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.
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.
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.
Control
A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it.
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.
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.
Super Panda Adventures
3.5 out of 5. 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.
Teslagrad
3.5 out of 5. 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
2.5 out of 5. 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.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
4.5 out of 5. 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.
Eagle Island
4.5 out of 5. 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.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
4.5 out of 5. With a little patching, Bloodstained could surpass the best of the Igavania genre. As-is it’s still one of the best Igavanias yet.
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.