Mega Man ZX
3 out of 5. 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.
The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human
4 out of 5. 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.
MindSeize Version 1.4.0
4 out of 5. A sword and gun style platformer in the vein of the Mega Man Zero series with more emphasis on non-linear exploration. Combat depth and excellent level design sets this game apart.
Owlboy
3.5 out of 5. 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.
Biomass
4 out of 5. 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.
Smelted Kin
2 out of 5. 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.
Aquaria
3.5 out of 5. 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
3 out of 5. 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.
Phoenotopia Awakening
5 out of 5. While the difficulty and some features may grate against individual preferences, its immersiveness and gameplay variety combine to make Phoenotopia Awakening an absolute masterpiece.
Cybermage 0.0.3
2.5 out of 5. An excellent freeware 24 hour game-jam effort that you should check out if you enjoy Metroidvania game design concepts. Perhaps your inputs could make it into a fully fledged game.
Metroid: Other M
3 out of 5. 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.
Weapon Hacker
4 out of 5. 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
4 out of 5. 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.
The Mummy Demastered
4 out of 5. 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.
Super Metroid
5 out of 5. 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
3.5 out of 5. A fun puzzle platformer novelty that sets itself apart from the competition with Double Fine’s usual bizarre world building.
Metroid Samus Returns
4 out of 5. 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.
MindSeize Version 1.1.0
3.5 out of 5. 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.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
3.5 out of 5. 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
4 out of 5. Brutally difficult, but wholly fair and rewarding, Rabbit’s Quest is a unique top-down retro style game that is well worth your time.
Miracle Mia
2.5 out of 5. 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
5 out of 5. Thanks to numerous enhancements for both old and new Metroid series players, this remake of the original Metroid may be the best entry point into the Metroidvania genre.
Pankapu
4 out of 5. 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.
Exile’s End
2 out of 5. 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.
Mystik Belle
3 out of 5. 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.
REDO!
4 out of 5. 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.
Blaster Master Zero
3.5 out of 5. 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.
Blaster Master
2.5 out of 5. 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
3.5 out of 5. 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
3 out of 5. 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.