinarily cute Mini-Metroidvania that will provide 1-2 hours of exploration and 6 challenging bosses to face. Excellent for a one-night game, especially during Halloween time. Share
Supraland
Takes the First Person Puzzle Game genre pioneered by Portal and enhances it with Metroidvania tropes in a magnificent display of masterful game design. Do not let this one pass you by. Share
Treasure Adventure Man 2
Doesn't light off any fireworks, but for only $2 you get a very competent and well put together game that will appeal to those who like collectables and to achieve 100% completion. Share
Treasure Adventure World
Curl up to a pleasant Zelda-Like experience filled with wonder and surprises. While the production values could use a bit more polish, the labor of love that made this game is evident. Share
Unworthy
A Souls-like hybrid with a greater emphasis on its Metroidvania aspects. Unworthy is a fantastic example of a focused and well-realized experience, with challenging dungeons and bosses. Share
Visual Out
A weird exploration focused Metroidvania where you use abstract mechanics to progress. If you're looking for something unusual, its moody atmosphere and narrative mystery can be intriguing Share
The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human
While its story may be a case study in ludo-narrative dissonance, The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human provides a unique underwater take on metroidvania design with some great bosses.
AeternoBlade
AeternoBlade ambitiously tackles deep concepts like time travel and psychological character development, but its obsession with padding its length is detrimental to the experience.
Castlevania: The Lecarde Chronicles 2
A delightful marriage between Classicvania and Metroidvania that will surely please fans of both. Challenging combat and a deep world to explore make for a wholly memorable game.
Owlboy
What Owlboy lacks in challenging game design might be made up for with its emotionally resonant narrative, if you go into it seeking that above all else.
Drilly Willis
Drilly Willis has fun exploration and a lot of heart, but it can be broken and frustrating in other aspects. The first impressions you had looking at its screenshots are probably right.
Castlevania: The Lecarde Chronicles
A strong Classicvania experience with some of the series' later mechanics mixed in. A worthwhile playthrough assuming you don't have any technical issues.
Biomass
Its combat is just good enough to be of passing interest to Souls-like fans, but where Biomass really shines is how it presents its mysteries, and how much it leaves open to interpretation.
Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials
A multitasking focused action puzzle-platformer that will bend your brain in creative ways, with all of its challenges being wrapped up in great music and a charming layered narrative.
An Untitled Story
Matt Thorson's earlier work still holds up in terms of game design, offering a robust Metroidvania world to explore and plenty of precision platforming challenges.
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness
All of the fat has been trimmed off the previous 3D Castlevania title, leaving strong combat and a new addictive monster raising system to keep it interesting for multiple playthroughs.
Artifacts
Strong level design in combination with novel concepts creates a fun risk/reward Metroidvania experience, even if a lot could be improved in terms of technical polish.
Vigil: The Longest Night
Greater than the sum of its parts. If you enjoy exploring an open Metroidvania world with the occasional amazing boss fight, then its charms can easily outweigh its flaws.
Ato
Frenetic gameplay and novel and deep mechanics are wrapped up by an emotional silent narrative, making Ato one of more memorable experiences within the Metroidvania genre.
Smelted Kin
The first half of the game is intensely engaging and has an alluring lonely atmosphere once you learn how to play, but the payoff for your efforts will likely leave you disappointed.
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Competent crunchy action and addictive exploration are marred by fixed camera angles and awkward story presentation, creating an enjoyable but somewhat flawed Belmont Origin story.
Vision Soft Reset
An incredible feat of innovative game design. Consider not only WHERE you need to use your upgrades to progress, but also WHEN to use them in this time-traveling gem. Share
Super Daryl Deluxe
It's so incredibly stupid that it circles around to being purely entertaining. You have to be the type that enjoys its brand of humor, but if you are then you're in for a good time.
Aquaria
In spite of some rougher edges around its gameplay, Aqauria's world is like no other, and if you allow yourself to be immersed within it, it will doubtlessly bind itself to your memory.
Enter Digiton
Clever and sometimes relaxing platforming challenges are intermixed with mostly frustrating boss fights and a bit of loose control design. What sets it apart is its one-of-a-kind charm.
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Between its no-handholding castle and the card system, there are undeniably some impressive things about Circle of the Moon, but you do need to accept that you have to grind to get there.
