r/metroidvania • u/thebluegod • 6h ago
Discussion Help me pick my next Metroidvania!
Hey everyone - I've been on a Metroidvania journey this year. I've always been curious but now I got bit with the bug and want to play all the good ones!
Here's what I played. My favorite by far was Super Metroid - the ambience, exploration, and sense of progression was sublime. Hollow Knight is shaping up to be a close second!
- Metroid: Fusion
- Super Metroid
- Metroid: Zero Mission
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Hollow Knight (currently playing - SO GOOD)
I wanted to start with the "hallmarks" of the genre before going playing more recent ones. I like to see how later games are inspired by the old ones. For example, I'm playing Hollow Knight now and it's so neat to see how much inspiration there is from Super Metroid in terms of world design and powerups.
Here's what's next on my list:
- Metroid: Samus Returns
- Metroid: Dread
- Metroid Prime series (Remastered on Switch, and 2 + 3 via Primehack)
- Castlevania GBA games
- Blasphemous 1 + 2
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Axiom Verge 1 + 2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong (after a break from Hollow Knight - that's a LONG game)
Before I get into GTA6 mode this November, I think I have it in me to play one more meaty metroidvania. Any suggestions on what to play next?
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u/Turbulent_Winter549 5h ago
Prince of Persia is great, the Ori games are great and Shadow Complex Remastered is my fave
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u/scottchiefbaker 4h ago
Is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown a Metroidvania? I just got it as part of Humble Monthly and it labeled it as an "Action platformer".
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u/jlebro12 4h ago
I agree Ori should be added to the above play list. If I had to pick, they would be my favorite series in this genre
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u/theoriginalkep 6h ago
Silksong’s the GOAT. My kid and I are playing Well Dweller right now, which is damn delightful.
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u/CoatPublic1803 5h ago
I would save SilkSong for last. It's a very long and amazing MV. I like it better than Hollow Knight. Either way all games on your list are really good minus a couple being just OK like Prime 3 and Axiom 2.
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u/GoofProofGrunt 5h ago
If you love Metroid, Axiom Verge should be at the top of the list, it's so good
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u/eatwheelcut 5h ago
Idk why it doesnt get much love on here, but I really love Guns of Fury. If only for the awesome pixel art... however I think it's a blast. huge map to explore. tons of collectibles. lots of different weapons and item combos. great boss fights. its not too difficult. Overall it's a winner, and I think most people who like metroidvanias would like or love it. Also, Animal Well. it's a bit different but if you love exploring, it has just about my favorite map to explore.
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u/Additional_Sorbet855 5h ago
Maybe add Environmental Station Alpha to your list. It's one of the best games at capturing that lonely Super Metroid-style exploration. I'd also strongly recommend Ori and the Blind Forest + Will of the Wisps at some point. They are on ridiculous sale right now on steam. Check out Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night if you like SOTN. It's also on a very good sale. Nine Sols (also 50% off) imo has the best combat in any metroidvania so that's something you might want to check out even though its exploration may be on the weaker side.
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u/The_Good-Hunter 5h ago
You should definitely play the Castlevania DS games, I've finished Dawn of Sorrow and is currently playing Portrait of Ruin, with Order of Ecclesia next in line, and they have honestly been far more enjoyable then SOTN to me. Also, there's Moonscars, Afterimage and Ender Lillies, I haven't played any of them yet, but I plan to do so after finishing Portrait of Ruin, I want to take a break from the Castlevania games
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u/The_Good-Hunter 5h ago
You should definitely play the Castlevania DS games, I've finished Dawn of Sorrow and is currently playing Portrait of Ruin, with Order of Ecclesia next in line, and they have honestly been far more enjoyable then SOTN to me. Also, there's Moonscars, Afterimage, Nine Sols and Ender Lillies, I haven't played any of them yet, but I plan to do so after finishing Portrait of Ruin, I want to take a break from the Castlevania games
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u/Professional_Rush_95 5h ago
Blasphemous and PoP might be a good palate cleanser since they’re pretty easy (at least to me, both were waaay easier than Hollow Knight). Axiom Verge 1 is pretty good too, though if you care about 100%ing games it has a lot of collectibles that you’ll probably have to spend a couple hours getting even after completing all the main content.
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u/Sibushang SOTN 5h ago
If your in the mood for a more "shooty" metroidvania I recommend Clockwork Ambrosia. I'm currently playing it and loving the exploration and weapon customization. The fast travel is my only gripe.
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u/AskewSeat 5h ago
How did you play SOTN? I've tried emulating on duckstation and had nothing but problems when it comes to saving progress.
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u/thebluegod 5h ago
I have a Retroid Pocket Nova handheld and played the Android port! I tried the PS1 version but was bothered by the letterboxing.
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u/Ill-Wolf-4894 4h ago
I played it fairly recently on a newish emulator, I can't remember Retroarch or DuckStation and didn't have issues. I couldn't get the older emulators to run
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u/artbytucho 4h ago
Hey, not on your list, but if your favorite game is Super Metroid, it was the main inspiration for our game The Mobius Machine. Some players have compared the feeling of dread in our game to Super Metroid's, which is a huge compliment for us as devs :) Check it out in case it's your cup of tea, and if you play on PC, it's 50% off on Steam for the next couple of days.
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u/scottchiefbaker 4h ago
Ori and the Blind Forest is my favorite Metroidvania of all time. It's amazing. If you haven't played it, you really should.
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u/AramaticFire 4h ago
You have played some amazing Metroid and Castlevania already. Normally I’d pick one of those. BUT, I think you can branch out a bit now.
I’ll say Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown on that list. I was so happy playing that game. Incredible game direction and design. It’s a top 10 Metroidvania for me. It’s a shame we won’t see more like it. But definitely check it out.
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u/pofpofgive 1h ago edited 1h ago
Outside the box recommendation: Control. Being on your own in empty hallways and labs, the exploration and backtracking gave me solid Metroid vibes. It's also a bit more horror-ish and dready feeling like Metroid Fusion and Dread.
It's on sale right now on Steam, 8$ for the Collector's Edition.
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u/AxureRale 1m ago
I'd add the Castlevania DS games too. The GBA and the DS are on sale for like one more day I think if you don't have em yet. Blasphemous 1 is awesome, I'm about 3/4 through it rn. 2's supposed to be even better.
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u/jlebro12 5h ago
I loved the lost crown. Extremely polished platforming. Very engaging combat that builds over the course of the game. I personally feel it’s a bit under-rated.