As a dedicated gamer who has spent countless hours exploring labyrinthine worlds, I've come to a realization that might ruffle some feathers: Hollow Knight, while a phenomenal title, isn't the undisputed peak of the Metroidvania genre. It's the king, for sure, but the throne room is crowded with worthy challengers. The genre has evolved spectacularly, with developers pushing its boundaries in creative, unexpected directions. From cozy excavation adventures to high-octane 3D roguelikes, the landscape is richer than ever. This list is my personal ode to eight spectacular games that, in my opinion, not only match Hollow Knight's brilliance but, in certain aspects, surpass it. They offer unique spins on the familiar formula of exploration, ability-gating, and interconnected world design, proving that this beloved genre still has immense potential for innovation.
8. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night: The Timeless Grandmaster
Sometimes, you have to pay homage to the progenitor. Symphony of the Night isn't just a classic; it's a living, breathing museum of variety that modern games still struggle to match. My inventory feels like a treasure trove of arcane artifacts—dozens of unique weapons, from holy swords to comically oversized kitchen knives, each altering my playstyle. The spell system, the familiars that flutter by my side, the sheer density of secrets in every corridor... it creates an intoxicating sense of possibility. Yes, it can be messy and imbalanced, but that's part of its chaotic charm. The spritework remains breathtaking, and Michiru Yamane's soundtrack is forever etched in my memory. While Hollow Knight offers a more refined, cohesive challenge, Symphony of the Night offers endless, joyful experimentation. I've conquered its inverted castle more times than I can count, and I still discover new tricks. That's the mark of a true classic.
7. SteamWorld Dig 2: The Cozy Core Loop
For those times when I crave progression without punishing difficulty, SteamWorld Dig 2 is my sanctuary. This game masterfully distills the Metroidvania loop into its most satisfying, zen-like form. The cycle is simple yet hypnotic: descend, dig for luminous gems and precious ore, manage your dwindling light, and return to town to upgrade my trusty steed, Dorothy. The genius lies in the risk-reward tension. That "one more tunnel" mentality constantly pushes me deeper, even as my lamp flickers. The world design in this sequel is a masterclass in gentle guidance, always dangling a new upgrade or hidden chamber just out of reach. It’s not about grueling boss battles; it’s about the thrill of discovery and the comforting clink of resources filling my pack. In a genre often associated with tension, SteamWorld Dig 2 is a warm, brilliant exception.
6. Returnal: The 3D Evolution
I know this pick is contentious, but hear me out. Returnal is the most exhilarating argument for the Metroidvania formula in three dimensions. Dismissing it due to its roguelike structure misses the point. The biome layouts, while using procedural generation, are crafted from hand-designed modules that create a shockingly coherent, hauntingly beautiful alien world to explore. Each run feels like peeling back another layer of the planet Atropos's sinister mystery. The combat—a glorious fusion of bullet-hell patterns and silky-smooth third-person shooting—is unparalleled. The sense of gaining permanent traversal abilities (like the Blade Balancer or the Delphic Visor) that unlock previously inaccessible paths in familiar biomes is pure Metroidvania magic. It captures that "aha!" moment of sequence breaking better than almost any 2D counterpart. It’s a demanding, relentless experience that perfectly translates the genre's core tenets into a breathtaking new dimension.
5. Haiku The Robot: Concentrated Excellence
If Hollow Knight is a rich, epic novel, Haiku the Robot is a perfect, poignant short story. It takes the familiar aesthetic and mechanics and streamlines them into a flawlessly paced adventure. This game is dense. It feels like every screen contains a secret, an upgrade, or a charming new character. The movement is its crowning achievement. Once you acquire the grappling hook, you become a projectile. Chaining grapples, air dashes, double jumps, and ball-form rolls creates a flow state of perpetual motion that is utterly euphoric. It removes all friction from exploration, making backtracking a joy rather than a chore. In an era where games often equate value with endless playtime, Haiku is a defiant masterpiece of concision. It respects my time, delivers constant rewards, and left me with a huge smile. It’s all killer, no filler.
4. Animal Well: The Puzzler's Paradise
Animal Well represents the fascinating outer limits of what a Metroidvania can be. It boldly discards combat almost entirely, focusing instead on atmospheric exploration and deeply layered environmental puzzles. The world is a dense, living ecosystem filled with strange creatures and hidden mechanisms. The tension here isn't from sword clashes, but from navigating dark pools with lurking unknowns or carefully avoiding the gaze of larger animals. The puzzles range from clever logic tests to community-breaking cryptic mysteries that I'm still unraveling with other players online. It proves that the genre's core appeal—the gradual mastery of a world through new tools and understanding—doesn't require a sword. It's a haunting, beautiful, and brilliantly designed experience that expanded my definition of Metroidvania.
3. Owlboy: A Soaring Narrative Journey
Owlboy wins my heart with its unparalleled sincerity and stunning pixel art. The story of Otus, a mute owlboy struggling with insecurity, is told with a beautiful balance of whimsical humor and genuine emotional weight. The gameplay innovates brilliantly: Otus can fly, but with limited stamina, creating uniquely tense platforming. The combat becomes a dynamic shmup as you recruit friends with different guns, flying around the screen dodging barrages and returning fire. While its boss battles may not reach Hollow Knight's legendary difficulty peaks, the overall package—the world, the characters, the sheer heart—is profoundly affecting. It’s a Metroidvania that prioritizes narrative and atmosphere without sacrificing tight, inventive gameplay.
2. Nine Sols: The Parry Perfected
For those who live for the adrenaline rush of a perfect boss fight, Nine Sols is your holy grail. Taking clear inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, it transplants the precise, rhythmic parry-based combat into a stunning 2D hand-drawn world. The clang of a perfectly timed deflect is among the most satisfying sounds in gaming. Each boss is a monumental, multi-phase duel that demands absolute mastery of your kit: parrying, dodging, using grapple hooks to reposition, and charging devastating spirit attacks. The level design is excellent, but the bosses are the main attraction. The final showdown is, without hyperbole, one of the greatest 2D boss fights ever created. If Hollow Knight's combat speaks to you, Nine Sols will sing to your soul.
1. Yoku's Island Express: Pure, Unadulterated Joy
And here we are at the summit. Yoku's Island Express is not just the best Metroidvania I've played; it's one of the most creative and joyful games ever made. The premise alone is genius: a pinball Metroidvania where you are the ball. The entire island is a sprawling, interconnected pinball table. Traversal is an absolute delight—launching yourself via bumpers and flippers, using the Beeline for rapid cannon-based travel. Your upgrades, like a fruit-powered vacuum or a sticky-tongue whip, integrate seamlessly into the pinball physics. Exploring this vibrant, colorful world, meeting its quirky inhabitants, and uncovering a surprisingly deep mystery involving a hidden island cult is an experience unlike any other. It’s endlessly inventive, technically flawless, and brimming with charm. Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of atmospheric challenge. Yoku's Island Express is a masterpiece of pure, innovative fun. It is, in my view, as close to video game perfection as it gets.
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