Metroidvania games come with a lot of expectations, which only makes sense when the name of the genre is a portmanteau of two of the greatest series of all time. The genre is recognizable by featuring a connected world that blocks the player’s progress by requiring the player gain power-ups. Throw in a focus on exploration and you have games that are full of replayability and hidden secrets for gamers to find.
Whenever new Metroidvania games are released, they are inevitably compared to all time greats such as Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. While these comparisons are unavoidable, it means a lot of quality games are overlooked just because they might not stand up to an all time classic. With the recent releases of two great games in Axiom Verge and Stealth Inc 2, the Metroidvania genre has been back in the thoughts of PlayStation gamers. Since we are big fans of Metroidvanias here at PlayStation LifeStyle, we figured we would make some recommendations of Metroidvania games that you need to play!
While there has been plenty of fantastic games in the past, that doesn’t mean the future isn’t bright as well. Upcoming titles such as Heart Forth, Alicia, Red Goddess: Inner World, and Timespinner are all on their way to PlayStation systems. So fans of Metroidvania games will have more exploring to do in the near future.
Let us know what you thought of our list and what other Metroidvania games you felt deserved a mention in the comments below!
Metroidvania
-
Dust: An Elysian Tail
If you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber, there is a good chance you already own Dust: An Elysian Tail. This fantastic game blends RPG elements with a gorgeous Metroidvania world to explore. Add in the fact that Dust was designed and programmed by one man (Dean Dodrill), and it is an even more amazing experience.
-
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair
While this is the worst Castlevania game to make this list, Harmony of Despair still offers up a lot of fun. Throw in some unique co-op gaming and you have a Metroidvania worth playing through.
-
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones
The original Stealth Inc only featured a series of levels that the player would select through a menu. Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones changes this as the entire game is connected via an overworld. With power-ups to unlock and hidden areas galore, Stealth Inc 2 is a great addition to any Metroidvania fan's game library.
-
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
While Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is an undeniably flawed game, it still offers up a unique look at the Dark Knight. If you're a fan of the caped crusader then this is definitely worth a rental on Vita.
-
Strider
Double Helix Games were a developer on a roll in 2014. After releasing the fantastic reboot of Killer Instinct, they revived another classic series in Strider. This new installment of the beloved Capcom series features fast action and beautiful graphics.
-
Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit
Few games show have as much character, as Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit has in its title. This charming Metroidvania adventure will keep players entertained (and laughing) for hours, although its style is probably the best part of the game.
-
Knytt Underground
Featuring a gorgeous art style, Nifflas' Knytt Underground impresses from the get-go. There is also a ton of replayability as the game features multiple endings and several secrets to discover!
-
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
This fantastic remake of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, was one of the standout titles for the PlayStation Portable. Throw in an unlockable version of Symphony of the Night and players had a ton to look forward to while playing on the go.
-
La-Mulana EX
La-Mulana EX may be a tribute to MSX era games, but it still looks gorgeous. This extremely difficult game made its way to the PlayStation Vita earlier this year and should be picked up by anyone looking for a challenge.
-
Muramasa Rebirth
Speaking of beautiful, Japanese developed games: Muramasa Rebirth is a great port of the formerly Wii exclusive title. This action title features a gorgeous hand-drawn world to explore on your Vita.
-
Guacamelee!
DrinkBox Studios has made a lot of fun games, but Guacamelee! is their defining release. This luchador-themed Metroidvania features an abundant amount of references to other games and tight, challenging gameplay.
-
VVVVVV
While not a Metroidvania in the typical sense, VVVVV still features a large map to fill out and some great platforming action. It may be lacking combat, but Terry Cavanagh's hit makes up for it with well-crafted challenging gameplay.
-
Axiom Verge
It can be hard to live up to the hype when every outlet is comparing your game to Super Metroid, but somehow Axiom Verge managed to do it. Tom Happ has created arguably the best Metroidvania since Shadow Complex and one any PS4 owner should play.
-
Tomba!
This PlayStation classic holds a special place in a lot of gamers' hearts. Tomba! is a colorful game with an even more colorful plot that features evil pigs. If you haven't played this classic then you are in for a treat!
-
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Obviously, this game was going to make the list. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a classic and arguably one of the greatest games ever made. If you haven't played it, shame on you. If you have played it, don't you want to replay it again?