Sheepo
A functional and fun platformer that manages to wear just a little thin with its gimmicks even with its short playtime, but makes up for it with a uniquely bizarre atmosphere.
Phoenotopia Awakening
While the difficulty and some features may grate against individual preferences, its immersiveness and gameplay variety combine to make Phoenotopia Awakening an absolute masterpiece.
UnEpic – Single Player Mode
UnEpic pulls off strategy and action with varying degrees of success, but the true value of the game will come from whether you are in the target audience for the story it presents.
Intrepid Izzy
When a game is as drenched in charm as Intrepid Izzy, it's easy to look past what could have been and just enjoy the mood. It's not a masterpiece, but it doesn't need to be.
Metroid: Other M
You've already heard about its problems, but there are some of positives to enjoy, making it a fun game. In an alternate universe this could have been a perfect Metroid game.
Mask of Mists
- A relaxing semi Zelda-like experience that will provide a pleasant five hours of basic gameplay to enjoy. It's fun. It's not a groundbreaking title but I don't think it's trying to be.
Rain World
It is beautiful and terrifying, and you'll hate it a long time before you may fall in love with it. But if you make it to love, it becomes one of the most unique masterpieces out there.
Weapon Hacker
Tight controls and strategic gameplay make this roguelite Metroid style game a great way to spend an hour, or maybe a hundred hours. Customize your weapons on the fly and conquer.
Metroid Fusion
A must play for fans of the Metroid series as it progresses the story in ingenious ways. It also takes the foreboding atmosphere that Metroid has been so good at to the next level.
Maptroid
A fun (and free) 15-minute parody of the Metroidvania map system that is well worth taking the time to play.
Alwa’s Legacy
A magic based puzzle platformer with unique Zelda-like dungeons and a large overworld full of optional secrets. Excellent level design and clever gimmicks makes exploration a delight.
The Mummy Demastered
While it has a bit of a slow start, it proves itself to be a solid combination of Castlevania and Run-and-Gun platformers. Face off with some excellent bosses using the weapons you find.
Bone Appetit
A delightfully open-ended Metroidvania that asks you to forge your own path to its final encounter, with a few twists to encourage resource planning and player expression.
Super Metroid
A nearly perfect example of what a "Metroidvania" can accomplish. Even compared to the advancements found in later 2D Metroid entries, Super Metroid holds up remarkably well.
Headlander
A fun puzzle platformer novelty that sets itself apart from the competition with Double Fine's usual bizarre world building.
Metroid Samus Returns
An adrenaline rush remake of Metroid II that doesn't quite stay true to the game it's remaking, but it's still very fun and very Metroid nevertheless. A must play for any Metroid fan.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Anyone can find satisfying combat, fun exploration, and meaningful narrative in this game. But for Star Wars fans, regardless of how you feel about recent entries, you need to play this.
Cathedral
Satisfying bosses, nostalgic presentation, and most of all incredible level design make Cathedral a hidden gem for anyone that might enjoy its Zelda-like brand of Metroidvania exploration.
Strider (2014)
A pure adrenaline filled power trip with that signature Capcom campiness. It will provide ample excitement from start to finish, or you can take a break from that to find more collectables.
MindSeize Version 1.1.0
A sword and gun style platformer in the vein of the Mega Man Zero series with more emphasis on non-linear exploration. Excellent moments and bosses, held back by some polish issues.
AM2R – Another Metroid 2 Remake
AM2R manages to update Metroid II with Metroid Zero's mechanics in a way that not only honors the original's vision, but sets a standard that remakes and Metroidvania games can aspire to.
Bookbound Brigade
Bookbound Brigade's unmatched premise and beautiful presentation values are lost on its poor writing and level design, resulting in a mostly frustrating use of your time.
Jumplord
Nothing creates the feeling of being in an alien world like a game that does things completely different. Jumplord begins and ends with infinite jumping, but it's more complicated than that.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Improved combat, a plethora of new mechanics and areas, and an emotional continuation of the story that The Blind Forest started makes this a must play for fans of the original game.
Lootbox Lyfe
A treasure trove of platforming challenges, with plenty of options to accommodate players of all skill levels. It can be punishingly brutal, or you can just enjoy relaxing exploration.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
While it lacks the improvements its successors pioneered, it's still a masterclass example of horror and atmosphere, especially given its limitations.
