The Best PS4, Xbox One and Switch Games Of Metroidvania
Fans of Metroidvania games should check out this list of the best titles in the genre. From Hollow Knight to Axiom Verge, Guacamelee! and Dead Cells, there’s something for everyone. These are some of the top picks for those looking for a great gaming experience.
Behind the classic Metroidvania formula lies a simple concept: enter a world, explore its depths, and use new weapons and abilities to progress through previously inaccessible areas. Players can spend countless hours mastering the game, searching for hidden secrets in every corner.
Inventors who grew up with the classic Metroid series are now creating their own “Metroidvania” games, keeping the beloved genre alive. Here’s a list of the best Metroidvania titles available on PC and current-gen consoles.
Check out the list of the best PS4, Xbox One and Metroidvania Switch games
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dandara
Dandara’s unique 2D platforming style requires players to deform between white surfaces instead of jumping or running. While the protagonist can traverse the world quickly and gracefully, the jarring visuals and lack of traditional movement options may leave players questioning if there is a better way.
Dandara is designed to provide a rewarding and complex experience on both touch screens and PC desktops. A controller is required for the PC version, but there are plenty of other games in this genre available for the phone.
The Mummy Demastered
Developer Way Forward used their expertise to craft The Mummy Demastered, a retro-style game based on the recent Tom Cruise movie. Despite its unusual source material, the game largely succeeds in creating an enjoyable experience by straying from the movie’s plot.
Mom is a nostalgic side-scrolling action game reminiscent of classic 16-bit titles like Ghosts n’ Goblins and Metroid. Its visuals and gameplay evoke the Super Nintendo era, providing a familiar experience for fans of the genre.
aggelos
Switch gamers have an abundance of retro 2D side-scrolling action titles to choose from, including Shovel Knight, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells and Celeste.
At first glance, Aggelos may appear to be just another generic update of the classic Wonder Boy format. Its colorful visuals and familiar story don’t make a great first impression, but it’s worth taking a closer look.
Alwa’s Awakening
Independent game developers are pushing the boundaries of classic 8- and 16-bit games, creating modernized versions that take advantage of today’s technology. Examples include Shovel Knight and Axiom Verge, which have been praised for their innovative use of modern game design to realize the potential of retro titles.
A peaceful kingdom is thrown into chaos when an evil being called Vicar arrives, enslaving its people and forming a group of four Protectors to claim powerful Ornaments. Alwa’s Awakening sets the stage with a classic fairy tale narrative.
La-Mulana 2
I didn’t complete La-Mulana 2, despite investing 30 hours in the game. I had to restart my progress to get back on track, a common occurrence due to the game’s unforgiving nature.
After my first playthrough of La-Mulana 2, I was surprised to find that my second run was much easier. With the help of guides, I quickly made it to the game’s main bosses and recovered all my items in two hours. Afterward, I explored the unofficial subreddit and watched videos about how to purchase items - a stark contrast from my initial experience.
Blasphemous
Blasphemy’s striking visuals and intricate combat animations make a strong first impression, but its unique style doesn’t always translate to meaningful gameplay. The game follows an unassuming hero who wields vials of blood against his metal helmet-clad enemies, all set against a backdrop of warped religious iconography.
In Blasphemous, players take on the role of the Penitent, a silent hero tasked with navigating a world marred by religious iconography. From disturbing cathedrals to screaming nuns and rosaries to thorns, Christianity serves as the foundation for this chaotic landscape. The ultimate goal? To reach the Cradle of Affliction and face off against the Mother of Mothers.
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Six years ago, Dust: An Elysian Tail, an enchanting anthropomorphic action-RPG from indie developer Dean Dodrill, made its debut on the Xbox 360. The game was a standout in the Metroidvania genre before it became oversaturated with titles.
Dodrill’s combat is as fast and precise as ever, with a simple set of moves that can be combined to create a flurry of fluid combos. Its art style, blending elements of Studio Ghibli and 90s Disney animation, gives the game an ageless quality that still feels empowering from start to finish.
Divided
Sundered draws on HP Lovecraft’s “weird fiction” to create a unique atmosphere of horror and humor. Its minimalist music and hand-drawn backdrops set the stage for an intense 2D semiroguelike platformer, while intelligent sound signals provide a warning before danger arrives.
Sundered’s visuals are stunning, from the imposing statues of aliens in robes to the intricate details of hand-drawn smoke explosions. But it’s the bosses that truly stand out - colossal creatures like guys on thrones with giant tentacles and robotic spiders that take up so much space, Eshe appears almost miniscule in comparison. Despite this, the game remains easy to control, a testament to its strength.
The messenger
Messenger is a 2D action platformer with an impressive 8-bit to 16-bit aesthetic, witty dialogue, and a top-notch retro soundtrack. After unlocking its full set of skills, I felt it could be one of the best games I’ve played in 2020.
Sabotage Studio’s The Messenger is a nostalgic nod to the classic platform and action games of the 8-bit era. An early reference to Ninja Gaiden serves as a tongue-in-cheek reminder of its roots.
Yoku Island Express
Yoku’s Island Express is a unique blend of pinball and Metroidvania, the first of its kind. Developed by Swedish indie studio Villa Gorilla, the game is full of charm and creativity, but most importantly it’s a blast to play. We hope this won’t be the last time we experience such an inventive combination.
Yoku, a tiny beetle, arrives on the island of Mokumana to find its divine figure has been attacked and its tribes in chaos. Yoku must take on the role of postmaster and save the island from disaster.
Final note
Love Metroidvania games? Check out our list of the best PS4, Xbox One and Switch titles. Share it with your friends and let us know if you have any questions.
