AeternoBlade
2.5 out of 5. AeternoBlade ambitiously tackles deep concepts like time travel and psychological character development, but its obsession with padding its length is detrimental to the experience.
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.
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.
Aeternoblade
A survivor of a destroyed village, Freyja wields the Aeternoblade to take vengeance on Beladim, Lord of the Mist.
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.
SteamWorld Dig 2
4.5 out of 5. 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
3 out of 5. 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
2 out of 5. Metroid, we love you for what you started, but you’re really hard to play today.
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.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
4.5 out of 5. 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
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
Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
3 out of 5. 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.