Rabbit’s Quest
Brutally difficult, but wholly fair and rewarding, Rabbit's Quest is a unique top-down retro style game that is well worth your time.
Luna Sky RDX
Reviewed in Early Access. A wild combo of Sonic the Hedgehog and RPG Style Metroidvania games that you may want to check out in spite of some wonky physics and uninspired level design.
Kunai
If fun, fast, and energetic movement is what you're looking for, then Kunai is just what the doctor ordered.
Miracle Mia
A great concept with a lot of potential, but lack of polish on the physics makes it too easy at its best and frustrating at its worst.
Metroid Zero Mission
How Metroidvania is it? Perfect Fit. It's Metroid 1, but many improvements and systems taken from Super Metroid.
Mech Chip
A Mini-Metroidvania that plays by its own rules, offering a unique and satisfying experience. Excellent level design and fun bosses to blow to pieces, with a variety of gimmicks to boot. Share
Minoria
A bit of a step backward from the
SteamWorld Dig 2
Ramps up everything from the first game to the next level, not the least of which being the Metroidvania Style exploration. It's a beautiful combination of genres fit to please fans of either.
SteamWorld Dig
A fun novelty mining game with some Metroidvania-like upgrades that will provide several hours of entertainment. Recommended for those who enjoy the loop of looting and selling goods.
Metroid
Metroid, we love you for what you started, but you're really hard to play today.
Alwa’s Awakening
A slower-paced puzzle platformer with unique spell casting challenges. Excellent level design makes finding collectables a treat. Stumbles slightly at the end but still well-recommended. Share
Outbuddies
Local Co-op. An Exploration focused Metroid-like with some fascinating co-op features. Sequence breaking is a strong feature and it is especially fun to break the game with a friend.
Castlevania Order of Ecclesia
A more linear approach allows Order of Ecclesia to straddle the line between Igavania and its Classic-vania roots, making it a challenging swan-song for the DS Castlevania titles Share
Destroy Space Aliens
An absolute gem hidden within itself. If you can get past the brick wall learning curve, you're in for something truly special, paying homage to the bests of the genre. Share
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Local Co-op. Very fun brawler style combat - especially with friends - and some difficult wall-jumping, dimension shifting, and skill manipulating platforming to enjoy. Deserves its praise Share
Pankapu
Pankapu is an underrated linear platformer with a gorgeous dreamlike atmosphere and some Metroidvania elements to enjoy. Technically incomplete, but the story vagueness may be a feature.
Chronicles of Teddy Harmony of Exidus
- Continues the Music-as-Language theme of its predecessor while adopting a fun upgrade to Zelda 2's combat and dungeon design. Controls may be frustrating to some, but this is a Gem.
Finding Teddy
Not a Metroidvania, but if you want to try its Metroidvania Sequel - Chronicles of Teddy - I highly recommend you play this one first to become familiar with its musical language concept
Super Panda Adventures
A tremendously high value for the price point. If you enjoy frequent rewards, tons of exploration, and a cast of funny characters satirizing game culture, you can't lose on this one.
Exile’s End
As beautiful as its presentation is, Exile's End does little to differentiate itself from the plethora of more engaging options. The story is worthwhile but it comes at a tedious price.
Teslagrad
A unique magnet-based puzzle platformer with excellent pacing outside of its one-hit death mechanics. Fans of both puzzle platformers and twitch-based games should check this out.
Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial
A lighthearted and more RPG-focused interpretation of Dead Cells that, in spite of some wonky design choices and stiff enemies, will still provide a few hours of relaxing Roguevania fun.
Mystik Belle
A charming and fun entry point into the Metroidvania and 90s Adventure game hybrid that will provide a few hours of Halloween Festive entertainment while not being too frustrating.
Blasphemous
Not the perfect game that people were hoping for, but nevertheless you'll find some fulfilling exploration and memorable moments that still make this a worthwhile title to check out.
Knifeboy
The unique world and story defies Knifeboy's otherwise unpolished exterior, creating what may be a genius satire. To any believer in games as a form of artistic expression; check this out.
