Whether you call them Metroid-likes, exploration-based action platformers, big map adventures, or simply Metroidvanias, this sub-genre has exploded in popularity. What was once a criminally underused design template has become one of the most commonly used formats in games. That’s especially true for indie developers, who seem more than happy to make up for prolonged droughts between actual Metroid and Castlevania titles by concocting their own unique spins on the style. While some 3D games have adopted the formula to success (see: Batman: Arkham Asylum), this list will only highlight 2D-style titles for the sake of clarity. Here are 10 great modern Metroidvanias, in reverse chronological release order, that you’ll have a great time getting lost in.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Whether in 2D or 3D, the Prince of Persia series has always emphasized exceptional platforming and smooth traversal. The Lost Crown dials these tenets up to 11. Exploring as the warrior Sargon is exhilarating thanks to the fast-paced platforming and equally fine-tuned (and surprisingly deep) combat. A suite of time-manipulation powers make uncovering the massive, secret-filled city of Mount Qaf a joy. Overcoming a litany of varied, deviously designed platforming gauntlets tested our skills in the best way and, most importantly, made us feel cool. Smart navigational features, such as the ability to screenshot obstacles for reference, make the genre's inherent focus on backtracking much more palatable. When the credits rolled, we wished we could rewind time and experience Sargon's quest for the first time again. | Our Review
Blasphemous 2
By transposing the trademark difficulty, boss design, and combat intensity of the Soulslike category to the 2D Metroidvania genre, Blasphemous 2 achieves something special. With supremely tight controls and a host of special abilities to aid you, persistent players will slowly but surely overcome the most daunting of tasks. Add to that extremely thoughtful exploration of the nonlinear, labyrinthine map chockful of all the impeding trappings of Metroidvanias and Blasphemous 2 is one to put on your radar if you're not opposed to challenging your skills. | Our Review
Metroid Dread
It's fitting that Samus' latest adventure ranks among the best of the genre she pioneered. Metroid Dread may have taken 19 years to see the light of day, but it was worth the wait. Dread features the classic side-scrolling action, top-notch level design, and modern improvements that developer MercurySteam introduced in Metroid: Samus Returns but adds a terrifying twist. Nigh-invincible robots called E.M.M.I.'s stalk the bounty hunter and can annihilate her on sight, forcing players to evade them or hide using Samus' new cloaking ability. This adds a tense and sometimes scary wrinkle to the superb action exploration that put the franchise on the map. It also makes it all the more satisfying when you eventually turn the tables on E.M.M.I.'s with an upgraded arm cannon (though besting these formidable machines is still easier said than done). Metroid Dread may serve as the conclusion to Samus' decades-long conflict with the Metroids, but we hope future 2D entries build upon its winning formula. | Our Review
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Will of the Wisps improves upon Ori’s first adventure in every way and then some. The already jaw-dropping presentation somehow looks even better, traditional auto-saves replace the original’s weird soul links system, and it feels smoother than silk on the sticks. The acrobatic platforming feels fantastic, and that’s good because you’ll be doing a lot of it thanks to high-stakes escape sequences that push your skills to their limits. Combat plays a more prominent role this time around, with Ori bringing the hurt with satisfying melee strikes. If failing a white-knuckle platforming sequence doesn’t make you cry, Will of the Wisps’ tear-jerking story and sympathetic antagonist ensures there won’t be a dry eye in the house once you reach its dramatic climax. | Our Review