8 Metroidvanias That Reinvented The Genre Without Getting Enough Credit

While the genre isn’t for everyone, there’s no denying that Metroidvanias are not only extremely challenging most of the time, but also extremely satisfying and complex. They come in all shapes and sizes, with some focusing more on story, while others place their bets on their combat mechanics and boss designs—and sometimes it’s the first and last.

Unfortunately, there are many Metroidvanias out there that helped shape the genre, yet they still don’t get enough credit due to having a niche appeal, or just being unlucky. Here are some of them, so they can have more time in the light.

8

Dandara: Trials of Fear

Movement In This Game Feels Unique

I’ve played several Metroidvanias in my time, and I can honestly say that Dandara: Trials of Fear probably my favorite when it comes to how you can travel the world. Instead of focusing on normal movement like a side scroller, you have to jump to different places that don’t really respect the X axis.

Personally, I love how the game feels different because of this game mechanic. However, it may also be why it has never been as popular as other titles in its genre, as Metroidvanias are tough enough without bending over backwards to move and avoid. Still, I would recommend Dandara : Earth’s Tears for anyone who likes the genre, as it’s really fun, and it’s one of those Metroidvanias with high replay value.

7

Monster Sanctuary

Great-Based Combat Mechanics

Monster Sanctuary is one of those games that doesn’t break the mold, yet still manages to deliver an outstanding experience. I honestly can’t tell you why this game isn’t more popular, as it gives the classic Metroidvania genre an interesting spin.

Basically, this game is what you’d get by combining a retro Metroidvania, with Pokémon, which, on its own, sounds pretty fun. In addition, I am a field of combat Metroidvanias, as it allows me to think strategically and without feeling rushed.

6

Axiom Verge 2

A Good Game That Falls Short Compared To Its Predecessors

Lack of Axiom Verge 2‘s popularity is not a surprise as it happens in other games. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, but as someone who plays a lot of Metroidvanias with the rush of battle scenes and boss encounters, I can understand people complaining that this title is lacking in that area.

For the most part, Axiom Verge 2 fun, but a different kind of fun. Don’t expect to face enemies all the time or engage in combat all the time. Instead, this article focuses on tests and puzzles, which are also very good, but not for everyone. Axiom Verge 2 it takes a while to get used to, so it’s not one of those instant fun Metroidvanias, like The Hollow Knight. But if you give it a chance, I’m sure you’ll love it.

5

Blasphemy

A Unique Concept with an Outstanding Combination

Sadly, I jumped over Blasphemy the train is very late, so by the time I started playing it, I had already seen a few boss fights and pirates, which spoiled my experience a bit. That’s not to say I didn’t like the game, I did and in fact I replay it often.

Blasphemy it has a lot of hidden details that are easy to miss, tons of challenging bosses, and one of the most interactive maps I’ve ever seen in a Metroidvania. Not to mention how big it is that it was heavily influenced by the Spanish Inquisition. Granted, it’s probably closer to Soulslike than Metroidvania, and it gets a lot of recognition, but certainly not as much as it deserves.

4

Astalon: Tears of the Earth

Plays and Feels Like a Retro Title

Although in modern times games are allowed and even profitable to break the rules, I still believe that the best Metroidvanias are pixel style. Yes, there are amazing titles in the genre that don’t follow this “rule” and are worldwide successes and a lot of fun to play. But for me, sticking to your guns goes a long way—perhaps it’s the eagerness to speak.

If I had to guess why Astalon: Tears of the Earth it’s not very popular, I would say that maybe it’s because it doesn’t provide everything like other titles in this field. Or maybe it’s because it’s more forgiving than other Metroidvanias and some people want the opposite. In any case, this article is an absolute masterpiece.

3

Supraland

A Unique Metroidvania Experience

There are many ways Metroidvanias can break the mold, too Supraland is a good example of this. While most games in this genre focus on being 2D scrollers, Supraland takes a completely different route and opts for 3D architecture from a first-person perspective.

This alone, sets it apart from several of its competitors, and makes it feel like a unique experience. I don’t know why this game doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, as, in my opinion, it’s incredibly well designed and does a great job of hiding important things in plain sight.

2

Laika: You are old with blood

An Action Packed Title With Wild West Elements

Many Metroidvanias are sought after by players precisely because they offer fast-paced action, challenging enemies, and sometimes, a great sense of defeat. However, you can have something very nice.

Laika: You are old with blood offers a very exciting experience, putting you in the shoes of a coyote riding a motorcycle and shooting everything in the middle of a place that is very inspired by Western films. On paper, it sounds good, and I think this title deserves a lot more credit than it deserves, mostly because it’s one of those Metroidvanias that gets better as you go along.

1

Infernax

Weird, but Interesting Character Designs

By Arcade Crew

on paper, Infernax it’s one of those games that seems perfect in every way—and while it has its flaws, it’s actually pretty good. It includes a Behavioral System based on multiple choices with various consequences. You can choose to take the path of righteousness or the path of evil. Based on your multiple choices, you’ll get Good, Bad, Very Good, or Last Bad.

Another thing I like Infernaxthe overall design of the game, and how many of the characters look like they stepped out of a fever nightmare.