8 Eyes
Not a Metroidvania. This forgotten classic-vania hits Steam, sharing its unique two-player gameplay and riddle antics with the modern generation. Recommended for game design students.
REDO!
This Lovecraftian style survival horror side scroller successfully captures the sweet taste of release that can only come after feelings of absolute dread. Highly recommended.
Leowald
High levels of customization and novelty mitigate some floaty controls and repetitive design, however beyond that there's still something truly special about Leowald that can't be scored
Blaster Master Zero
A magnificent remake of the 1988 classic bringing its unique dual-genre gameplay to the modern generation with accessibility and new surprises. It's not perfect, but a great launch point.
Zeran’s Folly
Initial impressions are good, but gradually the story, boss, and level design completely fall apart, leaving behind only vulgar jokes and wasted potential.
Blaster Master
While a cult classic due to its innovative two-perspective design, it's punishing design make it a bit unpalatable today, especially now that Blaster Master Zero exists.
Xeodrifter
A short and sweet interpretation of "Metroidvania", with just enough subversion of expectations to make it worth checking out. Some repetitiveness might be a turn off, but still good.
Out There Somewhere
A fun puzzle platformer that justifies its value for its price point, but leaves a little to be desired for anyone looking for a fully fledged experience. Not a full Metroidvania.
Dreaming Sarah
More of an Art Museum than a Metroidvania, every individual is going to take something different from it. You may get nothing more than a pleasant experience, or it could be much deeper.
Demon Peak
Some of the design and lack of polish makes it feel unfair, but it's still the kind of unfair that feels satisfying to conquer - if you enjoy that kind of thing. The Price is Right.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
The best of the Wonder Boy series so far, offering a diverse core game full of puzzle platforming challenges and Zelda-Like bosses. Its colorful world is family friendly and inviting.
External Visions
Some parts feel unfair, but the lesser design is counteracted by some interesting puzzle design, satisfying accomplishments, and interesting story concepts. Plus it's free.
Grizzland
A fascinating short and sweet mystery game that uses Metroidvania tropes to allow the player to explore and come to their own conclusions. Recommended as a relaxing unfolding enigma.
Mage
A whimsical Mini-Metroidvania. Its power progression and silly banter between its main characters offers up simple fun that won't take too much time away from your other games.
Eagle Island
Eagle Island doesn't care about genre rules. It just takes inspiration and makes a wholly unique, and truly amazing, game out of it. It's a roguelike platformer you won't want to miss.
Metamorfose S
In spite of some wonky physics and production values, Metamorfose S still manages to be a decent game. If you enjoy the Igavania classics, then you'll like exploring the castle here.
Toki Tori 2+
Puzzle Game enthusiasts will likely be enamored by the innovative spatial reasoning puzzles of Toki Tori 2, but with its theming Action Platformer fans may struggle to stay interested.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Not a Metroidvania. An absolutely fantastic revival of the Classic-vania style that any fan of the original Castlevania games - partiicularly the third one - should not miss!
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate
Lords of Shadow fans may enjoy its unique take on the Simon and Trevor Belmont storyline, but strictly as a Metroidvania game it's just outclassed by other options, including the Igavanias
Gato Roboto
A highly polished Mini-Metroidvania that will provide a hilariously cute romp for genre veterans, or an excellent starting point for newbies. Its flaws are easily outshined by its style.
Castlevania Anniversary Collection
Its only "Metroidvania" game, Simon's Quest, may be skippable for most players, but the rest of these games are must have hard-but-fair classics. Save states help with accessibility.
Castlevania Bloodlines
A hidden gem from the vaults of Konami's accomplishments. A fun alternative to the rock hard difficulty of other Classic-vania games.
Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge
Some Brutally Hard moments aside, the creativity of this Gameboy title sets it apart from its Classic-Vania console counterparts.
Castlevania
The start of the Castlevania series still holds up today as a cerebral linear platformer. It's short, but its challenges will provide deep satisfaction.
Kid Dracula
How Metroidvania is it? Not a Metroidvania. It's a Classic-vania from before the Symphony of the Night team changed the direction of the series.
Super Castlevania IV
More accessible than its predecessors, but by no means is it easier. This remake of the first Castlevania is an epic foray into the 16 bit era.
