Man, let me tell you, there was a time when my gaming diet was 100% platformers. I grew up on Mario and Mega Man, and I thought that was the peak of gaming, you know? Don't get me wrong, I still love a good platformer, but my tastes have definitely expanded. And the one genre that absolutely stole my heart? Metroidvania, baby! 🎮
These games are the whole package—deep stories, tight mechanics, bosses that'll make you sweat, and that sweet, sweet progression loop that just hooks you. The titles on this list are my personal favorites, the ones that are critically acclaimed, and most importantly, they're all super fun without being soul-crushingly hard to get into. Maybe you haven't played many Metroidvanias yet. But trust me, after playing this curated list, you'll be a fan for life! Let's dive in.
10. Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-
Down the Rabbit Hole
Okay, I have to admit, I took my sweet time getting around to Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-. I waited for the Switch port, then waited for a sale... classic gamer move, right? But let me tell you, it was 100% worth the wait. This game is absolutely gorgeous, and it mixes in some light Bullet Hell elements where you're dodging fire and wind projectiles. It keeps you on your toes! The combat is a slick mix of swordplay and archery, and you use both for combat AND solving some really clever puzzles. The story starts a bit slow, but it unfolds into this mysterious, complex plot that totally pulls you in. A stunning entry point for sure.
9. Guacamelee! 2
Lucha Libre Forever
Listen, I'm not exactly a wrestling aficionado—American or Lucha Libre. But the over-the-top spectacle of it all? Chef's kiss when it's baked into a game like Guacamelee! 2. The "Mexiverse" (yes, that's the actual name) has never looked better—it's a riot of bright colors and hilariously crazy villains. You play as Juan Aguacate, flipping between the worlds of the living and the dead to save the day. The best part? You learn new wrestling moves that aren't just for fighting; they're your keys to exploring deeper into the world. It's a vibrant, hilarious, and mechanically solid gem.
8. Iconoclasts
Takes a Mechanic to Fix the World
Even as a huge Metroidvania fan, I love getting surprised by games that fly under my radar. Iconoclasts was one of those "where have you been all my life?" moments. I wasn't even a huge follower of developer Joakim Sandberg before this, but this game put him squarely on my map. Like Guacamelee! 2, it's incredibly colorful, but it packs a much more robust and emotional punch in its storytelling. I played it on my Vita back in the day and couldn't put it down. The puzzle-solving is brilliant, the boss battles feel insurmountable until you crack them, and it has this fantastic punchy, SNES/GBA-era visual style. It feels like a more expansive, thoughtful Shantae adventure, and I'm here for it.
7. Hollow Knight
Huge Adventure in a Miniature World
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the bug in the cavern? Hollow Knight is challenging. I won't sugarcoat it. But hear me out: it's fair, and it's one of the most masterfully crafted games ever. The visual design is a masterclass in minimalism; it's primarily black and white, but so fluid and packed with gorgeous (and sometimes horrifying) details. The world of Hallownest is utterly captivating. Yes, it's demanding, but you have tools like the Charms system to tailor your playstyle. Once the basics click, you'll get lost in this hauntingly beautiful insectoid world. Just a heads-up: if you think the main quest is tough, the optional DLC and side content will test your mettle. It's an absolute must-play that shows the genre's pinnacle.
6. Blasphemous
No Repentance
Staying in the "challenging but worthy" lane, we have Blasphemous. I was hesitant at first because, full disclosure, my Soulslike skills are... let's say "developing." But this game proved to be fiercely fair. What truly captivated me was the world-building. The land of Cvstodia is a place of wonder and horror in equal measure—a dark, supernatural reflection of faith and penance. The atmosphere is thick enough to cut with a knife. Mix in brutally satisfying combat, dark secrets lurking around every corner, and a deeply unsettling aesthetic, and you've got a Metroidvania that leaves a lasting impression. It's a punishing pilgrimage worth taking.
5. Ori and the Blind Forest
From Orphan to Hero
Sometimes you need a game that reminds you of the beauty in the world. Ori and the Blind Forest is that game. It imparts a genuine sense of natural wonder. The Forest of Nibel is dying, and the game makes you care deeply about every creature in it. This is thanks in no small part to its breathtaking, lush visual style and one of the most emotional soundtracks in gaming. You play as Ori, a small spirit facing overwhelming decay, but through your journey, you gain the abilities to fight back. While the exploration might be a bit more guided than some other titles, the platforming and environmental puzzle-solving are so impeccable that it more than stands its ground. It's a heartfelt and beautiful experience.
4. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
One Plucky Genie
I've enjoyed the Shantae series for a while, but Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is where I became a true believer. The premise is great: our favorite half-genie suddenly loses her magic! To save the day, she has to team up with her frenemy, the pirate Risky Boots, and use a collection of magical pirate relics that grant new abilities. This game is the complete package—competent, bursting with color, and just pure fun. It might be a quicker playthrough than some, but it's so captivating and well-paced that, like me, you'll probably find yourself replaying it multiple times. It's honestly my favorite in the entire series.
3. Axiom Verge
Ghost in the Machine
Axiom Verge is something special. The fact that it was largely the work of a single developer, Tom Happ, is mind-blowing. This game feels uniquely original. You explore a strange, alien world and actually use a device to glitch your environment to solve puzzles and progress. The biomechanical aesthetic is incredibly cool, complemented by a moody, tense soundtrack that sets the perfect tone. It asks deep, unsettling questions about reality and existence. While the controls can feel a bit dated occasionally, nothing detracts from this atmospheric journey with mature, dark themes. It's a love letter to the classics that forges its own path.
2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
What Is a Man?
We're talking about the game that literally gave the "vania" to "Metroidvania." Castlevania: Symphony of the Night isn't just a game I replayed; it's the game that made me a fan of both the genre and the Castlevania series itself. Playing as Alucard, exploring the ever-shifting halls of Dracula's castle, is a timeless experience. The gameplay loop of finding new gear and abilities to unlock previously inaccessible areas is perfection. And that soundtrack? Unforgettable. Iconic. It's layered in my brain forever. While it's full of Gothic horror, it's not overly difficult once you get some good gear and spells. It's the gold standard for a reason.
1. Super Metroid
Can't Spell Metroidvania Without Metroid
And here we are. The GOAT. The blueprint. I still remember renting Super Metroid from a video store, not knowing it would fundamentally change how I viewed games. This is where the magic happened for me and for the genre. Every single element in Super Metroid comes together seamlessly. There's zero hand-holding—just you, your wits, and the haunting world of Zebes. The atmosphere is unparalleled; each area feels distinct, alive, and full of danger. Every new weapon you get as Samus makes you feel more powerful, yet the challenges escalate perfectly. The bosses are epic, the exploration is utterly engaging, and the soundtrack... man, I can still hum those tunes today. Super Metroid isn't just the best Metroidvania; it's one of the greatest video games ever created. It blazed the trail, and we're all still walking in its shadow.
So there you have it, folks! My personal top 10 Metroidvanias that are guaranteed to turn you into a superfan. This genre is all about that sense of discovery, mastery, and getting lost in incredible worlds. Whether you're here for the tough challenges, the beautiful stories, or just some good old-fashioned exploration, there's something on this list for you. Now go forth and explore! What's your favorite Metroidvania? Let me know in the comments! 👇
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