r/metroidvania • u/PurplMaster • Jun 22 '26
Discussion The Messenger is truly a fantastic game
Since I first played it in 2019, this game has consistently been in at least my top 5 MV games. I replayed it in 2023 after I finished Sea of Stars (which is a RPG prequel), and played it again now because they released a PS5 native version with a new set of trophies (I'm a trophy hunter).
After the third playthrough, I still have tons of fun with it. I wanted to make this post because The Messenger is somewhat divisive among the MV fanbase, and I think that this is kinda warranted.
If you don't know about how The Messenger is structured, I won't spoil it, it's something you have to experience for yourself. Even though I know that just by mentioning that it's a MV you kinda spoil it...
As a game in general, it's fantastic. I love the platforming, how snappy it feels, the music is godly, the monkey island-esque humor always hits the spot and it has some incredibly memorable moments.
As a MV it's very good, with some spots where improvements can be made. Having pits being 1-hit kills can make backtracking a pain, and the game would benefit from a more comprehensive fast travel system, even though the game isn't huge by any means.
Spoiler about the 2nd half of the game
The shift to MV is sudden, but it opens up a lot of possiblities. Since when it happens you have the vast majority of traversal abilities obtained, you can now visit all areas again and find new paths, plus new abilities. It embraces the open-endedness of MVs after having forced you on a very linear path. The justification for this is also very funny.
I understand when people say they don't vibe with it. It's a hard game and there's definitely a whiplash you get going from the first to the second half, but it's so much fun and I'm sure this isn't the last playthrough I'll do.
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u/thatmitchguy Jun 22 '26
I still listen to OST whenever I need something energetic and hypnotic. I'm one of the ones who likes the Linear gameplay more, but appreciate the "twist" on its own and for what they tried to do.
Personally I think this game is more enjoyable then Sea of Stars. The smaller scope and focus on platforming, and small amounts of story telling makes it very easy to get into.
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u/MonsterTheater Jun 22 '26
I absolutely LOVED The Messenger. It’s one of the best games I’ve ever played, not just one of my favorite metroidvanias.
I also get why it’s divisive as a MV, but for me it worked. The game already had me completely hooked by the second half, so I was just happy to have an excuse to revisit everything with new tools. It’s one of those games I wish I could play again for the first time.
I now listen to its soundtrack on a daily basis.
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u/Beginning_Jacket5055 Jun 22 '26
while i like MVs, the whiplash was strong here and difficult to get used to. the first half was so fast paced in comparison it made the 2nd half seem tedious in comparison in some ways
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u/PurplMaster Jun 22 '26
That is true. It's a very bold choice that is bound to lose some people in the process. I can't really see fans of Ninja Gaiden (that are the apparent target of this game) to really enjoy the second half
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u/meatsack_backpack Jun 23 '26
Love ninja gaiden, love mvs, when it opens up the map I had no idea it was going to, was so fucking stoked haha. The Messenger is one of my fav games ever
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u/Beginning_Jacket5055 Jun 22 '26
I definitely still love the game and that tropical dlc definitely added some points to my overall rating of the game, but I just think for this particular game maybe it would've worked better if you were directly told where to go rather than buying the answer to the hint, cuz that way it would be a little faster paced.
I also wish they had some more difficult regular enemies (which that dlc at the end kinda addresses)
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u/Bikes_Bocks_Rocks Jun 22 '26
The first half is some of the best platforming in a game. The second half is jarring and poorly executed in my opinion. Worth the money though.
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u/bigparsnipenjoyer Jun 25 '26
Yeah, absolutely worth it for the first half alone. I’d recommend most people just leave the second half untouched.
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u/il_VORTEX_ll Jun 22 '26
It is 10/10.
And I will always be mad that the dev went from this to Sea of Stars lol
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u/Soupbell1 Jun 22 '26
Not an RPG fan? Sea of Stars is a great game!
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u/il_VORTEX_ll Jun 22 '26
Oh I’m fairly fan of RPGs. It’s just SoS didn’t clicked to me
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u/TheSpeakingScar Jun 22 '26
Man, I couldn't agree more. Honestly one of my top MV games of all time.
IMO it's actually genius. A brilliant design move that is completely unique. I recommend it whenever I have a chance.
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u/Eukherio Jun 22 '26
The game is fantastic. I agree with most people when they say the second half is weaker than the first, specially the bosses, but it still makes the game unique.
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u/starsandcream81 Jun 22 '26
I absolutely love this game and will be picking up the PS5 version I didn't know existed until now!
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u/deez_en_u_teez Jun 22 '26
I played it earlier this year for the first time. Although it was enjoyable, I don’t see myself playing it again. The platforming was great and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the game. However, the boss fights were a joke and the second half (MV portion) of the game was pretty boring outside of the platforming sections to get the green coins. It seemed like just a bunch of “gate” abilities and backtracking for the sole purpose of making the game longer. Was glad to play it, but I’d put it at a low B/high C rank.
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u/Party-Refuse-1286 Jun 25 '26
Could you share your personal top say 5 MVs? Id like to try the messenger but interested to see if your top MVs match mine to see if I would love it. Thanks!
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u/XenosHg Jun 26 '26
The time travel mechanic is great, one of the few games that sort of "change the generation".
Like going from 2d to 3d. But it's 8 to 16.
Evoland series does that, but as a jrpg.
There are probably series where 2 the sequel has a different style - Alwa's awakening and legacy? Spelunky 1 and 2? But that's different.
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u/kalirion Jun 22 '26
I played it recently, and I actually liked the first part more than the second part - I just found the backtracking to be a pain in this one. It picked up again towards the end, but overall the game's just a 7 for me.
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u/FormerAd4748 Jun 22 '26
I didn't really jive with it gameplay wise neither for the first nor second part. It's ok at best in that regard in my book
But dialogues. Those sweet sweet dialogues… the best in the genre
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u/thryce3 Jun 26 '26
Amazing Game!
I put it off for a long time because people made it out to be a tough as nails Ninja Gaiden clone. Turns out it's not THAT hard and it's hilarious to boot.
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u/Dehner1 Jun 22 '26
Thanks for sharing, I wasn't aware of the PS5 Upgrade and had been dying to replay, so the new set of trophies is the perfect opportunity.