Sundered
Local Co-op. Has some absolutely amazing moments that are padded out with grindier features, but the excellent multiplayer let's you fill in those slower parts with social conversation.
Castlevania Portrait of Ruin
The Portrait levels add variety - as well as fluff - to the Castle formula, but the most fun comes from the host of powers and weapons to try out between the two characters you play.
Castle in the Darkness
Filled to the brim with creativity even with all of its many references to 80s game culture. The punishing difficulty will cut you down to the bone, but if that's your jam, it's amazing.
Creepy Castle
Takes common RPG tropes and turns them into a deep narrative experience. Very much a niche game, but it's good enough that you owe it to yourself to find out if you're in that niche.
Wuppo
Primarily an adventure game, Wuppo's greatest strength is in its immersive world and its hilariously presented characters. Exploration is about escapism rather an imposed goal.
Castlevania Harmony of Dissonance
Highly ambitious considering the Gameboy Advance limitations, but its attempt to expand on what Symphony of the Night accomplished resulted in a lot of content that feels like padding.
Weebish Mines
A unique exploration experience about resource management and goofy lighthearted themes. The oldschool design is likely to turn off many, but if you can get past that it's very rewarding.
Touhou Luna Nights
While not as "Metroidvania" as I'd like, Luna Nights provides a wholly unique experience by centering all of its challenges around the otherwise overpowered ability to stop time.
Wonder Boy in Monster World
Experience an actual Blast from the Past with the Sega Classics Emulator on Steam! Has many of the problems from that era of gaming, but also all of the charm that creates nostalgia.
Tiny Dangerous Dungeons
One of the most polished Mini-Metroidvania experiences you can find. Precise Platforming and one challenging boss fight is nicely wrapped up in this 30 to 60 minute adventure.
Apoapsis
A very impressive game for something that was made in 18 days, for which the
Oliver’s Adventures in the Fairyland
A delightful mini-metroidvania with fun bouncy pixel art and a couple of great bosses to defeat. Some challenges feel a little samey, but it is still a good way to spend 2 hours.
Alchemist’s Castle
A fun little Mini-Metroidvania that will provide a good hour or two of block pushing and exploration. Not super amazing, but for $1 it provides just enough to make it worth looking at.
Metroid Prime
As the series' first foray into the 3D environment, Retro Studios nailed the feel and style of the series while also adapting popular-for-the-time action adventure game puzzles.
Feudal Alloy
Not the sprawling epic that some of the upper tier Metroidvanias can be, but still provides a relaxing RPG Dungeon Crawl with meticulous level design and tight controls.
Super Win The Game
A non-combat platformer with a CRT Filtered Retro Aesthetic. Short and Sweet with catchy music. Does an above average job, but doesn't really compete with the monsters of the genre.
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Gorgeous visuals and music create a nice relaxing world to escape to, with charming characters and interesting plot twists. Just don't expect anything particularly deep overall.
Omega Strike
Has a few good ideas that it repeats too much to fill up its playtime, making for a rather bland and decidedly average experience overall. Not bad, but not unique enough to recommend.
The Messenger
A nearly flawless execution of both linear platforming and non-linear level design. As icing on the cake, also has tremendously entertaining characters and fun narrative surprises.
Bad Pad
Super Meatboy as a Metroidvania Rock Opera. Enjoy some of the same clutch platforming gameplay, but now with a large metroidvania map to explore. Not perfect, but wholly unique.
Timespinner
Local Co-op. Gorgeous visuals and music, and tight controls. Level design doesn't live up to the standard set by its Castlevania Inspirations. Its unique ideas could be fleshed out more.
Dead Cells
- Roguevania - Delightfully addictive. Fast and fluid combat and movement is designed where Skill will still trump the RNG, but that RNG will still provide plenty of aggravating runs.
Porradaria 2: Pagode of the Night
An amusing attempt at "So bad it's good" camp that falls flat when it tries to also be a game. While intentionally bad is still bad, some might enjoy the humor anyway.
Yoku’s Island Express
A very good Metroidvania, but definitely the best Pinball Metroidvania you're ever going to find. The relaxing island atmosphere and exploration rewards make this worth it.
Chasm
A good game that is filled with missed opportunities. Fluid "Igavania" style combat is still fun in spite of the woes that come from using procedurally generated level design.
