Blasphemous: The Stir of Dawn
4 out of 5. With the latest patch, Blasphemous is a great value, with five new great bosses, fixes to old content, and three new modes to extend your play time in challenging ways.
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.
BatBarian: Testament of the Primordials
4.5 out of 5. 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.
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.
UnEpic – Single Player Mode
3.5 out of 5. 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.
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.
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.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
4.5 out of 5. 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.
Minoria
3.5 out of 5. A bit of a step backward from the Developer’s previous work, but there are still some great combat challenges to be had for those that enjoy mastering difficult patterns.
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.
Blasphemous
3.5 out of 5. 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
3 out of 5. 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.
Leowald
2.5 out of 5. 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
Zeran’s Folly
1.5 out of 5. Initial impressions are good, but gradually the story, boss, and level design completely fall apart, leaving behind only vulgar jokes and wasted potential.
External Visions
2.5 out of 5. 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
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.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate
2 out of 5. 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
Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow
4 out of 5 – 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
Creepy Castle
4.5 out of 5. 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
4 out of 5. 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.
Dust: An Elysian Tail
3 out of 5. 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.
Death’s Gambit
3.5 out of 5. 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.
The Messenger
5 out of 5. 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.
Timespinner
3 out of 5. 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.
La-Mulana 2
4.5 out of 5. 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.
Catmaze
4 out of 5. 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.
Last Stitch Goodnight
2 out of 5. 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.
Iconoclasts
5 out of 5. 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.
La-Mulana
5 out of 5. 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
3 out of 5. 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.