There are a few genres from the early days of gaming that have persisted into the modern day. One of those genres that has fallen by the wayside a bit is the Metroidvania, pioneered by theMetroidandCastlevaniafranchises. These games combine 2D side-scrolling action with dynamic puzzling that often requires players to double back once they’ve received new abilities, creating a replayability that is seldom found in other genres. In recent years, much of the genre has been supported by indies keeping the tradition alive, but one half of the genre’s namesake has recently returned in the form ofMetroid Dread.
Metroid Dreadwas a long time coming for fans of the franchise, and it turned out to be a massive success both critically and financially. It combined the charm of previous installments with some intriguing innovations, and gave the Metroidvania genre a jolt of mainstream recognition. When wrapping up the sci-fi adventures ofMetroid Dread, players might want to find more games that speak to the enjoyment of the genre as a whole. Luckily in the time it tookMetroidto make its comeback, a few games were released in the meantime for those looking to continue their Metroidvania adventures.
RELATED:Metroid Dread’s Game Awards Win Solidifies the Franchise’s Successful Return
Ori and the Blind Forest
One of the most visually striking Metroidvanias from the last decade,Ori and the Blind Foresthas a very similar design philosophy toMetroid Dread. Using the trademark exploration mechanics that Metroidvanias are known for,Ori and the Blind Foresttakes players through a mystical adventure full of spirits and natural wonders. This game also utilizes a unique save feature that allows players to create checkpoints at the expense of energy cells that are collected through gameplay. By combining the traditional with the innovative,Blind Forestmanages to create a Metroidvania experience for a wide range of fans.
While it’s one thing to create a game that follows in the footsteps of all Metroidvanias that came before,Dead Cellsdelivers an experience that combines elements of the roguelike genre. Through a variety of procedurally generated dungeons and permadeath systems,Dead Cellscan be a distinct follow up for fans ofMetroid Dread’s difficulty curve. It may not be what fans of the traditional Metroidvania might expect, butDead Cells' unique gameplay mechanics and dynamic encounters make it a must-try for those that want an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Hollow Knight
Similarly toOri and the Blind Forest,Hollow Knightdelivers a Metroidvania experience that is just as visually striking as it is fun to play. Set in an ancient underground world besieged by hostile insects,Hollow Knighthas players take on challenging bosses and environments that are made to keep players on their toes. Where the game really diversifies itself fromDreadis how it forces players to defeat a ghost of themself to regain resources should they die, which becomes very reminiscent of some Soulslike titles. All in all,Hollow Knightdemonstrates a strong understanding of what has kept the Metroidvania genre going for so long.
Metroid Dreadwas a big step towards bringing bothMetroidand the Metroidvania genre back into the mainstream spotlight. It’s too soon to saywhenMetroidmight return to its 2D roots for yet another sequel, but there are more than enough games in the Metroidvania genre to keep fans satisfied. Not only do they demonstrate the lasting power of Metroidvanias, but many of them also show how capable indie studios are of making a lasting effect on the larger industry as a whole.