Ghostly Matter
A love letter to 90s Adventure Games and PC Platformers that captures the entire experience of that era, including design features that have since been forgotten. A fun mystery to solve.
After Death
Plays close to the rules while still offering enough unique mechanics and narrative ideas to stand out. Metroidvania fans should not ignore this one.
Catmaze
A Unique Slavic Tale. Even if you don't like cats, if you enjoy excellent Metroidvania Exploration and a well-told story with endearing characters, you owe it to yourself to buy this game.
Skautfold: Usurper
Lovecraftian Horrors, fascinating new game design and a compelling story make this a unique take on Metroidvania and Souls-Like ideas. Its experiments aren't perfect, but I still love it.
Kingdom of the Dragon
What Kingdom of the Dragon lacks in polish, it makes up for with heart. If you're interested in amateur game design, KOTD offers a fun world to explore, and near impossible challenges.
Iconoclasts
If you enjoy JRPG Style storytelling in conjunction with deeply philosophical themes, as well as spatial reasoning puzzles and intense combat, this may be your best Metroidvania ever.
Ori and the Blind Forest
An intense focus on Metroidvania Platforming makes Ori a brilliant stand-out for those interested in that specific thing. Pleasant graphics and music enhance its masterful game design.
Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
Heads and shoulders above its predecessor, Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a exciting romp in a colorful world with quirky characters and slightly dark humor.
La-Mulana
Not a game for everyone, but perhaps the best puzzle-based Metroidvania in the genre. Cryptic clues and dangerous tombs captures the feel of an Indiana Jones-style archeology adventure.
Ghost 1.0
Emphasis on Wave-Based challenge rooms and robot possession puzzles add a unique twist to the Metroidvania explorative format. Story seems cringe at first, but it really grew on me.
Mini Ghost
A Mini-Metroidvania as advertised. While not the best "Minimalist" Metroidvania I've played, it's still a fun diversion with a cute theme if you enjoyed Ghost 1.0.
Pharaoh Rebirth+
A True Hidden Gem. Its flaws are eclipsed by the pure fun provided by its lovable characters, power-tripping weapons, delightful treasure-hunting, and challenging bosses.
Salt and Sanctuary
Local Co-op. Souls-Like Metroidvania Hybrid. Methodical and rewarding combat sweetened by its punishing nature. Potentially thousands of ways to customize your character.
Cave Story
While relatively linear and more story focused, Cave Story provides some of the best challenging shooter-platformer gameplay available. Full of secrets to uncover and lovable characters.
Apotheon
Beautiful Graphical Style and fun exploration, but the simplicity of its story clashes with its devotion to its visuals, and while the combat is promising, it fails to deliver.
Rogue Legacy
Roguelike Castlevania where death only makes you stronger. The procedural castle and random character quirks keep this game interesting for a good while.
Axiom Verge
Captures the feel of Metroid while doing more than enough to establish its own identity. Metroidvania Exploration at its best, with a thought provoking (but enigmatic) story to go with it.
Hollow Knight
A near perfect mix of thoughtful exploration, challenging platforming, and brutal combat. Definitely not for those looking for an easier experience, but wholly rewarding to complete.
Outland
Local Co-op. A lot of solid design decisions and unique ideas without the level design to support it. Could have been better with tighter, more linear design.
Shadow Complex
So-bad-it's-good Action Movie style story with wonky experimental 2.5D combat and excellent Metroidvania style exploration. A fun romp overall.
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
While simple in design, it presents a fun castle to explore and a variety of challenging bosses to defeat. It's a nice short and sweet way to fill an evening or two of game time.
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Beyond the archive
Newer Metroidvanias
Our reviews stop in 2021. For the genre's more recent releases, our friends at GearsRealm have you covered.
What makes a good Metroidvania game ↗- MIO: Memories in Orbit One of the most visually striking indie Metroidvanias of 2026. Review on GearsRealm
- Nine Sols Hand-drawn, parry-focused action from the makers of Detention and Devotion. Review on GearsRealm
- Blasphemous II The Game Kitchen's dark, punishing sequel returns to Cvstodia. Review on GearsRealm
- Exophobia A first-person boomer shooter built on a Metroidvania map. Review on GearsRealm