Drilly Willis
2 out of 5. 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.
Maptroid
3 out of 5. A fun (and free) 15-minute parody of the Metroidvania map system that is well worth taking the time to play.
AM2R – Another Metroid 2 Remake
5 out of 5. 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.
Chronicles of Teddy Harmony of Exidus
4 out of 5 – 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.
Grizzland
4 out of 5. 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.
Gato Roboto
4 out of 5. 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.
Robot Wants It All
4 out of 5. Join Robot in six challenging games with twelve remixes. A compilation of some of the best Mini Metroidvania games, with a wide variety of modifications that up the replay value to 11.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
4.5 out of 5. 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.
Metroid Prime
3.5 out of 5. 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.
After Death
3.5 out of 5. Plays close to the rules while still offering enough unique mechanics and narrative ideas to stand out. Metroidvania fans should not ignore this one.
Shadow Complex
3 out of 5. So-bad-it’s-good Action Movie style story with wonky experimental 2.5D combat and excellent Metroidvania style exploration. A fun romp overall.